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OAKLAND, CAL.: 



THOMPSON & WEST. 



1881 

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Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1881, by 

THOMPSON &. WEST, 

In the ofiSce of the Librarian of Congress at Washington, D. C. 



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PACinC FRESS, 
PRDiTKU, KTKRBOTVrKllS ASD BIXDIRt, 

Oakland cAUfiiRMA 



Publisher's Introductory. 



The publishers herewith present to their patrons and the public the Illustrated 
History of Nevada, with the satisfaction of a great labor completed, with pride in 
its appearance and with confidence in its approval. The publication has been delayed 
throuo-h the great difficulty of obtaining, compiling, writing and revu^ing the matter 
requisite for an authentic and complete History. For this purpose every source of in- 
formation has been sought — the archives of the State, counties and towns; the newspapere 
of Nevada and California; directories, diaries, lettei-s and scrap-books, wherever obtain- 
able, have been searched; the old pioneers have been interviewed and their stories re- 
corded ; the Indians have been visited and their version of incidents related ; the historic 
oTounds have been examined with great care in order that statements might be made to 
accord with physical features; extensive conespondence has been carried on in pui-suit of 
historical events and corrections of data, and the skill and memory of the best writers 
convei-sant with the history of the State and the various subjects connected therewith 
have been employed to perfect the work. All of this has taken much more time and 
labor than was contemplated at the outset, and the gieat mass of material gathered has 
swelled the book beyond the dimensions designed when the work was undertaken. 

Nevada, the " Battle Bom," young as she L*;, has made more hi.-.tory than usual for 
States of many times her age, and for communities many times her numbei-, and, bulky 
as our book has giown, much of interest and instruction could be added. The period 
since the discovery of silver in the Territory has been tilled with most stining events, 
crowdin"- within the short space of time the occuiTences of a century in the older and 
quieter countries of the East. Revolutions in finance, society and jwhtics have followed 
her development and connect her intimately with the great progress of the age. Her 
second decade has passed; her pioneei-s are rapidly passing away; many records are 
fadin" and in danger of destruction; old landmarks are becoming obliterated; great 
changes are constantly going on, and no longer should be delayed tlie writing of the tirst 
installment of her history. This labor we have undertaken, and although imperfections, 
undoubtedly many, exist, we are confident, with the unwearying care taken, that the 
main facts related aie substantial and incontrovertable, that we have herein pi-eserved 
from obUviou nmch important and essential matter, and that for all time our History of 
Nevada will be the stanilard and basis of all succeeding works. 

We have attempted, in addition to the History, to give a review of the resources of tiie 
State, which appear far grander to the careful investigator than seems possible to be 
entertained by the reader of newspaper reports, or from the ob-servation of the country 
in rapidly and carelessly passing over it. The broad desert plains are often found rich 
in many of the most valuable elements of commerce, arts, manufactures and the neces- 
saries of life; and the bare and sombre hills are veined with precious and useful ores to 



iv INTRODUCTORY. 



a degree that in the densely peopled countries of the old world would make nearly every 
mountain range now neglected another Comwa!! or Devonshire. The reviews of the 
mining districts are necessaril}' brief, but the information given has been obtained in most 
cases from actual visits, close insynction and careful inquir}-. The aggregate and con- 
clusion shows a very substantial basis for future prosperity. The agricultural resources, 
so generally condemned as ml, are shown by statements of existing facts, from which 
corapaiTSons may be drawn for possibilities. 



Of the railroad monopolies, their operations, avoidance of public duties and disregard 
of public interests, their corruption of public officers and oppression and ruin of those 
who dLsobey their mandates, we have written for what we deemed the public good, be- 
lieving in the justice of our course and having faith in the appro\'al of the public. 

We have endeavored in all things to be just, and while recording the past as fully and 
accurately as possible, to report upon the present condition and to advance the interests of 
the future as far as lay in our power. 

The design of the work has been to group events and subjects under appropriate head- 
ings, thereby abbreviating the matter as much as possible, and by index and full table of 
contents enable the reader to at once find the subject desired. In this we have followed 
the chronological sociuence of events as far as their prop;r treatment would permit, be- 
ginning with the eailiest known history, when the trappers, voyageurs and explorers fiist 
penetrated the "Great Ba.sin;" following with the trials of the early emigi-ants who 
cro.«sed it on their way to the Pacific Coast ; the early efforts to organize governments 
and the administration thereof; the discovery of silver and its eflects ; the Indians and 
their wars; the creation of the Territory and the establishing of a substantial govern- 
ment ; the contests with corporations and moneyed powei-s ; the rise and progress of society 
as exemplifii.'d in its churches and schools, and events of interest, all of which are com- 
prised in a general history anto'ior to, or independent of, the organization of the counties. 
In the histories of counties we have, in addition to the record of events, given succinct 
description^ of their geography and topogi'aphA^ with a slight reference to their geological 
formation, though without pretense to scientific accuracy; and such an account of the 
mining districts and valleys as will give an insight into theu- resources and capabili- 
ties to such as wish to invest in or study them. 

Our illustrations, which number arc from photographs and sketches by compe- 
tent artists, approved by those intrusted and convei'sant with the subject, and engraved 
in the most skillful manner known to the art, constituting a valuable and most interest- 
ing feature of the book. With the portraits and biographical sketches we have preserved 
the features and the histories of many of the principal citizens and worthy persons and 
business men of the State who have labored for its advancement, maintained its honor 
and stability, and have taken a laudable pride in the preservation and publication of its 
history. 

Much encouragement and assistance have been rendered us, for which we are ex- 
tremely grateful ; but on the other hand some capitalists and monopolists, having only 
their selfish ends in view, have either placed obstacles in our way or expressed disapproba- 
tion of our enterprise. To the latter class we are indifferent. 

While engaged in compilation and gathering together of the material for this work we 
have employed many assistants. Some have proved themselves true to the trust reposed 
in them. Such, we, as publishers, and thegeni.'ral public, as readei's, will hold in kindiy 
remembrance. Of those of our employees who proved themselves incompetent or recre- 
ant to the trust, and whose work required entire revision and rewriting, the less said 
the better. The arduous task of revision, compiling and writing the History 
has been under the editorial charge of Mr. Myron Angel, assisted by Mr. J. D. Mason, 
Mr. M. D. Fairchild, Mr. C. K. Robin.son and other writers. Special articles have been 
furnislied by William Wright (" Dan De Quille"), on Early Journalism in Virginia City; 



INTRODUCTORY. 



Col. H. G. Shaw, on the Churches; Hon. D. R. Sessions, on the Schools, and Judge C. N. 
Harris on the Bar of Nevada. We cannot at this time mention all who have kindly 
furnished information and rendered assistance in this work. Tlie State onicei-s liave 
shown a deep interest in our enterprise, and kindly placed at our disposal the public doc- 
uments in their possession and rendered such assistance as was in their power; the Stat« 
Library has furnished much from its valuable stores; the county otticei-s and mining re- 
cordei-s have responded with alacrity and great poiitene.ss to every request, and the 
journalists of the State have universally given their aid; and to all we express 
our unqualifieil thanks. Of the many citizens of the State we desire to thank 
for information given, we may mention Jackson Ferguson, of Churchill; S. A. 
Kinsey, Judge J. S. Child and Walter Cosser, of Douglas; Hon. John S. Mayhugh, 
Leonard Wines and Col. J. B. Moore, of Elko; T. B. Smith, of Esmeralda; W. W. 
Hobart, E. U Dodge and Lambert Molinelli, of Eureka; S. B. P. Pierce andE. D. Kelly, 
of Humboldt ; Hon. M. J. Farrell, Joseph F. Triplett and A. A. Curtis, of Lander; Judge 
Mortimer Fuller and D. Bonelli, of Lincoln; S. S. Buckland, John Lothrop and C. W. 
Davis, of Lyon; Hon. J. T. Williams, of Nye; Col. Warren Wasson, Judge William M. 
Cary and C. N. Noteware, of Ormsby; Dr. E. B. Harris and Mi-s. C. M. Ditten- 
rider, of Storey; Hon. H. A. Comins, of White Pine; and to Capt. Robert 
Lyon, of San Buenaventura, Capt. R. G. Watkins, of Humboldt, and Mr. J. 
M. Hunter, of Montecito, California. The publishers of Nevada have extended 
many courtesies, furnishing files of their papers and promptly responding to our 
inquiries, and we hope they will approve the sketches we have given of their papers and 
themselves. The files of the Territorial Enterprise, Virginia Union, Car.-<on Ajypeal, 
Tiihune and Index, Reno State Journal, Reno Gazette, Esmeralda Star, Jieese River 
Reveille, Silver Bend Repwter, and Recjiater, have aided us in our history, and particularly 
are we under obligations to Daniel W, Gelwicks, Esq., of Oakland, for tiles of the Mount- 
ain Democrat, of Placerville, through many years of the publication of that journal, 
when Placerville was the entrepot of the overland immigration, and his paper and the 
Semi-Weeldy Observer, of which Myron Angel was editor, and has preserved files, 
recorded all the events tran.spiring on the route, and of the early settlement of the Terri- 
tory. The.se old papers are a diary of events, recording them as they occur, and remain 
uncolored by changes of sentiments, politics, interests, or opinions to which the memory 
is subject, and by which men are often influenced. 

Of the authorities consulted we may mention the " Life of Kit Ca:"son," by De Witt 
C. Peters; the " Rivers of the West," by Mi-s. F. F. Victor; " Bonneville in the Rocky 
Mountains," by Washington Irving; " p]xplorations," by Fremont, in various yeai-s; J. 
Wells Kelly's Directories of Nevada; J. Ross Browne; R. W. Raymond's "Mineral Re- 
sources " ; John A. Church, on the Corastock Lode ; the various statutes, and Reports of 
State ofHrers, directories, gazeteers, and other publications, many of which are referred to 
when used in the book. 

With these authorities and the assistance given u.s, and from the memoi-y and study of 
our writers, we have made the HiSTOUY OF Nevada, and submit it to the world. There 
is in it much to instruct, and something, we hope much, to please. We have related 
facts as we ha\ e obtained them ; animadverted on men and measures as conscience dic- 
tated, and extolled where merit approved. 

To our patrons we owe a double acknowledgment, as without their aid no such history 
could have been written, and without their patronage no such book could have been 
p\iblished. Their liberality and their desire to advance and perfect so important a 
publication, is an evidence of tlieir enlightenment and refined taste. Nevada, c]as.sed as 
she is among the frontier States, where the rough and semi-civilized elements are supposed 
most to congregate, contains comparatively few of the characteristic features imputed, 
but instead is noted for the high civilization ami refinement of the inhabitants. Beinix a 
mining State, the nature of her business necessitates an intimate relationship with the 
world, introducing the purest culture into the most secluded and remote places, forming 



INTRODUCTORY 



a metropolitan and cosmopolitan society of the highest order. Instead of being settled 
by a rabble it was men of enterprise, energy, education, honor, law and order, who first oc- 
cupied her mines and farms; who created a State in the wilderness; established substan- 
tial and just govei-nment, and carried on the work of development as never before 
witnessed f)r equaled on the globe. Such a people rank among the foremost in the social 
fabric of the Union. The many illustrations given, the portraits of her prominent citi- 
zens, the elegant homes and tasteful sun-oundings, the public buildings and pubUc works, 
substantiate the claim we have made. 

In conclusion we wish to refer with gi-atitude to the excellent artistic and mechanical 
work displayed in this publication, and which has been contributed to by the business firms 
of Louis Evarts, of Philadelphia; Pacific Press, of Oakland, and D. Hicks & Co., of 
San Francisco. Among the many di.stingui.shed engravers whose skill is shown in these 
pages, will be found the names of Samuel Sartain, of Philadelphia; A. H. Ritchie and 
R. B. Hall & Sons, of New York, and Britton & Rey, of San Francisco. 

Without further comment, we leave it in your hands. 

Thompson & West, Publishers. 



TABLE OF CONTENTS. 



CHAPTER I. 
APPEARANCE OF THE GREAT BASIN. 

Its Condition — Strange Freaka of Nature — Valley of Death — 
Gnome Lake — A Mountain Lake — Bottomless Fountains — 
A Fish Story — Caves — Rivers — Hot Springs — Salt Mount- 
ain and Plains — Foot-prints of a Pre-Historic Kace — Evi- 
dence of Ancient Inhabitants 17-20 

CHAPTER II. 
THE TRAPPERS AND EARLY EMIGRATION. 

Wm. H. Ashley — Jcdediah S. Smith's Expedition in 18-5-2G-27 — 
Peter S. Ogden's Expedition in 1831 — Milton Sublette's Ex- 
pedition in 183'2 — Bonneville and Walker's Expedition in 
183.T — Kit Carson's First Visit to Nevada, 1833 — Emigra- 
tion under Captain .1. B. Bartleson in 1841 — ,1. C. Fremont's 
Expedition in 1844 — The Emigrants of 18-t4 — Fremont's 
Expedition in 1845 — Edwin Bryant and other Emigrants in 
1846— Stephen Cooper in 184G — The Conner Party Tragedy. 
20-29 

CHAPTER III. 

CHANGE OF FLAG IN 1846. 

The Great Basin Ceded by Mexico to the United States in 1848 
— State of Deseret Organized — Utah Territory Organized — 
Discovery of Gold and Early Settlement of Western 
Utah— Transient Settlement— Letter of Robert Lyoa. .29-30 

CHAPTER IV. 

SETTLEMENT OF CARSON VALLEY 

1 851. 

rhe First Settlement — Reese and Kinsey — Stockade Built — 
Garden Planted — Eagle Ranch Located — The Squatter Gov- 
ernment of 1851 — First Meeting of Citizens — Second Meet- 
ing of Citizens — Third Meeting of Citizens — Civil Govern- 
ment — A Clerk and Constable— Fourth Meeting of Citizens — 
The Present of Some of Those— The Fate of Others 31-33 

CHAPTER V. 

COUNTY ORGANIZATION AND RECORDS. 

1S52--54. 

First County Organization — First Land Claim — First Toll-Road 
Grant — Deep Snow and P'loods in Carson Valley — 1853 — 
A Mail Route Established — First Lawsuit — Fifth Meeting of 
Citizens — What Mrs. Dittenrieder Remembers of 1853 — 
First Marriage and Divorce — The First Dance — IS54 — Per- 
manent Overland Stations on the Carson River — An Indian 
Killed by a Boy — Sundry Events — Marriage Contract — 
Sixth Meeting of Citizens — Land Claims Recorded in 1854 
— Carson County Created 33-37 

CHAPTER VI. 

CARSON COUNTY ORGANIZED. 

1855 

Entries Closing Pioneer Record Book - Carson County Organ- 
ized — First Officers of Carson County — First County Court 
Records — Mrs. Sandy Bowers, the Washoe Sccrcss — 1850 — 
Naming of Genoa — Division of the County into School 
Districts — Orson Hyde's Curse 38-41 

CHAPTER VII. 

■WITHOUT GOVERNMENT. 

1867. 

Exodus of the Monnons — Second Attempt at Territorial Organ- 
ization — Public Meeting in Carson Valley — Resolutions — 
Memorial — Exaggerated Statements — A Letter from -Judge 



Crane to his tJonstituents — Mountain Meadow Massacre, 
September 15, 1857 — Western Utah at the close of 1857. 
42-49 



CBAPTER VII 1. 

ELECTION AND DISCOVERY OF SILVER. 

Carson County Election October 30, ISoS — Hanging of "Lucky 
Bill" June 19, 1858 — Preludes to the Silver Discovery — 
Searchings in Nevada for Silver — The Grosh Brothers — 
The Father's Account of Their Discoveries — The Lost Shaft 
Explained by J. M. Hunter — The Black Rock Prospectors. 
49-55 

CHAPTER IX. 
1859 -GOLD HILL DISCOVERED- 

The Comstock Lode Discovered, .June, '59 — An Article of Agree- 
ment — Sierra Nevada Mine Located — First Notice — Ijould ft 
Curry Located — Bill of Sale — California Mine — Union Con- 
solidated Mine — Names of First Ijocatorson the Comstock — 
Virginia City Laid off in Lots — Carson \'alley Quartz — Rich 
Discovery — The First Quartz Mill— Silver Found in the Com- 
stock Ores — Rush from California 55-(51 

CHAPTER X. 

EFFORTS AT GOVERNMENT. 

Resume of Political History — Rules and Regulations — A 
Conviction and Ear-Cropping — The Third Unsuc- 
cessful Attempt at Territori;il Organization — Declara- 
tion of Cause for Separation — Election and Adoption 
of Constitution, September 7, 1859 — Musser certifies to 
Results of the Election — Another Attempt to Re-organize 
Carson County by Judge J. S. Child — Carson County Elec- 
tion Uctums of October, 1859 — Attempt at Provisional 
Government — Provisional Legislature Meet and Adjourn — 
Governor Roop's Message — After the Adjournment . . .Gl-«)6 

CHAPTER XI. 

PROGRESS OF SETTLEMENT. 

1860. 

Passenger Communication with California — Stock-raising in 
Carson Valley — The Weather — Building — General Appear- 
ance — Business, Etc. — The Mines — First Efforts to Reduce 
the Ores — A Facsimile of '■ Territorial Enterprise,'' July 
30, 1859 — Political History C<mtinued — Carson County 
Oliicera in 18(i0 — County Court and Repudiation of Debts — 
Rates of Licenses— Stock Brokers — Toll-road and Bridge 
Rates — First Railroad Franchise — First Court House — Ne- 
vada Invoiced in 1860 — -Business Statistics for 1860 — Popu- 
lation of Nevada, 1860 — Nativity of Population 66-75 

CHAPTER XII. 

TERRITORIAL ORGANIZATION. 
1861. 

Political Events— Stock and Agriculture in 1860 — Deaths in 
1860 — Appointments by Governor Nye — Organization and 
Elections — Executive Proclamation — .ludicial Organiza- 
tion — Legislative Organization — Census and Election Dis- 
tricts — First Territorial Election — Meml>crs of the Ter 
ritorial Council — Members of Hounc of liepre.ientatives — 
Territory Divided into Counties — Special Election of Janu 
ary 14, 1862 — Election of September 3, 1862 — Election of 
September 2, 1 863 — Efforts to Become a State — \'otc For 
and Aiiainst a State Government — Homographic (.'hart — 
Third House — The Constitution IXjfeateil — Vote for Oflicer* 
Under the Constitiiti m — Second Attempt to Beeonie a 
State— Constitutional Convention Elected June 6th, ami 
Assembled .luly 14, 1861 — Votes for Congressional D>;lc.;ato 
— Constitutional Vote 75-86 



TABLE OF CONTENTS. 



Vll 



CHAPTER XIII. 

STATE ORGANIZATION. 

State Politics and Elections— I'rcsidenti.il Election of November 
8, 18(>t — Contest for United States Senate in 18G1 — Removal 
of Capital Attempted— Reply of Mr. Waitz— Congressional 
Election of I8l>5 — State Election, November 6. 1866 — Elec- 
tions in lSli8-6'J — Presidential Election of 1868 — State Elec- 
tion of November 3, 1870— Politics of the Legisl.iture — 
Presidential Election of 1872- Contest for Uniteil States 
Senate — State Election of 1874 — Contest for United States 
Senate — Presidential Election of 1876— Result of the Elec- 
tion — Politics of the Legislature of 1876 — State Election of 
1S7S — Choice of Senator — Republican Ticket — Democratic 
Ticket — Politics of Legislature of 1S7S — Vote for United 
States Senator — Presidential Election of November 2, 1880 — 
Politics of the Legislature of 1880 — Election Returns — 
Amendment J to Constitution — Chinese Immigration — Sutro's 
Net for Fair- ColonelJumes (i. Fair — Salary Reduction by 
Hob-irt'sBill— ludioiary Elections, 1861 to 1878— The S_tate 
Re-districted — Districts as they are 87-99 

CHAPTER XIV. 
BOUNDARIES OF NEVADA. 

The Boundary Line War— Pe.ice Meeting— Message of Governor 

V Clemens — Line .\greed Upon — Square Miles in Nevada — 

A County of Two States lOft-102 

CHAPTER XV. 

MAILS. STAGES AND EXPRESS. 

Miiil and Passenger Transportation — Snow-shoe Thompson — 
Pioneer Stage Line— Overland Mail— Pony Express — Over- 
land Mail Stage Company— Overland Stage Farm— Tele- 
graph Lines — Present Mail Routes — Wells, Fargo 
Express 



ife Co. 's 
102-108 



(UIAPTER XVI. 

RIVERS AND LAKES- 

The Humboblt River— The South Fork— The Truckee River- 
Walker River— Carson River— The .■\margosa— The Vegas— 
The Rio Virgen — Quiii Kiver — The Lakes of Nev.-ida — 
Humboldt— Carson— Walker— Pyi'.imid —Washoe— Tahoe 
—Rubv— Franklin— Donner—Hoiley— Mono— Owens— Mar- 

lettc... 109-113 

CHAPTER XV 11. 
GEOLOGY OF NEVADA. 

Baron Ricbthofen on the Comstock— General Structure of Corn- 
stock Veins— Inclosing Rock— Outeroppings— Vein Matter— 
Cl.iy .ind Clayey Matters— Quartz, Character of— Variety of 
Ores— Remarks on General Geology, taken ffrom Oarence 
King's Ueport-s— The Glacial Epoch— Living Glaciers— Local 
Characteristics- The Mountain System — Origin of Mineral 
Veins — Future Mining Prospects 1 13-122 

CHAPTER XVIII. 
MINING AND POLITICS. 

Mining Influence Upon Politics— Why and How the Law Was 
Changctl- Why the Law W.as Changed in 1871 — Bullion 
Increase in 1871 Over 1870— Table Showing Change in 
Assessments and Taxation, etc.— The Law of 187o. Its 
Pecuniary and Political Eli'eels — The Members Ignore Their 
Pledges— An Outside Pressure Brought to Bear— The Two 
Horns of the Dilemma— The Result— .Senators Voting For 
and Against— The Veto and Its Effects— Bonanza Move 
Number Three- Attempt to Conii)r(nni8e — Compromise Ef- 
fflcted- Efforts to Avoid Paying the Penalties 122-I.30 

CHAPTER XIX. 

AGRICULTURE. 
E^arly Cultiv.ation of Carson Valley— Cultivation in Humboldt 
—Reports of Large Crops— The Climate of Nevada— Monthly 
and Annual .McteoroloLjieal Record for 1880— Table Showing 
Number of Trees and Vines in the State— Rain-fall— Cloud 
BursU— Irrigating Ditches and Acres Irrigated— WaU'r 
Catchment— Agricultural Products in 187.1 -74— Progress of 
Fruit Culture-Stock- Washoe Valley— Prospects in 1S81 
—Tabulated Statement of the Increase of Stock from 1866 



to 1881— Tabulated Statement Showing Area Cultivated 
and Grain Raised From 1865 to 1881— Table of Leading 
ProducU for 1880— Cattle Raising- The Rodeo— The Stam- 
peJe — The Cricket — Rocky Mountain Locust — Washoe Val- 
ley-Prospects in 18S1 130-145 

CHAPTER XX. 

INDIANS, AND THEIR WARS IN NEVADA. 

First Expedition of Whites— Washoe Raids— Murder of Peter 
Lassen — Gov. Roup and the Indians — The War of 1860 — 
Num.aga's Effort for Peace — Burning of Williams St.-ition — 
Demand for Vengeance — Volunteers for the Expedition — 
The Battle Field— .\n Aimless Charge and Wild Retreat — 
Death of Major Ormsby — A Nameless Hero — Closing Scenes 
—Effects of the Defeat 145-158 

CHAPTER XXI. 

INDIANS AND THEIR WARS IN NEVADA. 

Washoe Regiment Organization— The March to Pyramid L.ake— 
Just Before the Battle— The Battle-Ground— The Battle- 
After the Battle— Other Events About Pyramiil Lake- 
End of the Campaign— Death of Win. Allen— Expeditiiui of 
Colonel Lander — Indians alter the War — Indian War 
Threatcne<l 158-165 

CHAPTER XXII. 

THE OWENS RIVER WAR. 
Conference with the r.ab-Utes- Indian Scaiv at Como in 1863 — 
A Chief Murdered— Troubles in 1864 in Huinlwldt County 
—Indian Troubles in 1865- Hostilities in Paradise Val- 
ley—A Ride for Life— Fate of Collins and Fearbournt — 
Eighteen Indiiins Scalped- Events iu Other Parts in 1865— 
Hostilities in Paradise Valley in 1865— Death of Col. Charles 
McDeimitt— Events in Humboldt County— Black Rock Tom 
—Closing Action and Act of the Year- Paradise V^alley 
Trouble in 1S()7 — Hon. James A. Banks Killed — The Winter 
of 1867 and Spring of 1868 166-177 

CHAPTER \X111. 

HOSTILITIES IN EASTERN NEVADA. 
1860. 
The Dry Creek Fight— Gravelly Ford Massacre in 1861— Eastern 
Nevada Troubles in 1862 — GoshUte War in 1863 — Attack on 
Cailon St.ition in 1863— ilassacre at CafMn Station— End of 
the Gosh-Ute War— Eastern Nevada War Panic in 1875— 
Anecdotes and Incidents 177-188 

CHAPTER .XXIV. 
TRANSPORTATION OF LUMBER BY WATER. 

E.arly Methods in Californi.i — Uitlioulties of Inventors — The 
V Flume— Capacity of the V Flume- Flume Companies iu 
Nevada 188-191 

CHAPTER XXV. 

THE CHURCHES OF NEVADA. 

[by col. henry G. SHAW.] 

Mormonism in the Advance— The First .M .arriage- Early Chris- 
tian Missionary Work— The Pioneer Pre.athers— Lontempt 
for the Fourth Commandment— Tribulations of a Young 
Scotch Divine at Elko— A Funeral Sermon Over the Wrong 
Man— An Anecdote of the Lightning Express— Practical 
Praying in the Legislature — Floating Deuomiuations in 
Nevada 191-136 

CHAPTER XXVI. 
PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH. 

First Service— Value of Church Property— Defection of a Min 
iatfr- Work Amoim the Chinese— The Diocesan School- 
Gift of Miss C. L. Wolfe— Bishi>p Whitaker's School- 
Damage by Fire— Church at Gold Hill— Silver City— Car- 
son City— Dayton— Austin— Hamilton— Pioche— Eureka— 
Reno-Belmont 196-204 



TABLE OF CONTENTS. 



XI 



Panal Scheme — Disenvery of Mineral — Principal Mining 
Districts— rriiicipal Towns and Cities— Hon. .M. S. Tlionip- 
son— Hon. T. J. BraiUliaw — Joel Bradahaw — .lames Byrnes 
—Charles Kemler— C. A. Nichols— W. A. Sperry— William 
Stock— E. Blcnnerhassett 443-4tK) 

CHAPTER XLVU. 
HISTORY OF LANDER COUNTY. 

Discovery of and Kush to the .Mines— Organization and Bound- 
aries—County Seat and Court House— County Debt and 
Court House^Iudicial District and .Schools- Oliieers Ap- 
uoinUiland Klected— The Leading Industries— Bonds, Prop- 
erty and Population- I'rincipal Towns— Austin the County 
Seat— Incorporated as a City— \S'ater Company and Stock 
H„;,r,l— Iteaction and Varying Fortunes- Destructive Uain 
.Storms -Changes and Present Appearance— Allen A. Curtis 
—Andrew Nichols— Hon. M. .J. Farrell— The Man with the 
Axe— Battle Mountain— J. A. Blossom— Desertfitl Towns 
anil Cities--Prineipal Mining Districts 4G1-17G 

CHAPTER XLVlll. 
HISTORY OF LINCOLN COUNTY. 

Earliest Explorations— First Discovery of Mines— Organization 
and BoHiidaries— Appointments and Elections— Payment of 
Taxes Kef used— Court House and County Jail— Collector's 
Fees Swindle— Sundry Itailroad Subsidies— Meetings to Op 
pose the Schemes— The Govenior \etoo3 the Bill— Proinot- 
ersof the .Scheme— Causes of Pro.stration— I'rincipal .Mount- 
ain Itanges— Valleys ot the County— Most Kemarkal)le 
e'ave- Pniicip.al Mining Districts— Pioehe, the County Seat 
-Destructive Fires and Floods— Rapid Decline after KS70— 
Other Towns and Cities— The Salt Mountain 470-492 

CHAPTER XLIX. 
HISTORY OF LYON COUNTY. 

Characterof the Surface- S.amuel S. Bucklaiul— (!. W. Burrier— 
John Carling— Org.anization and Boundaries— Appointments 
and Elections— Creation of a County Debt— Internal Im- 
prov.jinents- Court House and County Jail— Investigation 
anil Economy- Prospecting for Coal— Principal Mining 
Districts— Principal Towns and Cities — Kimber Cleaver— 
J. L. CamplwU— John L .throp— G.P. Kaudall — J. D.Sims— 
Princip.al Quartz Mdls— History of theSutro Tunnel- Col. 
C.C.Thomas 492-512 

C H A P T E R L. 
HISTORY OF NYE COUNTY. 

Early Explorations— Petition and Kemonstrance— Organization 
and Boundaries — Appointments and Elections — Economy 
ami Healthy ( irowth- Debt and County Buildings— Grazing 
and Agriculture— Valleys of the County— Principal Mining 
Districts— Principal Towns and Cities— Hon. Benj. Curler 
Hon. George Ernst— Hon. J. T. Williams 512-527 

CHAPTER LI. 
HISTORY OF ORMSBY COUNTY. 

Emigrants and Early Settlers— Organization of Ormsby County 
—Appointments and Elections— Topography of County- 
Early .Settlers- Advent of .\brain Curry— Samuel A. Nevers 
Aaron D. Treadway — Warren W.isson — Uesources- Wil- 
liam D. Torreyson- H. H. Benee— .Mines and Mining — 
Quartz Mills— Saw mills — Toll-roads — I'ourt House — M. A. 
Dricsbach — Hon. Trenmor Coffin- -County Divided into 
Townships— State Prison— I iame -Carson City— Carson Mint 
— Hon. Cha.s. F. BicUnell— George C. Tliaxter— Hon- W. M. 
e.,ry— J. H. Marshall— J. M. Benton— M. D. Hatch— 
Mathias Itinckel — Duncan McRae — Harrison Shrievcs — Em- 
pire City 527-563 

CHAPTEJl Lll. 
HISTORY OF ROOP COUNTY. 

Creation and Boundaries— Appointments and Elections— At- 
tempted Organization— Topographical Features— The Prin- 
cipal Valleys 563-565 



CHAPTER LIU. 

HISTORY OF STOREY COUNTY. 

Commingling of .Ml Classes — Discovery of the Coinstock Lode- 
Supplies from t'alifornia — Teamsters Association — Uaa<i 
Agents — Organization of the County — Capt. Edward F 
Storey — James F. Lewis — Mark Strouse — M. N. Stone- 
Scenery of Virginia City — First Buildings in (iold Hill- 
First Events Keeounted — 1-Jirly Legislatiie Acts — The Char 
ter .Anieiiiled — Philipp Deidesheimer — Pliilo Kiiiipp— Willian. 
(iarhart — Ch.as. Willi im. son — Charter of Virginia City- 
Events of the year ISO.'i — lUval and Ambitiims Towns — 
Col. H. H. Taylor— .loseph E. .McDonald- Political Excit. 
meut — Private and Public Extravagance — Thos. Moses — 
Charles Fonnan — Amusements in Early Days — How gi 
Arastra is Made — Kichard Rising — Henry Uolfe — BcncliceM 
Institutiims — First Quartz Mills — Col. A. M. Edgington- 
W. E. F. Deal — Greater Prosperity Imlicated — I. E. .lain 
— Virginia City when Five Years Old — Military Coinpani 
— Leading Industrial Enterprises — The Fire Dej)artment 
The Newsp.aper Department — tJold Hill in the 'i ear 1865 
The Bonanza Period — The .Sutro Tunnel — James (i. Fair 
John W. Mack.ay — The Virginia & Truekee Railroad — Jam - 
C. Flood — William C. Ralston — William Sharon — John )" 
Jones — Depression of Mining — Ralston to the Front — Opf ■- 
sition to .Sutro Tunnel — The New King of the Comstock 
(ireat Panic of 1875 — What the Mines have Accomplished 
D.Crosby — R. V. Dey — Finances During the Bonanza Peri- 
— Taxing the X'irginia and Truekee Railroad — Princiiml 
Fires in Virginia City — Fires at GoUl Hill — Virginia City 
Fire Department — The Water Supply — .Substantial Im- 
provements — The Foundries of Virginia City — lohn Mc 
Cone — The Manufacture of Ice — The(;ener.il Outlook Hojw 
ful—L. T. Fox— Joseph B. .Mallon— William Woodburn — 
Fiu.anee and Resources — .\ppointments and Elections — W . 
N. Mercer Otey— John F. Egan — F- H. Packer — Method of 
Working the Mines — Compressor Drills — Temperature ul 
the Mines — J. .Minor T.aylor— W. H. Patton — Some of ilii 
Leading Mines — The Comstock (Jroupof Mines — Statisti.9 
of Proceeds — List of Bonanzas — The Utah Mine — .Sierra 
Nevada — Union Consolidated — The Mexican Mine — 1 i- 
California — Ccmsolidated Virginia — Best k Belcher— Go iM 
& Curry — The Savage Mine — The Hale & Norcross — T!;. 
Chollar-Norcross-Savagc Sluifts — Cholhir-Pntosi — Bull. on 
Mine — The Exchequer — The Alpha Mine — Consolidated li.i 
perial— Gold Hill Group — The Challenge — Confidence— T :<■.■ 
Yellow Jiicket — Kentuek — Crown Point and Belcher — .Sej 
gated Belcher — Overman — Caledonia — American Flat (Jn 
— Outside Mines — Mining Bo.im — Fluctuatii>n of .Stock 
Wm. Mooney — Accidents in the Mines — The Yellow lac 
Disaster — Charles Zeigler — "Sandy " Bowers 507- 

CHAPTER LIV. 

HISTORY OF WASHOE COUNTY. 
Explorations and Settlements — Petition to the County Conii- 
John Twaddle — Aiulrew .S.auer — Abandoned by the Mt.r 
mons — Miners Take Possession — Organization and Cou"' 
Seat— Court House, .lail and Hospital — l.umber and t,tu. 
Mills — Removal of the C.mnty .Seat — Location and Eiee 
of Buildings — Poor Farm ami Hospital — Free Bridge ( ■■ 
structed — Financial and Political Condition — Granvdle W 
Huflfakcr — Appointmentsand Elections- W. A. Walker- ! 
S. Osburn — Death Penalty Inllieted — Agrieultur.il Lt 
and Products — Ervin Crane — W. I). Harden — A. A. Iv 
ley — George .Smith, Sr. — George .S. .Smith — Is.iiie H. 
— Principal Irrigating Canals — Reno in its Early Da; 
W. R. ChamlxTlain — Henry Lyman Fish — Protec' 
against Fire— Property Destroye<l by Fire — Infested by • 
Characters — The Association of "(iOl " — Efforts to Iiico 
rate— L. W. Lee — Episcojul Seminary — .Mount St. Ma 
Academy — Hebrew Benev.ilent Society — Principal To 
and Cities — .Steamboat Springs — .loseph Frey — James .Si 
van — T. (i. Heruiiin '>-- 

CHAPTER LV. 
HISTORY OF V7HITE PINE COUNTY. 
The Mountains and Valleys— Timber, Mills and Lumber — ^' 
Game and Fish — The Indian Tribes — Discovery of and 1 
to the .Mines — Organization and B lumlaries— First Coi 
Commissioners — Court House and Defalcation — Appi 
meiits and Elections — Resonroas of the County — .^l !■ 
Hopeful Prospects — Principal Mining Districts — Pan. 
Coal Mines — Principal Towns and Cities — O. H- Gray — ' ■■ ■. 
F. Parker— He. ry A. Comins— (Jeo. G. Blair 648 <H)4 



Xll 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



Adams. Juliii Q. 
Allen, J. W 

Alle7i, Lciii 
Angel. Alvioii 

Babcock, Jasper 
Baker, (i. W 
Ball. I. H 
Barrett, A. .( 
Hence. H.ll 
Beulon. J. M 



Faeirii 



PAOB. 

.382 
:«iC 
.360 
305 

r. 80 

228 
..628 
..407 

.530 
..501 



Bicknell, Chas. F . 558 

Blair. Geo. G 6G2 

Blcnnerhas-sett, E 460 

BIo.s3om. .I..\ . . 471 

Bond. .T. \V 307 

Bradshaw. Joel .456 

Bradshaw, T. J 456 

Brown. .lohn P 367 

Huckland. ."^anniel S 493 

Burriir. Cieorge W 493 

Bvriies. Jaine-i 4.50 



.500 
300 
494 
559 
.299 



Campbell, J. L 

Canfield, Fred, i: 
Carling. .loliM 
C'ary, W. :\I 

Cassidy. Geo. W 

Child, John y 382 

Chamberlin. W. IX 636 

Cleaver, Kinibcr 499 

Cleveland. .V.C Facing. 184 

Coflin. T 544 

059 

420 

632 

391 

Facing. 76 

597 

521 



Coniins, H. A 

Craig; J. S. . 
Crane. Krviu 
Crane. W. T 
Croikett. L. L 
Cro.'^by, U... 

Curler, Benj 

Curtis, Allen A Facing. 468 

Cusliiiian. .1. .1 . -308 



Daggett. Holliu M , 

Daniel, ,Ia!-pcr 

Davis, Sam. 1' 

Day, .Sylvester H 

Deal, W. E. V 

Dian. W. K Facing 

Deidesheinier, I'hilipp 

Dennis, Maj. ,Iolin II 

Dey. H. V 

Dodge, Krlmund U 
Donald, .Samuel . 
Dormer, J. M . . . 
Doten. AlC. . 
Dre.H.sler, A. !•' 
Driesbaeli. M. ,\ 

Kdgingtou, .V. M . . 

Kgan J. F 

Ellis, A. C. Facing 

Ernst, Geo 

Krwav, .\. II 



.321 

.421 

314 

224 

.585 

.124 

573 

.295 

.597 

441 

312 

298 

324 

.383 

544 

.584 

608 

. 88 

.522 

408 



Faireliild. .1. D 

Fuircbild, .M. D... 
Fairchild. <). L. C 

Fair. .lames G 

Farrell, M. J 

Fergu.son, Jackson. 

Fish. H. L 

Flood. James C .. . 
Forbes, William J 
Forman, Chas . 
Fo.v, J.J. 
Fo.x, L. T. 
Fulton Foundry . . 
Frey, Joseph 



FAOR 

305 

311 

295 

Facing. 48 

469 

.370 
.030 

.591 

302 

582 

408 

604 

.602 

642 



Gallaglier, J. B. 
Garhart, \Vm 
Glenn, M. M 
Grant, H. Jf . 
Grant, John . . . 
Goodwin, CO.. 
Gray, O. H 



Hagcrmau, J. C. . . . 

Haines, J. \V 

Hall, Warren .S 
Halloek, .1. F . 
Harden. W. D. . . 

Harri.s. E. B 

Harris, C. N 

Harmon. A. K. P . . 

Hatch, A. J 

Hatch, jr. D 

Hawley, Thomas P 
Herbold, Adam. 
Herman, T. G . 
Hernleben, C. 
Hinds, J. C. 
Hobart. W. W 
Honeyman, F. 
Huffiiker. G.W 



409 
-575 
297 
397 
- 92 
.321 
.658 



Facing. 212 

383 

413 

Facing. 64 

633 

Facing- 100 

. •• 340 

. . ■• 110 

• 220 

.501 

Facing. 3.32 
.409 
040 
410 
.418 
300 
.. 387 
.028 



.lames, I. E. 
Joues, John 1' 
Jones, David H . 



.587 
.591 
.383 



Kaiser, Chas. . 
Kelley, E.D... 

Kemler, Chas 

Kenyon, A. L . 

Kenyon. Frank .V 
Kiiikcad. .loliii II 
Knapp. I'lilld 

Lee, L. W . 
Lee, S. Lent 

Lec,W. K 

Leete,B.F 

Leonard, O. R 

Lewis, J. F 

Littletield, K. A 



308 

303 

4,57 

369 

308 

. P''acing. 24 

.574 

. (>40 
Facing. 284 

421 

.Facing. 276 
. . •• 336 

569 

. 294 



lionglcy. .V. .\ 
Lorigley, Sani'l 
Lothrop. John 



I'AUB. 

03^ 
433 
.501 



llackay, John W - - Facing. 56 

Mallett, Chas 408 

Mallon. J. B 605 

Manogue. Kev. P 207 

Marshall. J. H 560 

.Marye, Geo. T . Facing- 108 

Masin. X. H. A •■ 148 

Maute. .\ndre\v 312 

Mayhugh, John 8 223 

McCarthy. D. E 326 

McCone. John 603 

.McDonald, Joseph E 579 

McEwcn, Arthur B 327 



MiLeod, .Vngus. . . . 


410 


McHae.D 


502 


Merrill, Geo. W 


442 


Mighels, Henry It 


Facing. 312 


Mooney, Wm 


020 


Moore, Col. J. B. . . . 


390 


,Moses, Thos . 


581 


Jlurphy, M. A 


. . Facing. 84 


Murphy, AVilliaiii . _ 


369 


Myers, Wni 


390 



Xevers, Samuel A 533 

Nicholls, Andrew 469 

Nichols, Charles A 467 

Niles, Edward 315 



O-sburn, R. S 
Otev. W. N. M,rf. r 



(i30 
.608 



Packer, F. H 009 

Parker, George F 658 

Parkinson, il. R 315 

Patton. W. H 611 

Pieott. T. E 308 

I'ike. W. H. A .371 

Powning, C. C 329 

Ralston, W. C 591 

Randall, G. P 501 

Rising, Richard 583 

Reymcrs. B. H 411 

Richardson. Abner S 411 

Richards. J. W 370 

Rinckel, Mathias 561 

Rives, Henry 443 

Rolfe. Henry 584 

Sanders, W. B 411 

Sanford, J. M 371 

San Pedro. M Facing. 140 

Sauer. A 624 

School for Girls at Reno 198 

Se.s.sions, D. R — 226 

Sharon, William 691 

Shepherd, G.H.... -.399 



TABLE OF CONTENTS. 



xni 



TAUB. 

Shrieves, Harrison ... 5t>2 

Simpson, U. C. . . .41.3 

Simpson, K. W 331 

Sims, J. I) 501 

Skillman, Abraham 299 

Smitii. G. S C33 

Smith, (i., Sr ^ 633 

Smith, T. B 413 

Sperry, W. A 457 

Sprag!?, \V. H 418 

Steamboat Springs 644 

Stfxk, Win 458 

Stone, M. N 670 



Adam.s, Jdhn Q 

Allen, J. \V 

Allen, C. and Lem 



Ball. I. H 

Banta, A 

Barrett, A. J 

Bennett, E. W 

Benton. .J. M 

Best ami Belcher Office.. 

Bickm'Il. t'ha.s. F 

noii.I. .1. W 

Brad.shaw. .loel 

Bradshaw, T.J 

Brown, .John P 

Biickland. .S. S 

Burrier. G. W 

Bvrnes. .Jamc^ 



t'dlilurnia .Shaft 

Campbell, J. L 

Capitol Building 

Carling. .rohii 

C.&C. Shaft 

Carroll, (feo. H 

Chamberlain, \V. R. 

Chollar.*<haft 

Church at Austin. . . 
Comji.stoii, .lame.-*... 
Com. Virginia Shaft 

Craig, .John S 

Crane, Krvin 

Cushman, .1. .T....'., 



. Facing -2G»f 

lotj- 

- •• 152- 

•• G28 

•• 648- 

•• 208+ 

■ 388- 

104- 

190+ 

550t 

252- 

448- 

444- 

364- 

.500-1- 

4!lG - 

456 f 

5^ 
308 + 

174 

504- 
52 - 
440- 
112+ 
120- 
460+ 
18<»+ 
52-. 
1644 
6:52 - 
3(i8- 



Daniel, .la.sper 

HeidcslicinuT. I'liilipp. 

J )epot Hotel, Keno 

Dillard, U. H • 

Itormitory to State University ' 
DrcAsler, A. F 

E.\change Hotel 



Fair. .lames (i 



424 -(- 
572 f 
112- 
244- 
46()+ 
380 f 



172- 



48. 



Adam.-<..Iolin Q.and wife. Facing. 268- 

Allen. Lem. and wife " 152 1 

Angel, Myron 304 



Stone, Thos. X 224 

Storey, Edward F 569 

Strause, Mark 570 

Sullivan, .Tames 642 



Torreyson, W. 1) . 

Taylor, J. Minor . . . 

Taylor, Robt. H 

Tha.\ter, Geo. C 

Theelen, Henry 

Thomas, CoI.C. C 

Thompson, M. S-- 

Tollev, .T. B . 



535 

.611 

679 

569 

371 

611 

455 

.398 



ILLUSTRATIONS, 



Ferguson, .Jackson 

Fitch, A. B 

Forgnone, .Vngelc. 
Foreman Shaft .. . 

Fo.x, J. J 

Frey, Joseph 

Fulton Foundry... 



(Jazette Building, Reno. 
Gould & Curry Office. . . 

Haines, J.W 

Hale ct Xorcross Shaft . 

Hall and Simpson 

Harden, W. 1) 

Herbold, Adam 

Herman, T. G 

Hernleben, C 

Hinds, J. C 

Hinds" Hot Springs 



Joint Shaft 

Jones. David R. 



Kemler, Chas 

Kenyon. Afrs. C 

Knapj). I'liilo & Co. 



Lake Tahoc Stage (Jffice 
Lee, L. W 

Lee, W. U 

Leete,B.F 

r.,ongley, A. A 

Mallet. Chas 

.Manhattan S. M. Co 

Mexican Shaft. . 

McLeod, Angus. 

McRae. D 

Moeller and Schoeneman. 
Mooney, \Vm 

" New Shaft " 

Nichols, C. A 

Noel. Sol 

PORTRAITS. 

Babcock. Jasper Facing. 80- 

Baker. (i. \V. (steel) . •• 228- 

Harutl. .\. J. and wife 208- 



. Facing. 360- 

■ 392 - 

•• 344-f 

20- 

• 292- 

• 644- 

28- 

• 330+ 

• 196+ 

18lf- 

uo-*- 

• 384+ 

• 652- 
•• 168f 
•' 640- 

• 416f 

• 176 ' 
■ 176 

■• 120 
•' 376^ 

•• 4.52 - 

• 240-f 
576- 

'• 104 J 

.556- 

•• 420-1- 

" 576 •<- 

(•)-2() 

•• 208 
472- 
(K)f 
172+ 

• 316^ 
160 • 
196 

44- 
352- 
476+. 



PAOI. 

Treadway, X. I) 633 

Twaddle, John 624 

Walk.r. W. A . ..6»1 

WiUison. Warren .533 

Wightinan, I). M 371 

Will iamson, Chas 675 

Woodburn. Wil liain 605 

Wood. .1. C 387 

Williams. J. T 524 

Wren. Thos Facing. 236 

Wright, \Vm 31.8 

Ziegler, Chas ...621 



Pierce, Saml. B. P 

Pike. W. H. A 

Potosi Shaft . . . 

Ragtown Station . . 
Recanzone, Battisti. 

Reymers, B. H 

Rinckel. Mrs. .M. Iv 



-Facing. 40- 
244 ' 

■ 120 

■ 240 _- 
344- 

■• 400- 
96- 



St. George's Episcopal Church " 

Sanders, W. B 

Sandford, J. M 

Saner, A 

Savage Shaft •• 

School for Girls at Reno. . 
Shrieves, Mrs. Harry 
Sierra Xevada Shaft ... 

Simpson. D. C 

Smith. Geo. S 

Smith, G. Sr 

Smith, T. B 

Snyder, Chas 

Sperry, W. A 

Spragg, W. H 

State Capitol Building. 

State University. 

Steamboat Springs . 

Stock, Wra 

Sullivan, James 

Thaxter, Geo. C 

Tlieelen. Henry 

Timbering .Mines 

Treadway, .\. 1). . . . 

"Union Shaft" 

Whittaker's ( ). W. School 

Wightman. 1). M 

Wood Camp. 

Yellow Jacket Mine . 

Ziegler. Cha.s 



460- 

432 — 

356- 

476- 

120r 

198 + 

548- 

60+ 
384- 
624- 
636- 
392 1 
412 -^ 
456- 
428 -f 

17- 
224- 
160- 
440 + 
170 

556+- 
248 
572- 
136- 

tiO - 

198- 
260 
316 -\ 

44 



280 



Bence. H.H 

Bicknell, Chas. F 
Blair Geo. G 



.536^ 
.569 -t- 
.662 -f 



XIV 



TABLE OF CONTENTS. 



PORTR A ITS— Conti n ued 



Blennerhassett, E 46O4 

Blossom, J. A 471-* 

Bradshaw, Joel and wife. Facing. 448 Ij. 
Bradshaw. T. J. and wife. " 444-;^ 
Bufkland. 8. S. and wife. . " 500— 
Burrier. G. W. and dauirhter " 496+ 



Campbell, J. L. and wife 

Cary, W. M... 

Child. John S. and wife. 
Cleveland, A. C. (steel). 

Cleaver, Kimber. 

Coffin, T - 

Cooper, James B. (steel). 

Collins, Daniel R 

Comins, H. A 

Craig. John S. and wife.. 

Crane, Ervin 

Crane, W.T.. 
Crockett, L. L . 

Crosby, D 

Curler, Benj ... 

Curtis. Allen A 

Cushman. J. J. and wife. 



• 308- 

560+ 

Facing. 372- 

•■ 18^- 

■ 404+ 

544+ 

Facing. 132- 
.300^ 

659f 

Facing. 164- 

•• 6324 

391+ 

Facing. 76- 

597 + 

521 + 

Facing. 46&~ 

'• 368t 



Hagerman, J. C. (steel). Facing. 

Hallock, J. F. (steel) 

Harris, E. B. (steel) 

Harris. C. N. (steel) 

Harmon. A. K. V. (steel) 
Hatch. -Vndrew J. (steel). 

Hatch. M. 1) 

Hawley. Thos. P. (steel). Facing 
Herbold. Adam and wife. 
Heruleben. C. and wife. . . 

Hobart. \V. W 

Hogle. L. I 

Honeyman, F 

Hutfaker, G. W Facing 



Daniel. Jasper and wife. " 424~- 

Davis. Sam. P 3144 

Deal. \V. E.F 585+ 

Dean. W. E. (steel). Facing. 124>- 

Deidesheimer, Philipp. 573-t 

Dey, R.V .5974 

Dodge, E. R .442^ 

Dormer, J. M Facing. 330~- 

Doten, Alf 324t 

Dressier, A. F. and wife .Facing. 380 — 
Driesbach, M. A .544+- 

Edgington. A. M .585f 

Egan. J. F 608t 

Ellis. A. C. (steel) Facing. 88- 

Ernst. Geo 522f 

Erway, A. H Facing. 408- 

Faircliild, M. 1) - 304 >^ 

Fair, James G. (steel) " 48- 

Farrell, M.J 470 <- 

Fish, H. L 6364 

Eorgnone. Angelo& wife. Facing-344+ 

Forman, Chas. . .582i: 

Fox,J.J Facing. 292- 

Fox, L. T 604 '\ 

Frey, Joseph and wife. . . Facing. 644 --w 

Gallagher, J. B 409-/ 

Garhart, Wm 575^ 

Grant, H. M 397t^ 

Grant, John (steel) Facing. 92^ 

Gray. O.H 658 + 



Indians. 

James, I. E. 
Ja^jua. J. H . 



212^ 

64- 

100-. 

.•MO^ 

IHi^ 

220^ 

561+ 

332— 

168- 

410- 

300^ 

.300- 

.387* 

.532- 

144+ 



587 J- 

.Facing.300-r 



Kaiser. C'li.is. 368 f 

Kinkead, John H. (steel) Facing. 24- 



Lee, S. Lem. (steel). . . 
Lee. W. R. and wife 
Leete, B. F. (steel ) . . . 
Leonard. O. R. (steel) 



284- 
420- 
276- 
336- 



Lewis, James F 56i)-t 

Longley, 8am'l 433*- 

Lothrop, John Facing. 492 f 

Mackay, John W. (steel). Facing. 56- 

.Mallon, J. B 605^ 

Manogue, Uev. P . . . 207 * 

JIarshall, J. H 56(H- 

Marye. Geo. T. (steel) Facing. 108— 

jra.son, N. H. A. (steel) 148-- 

Mayhugh, John S .223*- 

McCarthy, D. E 326 + 

McCone. John . 603 Y I 

McDonald, J. E .")80^ 

McKae, 1 > Facing. 316— 

Merrill. Geo. W 44^ 

Mighels. Henry R. (steel). Facing. 312-^ 

Mooney, William 330< 

Moore. Col. J. B 390* 

Moses, Thos 581 r 

.Murphy, >L A Facing. 84- 

Murphy, William 365K. 

Myers, Wm 390"^ 

Xa-Ma-CJa ( Young Winncmucca; . 

Facing. 144 ■* 

Nevers. 8am'l .\. and wife. " 532 ♦■ 

Nicholls, Andrew 469*- 

Nichols, C. A. and wife.. Facing. 352f- 
Nu-Ma-Na (Captain Dave) " 144 -^ 



PAOE 

Otey, W. X. .Mercer 608-- 

Osburu. R. S. . 630-t^ 

Packer, F.H 609-^ 

Parker, Geo. F 608^ 

Patton, W. H 6lW 

Pfeirtcr. Birdie Facing. 416 + 

Pierce, fcjam'l B. P. and wife 40^ 

Po-i-To (Old Winnemucca) Fac'g.l44— 
Powning. C. C. (steeli " 328 — 

Randall. G. P • 408 + 

Recanzone, Battisti " 344f- 

Rising. Richard. 583+ 

Reymers. B. H. and wife. Facing. 400 — 

Richardson. Abner S 404— 

Richards. J. W 370-t 

Rives. Henry 443 t 

Rolfe, Henry 584+ 

Sanders, W. B. and wife. .Facing. 432 — 

Sanford, J. M. and wife " 356 ^ 

San Pedro, M. (steel) " 140^- 

Sessions, D. R 226 

Shepherd. G.H 39»r 

Simpson. R. W . 331-+ 

Sims. J. D Facing. 492— 

ijmith, W. H 566 - 

Snyder, Chas. and wife. . Facing. 412- 
Spragg, W. H. and wife . . " 428— 

Stone. M.N... 570 

Stone, Thos. N 224, 

Strause, Mark 570-^ 

Torreyson, Wm. D. 535+ 

Taylor. J. Minor 611 1 

Taylor, Robt. H 579+ 

Tha.\ter, Geo. C 559- 

Thomas, Col. C. C 5124- 

Thouipson, M. S . . .455t— 

Tolley. J. B .398^ 

Treadway, A. D Facing. 136+ 

Twaddle, .John " 532 + 

Walker. W. A 630^ 

Wasson, Warren ... . . .534 / 

Wightmaii. D.M. and wife Facing. 260 

William.-on. (.'has 576+ 

Woo<lburn, William 605 V 

Wood, J. C 387 

Williams. J. T 524> 

Wren, Thos. (steel) Facing. 236 

Wright, Wm. ("Dan De Quille")-318 

Ziegler, Chas 621" 



Editor's Introductory. 



By the courteous invitation of the publishers, I address the readers as editor of the 
Illustrated History of Nevada. The duties of an editor comprise those of an author 
as well as compiler, reviser and critic, all of which, in this vfork, have been brought into 
service. A mass of material had been gathered by different parties from many sources, 
often conflicting, contradictory and irrelevant, and to mould this into authentic and 
consistent history has been ni}' conscientious aim and purpose. In this work I had re- 
course to many documents, books, manuscripts and papers in my possession, and to my 
own intimate acquaintance with the subject. Long anterior to the di.scovery of silver, 
and while Nevada was a part of Utah, I had visited the Eastern Slope and written of 
its people and its physical features for the California press, and upon the development of 
its mineral wealth })ecame a citizen of the embryo Ten-itory. For many years, as editor 
and newspaper writer, and as author of several publications and reports, I have labored 
as.siduously in making known her resources to the world, and thus have grown familiar 
with her history, while her fame and prosperity have become dear to mo. Thus, in pre- 
paring this work, I have enjoyed a ph-asure where most other writers would have en- 
countered painful toil. 

Those who have rendered assistance have received the acknowledgments of the pub- 
lishers, and 1 also add my thanks. To Mes.si-s. Thompson & West, I express my 
obligations for their generous courtesy and kind indulgence. Through their enlightened 
enterprise this great work has been accomplished, and to them the people of Nevada should 
be ever grateful. The elegant appearance of this volume, the completeness and arrangement 
of the matter, and the able and liberal business management which has earrieil the work 
to a triumphal conclu-sion, is due to their excellent taste and sound judgment. 

With pride in the work and apologies fur all imperfections, I submit the History of 
Nevada to its readers. Myron Angel, Editor. 



e^ 







OF 



THE STATE OF NEVADA. 




Compiled and Written by a Corps of Experienced Writers under tlie Direction of 
THOMPSON & WEST. 



CHAPTER I. 

APPEARANCE OF THE GREAT BASIN. 

Its Condition — Strange Freaks of Nature — Valley of Poath — 
Clnonie Laki: — A Monnt:'iii I,ako — Hi>ttiiinUss F 'Uiitaina — 
A Kiali Mory — Cavca— Rivers — llwt .S|iriiis;s — Salt M'Unt- 
aiii anil Plains — Footpiints of a rre-llistorio Itace — Evi- 
dcucc of Aneient lnlial>iCant3. 

In Iho convulsions tli:it caused nature to thrust 
from beneath the oeean tlie Koeky and Sierra 
Nevada .Mountains, there was left between them an 
immense basin, hundreds of miles in width from east 
to west, and of mui-h jjreater lenj^lli U'l^ixw north to 
south. This ba>-in was elevated at the same lime a 
little at the south, liareiy comin-^ out of the ocean at 
the mouth of the t'olorado {{iver, while at the mouth. 
of the J{io Viri;en it has reached 800 feet above the 
sea, at St.Thiimas 1,115, at Iliko 8,7li0. at Dayton 
3,850; the elevation increai-inf; as the north is 
approached, the averaj^e altitude bein<i; about 4.000 
feet. The section is not, however, an unliroken 
plateau; but on the contrary-, over one-half of ils 
surface is covered by rock-rilibed mountains whose 
lofty p(;aks, j;rand slo])es, and immense dimension of 
fool- hills seem, to the casual observer, to occiijiy 
most of the face of the couiilr}-. The general trend 
of the mountains is from north to south. 

ITS (■(I.MHTION. 

Ill our time — it may not have l)een always thus — 
nature deals out with a sparino; hand her cloud t;ifts 
of water over this vast country, and the little that 
comes, gathered into streams, flows towartls the 
interior where it forms lakes and then evaporates 
or sinks away into the earth. The surface of the 



valleys is largely corn]iosed of sand, some of them 
having an alluvial deposit and all rcipiiring a largo 
quantity of water to make them produce vegetation. 
The loftj- Sierra Nevada, bordering the biisin on the 
west, intercepts and exhausts the moisture of the air 
currents ever flowing eastward, consequently they 
])as8 comparalivelj- rainless over this broad region, 
notwithstanding manj' of ils mountain ranges and 
lofty peaks attain an altitude of 10.000 and 12,000 
feet above the sea. Hecausc of this, mountains are 
generall}' treeless and the valleys barren and deso- 
late to look u|)on. It is not a natural home for the 
husbandman or a grazier's ])ara(liso, but the miner 
who seeks an Kl Dorado will fnni it here. Yet there 
arc manj' valleys and mountain nooks rendered 
exceedingly fei'lile by iriigalion, and large herds of 
cattle i-ange over the hills and ]ilains of ihe north 
and east. 

STRANGE FRE.\KS OF N.VTUIIE. 

Nature was in her eccentric mood when forming 
this region, and turned out some strange results 
from the, store bouse of time. There is one valley 
thirty miles long, just without its borders, lying near 
the line se])araling C.difornia from Nevada north of 
the ;iGth° of latitude, ihal is 175 feet below the level 
of the sea. The Amargosa River, rising in Nevada, 
flows uselessly into it, where the burning rays of the 
sun licks its volume up in vapors until it becomes a 
creek and then loses itself upon the parched sands of 
a waterless river bed. It is a vast, treeless, water- 
less, alkaline field of Tartarus, where heat, and 
drought, an<l desolation have combine*! to di'ive the 
traveler mad with thirst and despair. Over its 



18 



fflSTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



white, crested, inhoepiuble boiom &re now bleach- 
ing the bones of animals and men on wittingly loivd 
there to perish with the horrors of tantalos. and the 
place is known as the - Valley of Death." 

There is a subterranean lake in Baby Mountain 
that is the soar -vhich fl-' - " v 

of that name, tc. -:reamki. i. 

The entrance to this hidden sea of the Mountain 
Gnome, b ' a natural tonnel about mx feet 

long, that :- oogh to admit onlv one person 

at a time. The entrance leads to the margin of a 
beaatifal >heet of clear, c-old water one hundred feet 
long by &t\j feet wide At its ftirther extremity fe 
a sand-bar fifty feet acmes, beyond which is a rock 
partition that comes down within two feet of the 
waters surface. Beyond this partition lies another, 
smaller lake, from the farther side of which lea<ls off 
a narrow cave with perpendicular sides, through 
which the water flows into the lake. This cave has 
been explored for ?ome ; ntil an abrupt turn 

was reached, when the _ _ , . ... - fearing to proceed 
fiother, returned, and lett the mysteries of what lay 
beyond a secret still. The tor -"-g 

over these subterranean waters - a 

scene of w^rd and enchanting beauty. From the 
caremons. over-hanging wa'"- 
white, gem-decked, stalac: 

towards the unrevealed depths of that beantifuL 
sUent. sQvery sheet of water t'r ' " ' . 
visitor the remains of one who - 

while seeking to learn these hidden mysteries. 
Should it not be called - Gnome Lake " ? 

On the summit of a high mountain in this Ruby 
range is another beautiful lake, higher than Lake 
Tahoe. probably the highest in the world, th-- - ' 
" up in the region of storms," ofltimes ren. 
froxen over until July. An outlet fieoax it towaris 
the east feeds a stream that, leaping down from the 
rocky heights, flows oat into Ruby Valley, and is 
known as ' Creek. 

Of the c. . , ..y of this lake, and the dread in 
whi'^h it is held by the Indians. Charles Stebbins, of 
Austin, relates that in 1><2 he :'a 

pool of water that the Indiac- . ^ ae 

summit of a high, bald mountain in the Ruby range 
aboat thirty-five miles north from tf 
station. To the red men it was a ni_ 
which an evil spirit ruled, whose home was in tho«e 
water*. This dread spirit was i. * 

the form of a large fish, and wL 
went away to linger for a time and die. Hlko-kub, a 

pf.: . .,- .L ,cL..u . '^d of con- ■ - •' •^- 

{ J po*t kt: 
a: -:e to the latter con- 
Ct-Liii vu..~ i^-,. ./I •A-.,.L.i .11 i.^v r'.'->nn'ain« Sho- 
kub warned his white friend n.- ■ - ing the 
spot, claiming that be K -h that no per- 
son had ever looked a (.•... - The cari<><>ity 

of Stebbins having been excited by the strange 
atoriM coDceming the locality related to him by the 



chief, determined to see the spot so dreaded by the 
aborigines. Accordingly, in company with the 
famous pioneer and frontieranan, Wm. IL Rogeis, 
'• Uncle Billy," he went in search of it; — 

As we approached the spot — said Stebbins — 

the rocks began to give out a strange, hollow 

«.iir ,i Si though we were passing over a cavern, and 

I .re would break through, we got down upon 

! uui Li^ii-is and knees and crawled along. At length 

I we came to the mouth of a yawning chasm, and 

I ' rim saw about twenty feet beneath 

-f of eiistenine water. The open- 

-- - alar 

_ into 

! the SfifcjUi cii*i vi :& liiiiEici. AilcT la&iUx ^ ;^*>LMi look 

I we went f^i-^rr: to where oar horses were, and 

[ camped : zht. The next day we went back 

■stA to''r; ;■ look, but we saw no fish. In the 

:e vicinity we found large numbers of final 



"I csBMt tell Vnr &e tntk muj be; 
I aj the tafe a* 'twas aaad to me." 

At the northea-n end of this same range o€ mount- 
aiii!», in the valley near the railroad town of Wells, 
are app. miess fountains of water miles 

&om any - : ^.im. It is but a few fe«t across 

the largest of them, the smaller could be croesed at 

'■". swarms of little 

~ in length. One 

hundred and seventy miles to the southwest are 

"ar qteomens 
.ere else upoa 
the continent. From what age, and condition of the 
past are they the relics ? 

In the northwestern part of Nevada is a mill- 
stream of water, in which are numeroas fish. A hot 
---'.- -ear its banks boils out of the rocks and flows 
: . the two eventually mingle together. The 
angler standing where the water from the hot spring 
first reaches the stream and flows out over it, has 
but to drop his bated hook down through the hot 
into the cold current, catch a fish, raise it into the 
upper stratum, and eventually 'Iraw it forth ready 
cooked for eating. 

<' ~±rioas places; action^ the 

mo-- , . peculiar and ac-cessible. is 

one in the Star range of mountains, east, a few miles 
from Humboldt Station on the Central Pacific Rail- 
road. In those mountains, on the summit between 
Star and Santa Clara Cafions, stands a high. b<>ld, 
limestone diff. Its south front presc-r ' - rpen- 

dieolar face 200 feet high, and fift- :'rom 

Its base is the entrance to the cave, through an 
opening six f • *- ■ .-h and six feet wide. This cave 
has been c . for a distance of 2.5*)0 feet 

in a northeriy direction, but the end has never been 
reached. It is represented, by those who have 
visited it, as being of strange and wondrous 
form, of numerous galleries and chambers, where 
one could easily imagine that he had entered the 
realms of the Olympian kings, whose castle walls 
were decked with amethyst and crystal spar. There 



APPEAHANOE OF THE GREAT RASIN. 



19 



are numerous :;!illcricR carpelod wiili iIku »\i..iiui oi 
salt, of soda, of borax and alkaliiio subslaneos, so 
often mot with in this re{;ion. 

The streams partake of the iieneral eliaracteristies 
of the region. The Humboldt, risiiiji iti the mount- 
ains of the northeast, winds its way amonj^ the 
mountains in a tjeneral eourse to the southwest, 
over 300 miles, and pours its waters into an inland 
lake, where they sink away in the sands, or evapo- 
rate under the sun's hot ra3-s. The Truckee, 
made from the overflow of Lake Tahoe up in the 
Sierra Nevada in California, rushes awaj' down the 
mountain to the northeast and beeomes feeder to 
Pyramid Lake. The Car.son River, also risinj; in Cal- 
ifornia, coui-ses down in a rushing, turbulent stream 
through the canons in the eastern slope of that chain 
of mountains, and stretching away through the 
vallej-s and foot-hills to the northwest, forms a lake 
and disajijiears near the llunibohlt. The Walker 
River, also starting from California, flows b}' a cir- 
cuitous route into Nevada, and forms a lake bearing 
the name of the river. Reese River — that should 
have been called a creek — flows north, begins and 
ends in the interior. The Great Salt Lake of Utah 
is fed by many streams flowing from the mountains in 
the east; and all those lakes, taken in connection 
with the numerous other reservoirs, are but the 
inland depositories for the groat water-shed of this 
immense basin, among which are Utah, Sevier. Mono, 
Owens, Hone}', Kagle, Lower, Middle, U]>per, Abort, 
Summer, and Silver Lakes. But one stream rising in 
all this region north of the Colorado Basin, seeks 
the ocean as an outlet, and that is theOwj-hoe, which, 
flowing through the channels of Snake River, even- 
tually mingles its waters with the Pacific. 

Hot springs arc found in many ])arts of the State, 
some of which are very singular in their character, 
and many exceedingly valuable as resorts for invalids. 
Of the best known of these, are the Steamboat 
Springs, eleven miles south of JJeno, in Washoe 
County, on the road leading from Reno to Virginia 
City. These cover a space of a mile or more in 
length, and a third of a mile in bi-oadth. This area 
is alwa^'s covered with a cloud of steam, s])ringing in 
jet« from apertujes in the rock, resembling the 
escape from a liigh-jiressure engine — he!ice the name. 

In the valley of Walker ]{iver, ten miles from 
Wellington Station, are the singular and valuable 
Hind's ]lot Springs, discovered by the present ])ro- 
prielor in IStid, and bearing his name. Tlieso have 
become a popular resort for invalids and tourists, 
who enjoy the luxury as well as the medicinal ipial- 
ities of the baths. 

The great hot si)ririg of Smoky Valley, in Nye 
County, is wonderful for the high tem|)erature and 
abundant flow of its waters, more than from any 
medicinal quality they contain. The spring is 
situated in the midst of a broad ])lain, its column of 
steam giving to the passing traveler the only inti- 
mation of its presence. A great shaft in the earth. 



tifty feet in diameter at the surface, out of which 
rises a stream of boiling water, bubbling at the 
center like a cauldron over a furnace, and flowing 
but a few hundred yards in the jjlain, at first a con- 
siderable stream, then disappearing — ever a mysterj'. 
The water is fresh and jiotable when cooled, or is 
used in tea or coff'ee, which beverages are readily 
prepared bj' it use. Here is a favorite camping 
place for travelers and jjrospectors, the boiling ])0t 
being perpetually in readine.ss for culinary purposes, 
cooking potatoes, or other comestibles immersed or 
sus]iendcd in the water. i'laslward, in the same 
county, is Hot Creek, flowing, as its name implies, a 
stream of hot water from several springs of that 
character. Near Iiliko are a number of hot s])rings, 
which are regarded as great curiosities, and much 
resorted to by invalids. Near the line of the Central 
Pacific Railroad, about twent}- miles east of Wads- 
worth, is a group of hot springs that have attracted 
the attention of many travelers, and were the 
wonder of the early emigrants crossing the desert 
to California. Others, throughout the State, are too 
numerous to name in detail. 

The evidences left of nature's strangest freak in 
this singular land, consists of a mountain of salt 
that is found twenty-five miles north of the C'olo- 
rado River, and a little w-est from the Rio Virgen, 
much of it is chemically pure, transparent as water, 
and so hard, that to remove it re<[uires blasting. 
The mountain is nearly two miles long, a half mile 
wide, and its summit reaching about five hundred 
feet above the level of the surrounding country. 
The surface is covered by a coating of earth, the 
salt lying in a vast stratum, nearlj- one hundred feet 
in thickness through the entire mass. Blocks of 
this salt have been used as windows by the Mormon 
settlers in the neighborhood. 

Extensive beds of the same material are found in 
every <|Harter of the State, sometimes the salt form- 
ing as an efllorescence on the surface of the ground, 
and at others, found in large crystallized blocks by 
excavation. Beds of bi-carbonate of soda, boracie 
acid, sulphur, alum, and kindred substances, best 
known to the chemist and druggist, are found in 
many localities. 

FOOT-PRINTS OF A niE-niSTORIO K.\CE. 

Evidences of the existence of a race of people, not 
there now, is found in various jilaces between the 
Ilocky and Sierra Nevada Mountains. A few obser- 
vations will be given, leaving the future archieolog- 
ist to explain their occurrence. There is a place on 
the Carson River where that stream cuts oil' the 
|)oint of a fool-hill around which it sweej)« at the 
lower terminus of what is known as the Big Bend, 
possibly one mile up the river from where once 
stood the Williams, or Hoiiey Lake Smith's, Station. 
The ]>lace where the hill is cut by the stream gives 
a facing to the west that overlooks the dosort and 
the country to the south. Up along the face of that 



20 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



cut, there are figures, or cbaraciers, chiseled into the 
hard rocks, that can be seen by the hundreds. 
Spiral forms, rings, and snakes, are the predominat- 
ing characters; several triangles, one well-lbrmed 
square and compass, and the I'orm of a woman with 
out-stretched arms holding in one band a branch, 
was noted among the number. Similar characters 
are found in Arizona, New Mexico, Old Mexico, and 
Central America. The Indians of the vicinity have 
no kiiowlcdire concernin;' them, not even a leicend. 

Since seeing this art gallery, that speaks from 
a time unknown and of a lost race, futher inquiry 
has disclosed the fact, that the same class of rock 
imagcrj' was to be seen by the earl^- prospectors, in 
Star Canon on a bluff below the Shcba Mine, in what 
is now Humboldt County. 

Dr. S. L. Lee of Carson City reports that in Con- 
dor Canon, ten miles a little east of south from 
Pioche, there are about fifiy figures cut in the i-ocks. 
many of them designed to represent the wild mount- 
ain sheep. Still farther south, possibly eighty miles 
from Pioche, in the Meadow Vailej' wash near Kane 
Sj)rings, this class of pre-historic art is most numer- 
ous and perfect in design. Men on horseback en- 
gaged in the pursuit of animals are among the most 
perfect and probably modern of the designs at that 
place. The Indians in that part of the country hav- 
ing some superstitious belief concerning them, or 
having no theory of their meaning, refuse to talk 
upon that subject with the whites. The following is 
an extract from the KurcUa Leader of February 14, 
1879:— 

EVIDENCE OF .\NCIE.NT INH.MUT.VNTS. 

Mr. Walker who has been working in the newly- 
opened stone quarry, near the mouth of New York 
Canon, brought a singular and interesting specimen 
to the Lender office this morning, the same being a 
slab of sandstone about twenty inches long, fourteen 
wide, and some three inches thick. The ])eculiarity 
of the rock is in the imjirint upon its surface of a 
gigantic foot, perfect in shape and contour with the 
exception of one toe, the little one. which is missing. 
By measurement it is fourteen and one-half inches 
from the outer rim of the heel to the end of the great 
toe, and six inches wide on the ball of the foot. The 
print is sunk into the rock one-half inch. Mr. 
Walker claims to have taken it from the top of the 
sandstone formation at a ])oint where about two feet 
of sand rested upon it. The rock is firm and hard 
in texture and forbids the idea of its being artificial 
work. 

The reader's attention has already been called to 
the existence of a salt mountain in southern Nevada. 
The following concerning the pre-historic evidence 
of that locality is from the pen of Daniel Bonelli: — 

The salt mines are solid ledges of rock salt of 
great extent, and containing salt enough to run one 
liutiilred rpiartz mills for one thousand veai"s. Some 
of the ledges on which I have had work performed 
for m^'self and the Southwestern Mining Company 
of Philadelphia, who are part owners, have an open- 
ing showing below the cap rock, some ton to twenty 
feet below the surface, charcoal, corncobs, bones, 



arrows and ced:ir-bark matting woven into blankets, 
giving un<lis|iutable evidence that long ages ago 
tlie pre-historic man dwelt in the caves here, which 
the dust of lime has since covered and indurated. 

Large trees, petrified and scattered over the face 
of the country, show that more moi-ture existed 
upon this land long ago than there is now, and what 
may once have been a fertile country is now desert 
and an ap])ailin;^ desolation. A few small margins 
of fertile 8(jil alon:^ creeks or springs are all that 
even now makes human or animal life po-ssible, and 
even the great Colorado of the We^t, which sweeps 
along the line of the Slate, bringing its waters tVotn 
the snowy summits of the conlinent to the world's 
greatest ocean, d(}es not redeem the desert character 
of the land, for it has carved its pathway through 
huije mountain chains in miiiht}- gorges, and shows 
so few margins of arable land that no settlements of 
importance are sustained at present on its banks. 

Evidences of a less remote occu))ation of this 
country is found in the pottery discovered, and ru le 
fortifications yet traceable in the region l^'ing north 
of the Colorado River, and along the streams empty- 
ing into it. The potter}' is of a dull white ground, 
with black stripes running up and di>wn, the Moqui 
Tribe of Arizona having in use at the present lime 
the same kind of earthern jars. Another exists in 
the remains of an old irrigating dilch along the 
Virgen River that shows an advanced knowledge of 
husbandry'. The ruins of adobe houses still exist at 
a spring on the cast side of Ash Crei-k, in the same 
section of country. The remnants of an old well, 
and blocks of hewn granite at Pah-Tuck Springs 
also speak of a civilization there that has ceased to 
exist. 



CHAPTER II. 

THE TRAPPERS AND EARLY EMIGRATION. 

\Vm. H. Ashley — .IcJeili.ih .S. .Smitli's Kxpeilitioii iu l>S'J,j-iG-27 — 
I'eter S. O^jiluii's Expeilitioa in \Ki\ — .Milton .'sublcttc's Ex- 
pinlitiou ill 183:2 — Boiiiieville an<l Walker's Expedition in 
IS;J,'J — Kit Carson's First Visit to Nevada, 1S3;1 — Emijjra- 
tion under Captain J. B. Bartleson in 1841 — .T. C. Kreniont's 
Expedition in 1S44 — The Emi^'ranta of 1844 — Fremont's 
Expedition in 1S45 — Edwin Bryant and other Emigrants in 
1S4G — Tlie Donner Party Tragedy. 

W.M. H. Ashley, of St. Louis, Missouri, a celebrated 
mountaineer, discovered the Great Salt Lake of 
Utah in 1824, and a smaller lake near by that 
received his name, where he erected a fort, and 
established his headijnarters for the remaining years 
of his adventurous career as a' Rocky Mountain 
trapper. Mr. Ashley had a partner named Jedediah 
S. Smith, a native of New York, whose m<nintain 
life was a chapter of thrilling adventure, until it was 
ended in 1831, by the arrow of an ambushed Indian 
assassin on the Cimarron River. 

jEnEDi.\n s. smith's expedition in 1825-26. 

The first white man to see any portion of what is 
now Nevada was a comj)any of some forty trappers 
under the charge, or leadership, of this noted mount 
aineer Smith, who crossed the country to California 
from his rendezvous on the Yellowstone River in 



THE TRAPPERS AND EARLY EJUGRATION. 



21 



1825. His route was through a portion of what is 
now westurn \V3"oiniiiii. down the Iliiinboldl, that 
was named Mary's Kivur b}- iiiin, at'lor his Indian wife; 
thence to the Walker River coiintrj-, and out ihrouijii 
what lias been since known as Walkei 's Pass into 
Tulare Valley, California, where he arrived in Jul}- 
with two companions. In October he recrossed the 
country', leavinij his party trappini; in the Sacra- 
mento Vaiky. The only infonniition in our posses- 
sion in regard to the direction taken by Stnilh on his 
return tri|) across the ciiuntry is contained in the 
followinic extract from a Idler to us M])on that sub- 
ject from Captain R.jbert Lyon, of San Hueuaven- 
tura, California: — 

* * * His, Smith's, notes mention the discover}- 
of Jlono Lake (or dead sea) on his return trip in 182.'). 
The upper end of Mono Gulch was very rich and 
shallow; and when the ijuich was first jiro-ipected 
by Cord (the di-coverei) in 1S.")1), i!;ol<i could be seen 
l^ini^ on the irranite rock. where it bad been wa-'hc<l in 
siij;lil by the rains; an^l there is not a placer between 
Sacramento and Salt Lake wIum-c gobl-dust could be 
80 easily obtained by inexperienced miners, with 
only a pan anil knife, as in the up]ier end of Mono 
Gulch. iJock}- .Mountain .J:ick, or Uncle Jack, as he 
was called, ami Hill lieed both spent the summer of 
18G0 in Mono, and were well known at iliat lime, 
and both of tliesc old trappers declared they were 
with Smith in 1825, and that they spent a week 
prosiiecting and ))icking U]) gold in those foot-hills in 
1825. The gold in Mono was not coarse, but 1 have 
often found ])ieces that would weigh from Iwentj'- 
five cents to two dollars. (.See Cross of N'irginia 
City, he was our ditch collector in ISttO); and he- 
sides there were old stumps which had been 
cut long years before 1858, for the s])routs had 
grown to be large trees in 1859. JJill Byrnes, 
well known in Carson Cit}', always claimed that 
Jed Smith discovered the Mono mines in 1825, 
although he (Byrnes) was not of thepartj*. * * * 

Upon Mr. Smith's return to the companj-'s head- 
quarters, on Green River, near Salt Lake, Mr. Ashley 
withdrew from the firm, and the business fell into 
the hands of Smith, M. Sublette, and David Jackson, 
who were known as the Rocky Mountain Fur Com- 
pany. This firm was so well jileascd with the suc- 
cess of the California expedition that it was thought 
best for Smith to lead another trapping party to the 
Pacific Coast, lie accordingly set out with a larger 
party than had accompanied him before, but passed 
south to the Colorado River, where his party were 
all killed, but two, in a battle with the Indians. 
Smith and two companions, named Turner and Gal- 
braith, made their escape, and reaching the missions 
of California, were arrested. 

Among the legacies inherited from the old Spanish 
authorities, and now preserved in the archives of 
California are the following relating to Captain 
Smith, his detention and release. lie first a])pears to 
have arrived in the inhabited regions of California, 
in 1820, and to have been recpiired Ijy the (Joverii- 
ment, always suspicious of strangers, particularly 
Americans, to give an account of himself, his actions. 



and purpose. Fortunately he found vouchers whom 
those in power felt their interest to respect. 

We, the undersigned, having been requested by 
Ca|)tain Jedediah S. Smith, to state our opinion 
regarding his entering the province of California, do 
not lioilate tc) say that we have no doubt in our 
minds but that he was compelled to for want of pro- 
visions and water, having entered so far into the 
barren country that lies between the latitudes of 
torty-two and forij-'three west that he found it 
im])ossible to return by the route he came, as his 
horses hail most of them jierished for want of food 
and Wilier, lie was, therefore, under the necessity 
of push in tr forward to C.difornia, it being the nearest 
])lace where he could procure supplies to enable him 
to return. 

We further state as our oi)inions that the account 
given by bitii is circumstantially correct, and that 
his sole object was the hunting and trapping of 
beaver and other furs. 

We have also examined the ]>assporls prtiduced 
by him from the Superintendent of Indian Affairs for 
the Government of the United States of America, and 
do not hesitate to say we believe them to be perfectly 
correct. 

We also state, that in our opinion, his motive for 
wishin^c to pass by a different route to the head of 
the Columbia River on his return, is solely because 
he feels convinced that he and his companions run 
great risk of perishing if they return by the route 
they came. 

In testimony whereof, we have hereunto set our 
hands and seals this twentieth daj- of December, 182(!. 
W.M. G. Dana, [i-. s.] 

Citpldin of Sihooiier Wacei/;/. 

Wm. II. CUN.\INIiIlA.M, [l. S.] 

C'lipfiim of Shi}) Courier. 

W.M. IIe.ndeiison, [i-. s.] 

Ctipfiiin of Bri(j Olive Branch. 

James Scott, [l. s.] 

Tiios. M. PoiiHiNs, [i.. 8.] 

Mate of ScliooJier Wnverly. 
Tiios. Shaw, [i-. s.] 

Sui>ercarijo of Ship Courier. 

The following refers to his second expedition. The 
locality of his camp is not given but it must have 
been somewhere near the Mission of San Jose, as 
there was the residence of Father Duran, to whom 

the letter is addressed. 

LETTER FllO.M CAPTAIN JEnEDI.\U S. S.MITIl TO FATHER 
DLllAN. 

Reverend Father: 1 understand, through the 
meilium of one of your Christian Indians, that you 
are anxious to know who we are, as some of the 
Indians have been at the .Mission and informed j'ou 
that there were certain white ])eo))le in the country. 
We are Americans, on our journey to the river Colum- 
bia; we were in at the .Slission San Gabriel in Jan- 
uary last. I went to San |)iego and saw theCieneral, 
and got a passport from him to i)ass on to that 
place. I have made several efforts to cross the 
mountains, but the snows being so deep 1 could not 
succeed in getting over. I returned to this place (it 
being the only point to kill meat) to wait a few weeks 
until the snow melts, so that I can go on; the Indians 
here also being friendly, 1 consider it the most safe 
point for me to remain until such time as 1 can cross 
the mountains with my horses, having lost a great 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



many 



- ten ort:* 

->. and at: 
..? I ho i.j,;ure ot" the 
- 'IMite uvv'.easant. l> 



oi 



v-5 Since. 

~ to set 

admit. 

- I ate of 

lite, wild 



1 am. reverend I'ather. vour strange, but real 
friend and Christian bn>ther. J. S. Ssiith. 

May 19. 1S27. 

This pioneer wanderer through what is now 
Nevada, had taken his last look upon her mountains 
and villages. He was released by the Spanish 
authorities, and reaching his Sacramento rendexvous. 
fitted out an expedition for the purpose of visiting 
the C'olumbia River in Oregon. Arriving with his 
ivirty at the Umpqua River, it was surprised by the ; 
Indians, and he again saw his companions all mur- 
dered but two. who escaped with him and made their 
way to Fort Vancouver. From then.\ Smith crossed 
to the Rocky Mountains by a more northern route, 
accompanied by Peter Ogvlen. a native of New York, 
at the head of a brigade of the Hudson Bar Com- j 
pany s trappers. 

PETEK S. 0GI>EN'S EXPEDITION IX 1S31. 

The Hudson Bay Company claimed the region 
Iviween the E " Sierra Nevada Mountains as 

their exclusive _ - for trapping. Their right, ; 

however, was not conceded by the Rocky Mountain 

Far C but. because of the friendly manner 

in w. - :h in his adversity had been treated 

at Fort Vancouver, he decided to abandon the dis- | 
puted territory, and sejxarated from Ogden's party ' 
at the head-waters of Lewis River, in 1S2V>. for the 
purpose of finding his associate partners, and carry- , 
ing out the design. Ogden commenced his trapping ' 
through the region lying west of the Rocky Mount- i 
ains. and gradually moved to the south, eventually 
arriving at what had been known as Mary"s River, 
probably in the spring of 1S31; traveled down it, 
taking the same rx>ute to " that Smith had 

followed in lS:i5. From '. - . forward until 

Fr«mont foisted the name of Humboldt upon that 
stream, it was called by some Mary's, and others 
Ogden's River. 

MILTOX SrBLErTKS KXPKDmOX IX 1S32. 

The nest expedition into the i-ountry was led by 
Milton Sublette, accompanied by Nathan Wyeth, 
who let\ Peerass Hole in the Ro«.-fcy Mountains, on 
the twenty-third of July. Its!:?, t'or the purpose of 
trapping the waters of the Mary's River* This party 
reached the head-waters of that stream in August. 
" ' - en. 

„ 1 . : ~, _- , - jav- 

infr the latter with about thirty men. Sublette con- 
i' " " '- " - " ' r. until 

1 - - _ _ y were 

forced to eat the flesh of the beavers they caught. 
"' - for these little ani- 

r hunger to subsist 



'Mowtaia and Froatier," bj Mza. F. F. Vietar, page 119l 



upon wild parsi - ' ' ' - i-d their flesh and 

made them un for the trappers, 

many of whom were made ill from eating them. 
Because of this it became necessarj- to at once aban- 
don the river, anvl strike across the I'ountry towards 
the north, where. at\er being four days with almost 
no food, and several weeks in a state of famine, they 
reached the Snake River abont fitly miles above the 
fishing falls. They were forced, as they passed over 
the country, to subsist upon ants, crickets, parched 
moccasins, and puddings made t'rom blood, taking 
a pint at a time t'rom their almost famished animals, 

BOXXKVILLE .VXD WALKERS EXPEDITIOX IX 1S33. 

Capt. B. L. E. Bonneville, who died June 12, 1S7S, 
at the advanced age of eighty-fiveyears, in FortSmith, 
Arkansas, and who was so fortuiu.' - ■ have his 
Rocky Mountain adventures imni . ty Wash- 

ington Irving — being an oflicer of the I'nited States 
army on furiough — fitted out an exploring expedi- 
tion of forty men. in 1S33, under the guidance of the 
since celebrated Joseph Walker, for the purpose of 
seeking beaver regions between the Great Salt 
Lake and the Pacific Ocean. This party, leaving 
the general rendezvous in the Green River Valley, 
reached the head-waters of Mary's River ^^Irving calls 
it Ogden's River>. and trapped slowly down its course 
until they rvached its sink, from where they crossed 
the country west to Pyramid Lake, thence up Truckee 
River into the Sierra Nevada, and across those 
mountains into Calit'ornia. 

These were the first explorers, the ommipresent 
Smith family in the lead, to open the way across the 
continent, and t ' - .ins. and lakes. 

as lasting memu: - us lives. Trap- 

pers and hunters continued to traverse the basin, 
and these were followed by " _ ts who sought 
the western coast as their h- . who have lett 

a greater impress upon the country. 

KIT CARSOX S FIRST VISIT TO XEVADA. 

In 1S33, Thomas McCoy, who was in the employ 
of the Hudson Bay Company, organized a trapping 
party, and Chri>topher i Kit'i Carson with five com- 
panions became members of it. Reports havinj 
become generally circulated that Mary's River was 
'sed with beaver. McCoy's party 
- - ;^ht its waters in search of them. 
They must have arrived upon the river after it had 
been tr. ''"■'" - •• they 

met wi: -- _ -- _ V II iho 

stream to its sink returned without going farther 
and crossed the country- to the Snake River in the 
north. After this date Kit Carson did not visit any 
portion of what is now Nevada until with Fremont 
in 1S44. 

EHIGRJLTIOX rXDER CAPT. J. B. BARTLESOX IX 1S41. 

The Great Basin of Nevada has been the field of but 
the Indian and the trapper until the summer of 1S4I 
The first explorers have reptorted of its lakes, its 



THE trapp?:rs and early emigration. 



2 3 



rivers, " sinks," and deserts, and of the ffreat snowy 
rid^e that separates them I'nmi the sunny valleys ol' 
the I'aeific Coast. People seekinu; that lair land had 
made the toilsome journey by Orejjon, or the storm}- 
voj-ajje by Cape Horn. At Independence, Missouri, 
a party of younji;, educated, and enerj^etic adven- 
turers had feathered from different parts of the 
United States, destined fi>r that land of the far West, 
and on the eiiflith of .May, IHH, started on their 
lonii journey-. .Many of these pioneers have become 
eons])icuou8 in the history of the West, and their 
names arc here a]ipe!i<led: — 

Col. J. B. Harlleson, Ca|)tain of the jiarty, re- 
turned to Missouri; is now dead. 

John Bidwell. resides in Chico. 

Col. Joseph H. Chiles, resides in Xapa Countj'. 

Josiah Beldcn, resides at San Jose and San Fran- 
cisco. 

Charles M. Weber, founder of Stockton, now dead. 

Charles Hopper, resides in Napa County. 

Henry Huber, resides in San Francisco. 

Michael C. Nj'e, resides in Oregon. 

Green Mc.Muhon, resides in Solano County. 

Nelson Mc.Mahon, returned to Missouri. 

Talbot H. Green, resides in Pennsylvania. 

Ambrose Walton, returned to Missouri. 

John McDowell, returned to Missouri and died. 

George Henshaw, returned to Missouri. 

Col. Robert Ryckman, returned to Missouri ami 
died. 

William Belty. 

Charles Fliitrge. returned to Missouri. 

Crwinii Patlon, returned to Missouri and died. 

Benjamin Kclsey, wife and child, resided within a 
few years in Santa Barbara County. 

Andrew Kelsey, killed by Indians at Clear Lake. 

James John, went to Oregon. 

Henry Brolaski, went to Callao, and thence to 
Missouri. 

James Dawson, drowned in Columbia Hiver. 

Major Walton, drowned in Sacramento I{iver. 

George Shortwell.accidentallj- shot on the journey. 

John Swartz, died in Ciilifornia. 

Grove C. Cook, died at San Jose, California. 

1). W. Chandler, died at San Francisco. 

Nicholas Dawson. <lcad. 

Thomas Jones, (lead. 

Robert II. T homes, died March 2(;, 1S78, at 
Tehama. 

JOlias Barnelt, live<l in Napa County. 

J. P. Springer, died at or near Santa Cruz. 

This was the first ]»arty of emigrants to cross the 
basin of Nevada en mufti to California Their jour- 
ney was made on horseback and with pack-animals. 
They followed the then known trail rin the South 
Pass to Salt Lake, thence to the Humboldt and to 
the Carson and Walker Rivers, following the latter to 
near its source, when they crossed the Sierra, 
descending its western slojje between the Stiiiiislaus 
and Tuolumne Rivers, to the San Joaquin Valley, end- 



ing their journey at the ranch of Dr. Marsh, near 
the base of Mount Diablo, on the fourth of Novem- 
ber, 184L At this point the company disbanded, 
making their future homes in different part- nf tin- 
country. 

FRE.MO.NT'8 E.XPEDITION IN 184:i-44. 

Fremont, in his second e.\|>edition of explorations, 
visited the (ireat Basin for the object of ascer- 
taining certain geographical features respecting 
which there was a <liscrepaiic3' between the maps of 
the country and the reports of the trajjpers. The 
first was the position of the Tlavialh, which he says 
is often called Klamel — now written Klamath. He 
writes: — 

From this lake our course was intended to be 
about southeast, to a re])orled lake called Mary's, at 
some days' journey in the Great Basin, and thence 
still on southeast, to the reputed Buenaventura River, 
which has a place on so man}- maps, and counte- 
nanced the belief of the existence of a great river 
flowing from the Rocky Mountains to the Bay of San 
Francisco. 

Thence he would go eastward and home. The 
land was a terru incoijiuta, as he says: — 

A great part of it absolutely new to geographi- 
cal, botanical, and geological science, and the subject 
of reports in relation to lakes, rivers, deserts and 
savages hardly above the condition of mere wild 
animals. 

He enters the Great Basin December IG, 1843, 
passing and naming Lake Abert, in honor of the 
chief of Topographical Engineers to which F'remont 
belonged. On the third of January, 1844, he 

Reached and run over the position where, accord- 
ing to the best maps in my po.s,session, we should 
have found ilary's Lake o r River. We were evidently 
on the verge of the desert which had been reported 
to us; and the a])]>earance of the country was so for- 
bidding, that I was afraid to enter it, and determined 
to bear away to the sc>utbward, keejiing close along 
the mountains, in the full expectation of reaching 
Buenaventura Hiver. Latitude, by observation, 40° 
48' 1.-,'. 

From a high mountain he espied a column of steam 
sixteen miles distant, indicating the presence of hot 
springs, and ho determined to go to them. Of these 
he writes as follows: — 

This is the most extraordinary locality of hot 
springs wo had met on our journey. The basin of 
the largest one lias a circumference of several hun- 
dred feet; but there is at one extremity a circular 
space of about tittcen feet in diameter, entirely occu- 
pied by the boiling water. It boils up at irregular 
intervals, and with much noise. The water is clear, 
and the spring deep; a pole about sixteen feet long 
was easily imnierseil in the center, but we had no 
means of forming a good idea of the depth. It was 
surrounded on the margin with a border of ynin 
grass, and near the shore the temperature of the 
water was 2(lii'^. We bail no means of ascerl. •lining 
that r>f till' crnler, win lo liie In at \v;is gre;it« .-t ; but 
by disper.-ing the water with a pole, the tempera- 



24 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



ture at the margin was increased to 20S°. and in the 
center it was doubtless higher. Bj- driving the pole 
towards the bottom, the water was made to boil up 
with increased force and noise. There are several 
Other interesting jilaces. where water and smoke, or 
gas escape, but tiiey would require a long description. 
The water is impregnated with common salt, but not 
so much as to render it unfit lor general cooking; 
and a mi.xlure of snow made it pleasant to drink. 
The latitude of the springs is 40° 39' 46". 

On the tenth of the month he first came in sight 
of Pyramid Lake, lie writes: — 

Beyond, a defile between the mountains de- 
scended rapidly about 2,000 feet; and filling up all 
the lower space, was a sheet of green water, some 
twenty miles broad. It broke upon our eyes like 
the ocean. 

Continuing his narrative, Fremont writes, Janu- 
arj- 14th:— 

Part of the morning was occupied in bringing up 
the gun; and making only nine miles, \ve cam])ed on 
the shore, o))posite a very remarkable rock in the 
lake, which had attracted our attention for many 
miles. It rose, according to our estimate about 600 
feet above the water, and from the jjoint we 
viewed it, presented a pretty exact outline of the 
great pyramid of Uheops. Like other rocks along 
the shore, it seemed to be incrusted with calcareous 
cement. This striking feature suggested a name for 
the lake, and I called it I'yramid Luke. 

On the night of the ISih, the whites camped at 
the point where the Truckce flows into Pyramid 
Lake, and the next day pursued their way up that 
stream, which Fremont named " Salmon Trout 
River," having obtained many trout of the Indians 
who caught them in the river. At the point where 
Wadsworlh now stands, on the Central Pacific Rail- 
road, they left the river, still looking for the Buena- 
ventura, and followed an Indian trail to the south- 
cast, until what is now called Car.son River was 
reached, at the point where it comes out from the 
foot-hills near Rtigtown into the great plains where 
it sinks, in Churchill County. The expedition moved 
down the stream about three hours and camped. Jan- 
uary ISth, because of the apparent impossibility of 
reaching the Rocky Mountains by continuing in that 
direction, in the worn and exhausted condition to 
which the journey thus far had reduced them. 
Fremont determined to give up the attempt and push 
across the Sierra west to California. The next day 
they moved up Carson ]{iver, in ])ursuance of this 
design, and in two more the place where now stands 
the ruins of Fort Churchill was reached. Here he 
ascended a mountain, took a look at the Carson 
Valley to the southeast, and along its western 
limits, then at the white snowcapped Sierra beyond, 
and descending the mountain, again concluded to go 
farther south, before attempting to cross this for- 
midable border of storm, of snow, and of ice. 
January 21st. the expedition left the Carson at the 
point designated, and moved south to the stream 



now known as Walker River, and moving along the 
east fork of that stream left it on the 23rd, to pass 
to the west. The thirty days of struggle for life 
in the passage over the Nevada Mountains is more 
properlj- a part of California history, and we leave 
the "man of destiny" moving toward the north- 
west with Indian guides, to attempt and succeed in 
making the perilous crossing. The mountain how- 
itzer that now is in the possession of Captain A. W. 
Prey, at Glenbrook, on the eastern shore of Lake 
Tahoc, was abandoned by Fremont on the twenty- 
ninth of January. It was afterwards found by Wm. 
Wright, known to the literary world as '■ Dan De 
Quille." He gave the point of its locality to a party 
who was to'get the gun and bring it to Virginia City. 
It had become a question of some importance, at the 
time, as to whether it should pass into the possession 
of the Union or secession element in Nevada, and 
upon its arrival, in June, 1861. at the Nevada min- 
ing metropolis, Captain A. W. Prey paid for it, to 
the party who packed it in, 8200, and thus secured 
its influence on the side of the maintenance of the 
Union. The gun was of the kind invented for the 
mountain part of the French campaign against 
Algiers. 

THE EMIORANTS OF 1844. 

[From Thompson & West's History o( Nevada County, California, ISSO.] 

The next winter after Fremont made his perilous 
crossing of the Sierra, another party, a band of- 
hard}- ))ionecrs, worked their laborious waj- through 
the drifting snow of the mountains, and entered the 
beautiful valley, one of them remaining in his snow- 
bound camp at ])onncr Lake until returning spring 
made his rescue possible. The party consisted of 
twenty-three men, John Flomboj-, Captain Stevens, 
now a resident of Kern County, California, Joseph 
Foster, Dr. Townsend, Allen Montgomery, Moses 
Schallenberger, now living in San Jose, California; 
G. (ireenwood, and his two sons, John and Briit; 
James Miller, now of San Kafael, ('alifornia; Mr. 
Calvin, William Martin, Patrick Martin, Dennis 
Martin. Martin Murphj- and his five sons; Mr. Hitch- 
cock and son. They left Council Blurt's May 2'!, 
18-14, en route to Calil'ornia, of the fertilil}' of whoso 
soil and the mildness of whose climate glowing 
accounts had been given. The dangers of the j>lains 
and mountains were passed, and the parlj- reiiched 
the Humboldt River, when an Indian named Truckeo 
presented himself and ottered to guide them to Cali- 
fornia. After <iuestioiiing him closely ihej' einp|i«yed 
him as their guide, and as they progressed, found 
that the statements he had made about the route 
were fully verified. He soon became a great favorite 
among tiiem, and when they reached the lower 
crossing of the Truckee River, now Wadsworlh, 
they gave his name to the beautiful stream, so 
pleased where they by the pure water and abundance 
of fish to which he had directed them. The stream 
will ever live in history as the Truckee Piver, and 





. ^^^^^t-^^-^y 



Gov. John Henry Kinkead 



Was born at Smithfield, Fayette County, Pennsyl- 
vania, on the tenth of December, 182ti. Three years 
after his parents removeii to Zaiiesvillo, Muskingum 
County, Ohio. Some years later the family made 
their home at Lancaster, Fairfield County, in the 
same State, where the eldest living member of the 
family now resides. 

The Governor's fiither, J. Kinkead, was a native of 
Chester ("ountj-, Pennsylvania, of Scotch ])arenlage; 
was married in Baltimore, JIarj-land, to a lady of 
German descent, where the elder members of the fam- 
ily were born. He was also an enlisted soldier and 
officer in the army of 1S12, though not called into 
active service. Among the public works of those 
early da3'8 was the construction of a highway by the 
Government, known as the National Turnpike Eoad, 
that extended from Baltimore, Maryland, west, 
through the populous portions of the country, to 
Columbus, Ohio. It was projected to terminate at 
St. Louis, but never reached that point. The Gov- 
ernor's father was a contractor in the building of 
that road, and moved along its line froni Baltimore 
westward, first to Smithfield, then to Zanesville, 
as before mentioned, where his connection with 
that enterprise ceased. The scholastic training 
to fit the subject of this sketch for the pur- 
suits of life was not pursued into fields higher 
than were attainable in the Lancaster High School, 
an in.stitute in that day under charge of the brothers 
Mark and John Howe, bearing a deservedly high 
reputation. His graduating educational degrees 
have been obtained under that ])ractical and finished 
instructor onlj- found in aciiuiring a knowledge of 
business and of men. At eighteen years of age he 
entered a wholesale dry goods establishment in St. 
Louis as a clerk, whore ho remained until his 
twenty-third j'car, when he crossed the plains in 
1849, and established, in connection with J. M. Liv- 
ingston, the pioneer mercantile house at Salt Lake 
City, known as fjivingston & Kinkead. 

In 1854 he removed to California, where, with his 
partners, a business was continued that consisted 
chiefly of buying, selling, and gra/.ing stock. On 
the first of January,, 185(5, ho was married at Marys- 
ville, California, to Miss Ijiz/.ie Fall, a daughter of 
John C. Fall, who now resides at Wilcox, Arizona. 
After his marriage, with the exception of one year 
spent in New York City in commercial business, he 
was interested in a mercantile establishment at 
Marysville, in connection with Mr. Fall, until 18(11. 



In the fall of 1859 his firm established a branch 
house at Carson City, Nevada; and in February of 
18G0, moved there to take charge of the new enter- 
prisCf since when he has considered the Silver State 
his home, though occasionallj' absent, and at one 
time for over three yeai's. His absence, just men- 
tioned, was from 1,S(!7 to 1871, when he visited 
Alaska, and was one of the ])arties who went there 
to witness the act of transfer by the liussian (iovern- 
ment of the home of the Esquimaux, the icebergs, 
and seals, to our Government. He was the first 
ofHcial appointed by the I'nited States to any (lov- 
ernmental position in that country. It was ten- 
dered him, with a commission not <iuitc as large as a 
bedspread, dulj' stamped with the national seal, on 
which could have been, but was not, written the ten 
commandments; his pay was to be twelve dollars 
per year; his occupation and title that of "P. M." 
(which is Postmaster). 

As a business man. Governor Kinkead has been 
one of the most active in the country. In con- 
nection with his associates he built, in early times, 
the widely-known Mexican (Quartz Mill, located at 
Empire City; located the pioneer town of Washoe 
City, and improved the water-power there; was one 
of the original projectors of the now Virginia and 
Truckee Railroad; built smelting works at Pleasant 
Vallej', a mill in the canon below Washoe City, and 
another at Austin; has been engaged in milling or 
mining in Ormsbj-, Washoe, Storey, Lander, Hum- 
boldt, and Esmeralda counties, in this State, in addi- 
tion to his mercantile pursuits. 

The Governor was Territorial Treasurer under 
Governor Nye, during the existence of the Terri- 
torial (Tovcrnment; was a member of both Constitu- 
tional Conventions convened for the pur])ose of 
creating a State Organization. Declining any fur- 
ther political advancement, he devoted himself to 
business ])ursuits, only emerging therefrom upon his 
nomination and election as (iovernor of his State in 
1878. He is agontleman in many respects of superior 
attainments, with a fair scholastic education: has 
read law, and traveled extensively in the United 
States and Territories. Officially he has shown him- 
self to be industrious, honest, and capable. Socially 
he is suave and aft'able in his manner. He would 
address a prince with dignity, or treat a tramp 
courteously, and greets all with a kind word and 
gonial pleasant smile, making every one whom he 
meets glad that Nevada's (iovernor is a gentleman. 



THE TRAPPERS AND EARLY EMIGRATION. 



9.-. 



tho fish, tbo famous Tniekee trout, will continue to 
d(.-lii;iit the palate of tiiu epicure for years to come. 

Fri)m this point the iiurly puslieil on lo the beautiful 
mountain lake, whose shores but two 3-ears later 
witnessed a scene of suftoring and death unequaled 
in the annals of Americ'a's ]>ioneers. Here, at Don- 
ner Lake, it was decided to build a cab n and store 
their jjoods until spring, as tho cattle were too 
exhausted to drag them further. The cabin was 
built by Allen Jlonlgomery, Joseph Foster, and Moses 
Schallenberger, all young men used to pioneer life, 
and who felt I'ully able to maintain themselves b}' 
their rifles upon the bears and deer that seemed so 
plentiful in the mountains. The cabin was built of 
pino sapMngs, with a roof of brush and rawhides; 
was twelve by fourteen feet and about eii^ht feet 
high, with a rule chimney and but one aperture for 
both a window and door. It was about a quarter of 
a mile below the foot of the lake, and is of peculiar 
interest, as it was the first habitation built by white 
men within tho limits of Nevada County, California. 

The cabin was completed in two days, and the 
parl3' moved on across the summit, leaving but a 
few provisions and a half-starved and emaciated cow 
for the support of tho young men, who had under- 
taken a task, the magnitude of which they little 
dreamed. It was about the middle of November 
when tho party left Conner l^ake. and they arrived 
at Sutter's Fort on the fifteenth of Decembei-, 1844, 
the journej- down the mountains consumini; a month 
of toil and privation. The day after the cabin was 
comjileted a heavy fall of snow commenced and con- 
tinued for several days, and while the journeying 
party were plunging and toiling through the storm 
and drifts, the three young men found themselves 
surrounded bj- a bed of snow from ten to fifteen feet 
deep. Tho game had fled down the mountains to 
escape the storm, and when tho poor cow was half 
consumed the three snow-bound prisoners began to 
realize the danger of their situation. Alarmed by 
the prospect of starvation they determined to force 
thoir way across the barrier of snow. In one day's 
journey thej- reached the summit, but poor Schallen- 
berger was here taken with severe cramps, and was 
unable to proceed tho following day. Every few 
feet that ho advanced in his atteni]it to struggle 
along, he fell to the ground. What could they do? 
To remain was death, and yet they could not aban- 
don their sick comrade among the drifting snows on 
the summit of the Sierra. Foster and Montgomery 
were )ilaccd in a trying situation. Schallenberger 
told them that he would remain alone if Ihey would 
conduct him back to tho cabin. They did so, and 
providing everything they could for his comfort, 
took their di^parture, leaving him, sick and feeble, in 
the heart of the snow-locked mountains. 

A strong will can accom]ilish wonders, and a 
determination to live is sometimes stronger than 
death, and young Schallenberger by an exertion of 
theso was soon able lo rise from his bed and seek for 



food. Among the goods stored in tbo cabin he found 
some steel traps, with which he caught enough foxes 
to sustain himsulf in liis little mountain cabin, until 
tho doors of his prison were unlocked by the melting 
rays of the vernal sun, and a party of friends came 
to his relief On the first of March, 1845, he, too, 
arrived at Sutter's Tort, having spent three months 
in the drifting snows of tbo "Snowy Mountains," 
the Sierra Nevada. 

FUE.MONT's EXI'EDITIOS OP 1843. 

In October, 1845, tho " Path-Finder" started from 
Salt Lake m ilh his i)arty, among whom were Kit Car- 
son and Joseph Walker, to cross tho country to the 
west. Alter passing over tho desert lying immedi- 
ately be^-ond that lake, the party was divided, a 
portion under Theodore Talbot who had accom- 
panied General Fremont from Washington, with 
Walker as a guide, going to Maiy's liiver <lown which 
it was to pass to the rendezvous near where now is 
liagtown, in Churchill Count}'. The balance, under 
Fremont, consisting of fifteen men, among wnom 
was Kit Carson, passed to the west lliroiigh the coun- 
try' to tho south of that river, and all finall}- met in 
November at the point designated, liemaining but 
one night in comiiaii}' at ihe rendezvous the}- sepa- 
rated, Talbot going lo tho south by way of Walker's 
River and Lake, theso waters having been named by 
Fremont in honor of the famed mounlaineer who 
accompanied Talbot as a guide. Fremont moved up 
the stream to which he had given the name of his 
favorite scout, Carson, and passing through the val- 
ley anil canon that have since received their name 
from the river, reached the shores of Lake Tahoe and 
from thenco passed over into the Sacramento Valle3\ 
In this connection the following letters are of impor- 
tance; — 

PuEscOTT, Arizona Terrilorj-, ) 
February 2!t, 1S81. | 

Mv Deaii Sirs: What is now called Tahoe Lake 1 
n:inuMl Lake Bonpland upon my first crossing of tho 
Sierra in 1843-44. 1 gave to the basin river its 
name of Humboldt and to the mountain lake the 
name of liis companion traveler, Bonpland, and so 
put it in the map of that expedition. Tahoe 1 sup- 
pose is the Indian name and the lake the same 
though 1 have not visited the head of tho American 
since I first crossed tho Nevada in '44. . 

Yours truly, J. C. Fue.mont. 

[Aniadc Bonpland, referred to by (Jeneral Fremont, 
was a native of France, was born at Hochelle, in 
177;:{, graduated as a |)hysician, and became an emi- 
nent botanist. lie accompanied Humboldt to Amer- 
ica, and subse(iuently became a joint author with 
that celebrated traveler and scientist, of several 
volumes of valuable works on botany, natural his- 
tory, and monuments oj' the New World. He was 
I'or nearly ten years tlelained in Paraguay as u 
prisoner by the Dictator, I)r. l-'rancia, lo prevent 
him fi-oni, or to punish him for, allemi)ting to cuiti- 



26 



HISTOEY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



vato the iliite, or raragu:iy, tea in that country. In 
1858, he died at Montevideo, the capital of Uraguay, 
in South America.] 



Prescott, Arizona Territory, 
March 8, 



Fcrritory, ) 

8, 1881. ) 



Dear Siks: Yours of the 3d reached me this 
morning. Carson iJivcr. as well as the others in that 
region, Humboldt, Walker, and Owens, with the 
P3ramid and other lakes, were named by me in the 
winter journey of 1843-44, to which you refer. The 
only volume which I have had the time to publish 
since this one, is a "Geographical Memoir and Map," 
])ublished under an order of the United States 
Senate, in 1848. I would send j'ou a co])y if I had 
one at hand. Thanking you for the interest you 
show in the subject, and for your disposition to 
arrive at facts, T am j'ours trul}-, 

J. C. Fremont. 

EDWIN BRV.\NT, AND OTHER E.MKiRANTS OF 1846. 

Among the overland emigrants of 1841), was 
Edwin Bryant, who later jiubii^hcd a book entitled 
"What I Saw in California." ile traveled a portion 
of the way, from Independence, Missouri, in com- 
pany with the ill-fated "Doniier party;" and he 
states that — 

The number of emigrants on the road for Oregon 
and California, I estimate at 3,000. 

lie further records, under date of June l.")lh, that 
eighteen persons returning to the Slates were met, | 
who reported that in advance thej- had met on tl.e 
road 430 teams. Add to this those acconijianying 
Brj'ant, and it makes 470 vehicles bound for the 
Pacific Coast, one-half of which he states were 
destined for California. 

July 15th Brj-ant arrived at Fort Bridger, where 
he found L. W. Hastings, and Hudspeth of Cali- 
fornia, awaiting emigrants for that country, to pilot 
them by a new route just survej-ed, that since has 
become known as Hastings Cut oft'. On the 20th 
Brj'ant and nine companions left that fort on horse- 
back, with jiack-animals, as the first to pass over the 
new route. He left letters to his friends advising 
them not to follow him with wagons, but to keep 
the old way by Fort Hall. The same daj- that 
Brj-ant's party left Fort Bridger, to reach the Hum- 
boldt by Hastings Cut-off, that passed to the south 
of Salt Lake, thej- were followed by some fortj- 
wagons, guided by Hastings, to bi'cak tlio new i-oad. 
TheBO reached California throiigii i lie Great Basin, 
safe as did Bryant, his comjianions, and all who went 
by the way of Fort Hall, but such was not the case, 
however, with the last California emigrants of tli.il 
season who followed, contrary to advice, the trail of 
Bryant. 

JIAJOR STEPHEN COOI'ER's PARTY. 

In the spring of 184C, Maj. Stephen Coo]ier, who 
now lives in Colusa County, California, started from 
Missouri for the Pacific Coast accom])anii'd by Ins 



family. The Major was a frontiersman of note, hav- 
ing been an associate of Daniel Boone, and had, the 
year before, accompanied Fremont as far as the Rocky 
Mountains on his way to California, i'rom where he 
had returned through Texas to his home in Missouri. 
Besides his familj- the Major was also accompanied 
by a train, of which he had charge, consisting of 
twenty-eight ox-teams transporting emigrants to 
California. Thej- also passed down the Humboldt 
Eiver and over the mountains by the Donner Ijake 
route to their destination, arriving in October of that 
year in the Sacramento 'N'alley. 

THE DONNER LAKE TRAdEDY IN 1846. 

In April of the above year an emigrant party set 
out from S])ringfield, Sangamon County, Illinois, for 
California, among whom were two brothers George, 
and Jacob Donner, and families numbering sixteen, 
James F. Reed and family of seven persons, and 
Franklin W. Graves with a family of twelve. At 
Indei)endence, Jlissouri, they were joined by Patrick 
Breen and familj- of nine. Later Mrs. Lavina 
Murphy, a widow lady with whom was her familj-, 
joined them one hundred miles west of Fort Bridger, 
and these were the jirincipal members of the Donner 
party proper that numbered ninety souls. Inde- 
pendence was reached in the first week of May, and 
the train finallj- was increased to between two and 
three hundred wagons. At this ])oint jirovisions 
were purchased and the overland journey commenced. 
On the si.xtcenlli of June Mrs. tieorge Donner in 
a letter re])orted very favorablj' of the expedition 
u]) to that time and jdace, 450 miles fi-(mi Inde- 
))entlence. At Fort Laramie some of them joined in 
celebrating the Fonrtli of July, and on the 20th of 
that month at Little Sandy River, George Donner 
was elected Ca])tain of the train. At Fort Bridger a 
portion of the emigrants decided to try a new route 
to California by the waj- of Salt Lake, known as the 
Hastings Cut-otf; the remaining members of the 
l)arty jjreferring to take the longer, but belter known 
route by wiiich thej- eventually reached in safety- the 
point of their destination. Those choosing the Salt 
Lake route were the ones whose tragic fate, leading _ 
them to Starvation Camj), has handed their history 
down to ])Osterity as the darkest page shadowing 
the history of Pacific Coast pioneer life. With the 
change of route their trials began. Salt l>ake being 
reached in over thirty instead of seven days as antic- 
ipated. Then the great desert beyond that lake was 
to be crossed, trackless, barren, anil desolate and 
foreboding. From that time forward misfortune's 
hand lay heavy upon them, hope's outlines fading 
grew less distinct in the shadows of each departing 
day, while in every succeeding event seemed lurking 
some dark tragedy. At the western margin of the 
desert it was determined that some one must go for- 
ward to Sutter's Fort, 700 miles, and come back to 
meet them on the way with jirovisions. Volunteers 
were called for to do this when Wm. McCutchcn of 
Missouri, and C. T. Stanton of Chicago, Illinois, 



TPIK TI;AIM'KI!S .\M» KAULY KMltlKATlUN. 



27 



rcs]ioiuli'(l. and started on hoi-sol)at'l< alone iipon the 
forlorn Lopo mission ol' lil'o or deatli to all wlio wore 
left behind. 

(travellj- Kord. on the Ilumliolilt. was reaelied, with 
wornoiit cattle, by the eniacialed travelers, who 
were subsisting upon short rations. At this jilace 
oeeurred the saddest event that misfortune east h}' 
the wayside for those vietims Irailini^ their course 
from haiipy homes in the East to the court of death 
bj- the hank of liake l)onner. There was a youni^ 
man some twenty-three years of aj^e, named Joim 
Snyder, who was driving one of the teams for Mr. 
Graves. lie was a person of unusually fine apjicar- 
ance. rather tall, well develo])ed, jireposscssitij;, and 
lookeil a kinjj amonj; men. In disposition liappy, 
mirthful, jubilant, with a smile and kind word for 
every one; he had become the favorite of the party. 
He had one misfortune, that of a fierce, uni;overn- 
able tenijier when the lion of anger W'as stirred 
within him. Jlary Graves, a tall, graceful, ilark- 
e^-ed beauty, also one of the emigrants, was to 
become his bride upon tlieir arrival in California. At 
this fatal ford an altercation occui'red between him 
and James F. I?eed. Mrs. J?eed, in rushing be- 
tween tlie combatants, received a cruel blow from 
the butt .end of a whip intended for her lH^^band, 
dealt by Sn}'der, who the next instant staggered 
back with his life blood flowing from a mortal wound 
received in the side from a knife in the hand of the 
enraged husband. Mr. Reed was banished from the 
traiTi without food, or gun to get it witli, to make 
his way as best he could to California; but after" he 
had gone affection overtook him. A friend stole out of 
camp with his gun. accom]ianied by Mr. Heed's little 
twelve-j-ear-old girl Virginia, who had secreted 
some crackers about her ]ierson, and following the 
wretched traveler, came up with him. But for this 
he must have perished on the desert, from which 
cruel fate he was saved through the constancj' of a 
friend and the affections of his child. The remains 
of young Snyder were buried near tlie jilace where 
he had fallen. The next day the train moved on 
with the heart-broken girl, who li;iil looked for the 
last time u]ion the one that she had loved, and tlie 
little mound that forever covered his form from her 
sight. 

On the ninth of October while moving down the 
Humboldt, an old man named llardcoo]) in comjiany 
with Keseberg, fell behind the train. That night 
Keseberg came into camp but the old man did not; 
he had traveled until his feet hurst 0|)en, and then 
laid down and died. At Humboldt sink twenty- 
eight of their cattle were run otf by Indians, and the 
party was near the verge of des))air. They continued 
however to struggle on, all of them on foot now 
except the children and disabled. They were liter- 
ally starving, some of them being forced to go with- 
out food for a daj^ or more at a time. On the four- 
teenth of October, between Humboldt sink and 
Wadswortb, Keseberg and a wealthy member of the 



party named Wolfinger. fell l)ehin<l and the latter was 
never seen afterwards; Keseberg came into camp 
without his companion, and later on^ Joseph Hein- 
hart, when dying, confesse<l to having had something 
to do with the murder of the missing man. The 
further trials and terrible horrors that beset the 
])ath of this ill-starre<l jiart}- is taken from the his- 
tory before mentioned of Nevada ('ounty, California, 
by Thompson & West, and wo quote the following 
from that work: — 

On the nineteenth of October, near the present 
site of Wadswortb, Nevada, the destitute company 
was happily reprovisioned by C. T. Stanton; fur- 
nished with food and mules, together with two 
Indian vaqueros, by Captain Sutter, without com- 
pensation. ' 

At the present site of Iteno it was concluded to 
rest. Three or four daj's' time was lost. This was 
the fatal act. The storm-clouds were already brew- 
ing upon the mountains, only a few miles distant. 
The ascent was ominous. Thick and thicker grew 
the clouds, outsvri))ping in threatening battalions the 
now eagar feet of the alarmed emigrants, until, at 
Prosser Creek, three miles below Truckee, October 
28, IS-tG, a month earlier than usual, the storm set 
in. and they found themselves in six inches of ncwly- 
fallcn snow. On the summit it was already from 
two to five feet deep. The party, in much confusion, 
finally reached DonnerLakein disordered fragments. 
Fre(jucnt and desperate attempts were made to cross 
the mountain tops, but at last, liaHied and des])airing, 
they returned to camp at the lake. The storm now 
descended in all its ])itiles8 furj- upon the ill-fated 
emigrants. Its dreadful import was well undei-stood, 
as laden with omens of suffering and death. With 
slight interru))tions, the storm continued for several 
days. The animals were litorallj* buried alive and 
frozen in the drifts. Meat was hastilj' ]irepared 
from their frozen carcasses, and cabins rudely built. 
One, the Schalleni>ergor cabin, erected November, 
1844, was already standing, about a quarter of a mile 
below the lake. This the Hreen family appro])riated. 
The Murphys erected one three hundred j^ards from 
the lake, marked by a largo stone twelve feet high. 
The tiraves family built theirs near Donner Creek, 
three-quarters of a mile farther down the stream, 
the three forming the apexes of a triangle; the Rreen 
and .Murphj' cabins were distant from each other 
about one hundred and fifty yards. The Donner 
brothers, with their families, hastily constructed a 
brush shed in Alder Creek Valley, six or seven miles 
from the lake. Their jirovisions were speedily con- 
sumed, and starvation, with all its grim attendant 
horrors, stared the poor emigrants in the face. Day 
by day, with aching hearts and paralyzed energies, 
they awaited, amid the beating storms of the Sierra, 
the dread revelation of the morrow, " hoping against 
hope " for some welcome sign. 

On the sixteenth day of December, 184(5, a party 
of seventeen were enrolled to attempt the hazardous 



28 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



journey over the mountains, to press into the valley 
beyond for relief. Two returned, and the remaining 
fifteen pressed on, including Mary Graves and her 
sister, Mrs. Sarah l''osdick, and several other women, 
the heoric C. T. Stanton and the noble K. W. Graves 
(who left his wife and seven children at the lake to 
await in vain his relurn) being the leader.s. This 
was the " Forlon Hope Party," over whose dreadful 
sufferings and disaster we must throw a veil. A 
detailed account of this party is given from the 
graphic i)en of C. F. .McGlashan, and lately published 
in book form from the press of MctJIashan, proprietor 
of the Tiurkee Republican, to which we take pleasure 
in referring the reader. Death in its most awful 
form reduced the wretched company to seven — two 
men and five women — when suddenly tracks were 
discovered im|>rinted in the snow. "Can any one 
imagine," says Mary Graves in her recital, '^ the 
joy these foot-])rints gave us ?" We ran as fast as our 
strength would "carry us." Turning a sharj) point 
the)- suddenlj- came upon an Indian ranclicria. The 
acorn-bread offered them by the kind and awe- 
stricken savages was eager!}' devoured. Bui on thiy 
pressed with their Indian guides, only to rejicat their 
dreadful sutlerings, until at last, one evening about 
the last of January, Mr. Eddj-. with his Indian guide, 
precediiig the ]iarly fifteen miles, reached Johnson's 
IJanch, on Bear IJiver, the firstscttlement on the west- 
ern slope of the Sierra, when relief was sent back as 
soon as possible, and the remaining si.x survivors 
were brought in next daj'. It had been thirty-two 
daj^s since they left Donncr Lake. No tongue can 
tell, no pen portray, the awful suft'ering, the terrible 
and appalling straits, as well as the noble deeds of 
heroism that characterized this march of death. The 
eternal mountains, whose granite faces bore witness 
to their sufferings, are fit monuments to mark the 
last resting i)lace of Charles T. Stanton, that cultured, 
heroic soul, who groped his way through the blind- 
ing snow of the Sierra to immortality. The divinest 
encomium — "lie gave his life as a ransom for 
many" — is his epita)ih, foreshadowed in his own 
noble words, " I will bring aid to these famishing 
people f)r l(iy tlomt my life." 

Nothing could be done, in tlii^ meantime, for the 
relief of the suftercrs at Donncr Lake, without secur- 
ing hel]i from Fort Sutter, which was s])eedily accom- 
plished by John lihodcs. In a week, si.\ men, fully 
provisioned, with ('aptain Reasin P. Tucker at their 
head, reached Johnson's Eanch, and in ten or twelve 
days' time, with jirovisions, mules, eic, the first 
relief ])arty started for the scene of Donncr Lake. It 
was a fearful undertaking, but on the morning of the 
nineteenth of Februarj-, 1847, the above parly began 
the descent of the gorge leading to Donncr Lake. 

We have iiurposel^' ihi-own a veil over the dread- 
ful sufferings ol' the stricken band left in their 
wretched hovels at Donner Lake. Iie<Iuced to the 
verge of starvation, many died (inchnling numerous 
children, seven of whom were nursing babes) who, 



in this dreadful state of necessity-, were summarily 
disposed of. Rawhides, moccasins, strings, etc., 
were eaten. IJut relief was now close at hand for 
the poor stricken sufferers. On the evening of the 
nineteenth of February, 1847, the stillness of death 
that had settled upon the scene was broken by pro- 
longed shouts. In an instant the ])ainfnllj- sensitive 
ears of the despairing watchers caught the welcome 
sound. Captain Tucker, with his relief party, had 
at last arrived upon the scene. Every face was 
bathed in tears, and the strongest men of the relief 
party, melted at the appalling sight, sat down and 
wept with the rest. But time was precious, as 
storms were imminent. The return party was 
quickly gathered. Twenty-three members started, 
among them several women and children. Of 
this number two were compelled to return, and three 
perished on the journej-. Many iiardships and pri- 
vations were exjjerienced, and their provisions were 
soon entirely exhausted. Death once more stared 
them in the face, and despair settled u])on them. 
But assistance was near at hand, .lames F. Reed, 
who had precLMled the Donner parly bj' some months, 
suildcnly apj>eared with the second relief ]>arty, on 
the twenly-firih of Febi'uary, 1847. The joy of the 
meeting was indescribable, especially between the 
family and the long-absent father. Rejirovisioned, 
the jiarty pressed on, and gained their destination 
after severe suffering, with eighteen members, only 
three having ])erished. Reed continued his journey 
to the c.ibins at Donner Lake. There the scoiie was 
simi)ly indescribable, starvation and disease wore fast 
claiming their victims. JLirch 1st (according to 
Breen's diary), Reed and his parly arrived at the 
camp. Priiceeding dii'eculy to his cabin, he was 
espied by his liule daughter (who, with her sister 
was carried back by the previous parly), and imme- 
diately recognized with a cry of joy. Provisions 
were carefully deal I out to the famishing [leoijle, and 
immediate steps were talien for the i-eturn. Seven- 
teen comprised this ]iarly. Half starved and com- 
pletely exhausted, they were compelled to cam)) in 
the midsl of a furious storm, m which Mr. Reed 
barely escaiied with his life. This was "Starved 
Camp," and from this ))oint Mr. Ri-ed, with his two 
little children and another person, struggled ahead 
to obtain hasty relief if possible. 

On the second daj' alter leaving Starved Camp, 
Mr. Reed and the three companions were overtaken 
by Cady and Stone, and on the night of the third 
day reached Woodwoiths Camp, at Bear Valley, in 
safet}-. The horrors of Starved Camp beggar all 
description, indeed, require none. The third relief 
parly, composed of John Stark, Howard Oakley, 
and Charles Stone, were nearing the rescue, while 
W, n. Foster and W. 11. Kddy (rescued by a former 
party) were bent on the same mission. These, with 
Iliiam .Miller set out from Woodworth's Camp in the 
following morning after Reed's arrival. The eleven 
were tluly reached, but were in a starving condition, 



CHANGE OF FLAG IN 184G. 



29 



anil nine of the eleven were un:il>lo to walk. ]?}• the 
noble resolution and herculean etlbrtH of John Stark, 
a j)art of the number were borne and urjijcd onward 
to their destination, while the other ))ortion \s'as 
com])elled to remain and await another relief part}-. 
When the third relief parly, under Foster and Eddy, 
arrived at Donner I.iake, the sole survivors at Alder 
Creek were (ieorije Donner, the Cai)tain of the com- 
]iany. and his heroic and faithful wife, whose devo- 
tion to her dyin<; husband caused her own death 
dui'ini; the last and fearful days of waiting i'or the 
fourth relief (Jeorgo Donner knew he was dying, 
and urged his wife to save her lil'e, and go with her 
little ones, with the third relief, but she refused. 
Nothing was more heart-rending than her sad part- 
ing with her beloved little ones, who wound their 
childish arms lovingly around her neck, and besought 
her with mingled tears and kisses to join them. But 
duly prevailed over affection, and she retraced the 
weary distance to die with him whom she had prom- 
ised to love and honor to the end. Such scenes of 
anguish arc seldom witnessed on this sorrowing 
earth, and such acts of triumjjhant devotion are 
among her most golden deeds. The snowy cere- 
ments of Donner i>ake enshrouded in its stilly white- 
ness no purer life, no nobler heart than Mrs. (Jcorge 
Onnner's. The terrible recitals that close this awlul 
tragedy we williiiglj' omit. 

The tliiiil relief party rescued four of the five last 
survivors; the fourth anil last relief Jiarty rescued 
the last survivor, Lewis Keseberg, on the seventh of 
April, 1847. Ninety names are given as members of 
the Dormer part}'. Of these, fort3'-two perished, 
six did not live to reach the mountains, and foi-tj-- 
eight survived. Tvvent^'-six, and possib.y twent}-- 
eight, out of the fortj'-eight survivors, are living to- 
day, several residing in San Jose, Calistoga, Los 
Galos, JIarysville. and in Oregon. 

Thus ends this narrative of horrors, without a ]iar- 
allel in the annals of American hisiory, of appallinir 
disasters, fearful sufferings. Iieruic fortituile, self- 
denial and heroism. 

The emigration increased in ISIT, and then the 
gold discovered in 1848 induced a steady stream of 
treasure-seekers to come from the States, over the 
])lains, and down the IluinlmUll liiver in 1S40, en 
route for California. Their number precludes the 
possibility of a furthiM- detail of ihe aiivent of those 
who were but passing through Nevada. 



CU A I'T HI! 111. 
CHANGE OF FLAG IN 1846. 

Tliefire.it Risiii Ceded by Mexieo ti) the United States in lS4i> 
— St.ite of J)e.ser<t Organized— Utah Titrritiiry Or^^anized — 
Diacovery of (Jiild anil Karly SettUineiit of Western 
Utali — Transient Settlement — Letter of Itobert Lyon. 

TiiF. ]5ear Flag War in California was inaugtirated 
at Sonoma on the fourteenth of June, in 184(1, and 
while the Donuor party was striving to roach that 



coutitrj-, unbeknown to them a struggle was going 
on there between tlie Mexican authorities and the 
foreign or American ])o])ulation tor ])osscssion of 
that country, which terminated in favor of the 
Americans. At the same time war was r.aging 
between the United States and Alexico, that finally 
resulted in the trium]di of our armies, and a treaty 
which was signed February '1. 1848, ceded to our 
Government a large tract of countr}', dating the ces- 
sion from the seventh of July, 1840, when Commodore 
Sloat raised the American Hag at Monterey. The 
territory thus obtained included all of Mexieo lying 
between the Pacific Ocean and the Jtocky Mount- 
ain.s that was bounded on the north by the 42° 
of north latitude, which is the line between Oregon 
and California; and on the south by the Uila IJiver, 
and what is the present south lino of California. 
Conseiiuently. what now is known as Nevada, Utah, 
and Arizona, was, until the conquest in 184(i, a part 
of Mexico and of the Mexican Territory of Alta 
California. 

STATE OF DESERET ORllANIZEl). 

On the eighteenth of March, 18 lit, the Mormons 
assenililed in convention at Salt Jjake and organized 
a Territorial (iovernment over what the}' designated 
as the "Slate of Desoret." The boundaries named 
for this new Territory included what is now Utah, 
Nevada, Arizona, a ])ortion of Colorado, a slice from 
Uregon, and thai portion of Wyoming lying south of 
the Wind liiver Mountains. It also included of what 
is now California. San Diego and Los Angeles Coun- 
ties, as far up the coast as Santa Monica. From 
there the line ran directly north to the ridge of the 
Sierra Nevada, and took in half of Kern C'ounty, a 
])art of Tulare, all of ln\o and Mono, u part of 
Alpine, all of Lassen, a |)art of Shasta and Siskiyou 

Counties. 

UTAH TEllKITOllY OIKiANl/.EU. ^ 

On the nitith of September, IS.'jO, the da}* on 
which California was admitted as a State, Congress, 
by Act, established the Territory of Utah with the 
following boundaries: '■ Bounded on the west by the 
Slate of California; on the north by the Territory of 
Oregon; on the east by the summit of the Rocky 
Mountains; and on the south by the thirty-seventh 
parallel of north latitude." 

EAKI.V SErri.EJIENT l.N WESTERN I'TAII. 

In the earlj' spring of 1850, a number of parties 
set out from Salt Lake District for California. Tliey 
reached the eastern base of the Sierra Nevada in the 
Carson Valley before the melting of snow had ren- 
dered those mountains traversable, and were forced 
to pass the consequent tedious houi-s and daj's of 
waiting as they best could. Some members of the 
train having mined before, a prosjiecting party was 
suggested, that started for this juirpose to soarcli for 
gold along the various streams flowing into the 
Carson Kiver. They finally reached, by ])assing 
down that stream, the present site of Dayton, where 



30 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



a little creek was found flowinij out from a canon, 
where they tried for gold and found it. The dis- 
covery \VM made, but failed to develop suflScient 
richness to warrant those finding it in changing their 
original design ol' going over the mountains, and 
thus the news of placers found in the Great Basin, 
was carried to California early in 1850. 

DISCOVERY OP GOLD. 

lion. C. N. Noteware, of Carson City, late Secre- 
tary of State for iS'evada, in mentioning this sub- 
ject, saj^s: "The writer passed the mouth of Gold 
Canon on the third daj- of July, 1850, and on the 
divide between there and Empire, met a party of 
miners from California on their way with a mining 
outfit to work in the canon, where thej- said gold 
had been discovered the year before by a party of 
emigrants." 

Capt. Robert L}'on, who passed the same ])lace 
about fifteen days later, writes from San Buena- 
ventura, California, that, "In July. lsr)0, there was 
some placer mining carried on in the canon at the 
mouth of whicli Dayton now stands; and during that 
year, the canons leading into the mountains from the 
Carson, Washoe, and Steamboat Valleys, were 
thoroughly explored and prospected for gold. I 
camped at the old Mormon Station (Genoa) about the 
twentieth of July that year, (I know I arrived at 
Placerville the twenty-seventh of Jul}-), and at that 
time there was a party of Mormon miners from Cali- 
fornia prosj)ecting in Gold Canon. They brought 
some gold-dust to the station while 1 was there, but 
said there was richer diggings near ilanglown, 
(Placerville), and unless they Ibund better pay in a 
few days, they would return to California." 

The writer conversed upon this subject with manj', 
and the evidence of all the belter informed corrob- 
orated the fact of the discovery of gold in 1850; but 
additional fact was obtained from Walter Cosser, 
who first came to Nevada in 1852, and has remained 
here since. Said ho: " In the fall of 1852 I was 
mining in Gold Canon, when two young men came to 
the gulch IVom California, on their way to visit their 

parents at Salt Lake. Their names were" he 

hesitated here, and it was sevi'ral hours before the 
names were remembci'cd as being that of Cole and 
EobinsoD. " They remained in tlie cafion until 'the 
spring of 1853, and then continued their journej*. 
While there, in the mines, Ilobinson told me that he 
was one of a party from Salt Lake in the spring of 
1850, who came to Carson Valley on their way to Cal- 
ifornia, arriving lietbre the snow had'melted from the 
road over the mountains, Ac." Mr. Cosser ])roceeded to 
relate substantially the same account alreadj- given of 
the gold discovery, and his language is repeated here 
only because it rescues from oblivion a portion of 
the name of one of the gold discoverers in Nevada. 

TRANSIENT SETTLEMENT. 

The ipicstion of who were the first settlers in 
Nevada is a disputed one, and because of this fact 
the following letter is inserte<i; — 



San Buenaventura, Cal., ) 
November 10, 1880. | 
Dear Sirs : Yours of the sixth in regard to first 
settlement of whites in Nevada, is at hand. The 
following facts 1 know to be true. I crossed the 
plains in 1850, in what was known as the Wilmington 
train, from Illniois, that was well fitted up for the 
trip with good horses and mules that outtraveled 
most of the trains. We did not lead the emigration 
of that 3'ear, but were in the foremost ranks of it. 
After passing Salt Lake wo frequentlj' met saddle 
and pack-trains from California on their way to 
meet friends on the plains. We were alwa^'s anxious 
to see these Californians, to learn the news from 
California, inquire the best road to travel, and tho 
best place to purchase such provisions as we were in 
need of. And all of these Californians spoke of the Mor- 
mon Station as the principal trading-post east of tho 
Sierra. There were several ])laces on the Humboldt 
and Carson Kivors where whisky and flour were 
sold from a canvas tent or cloth house, but these 
traders packed their house on a mule and left when 
the emigration for that season was over. The Mor- 
mon Station (the present Genoa) was founded in 
June, 1850, by Salt Lake Mormons. I arrived at 
that station about July 20, 1850. and sta3-e<l there to 
rest one day. I sold a good American horse to tho 
man who kept tho trading-post for thirty pounds of 
flour and fifteen dollars. Flour wa-* SI. 50 per pound, 
and he allowed me sixty dollars for niy horse. There 
were two or three women and some children at the 
|(laee, and I understood that they had settled there 
with the intention of remaining permanently. They 
claimed a section of land, including the grass plat 
where S. A. Kinsey's orchard and house now stand. 
We had to go a distance above to picket our horses. 
They had quite a band of fat cattle and cows which 
they brought from Salt Lake; some of the fattest 
beef 1 ever saw hung su^^pended from the limbs of 
a big pino tree. Beneath the tree was a butchers' 
block, cleaver, and steak knife. They retailed the 
meat to hungry emigrants at six bits ])er pound. I 
have never since eaten beef that tasted so sweet as did 
that. In regard to improvements there was one 
store where they kept for sale flour, boans, tea, 
coffee, sugar, dried peaches, sardines, tobacco, miners' 
clothing, overalls, shirts, etc., etc. There was also a 
grocery whore they sold whiskj*, broad, cigars and 
tobacco. Thej- had a good-sized log-house com- 
pleted all but the roof. I was inlbrmed that it was 
intended for a family dwelling and eating-house. So 
j-oii seethe Morinoii Station was well established and 
widely known in July, 1S50, and the traders at that 
post were getting rich trading with the emigrants. 
* * * * Respectfully yours, 

Robert Lvon. 



SETTLEMENT OF CARSON VALLEY. 



31 



CHAPTER lY. 

SETTLEMENT OF CARSON VALLEY 

1851. 

riic First Settlemeat — The .Squatter Government of 1851 — 
First Meeting o{ Citizens— Seeonil .Meeting of Citizens^ 
Tliirtl Meeting of Citizens — Civil (iovernnient — A Clerk and 
ConstaWe — Fourth Meeting of Citizens — The Present of .Some 
of Those — The Fate of Others— Iteese ami Kiusey— Stock.iile 
Built — (Jarilen Planted — hjigle Uaiieh Located. 

From Sto])lioii A. Kiii.<ey, now liviii<; at Genoa, 
and tlie records of the Mormon Church at Salt Lake, j 
obtained throui^h the courteny of Orson I'ralt and i 
J. Jaqucs, the fact is ascertained that in tlie sjirini^ 
of 1851, John Reese, with ten wajjons loaded with 
flour, butter, egfjs, etc., etc., left Salt Lake for the 
])ur|)oso of establishint; a tradiiiiijiost somewhere 
on the overland road east of the Sierra. lie was 
accompanied by Stephen A. Kinsey, some teamster.s, j 
and a few passensjers for California, makint; sixteen 
pei-sons in all. The train arrived at IJagtown, on 
the Carson River, in .May, where it stopped for a 
while, until heariiiic of a more favorable locality in 
Carson Valley, through j»arties arrivini; from Cali- 
fornia to meet friends or trade with emigrants, Mr. 
Kinsej- started on horseback to "s]))' out the land" 
in advance of the Reese expedition. He visited the 
head of that vallcj-, and then returned along the 
base of the Sierra, until arriving at the place known 
in 1850 as "Mormon Station," ho concluded that it 
was the most favorable point for a trading-post in 
that section of country; and campiiig, remained 
there until Mr. Reese arrived with the train. At 
this time there was no one living there, no house, 
no ruins of a house, or the vestige of one to be 
found. Those who had occupied the place in 1849-50, 
had folded their tents like the Arab, in the fall of the 
last year, and silently stolen awaj-, leaving the 
torch of the Indian to efface any indication of their 
ever having been there. On the fourth of Julj-, 
1851, Mr. Kinsey selected and took possession of the 
ground known as Mormon Station, that name being 
retained until 1855, when the site being surveyed, 
"Genoa" was substituted. When the Reese parly 
reached western Utah, not over six miners were at 
work in Gold Caiion; but some twelve of those 
accom])anj-ing him joined the six, among whom 
were two of the teamsters, named Joseph Webb 
and James Kenimore, the latter known as "Old 
Virginia." During that Summer, the Gold Canon 
settlement was increased to about one hundred 
miners. 

Immediately upon their arrival at .Mormon Station 
the building of a log caljiri was commenced that, 
when completed, was the only house in what is now 
Nevada. That pioneer of the numberless structures 
erected through the Silver State in the years that 
followed still stands where it was built in Genoa, the 
one relic left of the almost forgotten past. A stock- 
ade corral was also jiut uji at a cost of two thousand 
dollars, that enclosed something over an acre of 
ground. It was made strong as a prote<-lion against 



Indians in case of need, being built of fifteen-foot 
logs, set on end three feel in the ground, touching 
each other so as to make a solid wall. Thus was 
commenced in 1851 the first permanent settlement 
in western Utah. 

That season (1851) a garden was fenced in bj- Mr. 
Reese, which was plowed and sowed to turnips, and 
a generous crop demonstrated the productiveness of 
the soil. 

Late that year emigrants arrived en route to Cal- 
ifornia, and, I'earing to attempt the mountain roads, 
wintered in Carson Valley. A few .Mormons arrived 
at different times iluring the year in that section of 
country and joined the increasing number of popu- 
lation, among whom were three persons named J^ee, 
one named Condie, and another named Gibson, all 
of whom are at i)resent residents of Utah. 

Early in November of that year a party, consist- 
ing of Joe and Frank Barnard, George Follensbee, 
A. J. Rollins, Frank Hall, and VV.L. Hall, came from 
Bents Bar, I'lacer County. California, for the purpose 
of mining in western Utah, but finding the jiay was 
not sufficient to warrant them in doing so, they took 
up, in December, the celebrated Eagle Ranch, where 
now stands the State (!a|iitol. They built a log 
house there for a station close to what is now the 
Clayton residence, and, after completing it, rented 
the same to a couple of emigrants, named Doctor 

Daggett and Gay. An eagle soaring over the 

heads of the builders was shot and killed by K'rank 
Hall, and the skin stripped from the bird was stuffed 
and nailed upon the station. This incident furnished 
a name for the station that was transferred to the 
ranch, and eventually to the valley that surrounded 
it. 

There had so many people concentrated in the 
fall of 1851 along the eastern base of the Sierra that 
it became neeessar}' for them to have some recog- 
nized rules governing their rights to acfjuire and 
hold property, that could b}' common consent bo 
enforced. In response to this ])revailing sentiment, 
meetings were called, the' records of which were 
kept in a little book of sixty leaves, in size six inches 
by seven inches, that has fortunately been |>reserved 
by Mart <>aige, of Carson (."il^-, and the following 
details of the first eflbrts at government in what is 
now Nevada, is obtained from it. 

THE syf.VTTEU (lOVEHN.MKNT OF 1851. 
Klli.sr MKtTISlI OK enizKNs. 

The citi/.ens of western Utah assembled on the 
twelfth of November, 1851, at Mormon Station fur 
the purpose of organizing a Squatter Government. 
At the time, they were largely subject to the laws of 
Utah Territor}-, but jirobably wen' not aware of that 
fact, and if so, considered them iTiadefpiale to the 
necessities of their surroundings. Iti their declara- 
tion of intentif)ns it was laid down that the object 
was to adopt a system by which the settlers could 
subdivide " the valley so as to secure each individual 



32 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



in their rights to land taken up and impi-oved by 
them." — •' To agree upon a pelilion to Coiijjreiis for 
a distinct Territorial Government: the creation of 
public offices for the valley, and the adoption of 
by-laws and fixed roifuhitions to govern the com- 
munity." At this meeting Col. A. Woodward 
acted as Chairman and T. G. Barnard as Secretary. 
Six resolutions were adopted. 

No. 1. provided for the survey of land claims and 
the employment of a competent Surveyor for that 
purpose, and James H. Haynes was the party who 
seems to have received the appointment, as his name 
appears later in that capacity. 

No. 2, created the' offices of Recorder and Treas- 
urer, both to be held by the same party, who was to 
record and issue certificates of claims, receive a fee 
of twenty-five dollars for doing it. and account to the 
committee for the use of the same. 

No. 3. limited claims to quarter-sections. 

No. 4, made the Recorder and Treasurer acc-ount- 
able for his acts to the committee who had the 
power of appointing to that office or making 
removals in case of dereliction of doty. 

No. 5. required the Recorder to collect fees before 
performing duties. 

No. ti. provided for the election at that meeting of 
seven persons to act as the head of the organization, 
who were to have " the arrangement of all business 
touching claims." also the power to appoint a 
Recorder and to be responsible for his acts. In 
other words, this committee was to be the executive 
or governing department, the following persons 
being chosen for that position: Wm. Byrnes. John 
Reese, E. L. Barnard, A. Woodward, H. II. Jameson, 
T. A. Ilylton. and N. R. Haskill. A committee of 
five was then selecte,! to prepare and present at the 
next meeting other resolutions to perfect this system 
of government, the following gentlemen being 
named: — 

Committee on Resolutions, John Reese, J. P. Bar- 
nard. Wm. Byrnes, Wash. Loomis, H. H. Jameson. 

" A petition to Congress " was then read and 
approved, after which the meeting adjourned until 
the nineteenth of the same month. 

SECO.ND MEETING OK CITIZENS. 

November 19, 18.>1, the meeting a.ssembled in 
accord with adjournment, this lime with John Reed 
acting a.s Chairman, and T. A. Ilylton as Secretary. | 
Five additional resolutions were adopted and added I 
to the six passed at the former meeting: — ! 

No. 7, gave parties a right to take up a new claim 
after they disposed of one in possession. i 

No. 8, required prepayment of the twenty-five- 
dollar fees to Recorder. 

No. !>. required claimants to put five dollars in ] 
improvL-ments on their land within one hundred and 
eighty daj's after receiving certificate. 

No. 10, permitted a companj- to take claims for 
eal-h individual of the company, and improve one 
location enough to cover expense on all. 



No. 11, timber to be common property, except 
that parties who would erect saw-mills were to have 
number of acres. 

The petition to Congress was then read, and then 
another committee of five were appointed to draft 
by-laws for the civil government of the community, 
when they adjourned until the twentieth instant. 

THiaD MEETING OP CITIZENS. 

November 2u. IS.jl. the settlers assembled as per 
adjournment, with the same otficers pre-iding as at 
the .last meeting, when T. A. Ilylton, U. U. Jame- 
son, J. P. Barnard. Wash. Loomis, and W. Byrnes, 
the committee appointed at that time, reported a 
preamble and resolutions as follows, that were 
adopted: — 

CIVIL GOVERNMENT. 
Fre tiiibU. 

WiiEaEAS, it has been deemed neces«arj- to the 
welfare and advancement of our community, that 
there should be some fixed rules of right agreed 
upon and established for its government and the pro- 
tection of citizens in all their privileges, which each 
and all justly regard as their allodial due; and 
whereas, it is always requisite to ap])'>int officers 
whose duty it is to enforce law and maintain order, 
it is agreed that there be certain officers elected fnmi 
among our comnninity, to- wit: A Justice of the 
Peace, a Clerk of the Cnurt, and a Sheritt": and 
these functionaries shall be required to exercise and 
enforce law according to the acknowledged rules of 
equity which govern all civilize! communities. 

There shall be four individuals associated with 
the Justice — himself making the fif\h — in forming a 
court, and he shall be empowered to summon any 
four whenever occa.sion shall require it, to take cog- 
nizance and wlju'licate suminari/i/ in all cases of 
controversy, debts or offenses against the public 
weal; and to enforce fines or other sufficient penal- 
ties upon offenders; to issue warrants and authorize 
arrests. But to provide against the abuse of these 
powers, citizens and others shall have the riij/i/ of 
uppealtoa court o/tireU-e citizen.i. summoned promiscu- 
ously, who shall constitute a court of inquirj- from 
whose decision there shall be no appenl; scrutinize 
and reverse if necessarj* the decrees of the Magis- 
trate's Court; and who shall have power to remove 
the magistrate or impose upon him any other Just 
penalty, in the event of the abusive exercise of his 
authority. To strengthen them and provide for the 
execution of their verdicts, etc., there shall be a Clerk 
and Con.'table appointed to aid and execute the 
decrees of these courts. 

After these resolutions had been adopted 
the following-named parties were elected to the 
offices thus created: E. L. Barnard. Magistrate; Wm. 
Byrnes, SheriflT; Dr. T. A. Ilylton. Clerk. A com- 
mittee was then appointed to bring further matters 
upon the same subject before a meeting ordered to 
a.s-semble on the twenty-ninth instant, when they 
adjourned; but the meeting never convened as 
ordered. 

KOCRTII MEETI.Mi "K i ill/.EXS M.VY 22, 18.l2. 

Another meeting assembled with J. C. F'ain in the 
chair, ami that authorized any one who would build 
a saw-mill to take up a section of timber land. 

(Signed) E. L. Babn.vrd, Recorder. 



COUNTY ORGANIZATION AND RECORDS. 



.'};{ 



THE PRESENT OP SOME — THE FATK OK OTHERS. 

Ol'thosc already menlioiieil as sottlors, John Reoso 
is now a comparatively poor man in Salt Lake City. 
Frank Hall in a resilient of Carson City and his 
brother, W. L. Hall, lives at Wellington, Esmeralda 
County; S. A. Kinsey at Genoa, tho last three men- 
tioned all in Nevaila. Frank Harnard was killed bj- 
an emigrant in the winter ol' 1S.')2, at a station on 
Clear Creek, that divides Douglas from Ormsby 
County. A. J. Rollins is now living at Antioch, Cali- 
fornia. Col. A. Woodward was killed at Rocky 
Point on the Humboldt in the latter part of Novem- 
ber, 18.")1, bj- Indians. E. L. Barnard, one of the 
firm of Reese & Co., lotl Nevada in the fall of 1852 
with a largo drove of cattle, purchased mainlj- on the 
compan}-",s credit, and up to date has not returned. 
Barnard ))ocketed the jiroeeeds from tho sale of that 
stock; the com]):in_v were under tho necessity of pay- 
ing for so much of it as was purchased on credit, 
which bankrupted them. Wash. Loomis was hung 
in Los Angeles for stealing. N. R. ILiskill, one day 
in tho 8|>ring of 1852. while Wash. Loomis was his 
partner in keeping the tr.iding-post at the mouth of 
Gold Caiion, invited Wiili.im Hyniesout to shoot with 
a revolver at a ni:irk, and alter Byrnes had emptied 
his weapon, tho treacherous llaskill made a target 
of him and left tho Te.\as R mgi-r perfor.iled with ball 
holes, as ho supposed to ilio. The miners took the 
matter in hand, and both tho station keepers had to 
flee tho country to avoid being hung. Byrnes hav- 
ing an iron coii-*titation recovered, and made several 
lengthy trip-i in search of the man who had 
attetnptod his assassination. After one of these, he 
remarked to Frank Il.iil that ho was even now, and 
should hunt no more for llaskill, which jiroved noth- 
ing, but left the impression that tho latter had met 
his death at tho hands of tho Te.Kan. Byrnos is 
now an inmate of tho insane asylum at Stockton, 
California, lie was a mm that a desperado could 
got into a combat with on slight provocation; but an 
ordinary ])erson. who did not travel on his figiiting 
c|iialities or parade them osientatiousl}', might insult 
with little fear of getting harmed. 



C II A P T E R V. 



COUNTY OR3ANIZATION AND RECORDS. 

1852-54. 

First County Orisaniz.ition — First Laml Claim — First Tull-Ho.id 
(Jraiit— Deep Simw .iii.l Fl<i<>il.i in Carson Valloy — I8.");t — 
First Lawsuit— Fifth Mt-etini; .'f Citizi-ii> — \Vli..t Mrs. Uit- 
teiiriudfr ItiinfiiilR-rs of l,S."):t — First .Marriage ami hivorcc- — 
Tile First D.iiice — l.S."i4 — IVrniaiieiit ••verhiiul .Stations on 
the Carson Itiver — An Imlian Killeil liy a Boj — Sunday 
Kvcnts — Marriage Contract — .Sixth .Meetinj; of Citizens — 
LamKCIaiins Hecordeil in l.S.")4 — Carson County Create<l — A 
Mail Koute Estalilishe*! . 

FIRST COrNTV (MKLVNIZATION. 

On the third of March, lS.-)2, Utah, by an Act of 
the Legislature, created several new counties and 
defined their boundaries. In what is now Nevada 
5 



there wore seven in number, their wost lino being 
California, thoir oast limits all terminating in what 
Still remains Utah, while their north and south 
boundaries were parallel lines running oast and west. 
The farthermost division north was named Weber 
County, then came Deseret, next to which, on tho 
south, lay Tooele, the three including about luli miles 
of tho north end of Nevada. The south lino of 
Tooele was not far from the present north line of 
Washoe County. The next division was about thirty- 
six miles wide, and included the mo.stof what is now 
Washoe, all of Storey- Count}', and was given tho 
name of Juab. Tho next strip south was named 
Millard. It was about fifty milos wide, and included 
most of Walker's Lake and the ])resont counties of 
Orm-i'iiy and 1) mglas. 

Tho balance of the Torritorj* was divided into 
abiut two opial parts, and named Iron and Wash- 
ington Ciiunties, tho latter bounded on the south by 
tho thirt^'-seventh parallel of north latitude, which 
was also tho south line of Utah at that time.* 

On the seventh of February of that year tho Terri- 
torial Li'gislature elected for counties as above, the 
following-named persons as Judges for a four years' 
term : — 

For U^cbor and Doscrct Counties, Isaac Clark. 

For Tooele County, Alfred Loo. 

For Juab County, George Bradley. 

For Millard County, Anson Call. 

For Iron and Washington Counties, Chapman 
Duncon. 

This early book of records, alrcadj- mentioned, was 
not only used to preserve the annals of that which 
was done during tho several mootings of tho settlers, 
but was also utilized for the entry of land claims, 
court proceedings. Sheriffs minutes, in fact, for the 
noting of all transactions of a public nature. In it 
is found the 

THE FIRST LAND CLAIM. 

On the first of December. 1852, John Rcoso 
rjcorde I a one-fourth section claim extending from 
Murmon Station south to a lone tree, including all 
between the mountain base and Carson Rivor — 
and on the same day E. L. Barnard, S. A. Kinsey, 
James C. Fain, J. Brown, and W. B^Tncs recorded 
locations, claiming in succession as their names 
appear, a one-fourth section each, to tho north of 
Reese, J. II. Scott & Bro. recording on tho same day 
a one-half ticclion on the south of Reese, and no other 
claims Wen' entered upon tho records in 1852. 

FIRST TOLL-ROAD ORANT. 

The same day, however, John IJecse and Israel 
Mott applied for the ])rivilege of putting a toll- 
bridge on the Carson Kiver, and to repair the road 
u]i tho mountain as a part of the enterprise, and to 
have the franchise for Jice i/i'arM, which was gi-anted 
on condition that they cx|)end 81,(1(111 on the same 
before tho first of July, and collect tho following tolls: 

*.Soc compilatiun nf 185,5, pages S'Jd, 2'J(i, of Utah laws. 



34 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



Waj^jon, one dollar; liurncd cattk- j)er head, ten cents; 
Bheep per head, two and one- half cents; horses or 
mules per head, twenty-five cents. In May, 1852, 
Israel Mott, the founder of Mottsville, with his wife, 
left Salt Lake for Mormon Station with a train that 
was bound for California. Upon their first arrival in 
Carson Vallej-, Mr. Mott located four miles up from 
the station, and later in the fall built a house out of 
wa>;on-bcds one-half mile farther up the overland 
road. He made a window-sash with a jack-knife, 
and paid seventy-five cents a light for seven-by-nine 
inch glass to jnit into it. Mrs. Mott was the first 
pemianent ladj- settler in Carson Valley, and as the 
wife of Mr. A. M. TajHor, is still living there. 

On the tweiily-fourth of December, 1852, it com- 
menced to snow in Carson Valley; in tw^o days three 
feet of it was lying over the whole face of the coun- 
try, and six daj-s later the ground was bare. The 
sudden melting of this va.st field of snow caused a 
greater flood in the Carson River to usher in the 
year 1853 than has since occurred. 

In 1852, the Halls and partners ran the Eagle 
Station, mined a little, and became, to a limited 
extent, packers of goods from California, traders 
with overland emigrants, and helped to grade a road 
up Kings Canon, with a view of inducing the over- 
land travel to pass that way. During that year 
a number of emigrants went that way, but it was 
a bad road, and was soon abandoned, except by 
pack-trains. At the place where James Woods now 
lives in Eagle Valley, a family located that summer, 
named Boweii, w4io raised a crop and lelt in the 
fall. Jacob H. Rose located near where Samuel 
Nevers now resides, and Dr. 15. L. King at the 
mouth of the canon, which received his name, 
both of these parties came in 1852, and were the 
only residents remaining in Eagle Valley in 1854. 
In the south end of Washoe Vallej-, a ranch was 
taken up that year by one Clark, who was forced 
to abandon it because of the killing of a Washoe 
Indian near there by Gaines, in the following win- 
ter. 

A MAIL ROUTE ESTABLISHED. 

In 1852, a mail route was established bj' the Gov- 
ernment between Salt Lake City, Utah, and San 
Bernardino, in southern California. The contract 
for carrj'ing the mail over it was awarded to the 
Mormons, for whose benefit it had been called into 
existence. For the purpose of facilitating the carry- 
ing upon this route and to gain a supply station 
near the Potosi lead mine, that they proposed to 
work, a post was established by Rrigliam Young 
at the Los Vegas S])riiig, in the south end of what 
is now Nevada, on what vvas known as the Old 
Spanish trail between San 15ernardino and the Rocky 
Mountain country. The .Mormons continued to 
occupy this post until after the Mountain Meadow 
massacre, in September, 1857, when it was aban- 
doned. 



THE FIRST LAWSLIT. 

From the events making up the history of 1853 
but little has been saved from the wreck of forget- 
fulness, which at best presents but here and there a 
foot-print that the drifting sands of time have left 
uncovered. Uf these the earliest — as appears from 
that ancient little book of records — was the first law- 
suit in western Utah, which was commenced at 
Mormon Station on the fourteenth of March that 
year. John Reese was plaintiff; George Chorpenning, 
the surviving partner of the firm of Woodward & Co., 
was defendant. The claim was for SG75, for sup- 
plies furnished Woodward & Co., while carrying the 
mails from Salt Lake to California, and E. L. Bar- 
nard was the Magistrate before whom the suit was 
brought. Ree.se filed his bonds, an attachment issued, 
and J. P. Barnard as Constable made the following 
entry upon the returns: " I have levied upon four 
mules, one anvil, two pair of tongs, one broken vise, 
two hammers, one cold chisel, one bellows, one 
sledge, one compass, chain and surveyor's instru- 
ments, ft/no all their claim to the ohl Mormon •Station, 
and one revolver." From the entiy it appears that 
Woodward & Co. had become part owners in Mor- 
mon Station. On the sixteenth of the same month 
Judgment was entered against defendant for the 
amount claimed, and twenty-five dollars in costs 
being added, made the demand an even $700. 
Eleven daj-s later the Constable sold the defendant's 
effects, and made the following entry in regard 
thereto: — 

One mule to J. IJecse - 8 91 

One mule to J . Reese 61 

One mule to J . Reese - 61 

One mule to J. Reese 86 

Compass and chain to J. Reese 40 

Blacksmith tools to J . Reese 30 

Mormon Station to J. Reese 130 

Total S499 

FIFTH MEETING OF CITIZENS. 

On March 21st occurred another meeting of the 
citizens, on wliiili occasion J. H. Scott presided, and 
F. (i. Barnard acted as Secretary, when the laws or 
rules previously published were amended in the fol- 
lowing particulars: "No one to have a right to hold 
land unless they first file a notice of claim with the 
Recorder; and then put, within sixty da^-s, 810(1 in 
improvements on the same. Occupancy by principal 
or agent necessary to title. Absence of thirtj- days 
vitiated it. A man of family might claim 640 
acres, and a single person one-half that amount. 
All differences regarding land to be settled by arbi- 
tration or a jury of actual settlers. Fees to Recorder 
reduced to five dollars. 

The following land entries wore made in 18.53: — 
April 11th— J. H. Scott and Charles Ferguson; 
J. n. Haynes and David Barry; Thomas and K. II. 
Knott. 



COUNTY ORGANIZATION AND RKCOllDS. 



35 



Mi»y 12tli— Chiirles A. l)a>;.<rett. 

Muy 17th— R. T. Hawkins, in Jack's Valloy. 

July 22d — li. M. Young and James Greono. 

September 30(h — L. Olds and John Olds. 

October atli — John L. Car}- and Thos. Knott sell a 
farm to W. H. Thorrington for SOOO. 

October (ith — Foiir-sixtlis of the F'^agle Ranch 
sold by F. and W. L. Hall to E. L. Barnard; two- 
sixths having been ])urchased by them from A. J. 
Rollins and George Follensbee. 

October 2Sth— J. W. Murphy and \V. Smith. 

WHAT MRS. DlTTEiNIUEUEK UKMEMliKItS OF 1S53. 

On the ninth oT .hiue James B. Kills ami his wile, 
Laura AL, arrived at the mouth of Gold C'anon. 
The)- took up a ranch that fall about one and ono- 
half miles below where Daj'ton now stands, and 
built a substantial log-hotise. On the fourth of Octo- 
ber, lSr)4, .Mr. HIlis was killed b}' the accidental dis- 
charge of his gun; and his wife, later married to 
George Dittenrieder, now lives a widow at Virginia 
City. She ke]>t a journal during all those early 
years, and to her the historian is under obligations 
for many important facts. When she arrived at 
Gold Caiion, Spaft'ord Hall, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, 
was keeping the station and trading-post, being 
assisted by James McMarlin and wife as employees, 
the latter receiving sixty dollars per month as house- 
keeper. The station was standing on what is now 
Mine Street, and across the road opposite to it was a 
blacksmith sho]). built from wagon-bods. The only 
women in western Utah at the time out of Car.son 
Valley were Mrs. McMarlin, Mrs. Cosser, her little 
twelve-j'ear old girl, and the wife of the blacksmith 
who worked in the shop just mentioned until fall, 
and then returned to California. There were a 
number of miners in the cation, none of them work- 
ing at the time as far up as whore Johiitown was 
afterwards stalled. Later that fall another family 
moved in there, among whom were several ladies. 
One of them was eventually mai-ried to liUte Olds, 
another to Al. Sijuires, and both of those gentlemen 
now live in Car.son Valley. 

Heesc & Co., who raised ten acres of turnips and 
about seven of small grain in lSr)2, at Mormon Sta- 
tion, had increased the quantity in 1853, and were 
making their effort at farming a financial success, 
because of the ready sale of produfts to emigrants, 
who would pay a dollar for a small bunch of turnips. 
In the fall, i{eese & Co. purchased Eagle Ranch from 
the Halls, October (ith, who returned to California; 
and Frederick Bishop took charge of the station for 
the company-. 

In the fall or winter of 1853 Walter Cosser started 
in the mercantile lino at the place which later be- 
came known as Johnlown, and it was the first estab- 
lishment of any kind at that point. Thomas Knott 
commenced, on the twenty-seventh of March, to 
build for John Cary a saw-mill at the head of t!arson 
Valley; that was completed, and the first ]ilank 



sawed by it on the twenlj-sixth of July. The lum- 
ber from this, the first saw-mill in western Utah, 
sold for 8100 per thousand. 

FIRST .MARRIAUE AND DIVORCE. 

That summer, an emigrant stopped for a time at 
Gold Canon whose name was I'owell. Ho was 
seeking a homo for his motherless family, among 
whom was a girl about fourteen years of age named 
Mary. Mr. I'owell left his children at the diggings, 
and went up the valleys in search of a favorable 
point to locate, and, while he was gone, a young 
man named Benjaiiiin Cole, a native of Missouri, 
induced this child to marry him. Captain Parker, 
now living on the Humboldt, being a Justice of the 
Peace, performed the ceremony. The bride imme- 
diately thereafter was taken to the cabin of Mother 
Cosser, to remain until a habitation could be built 
by the husband. The kir.d heart of this Scottish 
lady warmed towards the child-wife, and she advised 
her not to go with the husband until the father's 
return, and the advice was accepted. A consider- 
able feeling was awakened because of this, and the 
miners took sides, some declaring for Cole, while the 
more sober-minded and reflective sustained the 
Cossor's and the girl, whom the husband would have 
taken possession of by force, but for the certainty 
of swift vengeance from the hands of the sturdy son 
of this mother in Israel. 

Mr. Powell soon returned, and finding what had 
transpired in his absence, with tearful eyes thanked 
this pioneer mother for her watchful care of his 
little brood, and immediately started with them for 
California. The husband soon followed in pursuit, 
with the avowed purpose of abduction, accompanied 
by a number of friends, and hot upon their trail, 
Walter Cosser rode, with several others, on such 
horses as could be hastily gathered, to prevent, by a 
jiitched battle if necessary, the declared object of 
the hnshand. Mr. Powell was overtaken, and the 
matter was finally compromised by all parties agree- 
ing to lei the girl decide whether to go on or return 
with Cole, and she concluded to remain with her 
father. iMr. Powell moved on towards California, 
and the husband returned to Gold Cafion, while 
Walter Cosser and friends lingered on the road to jjre- 
vcnt the consummation of an ulterior design, if any 
was contemplated by Cole. They met no more, that 
bride and groom of an hour, and thus was accom- 
])lished the first ceremony of marriage in Nevada, 
followed by a swift-wingod and effectual divorce. 

THE HRST DANCE. 

On the night of the last day of the year 1853, 
there was a dance in the log building over Spafford 
Hall's store, at the mouth of (iold Canon. There 
were nine females, including little girls, that attemled 
the party, and this number constituted throe-fourths 
of all the fair sex in western Utah at the time, 
Mrs. Cosser, old Mrs. Mott, now deceased, and 
a lady in Gold Cafion, remaining at home. The 



36 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



miners, ranchers, aiul stiition-kccpers, from all over 
the country, numbering possibly one liundred and 
fifty men, were there, in or about the station; and 
while everybody was enjoying themselves, the 
Washoe Indians came and drove off their horses. 
The next day the stolen stock was all recovered by 
the owners e.xcejit two, that had been killed by the 
Indians for eating, at a general barbecue at Chalk 
Hill, near where now is located Mound Station, on 
the Virginia and Truckee Railroad. 

OVERLAND STATIONS ON TQE CARSON. 

Early in 1854, Spafford Hall, while hunting, was 
severely wounded by the accidental discharge of 
his gun. which caused him to sell the station to 
James .Mc.Marlin. who up to this time had been in 
his employ, and he started for his Indiana home as 
soon as the mountains could be crossed in the spring. 
Mc.Marlin sent for his brother John to join in the 
enterprise, who did so, and was killed by Indians 
at Slipperj' Ford, in the mountains, a few years later. 

Asa Kenyon permanently located at Ragtown that 
year, where the overland I'oad lirst reached the Car- 
son River, and started a station there. Previous to 
this, traders had been in the habit of going to that 
point, ))utting up a tent, trafficking with emigrants 
through the summer, and then leaving in the fall for 
California. 

About four miles up the stream from Ragtown, 
at the place known as The Willows, Thomas Pitt, 
who had been the blacksmith at Hall's Station in 
1853, started a station. 

Two brothers, named James and Harvey Hughes, 
from Missouri, established one on the river about 
four miles up from where the massacre by Indians 
occurred in 1 Still, at the place known as Williams, 
or Honey Lake Smith's, Station. 

In the fall of the year, John Smith purchased the 
post on the Carson at the western terminus of the 
twenty-six-mile desert, from a California trader. 
The ])laco is now known as Coonie's Ranch. 

The same year (ieorge Brown established a station 
on the river about three miles u]i from where now 
stands the ruins of Fort Churchill. All of 
these parties were considered and became settlers of 
the country. Other stations along the route were 
mere summer ones, being abandoned as the fall 
approacheil by their California keejiei's. S. A. 
Kinsey recollects that the famous Ren. llolliday, 
joined by one Warner, opened a store and station on 
the road about three miles down the river from 
Mormon Station in 1854, and Cosser, who was the 
jiioncer merchant at Johnlown, remembei's that in 
1854 opposition was established there bj- J. S. Child 
and by Moses Job. The latter started a store in 
1854 at the ]ilace now known as Sheridan, in Carson 
Vallej', near the base of the mountain named in honor 
of him. Mr. Child afterwards became one of the 
most prominent characters in the early history of 
Nevada. 



SUNDRY EVENTS. 

It has been previouj^l^- noted that CUvrk, who had 
taken up a ranch in the south end of W^ashoe Valley 
in 1852, had been I'orced to leave it because an Indian 
had been killed there. In the latter ))art of 1853 a 
young man coming from over the plains, where his 
moihir had been buried, settled upon the deserted 
ranch, wiih a liule sister and brother, but three of 
them in all. The little boj- was about thirteen 3-ear8 
of age, and the sister still j-oungcr. One daj- in the 
absence of the elder brother a Washoe Indian came 
to the cabin and demanded food, and finding them 
alone told the children that unless thcj* turned over 
to him whatever he wanted about the place he would 
kill both of them. The scared little ones ran into 
the house, the hny seized his brother's rifle and as 
the pursuing Washoe was crossing the threshold a 
ball through the heart from that trusty weapon 
stretched him lifeless in the door, where the return- 
ing brother found him several hours later, stiff and 
cold. Again that ranch became tenantless, for the 
young man sold the claim to J. II. Rose, of Eagle 
Valley, and started without delay to place his brother 
and sister beyond the possibility of another such 
thi'illing peril. 

In 1854, on the first of May, the fir.st white child 
was born in western Utah of ])arcnts living in the 
Territorv. It was named James Riimmel Ellis, and 
died in Virginia City in January. 1SG9. 

On the first of July, 1854, Charles II. Albrecht 
and family, of St. Louis, 'Missouri, en route for Cali- 
f(jrnia, was camped at the Ellis Ranch below Gold 
Canon, and his unmarried sister. Rachel F., was a 
member of his household. One of the miners named 
James Dover became fascinated by the namesake of 
that ancient gleaner, and desired to marrj' her. 
Rachel was willing, but there was neither magis- 
trate nor minister in that country to tie the Gordian 
knot, atid the lovers-at-sight were in a sad dilemma. 
It was finallj' decided to call u]ion Mrs. Laura M. 
KIlis — now J)ittenriedcr — for advice, and she solved 
the ])roblem by drawing up a triplicate contract of 
marriage on the fourth of July, which each signed, 
the ])ai)ers being duly witnessed, the two were pro- 
nounced to have to all intents and purposes con- 
summated a matrimonial alliance, and they were 
declared man and wife without further ceremony. 
The following is a copy of that 

MARRIAGE CONTRACT. 

Carson Hivkr. July 4, 1854. 

Bj- these jircsents wo hereby certify, in the ])res- 
ence of witnesses, that we will from this time hence- 
forth, to the end of our lives, live together as man and 
wife, obeying all the laws of the United States as 
married persons. In witness, we set our hands and 
seals, this fourth daj- of July, in the year of our Lord 
one thousand eight hundred and til'ty-four. 

(Signed) Jamks "Dover, 

Kaciiei. F. Al.BRECnT. 

Witnesses: James B. Ellis, Charles H. Albrecht, 
Augustus C. Albrecht. 



COUNTY ORGANIZATION AND RECORDS. 



37 



Ftiblishod ill the Afounfuln Denion-at July 20, 1854. 

For eight years they lived together, wlien .she left 
him :md joined her brother at Placervillc, California. 
Hventualij-, Mr.s. Bowers, the •' Washoe Seeress," 
gave her the money to ilel'ray the expense of gelling 
a divorce, which she procured in the courts of Cali- 
fornia, and has since marrie<l again. 

Thomas Knott built at Mormrin Station, for the 
Reese Compan}-, a grist and saw-mill in IS,") t, that was 
not paid for because of the failure of IJarnard to 
return with the money received from the sale of the 
comjiany's cattle in California. A stationary thresh- 
ing-machine was added lo the mill, that was run with 
little salisfaclion that fall, and then di>niantled. 
Henry Van Sickle, now living in Carson Valley, made 
the cjMinder. To have warranled them in building 
that mill, there niu>l have been considerable grain 
raised bv ihe various fii-mers along the ea^lern base 
of the Sierra Nevaila .Mmintains. A number of new 
farm locations were made during that jear, as 
exhibited b}' the following transcript from the 
Pioneer Record Book. 

L.\XD CI,.\I.MS KECORDED IN 185-1. 

February 2Sth— J. C. Fain. 

February 2Sth— E. L. Baniard. 

March 28lh Post and the II. Van Sickle 

place. 

April 2d— R. De Frost. 

April 2d — Fred. Bishop. 

A]>ril (ith^John Stephens. 

A|iril 21st — Suit b}' llenr}' McL'alla cs. Thus. 
Knott. Judgment SI 13.4:$. 

Maj' 18th — Jose])h Williams. 

Way 27th— A. C. Stewart k, A. Clurk. 

May 27lh— C. D. Daggett. 

SIXTH MEETING OF CITIZENS. 

May 27, 1S54, the residents had another meeting 
with J. L. Carj- as Chairman, and M. G. Lewis, Sec- 
retary, when thej' resolved that in the use of water 
no settler should be deprived of sufficient for house- 
hold purposes; that it should not be diverted from 
its original channels, and when two or more lived on 
the same stream they should share water according 
lo the number of acres cultivated, each using for 
alternate days when it vvas scarce. 

LAND CI,.\IMS CONTINUED. 

October 30th — George Lambe. 

November 29th — Julius Peltier soils one-half of 
ranch in Jack's Valley to George Fogle for 8300, 
same formerly owned b}' Sam. Hlackford. 

December 4th — Nicholas Johnson. 

December 13th — Sale of Brown's farm bj' Con- 
stable for 8787.32 to plaintiff, S. Blackford. 

December 7th — G. B. Parker sells to !{. Sides and 
Rolland Abernathey the Clear Creek Hanch, first 
taken up by George Mires and C. Phillip|)s, who 
kept the trading-i)ost where iiarnard was killed. 

December 2Uth — R. Sides, B. Abernathey, and J. 
M. Baldwin. 



December 2<)th — Josejih Brown records deed of 
land sale to IJufus Adams made in 1853. 

In the winter of 1854, Walter Cossor paid George 
Pierce one dollar jier pound for packing over from 
Placervillc to Gold ('anon on snow-shoes some rubber 
goods. Rubber boots sold at the time for twenty- 
fivo dollars per pair. Prices for merchandise that 
winter in western L'lah were — 

For Satinet Pants $5 00 to S (J 00 

Cassimere Pants 7 00 " 10 00 

Woolen Shirts 3 00 " 4 00 

Boots 5 00 " 14 00 

Bacon (per pound) 40 " 50 

Tea " " 1 25 " 1 50 

Tobacco " " 1 50 

Coffee " '• 45 

Sugar " " 45 

A Panama hat 5 00 

The first school in western Utah was kept by 
Mrs. Allen, at the residence of Israel Mott, during 
the winter of 1854-55. 

C.\KS(JN COUNTY CUE.VTED. 

The following Act was passed by the Territorial 
Legislature of Utah, on the seventeenth of January, 
1854:— 

Section 1. ]}e it enacted by the Governor and 
Legislative Assembly of the Territory of Utah; That 
all that portion of country bounded north b^* Deseret 
County; east by the parallel of longitude 1 18''; south 
by the boundary line of the Territoiy; and west by 
California, is hereby included within the limits of 
Carson County, and until organized is attached to 
Millard County for Election, Revenue and Judicial 
purposes. 

Sec. 2. The Governor is hereby authorized to 
ap|joint a Probate Judge for said county, when he 
shall deem it ex))edient; and said Probate Judge, 
when appointed, shall proceed to organize said 
county, by dividing the county into ])recincts, and 
causing an election to be held according to law, to 
fill the various county and precinct offices, and locate 
the county seat thereof. 

Occasionally citizens from Carson Valley visited 
Placerville, in California, in those early j'cars, for the 
purpose of trade, and the editor ol' the .Uoiin/nin 
Democrat, Daniel W. Gelwicks, would interview them 
and publish the results. From the files of that paper 
it ajipoars that in 1854 Colonel Reese, accompanied 
by a Sergeant and three men, pioneered a new, 
farther south, and shorter route, from Salt Lake to 
Carson Valley, than had heretofore been traveled, 
ami the Sergeant proposed to recommend the passage 
of the United States troops over it that proposed to 
pass through under Colonel Ste|iloe. 

In April the mail carrier. Drift, reported that some 
one had fuund a jwuml gold nugget at Gold Canon, 
and that nuggets were not unfrequently met with 
there valued at from ten to twenty dollai-s; also, that 
George Smith was keeping a station at Lake Vallej-. 

James B. Ellis, of Gold Canon, took notes in 
1854, up to Jul}- 1st, of the arrivals at that point 
of California-bound emigrants, with the following 
results: 213 wagons, 300 horses and mules, 7,528 cat- 
tle, and 7,150 sheep. 



38 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



CHAPTEE VI. 

CARSON COUNTY ORGANIZED. 

1855. 

Entries Closing Pioneer Kecorcl Book— Carson County Organ- 
ized — First Officers of Carson County — >I'"irst County Court 
Records — Mrs. Samly liowers, tlic Washoe Seeress — 1856 — 
Namin<! of (ieuoa — Division of the County into School 
Districts — Orson Hyde's Curse. 

In the little book of pioneer records appears the 
following entries of land claims and other transac- 
tions, the last in the book, which was superseded by 
the organization of Carson County. 

LAND CLAIMS AND OTHER ENTRIES — CLOSING THE I'lONEER 
RECORD BOOK IN 1855. 

January 3d — W. P. Cozard — should be Cosser. 

January 12th — A. L. Kenyon. 

January 20th -I. N. Hix. 

January 23d — Reese & Co., turn over to Thomas 
Knott a large amount of property to pay him 84,000, 
for services in making lor the firm a saw-mill, i/risi- 
mill, threnlihiy-machine, etc. 

January 23d — J. and E. ReeseA Co., sold to William 
B. Thorrington S23,0U0 worth of property to |iay 
him for that amount of money previous!}- loaned to 
them. The Eagle Ranch in Eagle Vallej^ was 
included in this property sold to him. 

February 10th — J. and E. Reese convey balance of 
pro])orty to pay their creditors. 

March 12th— W. P. Allen and E. A. Parkeivson. 

March 24th — Nicholas Ambrosia. 

August oOth — Julius I'oltier, sells to R. D. Sides, J. 
M. Baldwin and L. B. Abernathej'. 

[This 18 the last entry in the book]. 

C.\RSON COUNTY ORGANIZED. 

The territory embraced within Carson County 
according to the Act of Januaiy 17, 1854, inciuilcd all 
of what is now Washoe, Douglas, Ormsbj-, Storey, 
and Lyon Counties; over half of Esmeralda, three- 
fourths of Ctuirehill and a little of southwestern Hum- 
boldt. The Legislature, on the second daj' after cre- 
ating the county, divided Utah into three Judicial 
Districts, Carson being the third, and lion. George 
P. Styles, United States Judge for Utah Territory, 
was named to preside over it. The new county was 
also declared to be entitled to a representation in the 
Legislature, in consciincnce of which Weber County 
lost a member in that body. *The Act creating the 
county having authorized the Governor to appoint a 
Probate Judge, whose duty would be to organize it, 
Orson Ilyde, a Mormon Elder, was selected for that 
position, who left Salt Lake with such design on the 
seventeenth of Maj-, 1855. Judge Styles, Joseph L. 
Haywood, llnitod States Marshal for Utah Territory, 
and Enoch Reese, of the firm of J. and E. Reese & Co., 
with an escort of thirty-five men, accompanied Orson 
Hyde. They arrived at Mormon Station on the 
fifteenth of June, and were followed by other Mor- 
mons who moved into Carson County during the 
summer. 

•See compilation of Utah Statutes 1855, pa^cs 258 and 31)8. 



The first move by Judge Hyde towards an organi- 
zation of the county was to call an election for Sep- 
tember 20, 1855, to fill the various county offices, 
that resulted in the choice of the following parties : — 

FIRST OFFICERS OF CAR.SON COUNTY. 

(1) James C. Fain, Sheriff. 

(2) Heniy W. Nilcs, Surveyor. 

(3) Chas. D. Daggett, Prosecuting Attorney. 

(4) Chas. D. Daggett, Assessor and Collector. 
Richard D. Sides, Treasurer. 

(5) Henry W. Nilcs was appointed Clerk, Oct. 2d. 

(6) H. M. Hodges, Constable. 

(7) James A. Williams, Constable. Bonds, SCOO. 
Nicholas Ambrosia, Justice of the Peace. Not 

being able to write, signed his bonds with his mark. 

HL^nry Van Sickle, Justice of the Peace. Bonds, 
81,11(11). 

James McMarlin, Justice of the Peace. Appointed 
December 3, 1855, for Gold Canon. 

(8) Henry D. Sears, Wm. P. Allen, James McMar- 
lin, Selectmen ; §1,000 bonds given by each. 

FIRST LOUNTY COURT RECORDS. 

The fir.st entry upon any of the old Carson court 
books, was upon the County Court Records, which 
bears date October 2, 1855, and states that Orson 
Hyde had apiK)inted II. W. Niles Clerk of the Pro- 
bate Court and e.r oj/icio of the County Court. 
This is followed by a note to the effect that J. C. 
Fain had purchased in California the county books 
of record at a cost of thirty-five dollars, and was 
allowed three ]ier cent, a month for use of the 
money advanced for them. His bill of ten dollars 
charged for packing them over the mountains was 
audited after deducting four dollars for taxes. This 
is the only case on record of the recei]it of any county 
revenue in those days ; but legend hath it, that some 
one paid a bushel of potatoes into the treasury-, and 
then re])enting him for so doing demanded their 
return. October 3d, is entered the proceedings in the 
first lawsuit, in which James McLit3-re sued Asa A. 
Knouse in an action '■ of debit and damages " for 
8187.75, that resulted in a judgment against the 
plaintiff for 838.50. On the twenty-seventh of the 
same month, at a special term of the court hold for 
that purpose at the house of John iJecse, there was 
granted, " The sole and exclusive right to take out 
any portion of the waters of Carson River which 

(1) May 12, 1856, Russell KcUey appointed in place of Fain, 
resigned. 

(2) May 12, 1850, Orson Hyde appointed in place of Niles, 
resif^ncd. 

(:<) Novemlwr 24. 1855, likd his bonds for §1,000. 

(4) December 3, 1855, appointed. 

(5) March:), 1850,.**. A. Kinsey appointed, in place of Niles, 
resigned. l)cccnil>cr 27, 1855, .ludge Hyde having acted .is his 
own clerk during the interval. 

(6) May 12, l8o(>, Daniel Woudfiird aiipointed in his pUice. 

(7) — Woodf.ird killed at .Slippery Ford by Indians in the 
summer of 1857. 

(8) Selectmen duties were, to act iw Associate with the Probate 
J udge, moke provisiou for the poor, orphans and iusaua 



CARSON COUNTY ORGANIZED. 



:{!) 



they ninj' desiro, in a. ditch or caiiul, lur mining iiiid 
other |)ur|iose8, in tho vicinity of Gold Canon," to J. 
C. Fain, John Roose, Stejiiion A. Kinsc}', John .\Ie- 
Marlin, James MeMarlin, ChrLstojiher Merjjley, Mor- 
ris Fitzf^ibbon, and Orson Ilydo. 

November 2d, occurred a criminal i)roscciition. 
more parlicularly noted in the chapter on the l?ar of 
Nevada, and on the same day was admitted to prac- 
tice before the courts of Utah as attorney and coun- 
selor at law, l)r. Charles I). l)aj^!j;ett, and Sol. C. 
Perren. At that time the laws of Utah ]iri>vided 
that the onlj- <|ualitication necessary to enable per- 
sons to ju'aclice law, was the possession of a '■ j.;ood 
moral character," but the client could not be I'orced 
to pay for such services officially. The only trans- 
actions that followed within 18o") was the establish- 
ment of five dollars per day as the amount that the 
Judge and each Selectman was to be entitled to for 
their services. 

With a glance at po])ulation and condition of the 
county at the close of 1855, we will pass on to the 
more important events of the ensuing year. With 
Orson Hyde had come Alexander Cowan, his wife? 
Mrs. Ellery, and a ne|)hew named IJoberl Henderson, 
a lad about eleven j-ears of age. It is believed that 
Mrs. Hannah Reese and the fourth wife of Judge 
Hyde, came to Carson Valley at the same time. The 
advent of a female in 1855, was an event of impor- 
tance, because of the few of them that had settled in 
the country. There were but two at Mormon Sta- 
tion, where a population of .about 200 resided. There 
were but two at Gold Canon, where about the same 
number of people were engaged in mining and trade, 
and ])robably but fifteen females in all who lived in 
what is now Nevada in the fall of 1855, and five of 
them are still residing in the county. The lives of 
some of those women would make a thrilling page in 
history, which would prove that truth is stranger 
than fiction, and we regret the necessity of passing 
them all with a mere mention, excejit one at which 
onl}- a glance is taken. The one at present is known 
as tho " Washoe Seeross;" a woman now fifty-two 
years of age, down whose cheeks a tribute in sadness 
trickled as the writer's (juestions uncovei'cd tho 
memorial ashes of jjast hopes dead, revealing the 
wreck of a long and eventful life, verging njion its 
close. Her maiden name was Killc3- Orrum; she was 
born in the Scottish Highlands, and was married at 
fifteen to Stephen Hunter, who took her to Salt Lake, 
Utah, in 1850, where he became a polygamist, and 
she left him. Three years later she was married to 
Alexander Cowan, with whom she moved, as before 
stated, in 1855, to Carson County. The first winter 
after her arrival was spent by her in (iold Canon, 
keejiing a boarding-house; the next summer in 
Washoe Valley, where a ranch was taken up, and in 
1857, when the Mormons were recalle<l, she refused 
to return to Salt Lake and ])olygamy with her hus- 
band. She continued to reside in summer at Washoe 
Valley, and kept boarders in winter at Gold (^afion, 



until in 1858, when she married Lemuel S. Bowers, bet- 
ter known as "Sandy IJowers." At the time of her 
last marriage she was the owner of ten feet on tho 
Comslock lode, adjoining ten feet owned b^- Bowers, 
that later developed such wealth, and was known as 
the "Sandy Bowers claim." This rich development 
was in IHiiO, an<l in the following season they visited 
Euro])e, remaining away for three years, traveling 
through the Old World, from where they returned to 
live in the Bowers mansion, in Washoe \'alley. that 
had been nearly completed during their absence, at a 
cost when furnished, of 8407.000. In 1808 Mr. Bow- 
ers died, and bis estate was ap]iraised at 8ti;!8,00O. 
Tho full charge of her mine and mill was lefl to a 
superintendent after the death of Mr. Howei-s, and in a 
short time that pro])erly had run her SoO.OOO in debt, 
and the balance of her possessions soon faded away 
-before the onslaught of dishonesty, and now she is 
an old lady and de])endent upon her earnings as 
Seeress, for a living. This is a brief outline, reader, 
let your imagination fill up the intervals. 

Tho following entries appear in Book A of Deeds, 
pages 7 and 96: — 

S<piire Mott, son of Iliram Mott. was married at 
his father's house b}' Hon. Orson Hv'le, on Siindaj', 
the tweiityeighth day of October, 1855, to Mrs. 
Mary W. Wheeler, at li o'clock p. .m., on that daj-. 

Henry Van Sickle, Ksq., was married h^- Hon. 
Orson llj'de at the house of Niles and Sears, on 
Tuesdaj' evening, November 6, 1855, to Miss Mary 
Gibson. 

In Wassaw Vallej- (Washoe), on the second day 
of October, 1856, at tho house of Judge Oi-son Hj-de, 
Stephen A. Kinsej- to Miss Sarah Jane Thompson, 
by the Hon. Orson Hyde. 

185 6. 
In tho spring of 1856, Orson Ilydo turveyed Mor- 
mon Station, making a town plat, and named the 
place (ienoa. Tho countj- having been organiy.ed, 
a general move was inaugurated in 1856. with tho 
design, evidentlj', to settle upon the agricultural ])art 
of tho county by Jlormons. A companj- lei't Salt 
Lake for Carson County, ..May 7th, of that year, and 
others came from time to time, until thej' were in 
a majority before election, that occurred on the 
fourth of August, resulting in a choice of the lollow- 
irig county officers: — 

Richard Bentley (a Mormon). Recorder. 
Russell Kelly (became a Mormon), Sheriff. 

(1) Chas. D. Daggett, Assessor, Collector, and 
Treasurer. 

(2) Richard Bentley ( .Mormon), Surveyor. 

(1) 'I'lio ]n)8iti(>n of Assessor ami CoUootor was received l>y 
.niiiioiiitiMirit, IKremlKT I, lS.">(i, iiiiil on the tliiril of tlie eiisiilii)^ 
Maicli, tliu rate of taxation fc.r l.S.'i? wius t.st.ilili.'tlied at one- 
foiirtli of one per cent, for eonnty purposes, and one-half of one 
per cent, for Territorial purpose-s, tile same as it had l)een in 
IS.jO. If any tax was collected the records do not show it; and 
the old settlers say there was none. 

(■J) Kieliard Hentley uppi'inteil Surveyor on tho eighteenth of 
Novemlier, IhoG, to serve during the absence of Orson Hyde, who 
retnrneil to 8alt Luke. 



40 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



(1) William Nixson and Permens Jackman (Mor- 
mons), Sek'ftnu-ii. 

(2) Chester Loveland (Mormon) Justice of the 
Peace. 

Nelson Mcrkley (Mormon). Constable. 

Seth I>ustiti (Mormon), Constable. 

With the Mormon train that left Suit Lake in 1850, 
Justice DrummonfJ came as United States J ud<^e of 
the Tiiird District of Utah, and held a court in Mr. 
Motts barn, four miles up Carson Valley from Mor- 
mon Station. A Grand Jury was summoned that 
received his charge instructing them to bring in bills 
of indictment for misdemeanors, against all citizens 
of the county who had been guiltj- of gambling, 
concubinage, or other minor frontier offenses. The 
jury, after being left to themselves, took a good look 
at each other and becoming satisfied that lo follow 
instructions would necessitate a wholesale commit- 
ment of those present, forthwith notified Judge 
J)rummond that they had adjourned without date. 

Practically nothing was accomplished at this first 
session of the United Stat<;s District Court in Carson 
County. A couple of men convicted of grand larceny 
were sentenced to imprisonment, but both of them 
escaped, and the Judge, disgusted, left the Territorj-, 
went to San Francisco, from where he returned to 
Washington with a report in regard to western 
Utah that was more expressive than complimentar}-. 

The Probate Court, on the first of Februarj-, tried 
one Charles Kensler for stealing twelve dollars in 
gold-dust from Mark Stebbins. The jury found him 
guilty and pronounced the sentence to be "six 
months hard labor with ball and chain." "The 
Court ordered the officer to procure a ball and chain 
and attach it to the prisoner, and hire him out to 
hard labor to the best advantage to the county for 
the term of six calendar months." It cost the county 
8110 to convict this man for stealing twelve dollars, 
and as none of the old citizens remember anj-tliing 
in regard to tlie niattei-. it is safe to presume that 
he also escaped. 

At this regular term of the County Court, held 
December 1st, at the residence of P. A. Jackman, it 
was "Ordered that the county bo divided into four 
school districts as follows: — 

1st School District — To commence at the line of 
California and ending at the Warm Springs below 
Van Sickles. 

2d District — Commencing at the Warm Springs 
and running below as far as Clear Creek (present 
north line of Douglas County), including Jack's 
Valley. 

3d l)i8trict — Embracing Eagle Vallej' (Ormsby 
County). 

(I) H. 1). Sears liuld over, and nn the eighteciitli of Novem- 
ber, IS.')!;, A. H. C'liceny was appointe*! to serve iluriii}; tlie 
temporary altfteiice *»f .Sears. 

(•J) Cliititer l.ovelaiiil was ajiixiiiitcd I'mliate Judge of Carson 
County, liy tlie Coveriior of Utali, on the first of Septenibi-r, 
lK,")(i. in anticipation of tlie withdrawal of Orson Hyde from 
Wi'Htern Utah. In siuning his name, he indicated his official 
title by adding the initials I', ti. 



4th District— Wassaw Valley (Washoe Valley)." 

On the third of the following March, Jack's 
Vallej- w:is named as District Xo. Five. In 1857. a 
school house was erected at Franktown, in Wassaw 
Valley, that was sold in the fall to " Lucky Bill," 
who moved it to Genoa (Mormon Station), where it 
became a horse stable, and thus ended the first 
effort to organize a school sj-stem in western Utah. 

On the fifth of Julj', 1850, appears another entry 
upon the record books of the Probate Court, after 
which is an interval of three yeai-s and two months 
before another session is held, which convened Sep- 
tember 12, 1850. with J.S. Child forjudge. That 
gentleman is still a resident of Carson Valley. 

On the sixth of November, 1856, Orson Hj-dc 
started on his return to Salt Lake. He traveled by 
a more southern route than the Humboldt, and 
reached his destination December 9th. His com- 
]>anions in the journej- were Simon Baker, James 
Kalhall, John Vance, Wm. Price. Dui-ft'e, Carter, 
Harsee, Woodland, and Butcher, tiie latter with a 
wife and two children. This ))ioneer organizer of 
Carson County died at Spring City, San Pete Count}', 
Utah, November 28, 1878, leaving behind him the 
following strange evidence of his peculiar character, 
feelings, beliefs, and ex])erience, wbile operating in 
what is now Nevada: — 

ORSON IIVDE's curse. 

G. S. L. CiTV, Ja.makv 27. 1S02. 

To THE People of Causon and Washoe Vai.levs — 
Ladien dial Genlkiiien : Not quite seven j-i-ars ai^o 1 
was sent to your district as I'robate Judge of Car- 
son County, with )>owers and instructions from the 
executive of this Territory to oriianize your district 
into a county undor the laws of Utah — those valleys 
being then the lawful and rightful field ot Utah's 
jurisdiction; but o|i|>osiiion on your ))art to the 
me;isure was uncea>iiit;ly m:i<le in almost every form, 
both trivial and iniiiorlant, o|)en and secret. Your 
allies in California were ever ready to second your 
op])osition of whatever character or in whatever 
shape. 

In the 3-ear following (1850, I think,; Mr. Price 
and myself budt a valuable saw-mill in Washoe Val- 
ley, made and purchased several land claims there 
for ourselves and our friends — made considerable 
im]irovenients thereon; but being called away on 
short notice, this |property, then worth SUl.tKIO, was 
renteil to Jacob IJose for a limited term, at a stip- 
ulated jM'ice. On this rent he advanced one span of 
small, indifferent mules, an old worn-out harness, 
two yokes of oxen, and an old wagon. This is all 
that wo have ever received for the use of our ])ro|i- 
erty in that valley-, though we have sent bills for 
goods or merchandise; but no res])onse, exce|)t on 
l)a])or, and even that not of the most encouraging 
kind. 

We have been patient, and have not murmured. 
We have made little or no effort to sell our property 
there, becau.se we considered that those who had it 
tiiouglit they were df>ing God and themselves a serv- 
ice by wronging the Mormons; and for me, 1 felt 
backwani to do anything in the premises until the 
Lord should tell me what to do (it being on his 
account, or on account of his religion, that we were 




RESERVOIR IN MARTIN CREi 



PROPERTIES, 

PAHAOlSE VaI 



f, 




•\ 



^' 



?vM!;::t?s^» 



^S5t.-T, , 




w. .. -- ■:«. -^-. 



RESlDFflCr 



.F- 



V«<P 



1^%^ 



^ L4, 






1 CAHON, PAKADISE VALLEY, NEV. 



i'TW ff*/Tr#s 



S.B.P. PIERCE, 

HUMBOLOTCO Ktv. 



CARSON COUNTY ORGANIZED. 



41 



deprived of any benefit from it.) That time has 
now come, an<l the Lord has siijnitied to me, hi.s un- 
worthj- servant, tiial as we have been under eiroHm- 
stanees liiat e()m|)elie(r us to submit to your terms, 
that lie will ]>hu'e you under eircuinstanees that will 
compel you lo submit lo (Uirs. (tr do worse. 

That mill and those land claims were worth SKI, (1(10 
when we left them; the use of that proiierty, or its 
increased value since, is S10,0(Jtl more, making our 
present demand Sl-M.dllil. 

Now if llie above sum he sent to me in Great Salt 
Lake City, in cash, j'ou shall have a clean receipt 
therefor, in the shape of honorable quit claim deeds 
to all the propert}- that Orson Hyde, William Price 
and Richaril Bentlej- owneil in Washoe Valley. The 
mill, 1 understand, is now in the hands of R. I). Sides, 
and has been for a lon-j time. Hut ifyoii shall think 
best to rejii'diate our demand or any ]iart of it. all 
riitht. We shall not make it up again in this world 
in any shapeof any ofyou ; but the said I{. I). Sides and 
Jacob Rose shall be living and dying advertisements 
of tiod'sdisjileasure. in their persons, in their families, 
and in their subst.ances; and this demand of ours, 
remaining uncanceled, shall be to the ])eo])le of Car- 
son and Washoe Valleys as was the ;irk of (xod 
among the Philistines. (Sec l.st Sam. fifth chapter.) 
You shall be visited ol'ttie Lord of Ifosts with thun- 
der and with eartlupiakes and with floods, with 
pestilence and with famine until your names are not 
known amongst men. for you have rejected the 
authorit}- of (tod, tram])led u|ion his laws and his 
ordinances, and given yourselves up to serve the god 
of this world; to rioting in ileltauchery, in abomina- 
tions, drunkenness and cori'U])tion. You have chuck- 
led and gloiaed in taking the property of the Mor- 
mons, and withhohling from them the benefits thereof 
You have despised rule and authority, and ]nit tiod 
and man at defiance. If perchance, however, there 
should be an honest man amongst you, I would 
advise him to leave; but let him not go to California 
for safetj-, for he will not find it there. 

On hearing the contents of this letter, you maj' 
send forth volleys of your wrath with your taunts, 
jeers, and scurrilous indignation; but j'ou will oidy 
prove the more cons])icuously that you are dealing 
with an A])ostle of (Jod, or that an Apostle of tiod is 
dealing with J'ou, whom you have rejected. The 
hand ol'tiod is alreaily beginning to be upon j-ou for 
evil anil not for good. The golden treasures of the 
earth are there to call together the worshi|)ers of 
the god of this world, that j'ou may there receive a 
common fate. 

I have no sordid desire for gobi, and have mani- 
fested it by mj- long silence ami manifest indifl'ereneo; 
and should not say anything now had not the visions 
of the .Mmighty stirred u|i my mind. 

We warned and forewarned the peo])le of Missouri, 
more than twentj- ye;irs ago, of what should befall 
them for treating the .Mormons in the way they did; 
but did they believe us then? Do they believe us 
now? No! Yet what is their ]>resent condition? 
Blood and fire ma3- tell. We likewise warned the 
peo])le of the United Slates from .Maine to Missis- 
sipjii, and from Boston to San Francisco, of the wars 
and troubles that were coming upon them for allow- 
ing the .Saints and Pro|)hets to be driven, scattered 
and slain, their property- confiscated and destroyed, 
and they never raise a hand lo protect the Saints, to 
](Uiiish the crimes of our ]ierseculors, or to redress 
our wrongs in an^' way. \S'e tobl the President and 
his Cabinet, ])roclaimed it lo the Congress of the 
United Slates, and told them that desolating wars 
G 



which should end in the death and misery of manj' 
souls should begin in South Carolina. Did they 
believe us then? Do they believe us now? No I 
Yet what is their present condition? They have 
e)-es, but theyj;ee not — ears, but they hear not. and 
hearts, but they understand not. Their l)lood (b)ws 
like water, ancl their rage like the ocean. 3-et the)' 
have not read the half of the preface of their national 
troubles. 

We now tell the people of Carson and Washoe 
Valleys some things that will befall them, and the 
' reason why they will befall them. But will j-ou 
believe us? "Behold ye despisers, and wonder ami 
perish! I will work a work in your da}' — a work 
which j'e shall in no wise believe, though a man 
declare it unto you." (See Isaiah, twenty-ninth 
cha])ter.) 

(iod is now beginning to deal with the inhabitants 
of the earth for the wrongs which ihej* have done 
unto his peojjle, and for i-cjecting his authority and 
counsel, given forth from Heaven through the .Mor- 
mons. Ilis dealings with them will be neither light 
nor on a limited scale. But those who do repent, 
and make right their wrongs, acknowledge the 
authority of (Jod in the channel through which he 
hath sent it, may find mercy and protection in that 
channel, and nowhere else. 

1 care not what our mill an<l lan<l claims are, or 
were considered worth — whether five hundred thou- 
sand dollars, or five cents. — twenty thousand dollars 
is our demand; and you can pay it to us, as 1 have 
said, and find mercy, if you will thencel()rth do right, 
or despise the demand and ])erish. 

As usual, 1 feel quite indifferent about it, and what 
I have written 1 have written, and 1 excuse not 
myself. 

Without hypocrisy, deceit or falsehood, I remain 
as heretofore, a servant of God. Okson IIvde. 

P. S. — This letter, though indited by me, was 
written and signed by the hand of ni}- clerk; j-et I 
endorse it b}' mj' own hand, and request its contents 
to be made as public as consistent. 

As above, • Orson IIvde. 

Si'uiNOTOWN, San Pete County, U. T., ) 
March 11, lS(i2. j 

11. .MoTT, lOsQ. — Dear Sir: I have planted my suit 
to recover the value of our jiropert)' in Washoe Val- 
lej' in the Chancer}- of Heaven. Your note of the 
sixteenth ultimo brought mo the satisfactory inform- 
ation that the ])apers were tlul}- served; and now, 
without further argument, I am willing to rest our 
cause, and submit it to a final decision. But one 
thing 1 wish you, for your own sake, to remember, 
and that is, the word of the Lord, and the words of 
his servants have almost invariably been regarded 
by a wicked and unbelieving race as mere "moon- 
shine," or as something of far less conse<iuence. I 
have rested my cause, and shall say no more for 
some time yet to come. 

Truly j^ours, Or-son Hyde. 



42 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



CHAPTER VII. 

WITHOUT GOVERNMENT. 

1857. 

Exodus of tlie Morni'ins— .Suconil Attempt at lerritorial Organ- 
ization — Pulilic Meeting in Car3on Valley— UL'Solutions — 
Memorial — Kxaggerated .Statements — A Fyetter frim .JuJge 
Crane to liis I'onstituents — .Mountain Meadow M;i33iere, 
September 15, 1857 — Wejiteru Utah at the close of 1857. 

In 1856 an armed mob of Mormons had driven the 
United States District Judge from the bench in east- 
ern Utah, and he had fled the Territory. The relations 
between our Government and her Mormon citizens 
in Utah had become of an unequivocally hostile and 
bellifjerent character. Acts in defiance of law were 
continuous; murders were not unfrequent, and a 
reign of terror had been inaugurated wherever that 
church was in the ascendancy, which was not the case 
in Carson County. This state of things, amounting 
to a rebellion, caused President Buchanan to send a 
small arm}^ under (Jeneral A. Sydney Johnston to 
Salt Lake in 1857 for the purpose of re-establishing 
the (iovcrnmeiit"s sui)remuc}' in that localit}'. Brig- 
ham Young called in the members of his church from 
all parts to defend the City of the Saints against the 
ap])roach of what he designated as the armed mob of 
Gentiles. 

In anticipation of such a state of things the Legis- 
lature of Utah, on the fourteenth of Januarj*. 1857, 
enacted the following law:— 

* * * * "Said county is allowed to retain 
its present organization so far as County Recorder, 
Surveyor, precincts, and |)reciiict officers are con- 
cerned, and maj' continue to elect those officers in 
accordance with the existing arrangement;* and laws, 
until further directed by Great Salt Lake County 
Court or Legislative enactment. 

"Section 5.— The Record books, papers and blanks, 
and seals, both of Probate and County Courts, shall 
be delivered over to the order of the Probate Court 
of Great Salt Lake County." 

April 13lh the County Court, with Chester fjove- 
lan for Judge, adjourned until the first Monday in 
the following June; but it was September 3, 1800, 
before there was another session of this branch of the 
Judiciary. 

On the si.xteonth of July the P. G. Sessions Cali- 
fornia Mormon train, numbering thirty-one men, six- 
teen women, and eighteen children, with seventeen 
wagons, forty horses, and thirt3--two mules as a 
means of transportation, left Kagle Vallej- for Salt 
Lake. 

The Conover ('om|)nny Kxprcss arrived in Washoe 
Valley just after sundown on the fil'th of September, 
bearing a dispatch calling in the Mormons ?» masse 
from western Utah. On the twentj-sixlh of that 
month about 450 souls, several of whom were from 
California and Oregon, with 128 wagons, started in 
obedience to the order, and reached, on the second 
of November, the City of the Saints. This exodus 
of Mormons left the Truckeo and the Washoe Val- 
leys nearly depopulated for a lime, and Johntown 



in the same condition, not a store remaining at the 
latter place. The property left by those people in 
titles to land and improvements upon it, in Carson 
Count)-, passed for a trifle into the hands of others. 
Parties coming from California invested in this real 
estate, and the temporary vacancy created by their 
wholesale abandonment of the country, was soon 
supplied by Gentiles anil apostates from the Brigham 
Young theory of Mormonism. 

SECOND ATTE.MPT AT TERllITORIAL 0R(1ANIZ.\TI0N. 

A ver}' formidable effort was m ide to procure the 
authorization by Congress of a new Territory, and 
consequent org.mization of it by the people living 
along the oast base of the Sierra Nevada, that was 
set on foot August 3, 1857. The initiatory step was 
made at a public meeting held in (renoa, of which the 
following is the report as made by the Secretary of 
the meeting. It will be observed that it occurred 
after the departure of the Mormon train under 
Sessions from Eagle Valley to Salt Lake, and about 
four weeks before the arrival of the order for all 
Mormons in western Utah to leave that section for 
the City of the Saints. It will be further observed 
that Judge Lovoland, the Mormon elder, was invited 
to address the meeting, which he failed to do. 

PUBMC MEETINd IN CARSON VAI.LEV. 

At a primary meeting of the citizens of Carson 
and adjacent V^alle^-s, Utah Territory, held at Gil- 
bert's saloon, on Monday evening, August 3, 1857, to 
take preliminary steps toward calling a grand mass- 
meeting of citizens for the purpose of petitioning 
Congress to organize a new Territory out of portions 
of Utah, California and New Mexico, on motion. 
Col. John Reese was called to the Chair, and William 
Nixon appointed Secretary. 

The object of the meeting was briefly stated by 
the Chair, when the following resolutions were unan- 
imously adopted : — 

BesofceJ. That a mass-meeting of the inhabitants 
of the Territory of Utah, lying oast of the Sierra 
Nevada Mountains, west of the (iooso Creek Mount- 
ains, and between the Colorado River on the south, 
and the Oi-egon line on the north, be held on Satiir- 
tlay, the eighth da}' of August, 1857, to take into 
consideration this subject, and to jtrovide ways and 
means for presenting this whole question to the 
earnest consideration of the President of the United 
States and both Houses of Congress. 

Jiesoloed, That a committee of nineteen be appointed 
to make arrangements for holding said mass-meet- 
ing in the town of (ienoa, Carson Valley, on Sat- 
urday, the eighth <l;»y of August, 1857. 

h'enofceil, That .luiige Crane and Judge Lovoland 
be invited, and are hereb}' requested to address the 
meeting on that occasion. 

The following gentlemen were apjiointod as a 
committee of arrangements: — 

R. I). Sides, Clear Creek; Dr. B. L. King, Kaglo 
Valley; Dr. ]:)aggett, James .McMarlin, William B. 
Thori-inglon, Orin Gray, John S. Child, Daniel 
Woodford, Major Ormsby, D. E. Gilbert, Samuel 
Singleton. II. Li. Alexander, and eight others, (Jarson 
Valley. 



WITHOUT GUVERMilENT. 



43 



On motion adjourned to moot en masse, on Satur- 
day, Auj^iist Stli, at one o'clock p. m. 

John IiEESE, Chairman. 

W.M. ><1X0N, Secrclary. 
Genoa, August 3, 1857. 

On the day indicated there assembled at Genoa 
a mass-moetint; that was called to order Itj- .Major 
Wni. M. Orm^by; and Colonel John lieese having 
been elected President thereof the following gentle- 
men were named as its Vice-Presidents: Isaac Jtoop, 
Cajit. F. C". Smith, Dr. B. L. King, and Solomon 
Perrin. Upon motion of Major Ormsbj- the follow- 
ing committee was appointed, to ))re.<ent business 
before the meeting: Major Ormsby, \l. 1). Sides, 
Klijah Ivnott. Thomas J. Singleton, J)r. 15. L. King, 
Daniel Woodford, S. Stephens, Warren Smith, and 
John ilcMarlin. They retired to perform the duties 
assigned them, and in their absence, Judge James 
M. Crane addressed the meeting for about one hour, 
after which, that committee presented the following, 
which were adopted as the voi_po of the meeting: — 

UESOLCTION.S. 

WiiERE.\s, The people inhabiting the territory 
commonl}- known as the Great American Basin, 
l3Mng between the eastern spurs and foot-hills of the 
Sierra Nevada, west of the Goose Creek range of 
mountains, the Oregon line on the north, and the 
Colorado and its tributaries on the south, having 
become convinced, from the rapid increase of popula- 
tion within these limits, the dangers which threaten 
us from the numerous hostile tribes of Indians, and 
from the absence of all law to restrain the vicious, 
and to ])rotect the u])right. that some kind of gov- 
ernment should be established as soon as ])ossibie for 
the better security of life and property to it, there- 
fore, 

Kesolceil, That it is the sense of the inhabitants of 
the aforesaid portion of the (rreat Basin, in mass- 
meeting here assembled, that for the better security 
and protection of their lives and jiroperty, as well 
as those of the emigrants crossing the plains by the 
several routes which cross the continent and ])ass 
through this Territorj- to and from the Atlantic and 
Pacific States and Territories, tliat a Territorial Gov- 
ernment should be organized within the aforesaid 
boundaries b}' Congress within the shortest possible 
time. 

Jiesuli-eil. That to more eHectually secure this object 
a memorial lie drawn up. setting forth all the fads 
and reasons for this movement, and that the same 
be submitted to the respectful and earnest considera- 
tion of the President of the United States, and to 
both Houses of Congress; and that as a further 
means to secure the attainment of this object, a Del- 
egate be selected by the citizens of the aforesaid ])ro- 
posed Territory, in mass-meeting here assembled, to 
visit the l''e<iei-al ca](ital, to re|)resent the interests, 
wants and views of the jieojile to the President of 
the United States, and to both Houses of t'ongress. 

Resolcfil , That James M. Crane be and he is hereby 
selected, authorized, and apjtointed Ity the citizens 
of the aforesaid Territory, in mass-meeting here 
assembled, as our Delegate to represent us in Wash- 
ington. 

liesolced, That from Judge Crane's long residence 
in thiii part of the Union, and his known devotions 
to its interests, from his personal explorations in. 



and general knowledge of, the condition, wants, 
and resources of the Great American Basin and the 
North Pacific, as well as from his known candor, 
fidelitj', and ability, wo feel that we can not oidy 
intrust our interests to him while in the Federal 
Capital, but that we can most cordiallj- recommend 
him to "the powers that bo" in Washington. 

KesolceJ, That for the more eft'ectual accomplish- 
ment of the great object of thjs meeting, that a com- 
I mittec be appointed, consisting of twenty-eight ])er- 
I sons, to manage and sLiperintend all matters neces- 
sary and projjcr in the jiremises. 
I kesuli-eil. That the following-named gentlemen bo 
I and they are herelij' a]iiioiiUe<l said committee, with 
power to fill all vacancies and to increase their 
number when necessary, viz.: — 

Honey Lake Valley — .Maj. Isaac Uoop. Peter Las- 
sen, Mr. Arnold, Wm. Hdl, and Mr. McMurlry. 

Eagle Valley — Dr. J}. L. King and Martin Steb- 
bins. 

Carson Valley — Maj. Wm. M. Ormsby, James 
McMarlin, Dr. C. D. Daggett, Col. John Iteese, Col. 
Wm. J'odgers, Thomas J. Singleton, Moses Job, Wm. 
Thorrington, Isaac Farwell, Daniel Woodford, Orrin 
Gray, and D. Jv (Jiibert. 

Willow Town — Solomon Perrin. 

Ragtown — James (^uick. 

Twentj'-six-mile Desert — Jefferson Atchison. 

Sink of Humboldt — Samuel Blackford. 

Walker River and Valley— T. J. Hall and James 
Mc In tyre. 

Hope Vallej- — S. Stevenson. 

Lake Valley— M. Smith. 

Resolved, That the United States Senators and 
Representatives in Congress from California, and the 
Congressional Delegates from Oregon, Washington, 
Utah, and New >lexico, be and they are hereby 
invited and requested to use their personal and 
ofticial influence with their brother Senators and 
Representatives in Congress to secure the passage of 
an Act by that body for the organization of the 
aforesaid Territory. 

Jiesulced. That the newspaper press of California, 
Oregon, Washington, Utah and New Me.Kico, bo 
requested to ])ublish the aforesaid proceedings and 
memorial, and to use their editorial infiuenco in giv- 
ing aid and comfort to this undertaking. 

Resolced, That the yatioiml FnteUiyencer, Wasking- 
toii Union, New Orleans Picayune, Crescent and True 
Delta, the New York llerall, Tribune, News and Tines 
and other inlhiential pa]iers in the Atlantic States of 
the Union, be and they are, also, hereby inviteii and 
requested to publish these jjroceedings and ntemorial 
and otherwise extend to us the benefit of their pow- 
erful influence and sujiport. 

Rfnoh-e.it, That the President and Secretaries bo 
appointed a committoo to attend to the publication 
of the proceedings of this meeting. 

.MEMORI.VL. 

The citizens inhabiting the valleys within the 
Great Basin of the American Continent, to be here- 
inafter described, beg leave respectfully to jjresent 
for the earnest consideration of the President of the 
United States, and the members of both Houses of 
Congress this their jietition; ])raying for the organ- 
ization of a new Territory of the I'nited States. Wo 
do not propose to come with any tlourish of trumpets 
or multiply words in this memorial, but we propose 
simply to submit a few jtlain statements as the 
inducements and reasons which actuate us in making 
this appeal to those who have the power to remedy 



u 



HISTORY OF THE STATE^OF NEVADA. 



the existinii; difficulties and embarrassments under 
which we now hibor and BuH'er. 

A hirjjje portion of the inhabitants who make this 
a]ij»eal to the powers tiiat be in Washington, have 
been residing within the region hereinafter described, 
for the last six or seven j'ears, withoijt any Terri- 
torial, State, or Federal jiroteclion from Indian dep- 
redations and marauding outlaws, runawa}' criminals 
and convicts, as well as other evil-doers among white 
men and Indians. 

Those who have come into this Territory since 
then have and are still suttering and encountering 
the same difficulties which the}- have ever met with, 
and we have no reason to suppose that life and j)rop- 
ertj' can ever be made secure in this jjart of the 
country until some form of government shall be 
established by which laws inaj' be jiassed and 
enforced upon the disobedient and vicious. 

We are peaceable inhabitants and law-abiding cit- 
izens, and do not wish to see anarchy, violence, 
bloodshed, and crime of every hue and grade waving 
their horrid scepter over this portion of our common 
countr}-. 

In the winter-lime the snows that fall upon the 
summits and s]nirs of the Sierra >.'eva<ia, fre(iuentlj- 
interrui)t all intercourse and communications between 
the Great Basin and the State of Califoriiia, and the 
Territories of Oregon and Washington, for nearly 
four months everj- year. During the same time all 
intercourse and communication between us and the 
civil authorities of Utah arc likewise closed. 

Within this space of time, and indeed from our 
anomalous condition during all seasons of the year, 
no debts can be collected by law; no offenders can 
be arrested, and no crime can be ])unislied except by 
the code of Judge Lynch, and no obedience to 
government can be enforced, and for these reasons 
there is and can be no protection to either life or 
property except that which may be derived I'rom 
the j)eaceably disposed, the good sense and patriot- 
ism of the people, or from the fearful, unsatisfactory, 
and terrible defense and ])rotection which the revol- 
ver, the bowie-knife, and other deadly weapons may 
aftbrd us. 

Even in the spring, summer, and fall months, we 
are destitute of all power and means of enjoying the 
benetits ol the local Territorial liovernmenl of Utah, 
to which the most of us belong, as well as the local 
and neighboring Government of California, Oregon, 
Washington, and IS'ew iMexico. The distance be- 
tween the Great Salt Lake City and the innumerable 
fertile valleys which lie along the eastern spurs and 
foot-hills of the Sierra Nevada, where the most of 
the population of this section reside, is nearly 800 
miles, and over this immense space there swee]) two 
deserts. On this account no intercourse or commu- 
nication of a legal or pcjlilical nature is or can be 
held with the civil authorities of I" tali. The only 
authority acknowledged in this part ot Utah Terri- 
tor}-, by any class of ))eo])le, is that which the Cliurcli 
of the liatter Oa^' Saints, whose members are gener- 
ally known under the sobri(juet of Mormons, exer- 
cises over its votaries and disciples. Neither they 
nor the Gentiles appear to look to the Territorial 
Government of Utah for an}- statutory laws for the 
regulation of their business, or for the government 
of their conduct. The .Mormons, in all their social 
afl'airs, conform to the general, voluntary rules and 
habits of life among the Gentiles, but they regulate 
all their business affairs, dealing and intercourse 
with each other b}- certain established rules of the 
church and not by any laws ])assed by the legisla- 
tive deijartment of the Territory. 



These are but a part of the grievancesunder which 
we labor. Xearlj- one-half of the country in which 
the most of your ])etitioners reside, has but two Jus- 
tices of the Peace and one Constable, and while no 
one even respects their authoritj-. there are not jier- 
haps fifty men in the w-hole county who know or 
care to know who thej- are or where they live. 
Should they attempt to exercise any authority, the}' 
would be regarded not only as intermeddlers but 
intruders. Nearly the whole region in which the 
most of }-our petitioners reside, was once erected 
into a count}- called 'Carson" by the Territorial l^eg- 
islature of Utah, but for some reason or reasons 
unknown to your petitioners, the same Legislature 
has abolished the county organization and has estab- 
lished in lieu of it an election jirecinct — a precinct 
too, in which nobody votes for an officer, and nobody 
cares to vote. 

The present iiuinlier of white inhabitants who 
reside within the limits of the proposed new Terri- 
tory, cannot be far from 7. (MM) to S,IKM» souls, 
and their numbers are rajiidly increasing. As the 
county has no less than 2(10 intermediate val- 
valleys, which run into one another, of the most 
fertile grazing and agricultural lands, as well as foot- 
hills, mount;iiii spurs and mountains in which are 
found gold, silver, copper, leail, iron, coal and other 
minerals, metals and precious stones, we have good 
reason to suppose that, when they are ]iro])erly 
cxplored and developed, it will be found that we 
possess, /or its e.f/ent, one of the richest ttiul most jiru- 
il active re.tjions of the ylohe. As the evidence in sup- 
port of these facts is known and can be known now 
to but a few individuals, we do not propose here to 
discuss the subject, but rather to wait until further 
explorations shall develop all the necessary evidence 
in support of the truth of our statements. For these 
and many other reasons there will soon be a rush of 
population to this new Territory like that which 
rapidly poured into- Texas and California in days 
passed ; and, unless a Territorial (iovermneiit or 
some other form of government shall be established 
during the coming -session of Congress we may 
expect to witness scenes of a tragical character so 
appalling and startling- in their nature as to make 
every man feel that no law can or should rule but 
that which is enlbrced by the iron and savage rule 
of unrestrained violence and bloodshed. 

There are some portions of the (Jreat liasin of this 
continent, claimed by the State of California, in 
which reside a considerable number of people who, 
in the winter time, can have no connection with it. 
This is the case with those who reside in iloney 
Lake Valley. That valley lies east of the Sierra 
Nevadas, and within the ttreal Jiasin, and from this 
cause the jieople living in it have no intercourse with 
other ])arls t)f the Slate during the rainy season for 
nearly lour months every year. They, therefore, 
naturally belong to the eastern side of the Sierra 
Nevadas, and on this account they desire to join us 
in this movement. If they are forced to remain 
with California they can never know anything about 
the affairs of their State during the whole time its 
Legislature may be in session. It is, therefore, 
folly, and worse than folly, to attach the |)eo])le of 
this valley to a State about which they know noth- 
ing, anil care notliing. for one-third of the year, and 
that third the most important part of it to them. 
They therefore cordially unite with us in this prayer 
and memorial to ('ongress, asking not only that they 
may be attached to the proposeil new Territory, but 
that they may add their united voice in support of 






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WITHOUT GOVERNMENT. 



45 



the grout necessities for the organization of tiio 
aforesaid Territory. 

There are others residing in the southern part of 
California, on the eastern side of llio Sierra Xevadas, 
wiio are similarly situated iliiring a portion of the 
winter niontlis of each year. That part, also, of 
New Mexico, Ijing near tlte Colorado IJiver and its 
trihutaries, and witijin the tiadsdon Purchase, adja- 
cent to them, have the same dillicullics of cmnniuni- 
cating with the civil authorities of New Mexico at 
Santa Fe, or any other local and neighboring govern- 
ment, that a large jiortion of your petitioners have 
to encounter in communicating with I'tah. Califor- 
nia, and Oregon in the winter season. 

In a<ldition to the facts here presented we suhmit 
tiiat all the routes across the continent, between the 
Atlantic and Pacific States and Territories, will be, 
by the organization of this new Territory, amply 
guarded and ]irotected. The population of the 
Indian tribes within the ]iro))osed Territory- cannot 
be far from 7.').(l(l() to 1(1(1. U(l(» souls, and the most of 
them, undei- ])ro])i.'r management, could be very 
easily controlled if wc had anyiliing like an organ- 
izeil government within our limits. For these and 
many other cogent considerations, which will readily 
suggest themselves, we pray for the organization of 
the aforesaid Territory. 

Below we submit for the consideration of the 
members of both Houses of Congress, a rough sketch 
of the boundaries, which we woidil suggest as the 
most ))racticable and appropriate for the j)roposed 
new Territory-: — 

Beginning on the northwest on a line of 42° north 
latitude, and longitude 120°, thence following the 
Oregon and Utah boundary line on a direct east 
course to longitude 11(5°, thence a southeast course, 
to about north latitude 38° and longitude 114°, 
thence farther on in the same direction to north 
latitude 34° and longitude 112°, thence almost a due 
south course to the boumhuy line between the State 
of Sonora, in the Republic of Mexico, and the Terri- 
tory of New Mexico, thenco along that lino to the 
eastern boundary of California, and thence along 
the latter line to the ])lace of beginning. 

This bounilary takes in a range of valleys that 
are almost indissolubl}' connected together, and in 
the winter-time the people who inhabit them are 
almost entirely shut out from all communication 
with California, New Mexico, Utah, Oregon, and 
Washington; but in all seasons they (^an ami do 
enjoy free intercourse with one another. All the 
proposed wagon, military, stage, and rai'roatl routes, 
between the Atlantic and Pacific States and Terri- 
tories across the continent, enter and pass through 
these valleys. All the Indian tribes which are now 
the most troublesome to settlers and emigrants in 
this region, either roam in, or surround, those val- 
leys. For those, and similar urgent reasons and 
considerations, we ask that they may he united in 
ono Teri'itory, and that said Territory be organized 
by t'ongress within the shortest possible time, and 
for which ^-our petitioners will ever Jiray. 

A committee was then nominated, consisting of 
W. W. Nicols, R. I). Sides, Orrin Gray, J. K. Triimbo, 
and Col. William Rodgers, to procure signatures to 
the memorial. 

Hy the unanimous request of the meeting, .Milton 
S. llall and II. P. Duskins, were called u|)on to sing 
the Star Spangled Banner, which they did in excel- 
lent style. The meeting then adjourned, with the 
full determination of all to work in good earnest to 



accomplish the success of the undertaking. (Jreat 
harmony and enthusiasm prevailed on the occasion. 

J(UI.N Rke.se, I'l-eHiilenl. 
D. E. (ill.HEKT, I c , . 

J. K. Iki Miio, I 

The valleys number from 200 to 250, and range in 
size from 10 to 1(1(1 miles in length. They are a/f 
nlliiri'il, and are the best ijrtizinij nnd lujiirultunil 
Iduil.ion thin i-outinint. ( 'omparativcly no metals or 
minerals have yet been found in them, although it is 
believed that m;iny of them contain both. The 
foot-hills lying throughout this basin, as well as the 
mountains, are known to possess gold, silver, cojjpcr, 
lead, zinc, iron, coal, and many other metals and min- 
erals, as well as precious n/ouen. Already man}^ cop- 
per, gold, silver, iron and coal mines are being 
worked. 

Thus far thej' have proven to be the richest found 
on this side of the continent. 

The Indian tribes are numerous throughout the 
proposed Territory. The aggregate Indian popula- 
tion is supposed to be from 100,000 to 115,000.* 

About four weeks after this meeting was held, 
occurred that horrible massacre l)y the Moi'inonsand 
Indiansof those emigrants at the .Mountain .Meadows. 
This fact was not known to the outside world until 
long afterwards, although in October the news 
reached Los Angeles of the fate of the train. It 
was sui)posed that Indians alone had committed the 
deed, but it soon began to be believed that Mormons 
had incited them. This, with the further fact of hos- 
tilitj- to the Government by Brigham Young and his 
followers, caused the papers of California to ativo- 
cate the creation of this proposed new Territory, and 
some of the absurd exaggerations in regard to its 
importance, made by correspondents, and editoriallj-, 
in furtherance of the plan, furnishes some amusing 
reading at this time. The following is a samjile: — 

[From tlio SacramfiUo SttUi' Joiinial, October 25, 1 857.] 
We have from time to time presented to the pub- 
lic statements and facts in relation to the ]>roject of 
founding and organizing a new Territory of the 
United States within the trreat Basin of the Ameri- 
can Continent. ****** 
Now for the count r}^ /x^r se. 

Thej- are broken up into many bands. The Pah 
Yutes are much the largest in number, being about 
40,000. They are not hostile to the Americans, and 
have never favored the .Mormons. They are friendly 
to a now Territorj', and in<leed anxious for it. The}- 
desire to cultivate the arts of peace, and become 
tillers of the soil. They are the best servants in 
America; indeed, they have shown themselves to 
be excellent cooks, farmers, herdsmen, and mechanics. 
All the other tribes are war-like, insincere, treach- 
erous, and the most of them blood thirsty. Should 
a Territory be organized, the Pah Yutes would 
])romptly ui\ite witli the whites, and identity them- 
selves with the peaceful progress of the country. 

The following letter from Judge Crano, shows 
that tho creation of tho Territory of Sierra Nevada 

"As a .sainplr i>f the fx:i;;;tr;ittil atntc-inunta of tlio lu'riod to 
wliicli it n'lati-H tliis im iiitrrt'.stiii^, ami is tlio fXL'iiSf for its iiiscr- 
tiDii, liiit at that time tliere were iiii minus worthy of note in tlio 
Territory, anil it is doubtful if the uumbcr of Indiana exceeded 
•25,000. 



46 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



was coii;<idered at Wasliinttton about the same as 
an accomplished fact at one time, but the Act was 
finally defeated: — 

JUDGE CRANE TO UIS CONSTITUENTS. 

Wasiiini;ton, February 18, 1858. 

Fellow-Citizens: It affords me much satisfaction 
to furnish you in advance information of great 
interest. The Comniitteo on Territories has unani- 
mously aj^reed to report a bill forthwith to establish 
a Territorial Government out of western Utah, 
under the name of Sierra Nevada. It will be 
bounded on the east b}' the Goose Creek Mountains, 
on the west by the Sierra Nevada, or the eastern 
line of California, on the north by the Oregon line, 
and on the south b}* the Colorado River. 

The bill will be pressed through both Houses of 
Congre.ss, by all parties, as having an immediate 
connection with the present militaiy movements 
against the Mormons. It has been agreed upon 
that it shall form a part of the measures designed 
to compress the limits of the Mormons in the Great 
Basin, and to defeat their efforts to corrujjt and con- 
federate with the Indian tribes who now reside in 
or roam through western Utah. For these and 
many other reasons, no time will be lost to organize 
a Territory over western Utah, that there maj' be 
concentrated there a large Gentile |)Opulation, as a 
check both upon the Indians and Mormons. * * * 
To the lion. William Smith, the able member of 
Congress from the < >range Congressional District in 
Virginia (well known in California), j'ou and I owe 
an everlasting debt of gratitude for bringing about 
this auspicious result. * * * 

In connection with this subject permit me to say 
(for I am not writing to you unadvisedly) that you 
all sow and jilant heavy crops of grain and vegeta- 
bles this spring, for they will briiu/ rewhj sale at good 
cash prices to supply the army and the Iwlians on their 
reser cations. * * * * As soon as I shall get my 
seat I think I can secure mail routes between Car- 
son Valley, via Gold Caiion. Raglown, .Sink of the 
Humboldt, to the Great Salt Lake, and from llonej- 
Lake to the Humboldt, where the two lines form a 
junction. As to the establishment of other neces- 
sary mail routes in the Territory I have no fears. 
in connect'on with this subject also, I have great 
hopes of having a bill passed to bridge the deep 
snow region on the Sierra Nevada, over the Honey 
Lake and I'lacerville routes, so as to keep open com- 
munication between our Territory and California all 
the year around. The deep snow region on the 
I'lacerville route is, 1 think, about eight miles in ex- 
tent, and on the Honey Lake route, ela Shasta, 
about the same. Neither will cost over 85(1,(100 or 
gGO,0U0. * * * In conclusion, I hope the Legis- 
lature of California will be as liberal and as gener- 
ous to you as Virginia was to Kentucky in her days 
of infancy and trial, and as Georgia was to Alabama 
in her days of infancy; and like them, withdraw 
her jurisdiction over valleys lying oast of the Sierra 
Nevada, that they maj' all come under our Terri- 
torial Government. 

Ever your faithful friend, James M, Crane. 

The foregoing will give the reader a fair idea of 
the state of mind that the settlers of western Utah 
were in, and the inducements that urged them to a 
8e))aration. It further presents the pecuniary out- 
look that floated before the mental vision of the 



rancher whose products from the soil was to 
feed 115,(100 Indians on reservations, and the sol- 
diers that were to keep them and the Mormons in 
cheek. Western Utah was a miners' and farmers' 
paradise, where the roads to wealth were to be 
paved by the U. S. Treasury, with coin, over fields 
of precious stones, and the richest silver and gold 
mines on the continent. These exaggerations had 
their efTTect, and the public was being slowly pre- 
pared for an excitement such as followed the eventual 
discovery of the Comstock Lode. 

.MOUNr.\IN MEADOW MASSACRE. 

In advance of the arrival of General Johnston's 
army, an emigrant train from the .States on its way 
overland to California, stopped at Salt Lake for a 
time to procure provisions. It was a compan}' of 
superior intelligence, refinement, and wealth, that 
numbered 150 souls all told. Thej- had an outfit 
unusually fine and complete, their live-stock and 
transportation alone being valued at §300,000. It 
was an assemblage of farmers, ministers, doctors, 
mechanics and artisans, who had been lured by the 
sheeny hues of the "golded fleece" from pleasant, 
happy homes in Arkansas, Missouri and Illinois to 
seek other ones, on the Pacific Coast; that far-off 
land where distance lent enchantment to the view. 
It was as much a transcontinental l)arty of pleasure 
as aught else, and recorded among its numbers the 
infant, the happy youth, the joyous maid, the fond 
parent, and white-haired doting grandam and 
sire; the j-oung, the middle-aged and old, a grand 
patriarchal family moving with the star of empire 
west. Their supply of provisions had been ]irovided 
in quantity sutticieiit only to last them to Salt Lake 
where it was supposed that whatever would bo 
required to complete the journey could be obtained. 
They knew nothing of the impending war, and were 
first startled into a comprehension of the peril that 
menaced them when it was found that their money 
would not buy food. The .Mormons would neither 
sell nor give it them, and starvation in a land of plenty 
stared them in the face. They were ordered to 
leave Salt Lake City, and the journey was resumed 
along the southern route b}' the way of San Bernar- 
dino for the coast. Settlement after settlement was 
passed and not a thing could be procured for love or 
mone}- to eat except eight bushels of corn obtained 
from the Indians. Cave S])rings was finally reached 
September Gth, in the Mountain Meadows near the 
southeast line of what is now Nevada. At this point 
while resting to give their stock a chance to graze 
and recruit, they were attacked suddenly on tho 
morning of the seventh, by a combined f'oi'co of 
Indians, and Mormons disguiseil as Indians, under 
the leadership of John D. Leo. Seven of the emi- 
grants were killed at the first fire, some of these 
being awakened by the leaden messenger of death 
from their morning slumberings into the realms of 
the dark unknown. Fifteen more were wounded 



WITHOUT G0\T5RNMENT. 



47 



and the closing act of the darkest drama blistering a 
page in history had begun. The tMnii;r'aiits rallying 
like brave men as thej' were, beat otV their assailants 
and threw up temporary tbrtifiealions. In the 
resistance two of the attacking Jiarty were mortally 
wounded and Hishop lligbee, the Monnon represent- 
ative of God's mercj', love, justice and truth, got 
down on his knees and blessed the assassins, calling 
upon the Su|)roine IJuler to he.il them, and Gotl 
neglected to do it. 

The Mormons withdrew to procure reinforcements, 
and two brave men among the emigrants undertook 
to break through and procure assistance from where, 
God oidy knew, for California was hundreds of miles 
away. One of them was named William A. Aden, a 
Tonnessocan, young, chivalrous and bravo, but they 
met the notorious Hill Stewart and a boy at Pinto 
Creek, who killed young Aden while his wounded 
companion escaped. A few years later Stewart 
went with a i'riend to ])oint out where he too had 
slain a Gentile, and while there amused himself by 
contemptuouslj- kicking about the bleaching bones of 
his unburied victim, and yet that soulless, unhung 
miscreant still lives near the scene of his atrocity. 
Jlondaj- passed, Tuesday came and was gone, and 
Wednesday brought with it neither sign, or hope of 
relief. From the surrounding overlooking hills 
came the constant report of the merciless rifle as the 
besiegers continued to fire upon the e.xposed stock 
or any living thing lli.it shnwed itself from within 
that human slaughter house. The situation had 
become desperate, they were without water, the 
spring being a little ways from the fortification, and 
commanded b}' the enem^-'s rifles. A heroine, hoping 
that her se.\ might pi)ssii)ly ])rotect her, stei)|)ed out- 
side the inclosure to milk a cow, when her life paid 
the penalty of the act. Two children, like stray 
doves from the ark, dressed in pure white, hand in 
hand with a small ]>ail, started for the si)ring to pro- 
cure water for the famishing garrison. Half the way 
had been passed when these little martyr innocents 
sank by the trail, ))ierced with merciless bullets, as a 
cry of horror from the besieged, drowning the 
despairing shriek of the childless mothers, wont up 
towards heaven and brought no answering vengeance 
upon the murderers. It was tluMi decided to make 
one last, desperate, and almost hopeless effort to 
communicate with the outside woi-ld. A manuscript 
was jireparetl, stating the conilition of the |>arty and 
giving the history of the wIkiIc all'air, I'pon it was 
written the names of all the jiersons constituting the 
party; their residence before starling upon the ex])e- 
dition, to which was added the names and number 
of each Masonic or Odd Fellows' lodge, the denomi- 
nation of every church orsociety in the East thathad 
a rejiresontativc among that part}', doomed to be 
annihilated. The}- did not expect to get this record 
through the lines to tell humanity of the ghoulish 
infam}- that was striving to make a common gi-ave 
blot out and hide this fiendish tragedy and its victims 



from the world, yet something might transpire to place 
it before the world. At length three men, ''the bravest 
of the brave," volunteered to attempt that night the 
jiassago of the line with the record, and strive while 
life lasted to reach California, hundreds of miles away 
over the mountains, through the deserts, on foot, 
guideloss and without tood. It was a hopeless task, 
the offspring of dcs])air, anti as the night closed in 
around them and the stars came out to look down 
upon the world, they saw this doomed garrison 
gather around a white-haired old minister, whoso 
outstretched hands and upturned face was calling 
upon the throne of Omni])otence to help this forlorn 
hope of three to reach — beyond the encircling coil of 
savages — the honi's of humanity. At miilniglit the 
throe stole forth, they passed the line of the besiegers, 
but the next da}' their trail was discovered and Indi- 
ans in charge of Ira Hatch were sent in jiui'suit. 
They were surprised while asleep on the Santa 
Clara Mountains, where two were killed and one 
escaped, wounded in the wrist, who struggled 
on until he reached the Las Vegas in southern 
Nevada, close to the California line. The writer of 
this in 1873 stood in the place where he fell, and lis- 
tened to a detail of the manner in which the last of 
those three was murdered. As ho was staggering 
along the road, two men, one of them John .M. 
Young, on their waj- to Salt Lake, met and cjtfored 
him assistance; offered to smuggle him back to Salt 
Lake, ami as he was journej^ing with them on his 
return, was met near Cottonwood by the jtursuing 
part}', to whom he was unwillingly ilelivered up. 
At a signal from the white miscreant, Ira Hatch, the 
Indians rained a shower of slow arrows u|)on the 
wretched victim, that, entering the flesh, served only 
as torture shafts, hanging to'goad the prisoner to his 
death. He turned and ran with a feeble dragging 
step, away from the road, leisurely pursued by the 
assailants, who continued their target practice upon 
him. But it could not last always, and when despair 
and pain had driven away his life, the coyotes came 
and feasted on what was left of the last of the three 
dead heroes. The ])apers that they had striven so 
nobl}' to place in friendly hands, were retained by a 
Mormon for several years, but finally were destroyed 
by John I). Lee, one of their bishops and the leader in 
the massacre. 

lii the mcuTitinic the eniii^rant |>:irly had met its 
fate. When the assailants foiunl that to attack and 
overpower the besieged uoiiM cost too many of 
their own lives, it was dciided to treacherously lure 
them to their fleath. 

In carr^'ing out this plan messengers were sent to 
confer with them under a flag of tru<'e, to say that 
the Mormons had come to save them from the 
Indians who were their assailants, and that if the 
garrison would surrender to them all should be held 
as prisoners an<l protected, Kclying upon this 
assurance the surrender was made, and the emi- 
grants, in com])lianco with instructions from the 



48 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



Mormons, moved out from their defenses unarmed, 
with the wounded and children in wa<<ons, followed 
by the women in single file, the men bringing up 
the rear. The}- were suddenly assailed while moving 
in this form by both xaiutu and Indians, and in five 
minutes the only living members of that ill-starred 
party, that had numbered over 150 souls, were 
eighteen children, who were supposed to be so 
young that their memories could not rise up in judg- 
ment against the murderers in after years. 

The tragedies that were enacted in that hecatomb 
of blood is beyond the power of any language to 
express. A faint conception of its fiendish detail 
might possibly dawn upon the imagination of the 
one that can picture a scene where the last quiver 
of death is moving the already- senseless form of a 
husband, on whose bosom rested the little form of an 
infant i)laced there by the young mother who is 
standing over them dagger in hand defending her- 
self, her young and her dead, like a tigress at bay, 
while standing there holding in chock with her 
blade a miscreant in front, she is stealthily ap- 
proached from behind by one who sends a knife to 
its hilt through her heart, that stretches her lifeless 
form across the feet of the dead husband. The 
murderer then taking from her nerveless hand the 
dagger, thrusts it through the infant's body, pinning 
its tiny form to the breast of its father, and then 
laughs at its shrieks of agonj' and writhings in 
death. Such was one incident; over one hundred 
others, varying in their details of horror and 
degrees of atrocity, were enacted, which left not a 
single one unperformed that could have added to the 
infamous monument built that day b}' the Mormons 
to make the world execrate their name forever. 

The pirates upon the sea under the black flag, wag- 
in" war upon all mankind, make their prisoners walk 
the plank to blot out evidence of their transactions. 
The Church of I.,atter Day Saints, with the same 
motion, urged on by revenge and sustained by a 
religious lanalicism; had, through the teachings of 
years, arrived upon the same plan of revenge, rob- 
bery and murder, under the pirates war-cry of "Dead 
men tell no tales." 

W hen they were done there was no one left to tell of 
the massacre but those who had committed it, and for 
a time the fate of that emigrant i)arty was to the 
worlil a mystery- Conscience had driven one par- 
ticipant to a suicide's grave, and reason from its 
throne in another, but still the secret was kept. 
At length whisperings of what had been done crept 
out into the world, and soon it was found that an 
overland i)arty was missing. Finally, in IS.jil, John 
t'radlebaugh was sent to Utah as a United States 
District Judge, and being a brave man and just, 
sought, regardless of ])eril to himself, to unravel the 
mystery that surrounded the affair. Those children 
were recovered, but could tell no tale of Mormon 
participation in this outrage upon humanity, and 
butHed upon every hand, the Judge abandoned the 



attempt, published to the world the evidence he had 
obtained, and was sent to western Utah to preside 
over what is now Nevada. Twenty years passed 
after the massacre before weak-handed human jus- 
tice overtook any of all those murderers, when at 
last John D. Lee was shot on the twenty-third of 
March, 1877, by order of the Court, as a penalty for 
his leadership and participation in the crime. Many 
of the other criminals still curse the earth with their 
execrated ])resence, and going unwhippcd of justice, 
arc a living reproach to our Government and justifi- 
cation foi- mob law and vigilance committees. 

WESTERN UT.\U AT THE CLOSE OP 1857. 

With all the j-ears of opportunity that had pre- 
ceeded the advent of 1858 western Utah remained a 
sparselj--settled country-. All forces influencing mat- 
ter in the univer.se impels it towards an improve- 
ment of its condition with inanimate things by the 
blind im))ulse of alHnity with animate life, possessed 
of vitality by the ceaseless desire to be less unhappy. 
The power that causes a man to voluntarily change 
his position or occupation in life is a belief in con- 
sequent improved condition. But few of the human 
family of the many who in passing through had 
seen ]>ortions of western Utah had observed any- 
thing in it that if appropriated would be of advan- 
tage to the possessor. The' opportunity of utilizing 
anj'thing therein to better one's condition outside 
seemed meager, and confined to a limited area; there- 
fore, the natural result was a population numbering 
but 200 or 300 in an extensive eounfrj- that had 
been more or less known for thirty-two years. The 
inducements that had localized the few that lived there 
with temporary designs of residence, was, traffic with 
emigrants, who yearly grew less in numl)er, jjassing 
through the country en route to California, work in 
the poorlj'-j)aying placer mines in Gold Canon, and 
grazing of stock for the California markets in the 
vallej's along the eastern base of the Sierra Nevada 
Mountains, between the Truckee River and the 
head of Carson Valley. 

The miner came to prospect through the mount- 
ains for mineral, hoping to paj- his expenses by work- 
ing a portion of the year in Gold Canon. The trad- 
ers followed the miners to furnish supplies in ex- 
change for gold-dust, and scattered along the over- 
land road to trafldc with the emigrant. The ranch- 
ers sought the fertile eastern base of the Sierra, 
along the mountain streams, where stock was fat- 
tened to drive across the mountains to California; 
and all the ])0|)ulation of western Utah were mem- 
bers of one or the other of those three branches of 
industry. The troubles of 1857, existing between 
the Government and Mormon Church, had served to 
withdraw all the adherents of Hrigham Young from 
the section now called Nevada, leaving only Gen- 
tiles, and those who repudiated J5righam's authoi-ity 
and jiolygamy, as residents of Carson County. 

The section was practically without political organ- 





Wl^pl^^ ^ ^^^^^'^^ 



Hon. James G. Fair. 



United States Senator from Nevada, was born at 
Cloiii^licr. County Tj'roiic, Irelaiid, December 3, 1831, 
and twelve j-ears later came with his parents to the 
United States, settling in Illinois. Though but 
eighteen years of age when the discovery of gold 
was announced, he was ripe for action, and in 1850 
we find him tugging as hard as older men among the 
boulders at Long's Bar, in Butte County, California, 
on Feather River, called by the Californians El Rio 
de his Phiiiiais — the river of feathers. This kind 
of scrambling, however, did not suit his turn of 
mind. Placer mining, as then carried on, was a 
haphazard kind of business, in hunauza one day, 
the next in horasca, the latter daj-s having the pre- 
ponderance. The peculiarity of mind which char- 
a<'terizcd his later years, of looking for the source 
of minerals, or, as a miner would say, of following 
croppings or indications, soon asserted itself, and we 
find him earl}- pounding awaj- at the (luartz veins, 
with the full belief that his fortune was to be made 
out of quartz. He early acquired all the knowledge 
attainable in regard to quartz mining, and added 
considerable to the general stock by his own exi)e- 
rience while mining at Angel's Camp, in Calaveras 
County, and acting as Superintendent of quartz mines 
in other parts of the State. On the discovery of the 
Comstock he removed thither, and found a field 
worthy of his best powers, llis California experi- 
ence soon proved of value, and in a few years he was 
made Superintendent of the Ophir Mine, and in 1807 
of the llale & Norcross. In the llale it Norcross, 
he first became associated with John \V. Mackay, and 
the}' subseiiuently induced .Messrs. .lames C. Flood 
and William S. O'Brien, capitalists of San Francisco, 
to join them in that and other mining enterprises. 
With his judgment, knowledge of mines and oppor- 
tunity he coidd hardly fail to acfjuii-e money, and 
when the firm, afterwards so famous as the owners 
of the richest silver mine the world ever saw, was 
formed, lie brought into it not only a share of the 
funds necessary to carry on the expensive work of 
exi>loration, but a knowledge of mining and mines 
that was second to no one on the I'acific Coast. 
Messrs. Fair, Mackay, Flood, O'Brien and Walker 
constituted the firm, Mr. Walker selling to Mackay, 
and -Mr. Fair became the Mining Superintendent of 
the mines of the company. 

The long and persistent search for the lode after- 
ward developed in the Consolidated Virginia Mine, 



as well as the fortunate finding of it, are related in 
the historyof the Comstock Mines, and need not be re- 
peated here. It is well known to all the world, and 
will be a subject for historical writers as long as men 
search for precious metals and silver remains money. 

Mr. Fair, as well as Mi-. Mackaj', is an operator out- 
side of the mines, has large blocks of land and 
buildings in San Francisco, knows as well as any 
one when the market is iti bonanza and horasca, and 
knows when to go in or go out. In June. 1S81. 
he commenced the construction of a grand building 
on the southwest corner of Sansome and Pino Streets, 
San Francisco, which will be one of the most costly 
and imposing structures of that city. Aside from the 
power which the possession of enormous wealth 
gives him, he is a power himself, cool when others 
lose their heads, consequently coming out with the 
balances on the right side of the ledger. 

He has made various other ventures in mining; 
owns mines in Panamint, in Arizona, (rcorgia, and it 
is said in the Lake Superior District. He hass|>read 
his net into many out-of-the-way places, and it is 
quite likely that if a discovery of rich silver mines 
were announced as having occurred in Patagonia, 
or along the Straits of Magellan, with the same in- 
formation would come the statement that the most 
promising ])laces were owned by James (J. Fair, of 
Nevada. When the great diamond swindle was per- 
petrated he had his trusty agents in advance of the 
Kalston crowd, and knew before tlioni that the mat- 
ter was a " first-class sell." 

For many years Mr. Fair spent a great deal of bis 
time in the depths of his mines, visiting the ditt'erent 
workings at all times of the day or night, and thus 
became thoroughly conversant with every |)art of 
the vast labyrinth of drifts, cross-cuts, winzes, slo])e8, 
shafts, and inclines, as well as with the army of men 
under his charge. There are few bodies so robust as 
to bear the strain, and few minds so clear as to re- 
tain all the great works and workmen in memory, 
giving directions with perfect confidence, managing 
the- greatest work of the age with utiparalleled sue- 
'cess,and milking re])orts with the remarkable accuracy 
and clearness shown by Superintendent Fair. 

Ho did not appear to know he was getting rich, or 
that ho was a rich man. He had been i)laced in 
charge of a great property, and there he faitbfully 
remained, toiling as when years before necessity 
required him to carefully husband bis daily salaiy. 



He was not making money in any ordinary way, but 
a thousand men, deep in the sweltering mine were 
picking, shoveling, tearing the precious ore away, 
heaving into his coft'ers gold and silver in countless 
dollars more rajiidly than one could think the figures; 
and was worth his millions before he was reconciled 
to the fact. Still he kept faithfully at his post, as in 
truth the property was too valuable and the respon- 
sibility too great to entrust to any ordinary man. 

Fair had proved his ability, and with most laudable 
courage saca-ificed his comfort to his duties. But the 
best work being done he concluded to have a little 
recreation, and proposed a journey with his family 
in the circumnavigation of the globe. The tour of 
the world is now easily made, the steamer and the 
rail car taking the traveler in comfort to all the great 
cities and points of interest through the various 
countries and climes in the circuit. Mr. Fair made 
the journey in triumph, visiting all the places of note, 
and enlarging his mind in the studies and associa- 
tions of the different countries, men and govern- 
ments he met, and returning the enlarged and culti- 
vated gentleman, he was prepared to enter upon 
the higher walks of life. His countrymen welcomed 
his return bj- an invitation to stand for the office of 
Ignited States Senator, as successor to the position 
held by W'm. Sharon. The State of Nevada had 
always been represented in the Senate by Eepubli- 



cans and it seemed impossible for a Democrat to win 
the high prize. The course had been made easier by 
the neglect of Mr. Sharon to attend to his duties, and 
the people of Nevada desired a change. To Mr. Fair, 
one who had been so faithful to the trusts reposed in 
him in a private capacity, one who had labored and 
dwelt among them from the earliest Territorial days, 
they turned for a Senator. His colleague was a 
miner, and had proven the ablest of the Senators, 
80 try another, was the cry, and James G. Fair, on 
the eighteenth of January, 1881, was triumphantly 
elected United States Senator from Nevada, to hold 
office from March 4, 1881, until March 4, 1887. 

He has the hearty, whole-souled expression that 
comes from a healthy- body and well-balanced mind, 
and makes friends instantly. His social qualities and 
financial abilities are likely to make him an honor 
to Nevada and a useful member for the country at 
large. He is a Democrat in politics, but so broad in 
his views, so independent in character, that the party 
shackles will fail to hold him to any rigid line of 
party action. 

He is a family man, having a wife and four inter- 
esting children, who, it is hoped, will perpettiate the 
name of a deserving and successful man, and inherit 
the forty or fifty millions he has taken from the 
depths of the earth and added to the wealth of the 
world. 







L 




ELECTION AND DISCOVERY OF SILVER. 



49 



ization, there being no officere to execute or enforce 
either civil or criminal law, if such had hovn recog- 
nized as existing in the countr}-; and the only 
influence, except the innate principle of justice, that 
controlled the actions an<l dcalin<^s of men with each 
other at this time was the fear of sununary treat- 
ment of a nature euch as the next year was dealt 
out to the unfortunate -'Luckj- Bill." 

Such was the condition of the country as the year 
1857 passed into historj-, anil a now era dawned 
upon Nevada with the events that marked the prog- 
ress of the ensuing yonv. 



CIl A PTF, 1! V 1 1 I. 
ELECTION AND DISCOVERY OF SILVER. 

Carson t'nunty Klectiim DctoluT .lO, LsTS — Jlaiigiiig of " Kueky 
Bill" .luiiu 111, 1S5S — I'ruluilcs to the .Silver Discovery — 
Se;ircliiiigs in Nev;ul,i for .Silver — The (Irosh Brothers — 
The Father's Account of Their Discoveries — The Lost .Shaft 
Explained by J. M. Hunter — The Black Koek Prospectors. 

The year 1858 was a prcparatoiy one in which 
events shaped themselves with an apparent view of 
placing a silver lining to the cluud that had over- 
hung the fortunes of those living just over the bor- 
ders east from ('alifornia. 

An attempt was made to reorganize the County of 
Carson that proved only partially successful. John 
S. Child was commissioned I'robate Judge by Ciov- 
ernor Cummings. the successor of Brigham Young, 
and he called an election for Carson ("ountj' officers 
that occurred October IjOth, of that year. There 
were six voting precincts, and two tickets in the 
field. One ticket purported to be anti-.Mormon, 
although there was but one professed Mormon in the 
valley at the time; but the anti-Mormon movement 
was ill fact the vigilant ]>art}- who had sympathized 
wilb the act or participated in the hanging of "Luck^- 
Bill." and they termed the Judge and his friends 
Mormons, or Mormon sympathizers. 

When the election returns came in, four of the six 
precincts' votes were thrown out and not counted, 
because of illegal voting, and the two counted were 
as follows: — 

CARSON COUNTY ELECTION OCTOBER 30, 1858. 

FoK KK1'UKSK..NT.\TIVE. ntKA.SL'RER. 

11. B. ('lemons .57 .M. M. (iaige 511 

Mark Stebbins 57 II. Molt, Sr 54 

.SIIKI-.IKF. SEI.KCrMKN. 

L. Abernathy 58 W. (i. Wyatt 58 

George Chedic 55 James Mc.Marlin ...57 

siTBVEvoK. '{• !>• Hi>les 57 

C. N. Noleware 58 •'"'"i L. Cary 55 

John F. Long 54 .1. U. liose 50 

RECORI.KR. W.Cosser 56 

S. A. Kinsey 5(i 

S.Taylor 53 

Townshij) No. 1. .lustico of the Peace — Benj. 
Sears 25, A. (.«. Ilammack 22. 

Constable — T. J. Atchison 31, J. M. Ucring 15. 

7 



Township No. 2. Justice of the Peaoc — James 
Farwell 38, 11. Van Sickle 2G. 

Constable— J. A. Smith 2G, J. M. Howard 18. 

It will be seen by the above that the candidates 
for Representative received the same number of 
votes. Mr. Ivinscj-. the Clerk, saj's: "The result 
was declared in favor of Mr. ("lemons, according to 
the Utah Statutes, pages 234, Sec. 12." 

Votes not counted on account of the illegality of 
the returns: — 

Stebbins. Clemons. 

Gold Canon 3G 2 

Washoe Valley 18 1 

Eagle Valley 21 

Smith's Station 1 10 

Sink Humboldt 15 

Total 76 28 

Stebbins' majority 48 

The successful candidates were upon what was 
termed the Mormon ticket, except Sides and Aber- 
nathy. 

The people paid but little attention to the results 
of this election, and although those receiving the 
highest number of votes were declared elected, the 
positions became mere sinecures. 

HANGING OF LUCKY HILL, JUNE 10, 1858. 

Ill the meantime had occurred one of those acts on 
the part of a large numberol'the substantial citizens 
of the country that was, and usually is, the out- 
growth of a long continued absence of adequate 
legal justice. The act referred to was the execution 
b}' order of a citizens' self-constituted court, of one 
of the most prominent citizens of the country, who 
up to this time, with two or three noticeable excep- 
tions, had been a universal favorite. The unfortunate 
man's name was William B. Thorringlon, but ho was 
called " Lucky Bill," and was a native of Chenango 
County, New York, from where he removed in 1S4S 
with his parents to Michigan. In 1850 ho crossed 
the plains to California, and in 1853 became a resi- 
dent of Carson Vallej', in western Utah. Ills educa- 
tion was a moderate one, due to the fact that his 
excessive animal spirits and vitality would not per- 
mit a close application to stud}' when attending 
school in his boj-hood. 

In form he was large, weighing 200 pounds, and 
with broad, ample shoulders, stood six feet and one 
inch in height; his head, covered with glossy curling 
hair colored like the raven's wing, was massive, with 
a high classic forehead, and large gray mirthful ej'os, 
looking out from beneath projecting eyebrows, that 
indicated strong perceptive faculties. The country 
had nil liaiulsomer or merrier citizen in it than Lucky 
Bill, a name given to him because of the fortunate 
result that seemed to attend his every action, lie 
had become comfortably wealthy. It has already 
been noted that the Heeses turned over a largo 
amount of properly to him in January, 1855, includ- 



50 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



inw their Eai^le Valley Kaiich. lie had become the 
successor of Israel Mott in the ownership of the 
Carson Canon Toll-road, and a possessor of valuable 
ranch property in the valley. 

In character he was both generous and brave, 
and his sympathies were readily aroused in favor of 
the unfortunate; or, which in frontier parlance would 
be termed, " the under dog in a fight," regardless of 
the causes that had placed the dog in that position. 

In addition to his ftirming and toll-road pursuits, 
he was a gambler, and a very successful one, his 
specialty being the " thimble rig game." 

In 1854 a couple of California bound emigrants 
stopped at Mormon Station, and had a falling out, 
and it transpired that they were partners, one of 
them owning the wagon and cattle that hauled it, 
while the other, who had a wife, supplied the pro- 
visions. The expense of this provision supply and 
incidentals along the route had exhausted the hus- 
band's finances, and the owner of the train refused 
to take the bankru])l emigrants any further. Luckj' 
Bill passing, saw the woman weeping disconsolately 
by the wagon, and his sympathies were at once 
aroused. Upon inquiry he learned the state of 
affairs, and told the husband and wife to borrow no 
further trouble, for he would see that they reached 
the Sacramento without delay. 

That night the owner of the outfit was induced to 
bet against Lucky Bill in his ■' thimble rig game," 
and in the morning he had neither an outfit nor a dol- 
lar in money left. The winner gave him back fifteen 
dollars of the money, bought him a new pair of 
boots to travel in, told him to "lite out" for Cali- 
fornia on foot, and never after that to bet against 
any one who was playing his own game. To the 
bankrupt family he gave a cow, spent the loser's 
money in buying them provisions, etc., and then 
hired a man to drive the team with them to Cali- 
fornia. In 185U three men put up one night at 
Lucky Bill's station in Carson Canon, on their way 
home to the States. One of them was a white- 
haired old man, poverty-stricken and discouraged 
with his failures in California. In the morning his 
horse was dead, and forced to abandon his hope of 
reaching his Illinois home, he stood bj' the roadside 
with a stony look in the eye and watched the depart- 
ure of his companions for the country (hat seemed 
shut out to him forever. "Cheer up, old man," said 
Lucky Bill, in his happy, inspiring, whole-souled 
way, and snapping his fingers over his shoulder in the 
direction of the fast disa|)|)earing horsemen, added, 
" I'll show you a trick worth eight of that." A few 
days later the white-haired emigrant set out again 
on his homeward journey, with a fine roan horse 
hitched to a two-wheeled vehicle loaded with pro- 
visions for the trip that had been given to him by 
Lucky Bill. Numerous incidents of generosity like 
these are rcnK'nibercd by the early settlers of 
Nevada of this strange frontiersman, many of whoso 
impulses were such «• ennoble inen. I|. is associations 



in life, however, had been with individuals that had 
led him to look upon murder or theft as a smaller 
crime than would be the betrayal of a person who 
claimed his protection, though that man might be 
fleeing from justice after having committed either or 
both those offenses. This peculiarity of Lucky Bill 
being known to all, both good and bad citizens, 
transformed him into an obstruction, sometimes to 
the execution of justice upon criminals, and this 
characteristic eventually proved his ruin. 

In the springof 1858, Bill Edwards shot and killed 

Snelling, in Merced County, California, and fled 

to Carson Valley for safet}'. lie stopped with 
Lucky Bill for awhile, and then wont up to Honey 
Lake Valley, whore he stopped with \V. T. C. Elliott, 
John N. Gilpin, and others. While in the upper 
country, in connection with one Mullins, he mur- 
dered Harry Gordier, for the purpose of getting 
possession of the victim's personal effects, including 
a band of cattle. The body of the murdered man 
was found tied up in a sack and sunk in Susan River, 
and an innocent partj- named Snow was hung for 
doing it by citizens in the Honey Lake country, 
upon what was doomed sufficient evidence of his 
guilt. Sus])icion finally began to fall upon Bill 
Edwards, and he started between two days for Car- 
son Vallej-. where he found Lucky Bill; told of the 
peril that was upon his trail; claimed to be innocent, 
and asked to bo helped out of the country. Edwards 
owned a valuable race horso which he wished to dis- 
])ose of, and with the proceeds escape to South 
America. This friend of the "under dog in a fight" 
attempted to perform both these things, to sell the 
horso and help in the escape. Elliott and Gilpin, 
assuming the role of detectives, followed the mur- 
derer to Carson Valley, and feigning friendship for 
both Luckj- Bill and P^dwards, was admitted to their 
councils, helped in their ])lans, finally purchased the 
horse, and then caused the arrest, on the fourteenth 
of June, by an organization of citizens, of all par- 
ties connected directly or indirectly with the aft'air, 
except Edwards, who eluded them for a time, but 
was finally secured in the following manner: — 

Lucky Bill had a son named Jerome, a small lad, 
who knew the lurking place of the man they wanted. 
The boy was told that if he would secure the arrest 
of Edwards that his father would bo turned loose, 
and that if he did not, his parent would certainly 
bo hanged. To save his father the son betrayed the 
murderer into the hands of the citizens, and then 
found that instead of working his sire's deliverance, 
he was in danger of being hanged himself. 

The trial and conviction took place on the seven- 
teenth. Evorj'lhing was conducted with order, and in 
close imitation of similar cases occurring in n'gularly 
constituted courts. W. T. C. Elliott acted as Sherifl', 
John L. Cary as Judge, and eighteen jurors deter- 
mined the ([uostion of guilt. The evidence under 
oath was written down by ('. N. Xoteware, late 
Secretary of State for Nevada; and the writer of 



ELECTION AND DISCOVERY OF SILVER. 



ol 



this has road it all. Not a thing appears there 
implicatiiii; Lucky Hill in sinyliiiri'^ exfi'])t the 
attonipt to SL-eure the murderer's escape. The 
absence ol' any knowleilijo on the part of the accused 
of the guilt of Edwards, is a noticeable feature in 
that testimony'; that parly, after having acknowl- 
edged his own guilt, swore positively that he had 
assured Lucky Bill that he was innocent, and iio one 
else lestilti.i/ to the contrary, yet the Jury believing 
that he did know, decided that ho was guilty as 
accessor}- to the murder after the fact, and con- 
demned him to be hanged. Edwards having acknowl- 
edgeil the killing of Gordior, was also condemned, 
his sentence being to be hanged at the scone of the 
murder, in Hone}' Jjake Vallej'. Of the other 
accused, two of them were fined 81,000 each, and 
ordered to leave the country; the balance being dis- 
charged. An unsuccessful attemj)! was afterwards 
made to collect that fine; and one of the parties, at 
least, still lives in Carson ^'alley. Theodore Win- 
ters, Walter Cosser, and Samuel Swager, were 
appointed a committee to go with Edwards to 
Hone}- Lake, and see that he was hanged, which 
they did, the execution taking place between six 
and seven p. .v., on June 23, 1858. 

On the nineteenth of June, at between three and 
four p. .M., Lucky Bill, whose scart'old was building 
■while the trial was going on at the C'lear Creek 
Ranch, on Clear Creek, was placed in a wagon with 
the fatal noose around his neck, when, the team 
being started, he was dragged by the tightning rope 
out from the rear of the vehicle, whore, with body 
swinging back and forth and twisting round and 
round, lie slowly choked to death. His son is now 
dead, and the widow is wearing out her life in the 
Stockton Insane Asylum, in California. 

PIIEI.IDES TO THE SILVER DISCOVERY. 

In June, 1S58, the stage line between Piaccrville 
and (Jenoa, that had been first established in June, 
1857, was continued to Salt Lake, and at about the 
same time the excitement in regard to the Walker 
River placers began to spread. Wild stories at first 
reached California regarding them that wore soon 
tempered down to reports of returns only equal to 
ordinary day's wages. April 17, 1858, the Afountain 
Demorriit, of Placerville, California, reports prices in 
Carson Valley upon information received from Major 
Ormsby just from Genoa, as follows: — 

Flour, per hundred 88 00 

Corn, " " 4 00 

Bacon, per pound 30 

Pork, " " 20 

Beef, " " 15 

Potatoes, " " 02 

Butter, •' " G2i 

In August, the Rose Ditch, designed to take water 
from the Carson River to use in mining at the mouth 
of Gold Cafion, was completed, and the jiroprietors 
were surprised to find the jiroposed outlet higher 
than its head. This ditch was dug by ( 'hinamen 



who camped at the mouth of the canon, and from 
this fact the place becamd known as Chinatown. 

The search for gold during the year was jiroso- 
cuted further U]( the cafion above Johntown, and II. 
T. P. Comstock, after whom the groat lode was 
named, passed the season operating with ])oor suc- 
cess, working Pah-Utes in the American Flat Wash. 
To the north, in Six-milo Canon, a number of j)artie8 
worked, among whom were Fenmore, known as 
"Old V^irginia," after whose nickname Virginia Citj- 
■was christened, Peter O'Riley, Patrick McLaughlin, 
and Emanuel Ponrod. A saloon was there, and a 
restaurant, where board could be had at fourteen 
dollars per week, both institutions the property of 
Nicholas Ambrosia, known as " Dutch Nick." When 
the winter set in, and the cold weather shut down 
placer mining. Six-mile Cafion was abandoned for 
the general rendezvous at Johntown. Thus matters 
stood at the end of 1858. Just before the groat 
change caused by the discoveiy of silver, and before 
entering upon the details of that event, let us take a 
backward glance at a few important incidents that 
have been omitted from the chronology of occur- 
rences alreadj- noted. 

SEARCHINGS IN NEVADA KOR SILVER. 

In an interview with Mrs. Laura M. Dettenrieder, 
who became a resident of Nevada in l.S,")3, the fol- 
lowing was elicited regarding Allen and his brother, 
Hosea B. Grosh, and tfeeir operations while in the 
country. Said she: — 

I was not acquainted with them in 18.").'i. but 
became so in 1854. in the fall of which year they 
returned to Calilbrnia. and wintered at" Volcano. 
In the early part of 1855 they came back, ]>acking 
what they had on a little jenny, and slopped at my 
house for dinner. On taking leave, Hosea said that 
they were hurrj-ing away because they had to reach 
the Sugar Loaf in Six-mile Cafion that night, where 
they proposed making a camp at a spring. From 
the Sugar Loaf camp thej- intended to prospect 
farther for silver in the vicinity of where thej- had 
found it the year before. Hosea and Allen both 
said, We will ])Ul you, Mrs. KIlis (that was her name 
at that time), in the " Pioneer claim," lo bo located 
for the "Pioneer vSilver Mining Compau}-." They 
had organized a company l)y that name at Volcano, 
in the sjiring before coming over. I don't remem- 
ber much about them that summer, and in the fall 
1 went to California mj-self In the summer of 
1857 I came back to Nevada, went up the Humboldt, 
then across to Honey l.,ake, from where I returned 
to l)ayton. In passing down the trail along the 
American Flat Wash on my waj- to Dayton, I came 
u|ion the cabin of the (Jrosh brothers, and found 
Hosea B. sitting by the door with a sore foot, that 
had been injured by driving a pick into it. The 
wound seemed to be doing well, under water tre:it- 
ment. which kept down the intlanimation. The two 
brothers had a partner, named Captain (iaiiiin; antl 
Allen returned to the cabin with the jiarlner before 
I left. He handeil me a piece of rock, and s;iid, -'it 
is from the claim you are in. a little above the 
])ioneer location, and wo have ])Ut your name down 
t'or three hundred feet." Then wo wont out upon 



52 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



some elevated trround. and ))()intin<; to Mount David- 
son, he said "It is down ut tiie base of that ])oiiit.'' 
1 had learned, while up the llumbohit Kiver, of tlie 
murder of a station-keeper at tiravellj' Kord. named 
George Brown, and told the boys about it, and they 
felt very bad, as thej- said he was their partner; 
that he had intended to eome to (Jold (-'anon in the 
fall, with what he made out of the station, where 
he had six hundred dollars buried; and all his effects 
was to become e'ommon property for the assistance 
of the firm in opening their silver mines. Thej- all 
seemed disheartened at the news 1 had brought 
them, and I told the boj's that if thej- were sure it 
was safe for me to do so, I would go back to Cali- 
fornia, sell out all my propertj', and put in S1,.J00 
to open the mines with. Then they showed me the 
book in which their locations were entered, and 
after I had agreed to furnish the money 1 went on 
down to Johnlown. In three days after that. Ilosea 
died from the effects of blood-poisoning from the 
wound in his foot. Allen started to reach Cali- 
fornia, leaving Comstock in charge of his things 
and cabin, lie was snowed in on the Sierra before 
he could get over, and when relief reached liim he 
was so badlj- frozen that they had to cut off his legs, 
from the effects of which he died. 

'• I should like to know what became of the 
record book they showed me, that was left in Corn- 
stock's possession." 

TUE father's account OF THEIR DISCOVERIES. 

The following communication was addressed to 
friends of the Grosh famil}-, who visited Nevada in 
1879, and while here went to the Silver City cemetery 
where Hosea's grave was pointed out to them by Mrs. 
Dettenrieder. The letter tells its own story: — 

Washington, July 8, 1879. 

Mrs. C. B. \Vinslow, M. I)., Present — Mv Dear 
Friend: You desire me to give you a detailed state- 
ment of my sons' labors and discoveries in Nevada 
(then Utah), as you are about to visit there, and 
would like to speak of their discoveries of silver ore 
in Carson Valley, correctly. It is a long story, and 
1 presume it will be difficult to locate the scenes of 
their actions after the many and great changes since 
1857. But 1 will give you the outlines briefl}^ as 
gathered from the letters now before me. 

K. Allen and Ilosea B. Grosh, whom you knew in 
your and their childhood and J'outh, went from 
Iteading, Pennsylvania, in a companj- in 1S40, and 
reached California, cia Tani])ico and Mazatlan. They 
soon engaged in gold mining, most of the time at or 
near '-Mud Sjjrings" (now El Uorado), Kl Dorado 
County, with varying, but never very iirosperous, 
fortunes. They visited Carson Valley in 1S.")1, but 
soon returned to California. But in IS.'):! they made 
it a longer visit, and j)retty thoroughly '• ])rospecled " 
portions of what they called •' Carson Vallej-." 
"Gold Canon," "Lake Valley" and " Washoe Val- 
ley," and many of the adjoining mountains. 

After their return to California, with specimens for 
fuller examination, they wrote many letters, giving 
details of their discoveries, and of the information 
they were gradually acipiiring respecting modes of 
testing their value. One stated that they found 
what they believed to bo " carbonate of silver," in 
"Gold Canon" — a "dark graj- mass, tarnished, 
probably, by the sulphuric acid in the water. It 
resembles thin sheet lead, broken very fine — and lead 
the miners sujiposed it to be. The ore we found at 
the forks of the cafion; a large quartz vein — at least, 



boulders from a vein dose by here shows itself. * * 
* * Other ore of silver we think we have found in 
the canon, and a rock called black rock — very abun- 
dant — we think contains silver." 

These and other discoveries of this period, led to 
many conversations with '• Old Frank," an experi- 
enced Mexican miner, and to numerous experiments 
in assaj'ing as their limited means allowed, jirepara- 
tory to a return to Carson Valley. Thej- also organ- 
ized a large company of kindred and friends in the 
middle Atlantic States, called the " Utah Enterprise 
Mining Com])an}-," of which they were part, and for 
which they were agents — which was to enable them 
to hold and work their various and numerous dis- 
coveries. 

But lack of means delayed their return to Carson 
Vallej- until .Maj-, 1837. when they obtained an out- 
fit by organizing the -'Frank Mining Companj'" — 
named after " Old Frank " aforenamed, constituted 
of themselves and a few wealthier friends who 
advanced the moncj*. Thej- soon rediscovered their 
former discoveries, and what thej- called •• Our Mon- 
ster Vein," they located in the name of the Frank 
Com])any, aild other veins in the name of the Utah 
Hnter|)rise Coin]iany, and located in their own name 
what they termed '• a smaller but richer vein " — " a 
much more promising vein, because more easily 
worked." Both of these arc said to be at or near 
" the forks of the canon." Thej' also mention " suits 
of veins crossing the caiion at two other points," and 
"a mammoth vein of copper — co])per ])}-rites — twen- 
tj--five or thirtj' miles north of the caiion, containing 
considerable silver," and resembling copper, then 
about being mined for its silver, some distance from 
theirs. 

They found great difficulties in making reliable 
assays, in the nature of the 'ires, being, '■ not, as we 
had supposed, magnetic oxide of iron, but the mag- 
netic sulphuret of iron," and other mixtures (anti- 
mony, etc.), adding difficulties in their toilsome and 
tedious labor, with deficient materials and imjjerfect 
apparatus. But all their assaysshowed the blackish, 
jjurjile and violet rock to be rich in silver. The 
greatest difficulty — one they could not surmount 
except after much time and labor — was their pov- 
erty. To procure food, they must use nearly- everj- 
hour not absolutely needed for rest in gold digging 
and washing — leaving only a few spare hours for 
roasting and smelting. 

While engaged in digging earth on Gold Hill* for 
washing, Ilosea struck his pick into the hollow of 
his foot. This was on .Vugust lllth. and mortification 
set in and caused his death on September 2d. He 
was buried res))ectahlj" by his fellow-miners, and his 
remains have since been removed to a cemetery at 
Silver City, and a memorial stone (which I had 
ordered at mj' expense) has been placed over them — 
as 1 am informed. 

Allen, as early as ho could, on the fifteenth of 
November, in companj- with his friend .Mr. Bucke 
(now Dr. R. .M. Bucke, Superintendent of the Domin- 
ion Insane Asylum, Ijondon, Canada), started for 
California. Thej- were hindered hy the loss of their 
mule and his recover}-, and caught in the great snow 
storm of that j-ear, while in the Divide of the Sierra 
Nevada, and comjtelled to kill their mule, and throw 
away their s])ecimens and other baggage, and con- 
tiriue their journey on foot through the dee]) and 
trackless snow. Their ])owder a!ul matches got wet. 
and the mule meat being consumed, they were four 
days and nights without fire or food. slee)>ing in their 

•Allan's Ifttcr says, " from a small ravine to thu ri^ht fork 
of the main cafion." 



ELECTION AND DISCOVERY OF SILVER. 



r,fi 



blankets under the snow. They reached a Mexican 
miner's canii), loi^s frozen to alxive tiie knees, and 
tVorn thence were taken on sleds to Last Cliance, by 
tlie miners ol'tiie iattiT ]phice, where .Mr. Hucke had 
one leg and toot, and part of the other foot, am)>u- 
tated, and recovered. ]Jut Allen, after lingering 
most of the time unconscious, died December UUh, 
and was tenderly buried. Mr. Bucko has since 
marked the grave of his fellow-suflerer with a suit- 
able memorial stone. 

A writer from Virginia City, in the New York 
Heidlil of December HO, liSTS, in giving a description 
of the "Comstock'' Lode and oilier mines, gives an 
account of my sons, their discoveries and deaths, 
which is generally correct, and says: Krom associa- 
tion with the two brothers Cirosh, ](revious to their 
unfortunate deaths, Comstock, in some waj- or other, 
at their melancholy ending, came into ])ossession of 
what property they left. Dr. Bucke, who knew all 
the ])arties well, says there was no intimacy between 
Comstock and my sons, nor was there anj- likelihood 
of there being anj- confidence reposed in the former 
hy the latter, so widelj- different were they in char- 
acter. disi)osition and habits. And if reports may be 
relied on, Comstock himself told so manj' differing 
stories in accounting for his possession and sale of the 
lode, that it came to be believed t!iat he took posses- 
sion of books, maps, and other ])a])ers which Allen 
had boxed up for safe keeping, and thus learned of the 
existence of the mines they had discovered, and 
claimed them — sometimes as his own discovery ; 
sometimes as having been left in his charge, for 
which he was to receive one-third or one-fourth ; 
sometimes, as their ])artner ; and sometimes as being 
on the spot, and therefore nearer to them than any 
distant heirs : having the best right, that of posses- 
sion. 

Thus, my friend, have I again gone over the letters 
of mj- sons, and of their friends communicating their 
sad fate, and given you briefly some of their numerous 
details of cares, labors, trials and discoveries. 1 have 
omilteil more than 1 have given ; but wliat 1 have 
given may aid j"ou to find the scenes of their toils 
and IJosea's grave — and may serve to correct any 
errors and misunderstandings which rumors and tra- 
ditions may have imjilanted in the minds of those 
who have succeeded them in the jilaces they once 
occu])ied. You can rely on their statements, for you 
knew them ; and you also know that I would not 
mis(|uote or jiervert wh:il they wrote to mo. 

Wishing you all needed health, recreation, pleasure 
and profit on your journey, J remain, 

Very resjpccttiill}-. 

Your friend, 

A. H. (Jrosh. 

"Dan Dc (juille,'' in mentioning these men in his 
"Big Bonanza," states that: — 

The Grosh brothers were well educated, and had 
considerable knowledge of mineralogy and assay- 
ing.- * * * In their cabin, which stood near the 
])resent town of Silver C'ily, about a mile above 
Johntown, they are said to have had a library con- 
sisting of a consideralile number of volumes of scien- 
tific works: also chemical apjiaratiis and assayer's 
tools. 

They did not associate with the miiier.s working 
in the canon, and were very reticent in regard to 
what they were doing. They, however, informed a 
few ]iersonsthat they had discovered a vein of silver- 
bearing quartz, and it was well known among the 



miners that they had formed a company for the 

])ur|)ose of working their mine. The majority of 
the members of their comp;iny were undei'stor)d to 
be in California (about Volcano), and in one of the 
Atlantic States. * * * Li ISliO I saw their old 
furn:ices unearthed, the}' having been covered up to 
the depth of a foot or more by a deposit of mud and 
sand from Cold Canon. They were two in number, 
and but two or three feet in length, a foot in 
height, and a foot and a half in width. One had 
been used as a smelting and the other as a cupel 
furnace. The remains of melting-pots and frag- 
ments of cupels were found in and about the fur- 
naces; also a large piec^e of argentiferous galena, 
which had doubtless been procured a short distance 
west of Silver City, where there are yet to bo seen 
veins containing ore of that character, some of which 
yiehl fair assays in silver. * * * Wiih the 
brothers was lost the secret of the whereabouts of 
their silver mine, if they ever discovered anj' silver 
except that contained in the ore of the veins of 
argentiferous galena 1 have mentioned. 

After the discovery of the old furnaces of the 
Grosh brothers in LSGO, there was much search by 
miners in the neighborhooti for the mine thej- had 
been prospecting, but no mine was ever found. 

In a sort of sink, on the side of a large mountain, 
at the foot of which stood the cabin and furnaces 
of the brothers, was found an old shaft. Here was 
supposed to be the spot where they had worked, 
and the place was "located" {■•claimed " or " i)re- 
emptcd") and called the " Lost Shalt." 

About the first discovery made by the locators, 
when thej- began cleaning out the shaft, was the 
body — a sort of mummy — of a Piute squaw, who 
had been murdered some years before by members 
of her tribe, who had tumbled her remains into the 
old shaft. 

After finding this ■• dead thing," the owners of the 
claim let a contract for the further sinking and 
exploration of the old shaft. The men who took 
the contract soon gave it up. They said they could 
not work in the shaft; that Stones were falling out 
of its sides without cause. Others took the con- 
tract, and each part}' of miners that went to work 
in the shaft gave it U]), saying that their lives were 
endangered hy the stones which suddenly and at un- 
expected times, jumped out of its sides. A tunnel 
was then started to tap the ledge on which the old 
shaft was su))posed to have been sunk, but it never 
was completed. It is now well known that the old 
shaft was sunk by a pai"ty of tiold Canon miners in 
18.j1, they having taken it into their heads that from 
this curious-looking ])it, or sink, in the side of the 
mountain came all the gold found below in the 
canon. 

There was also a story current among the miners 
in 18I)U, that before starting on the trij) over the 
Sierra, which resulted in his death, Allen Grosh 
boxed uj) the library and all the chemical and assay- 
ing apparatus, and rwhei/ the whole somewhere 
about Grizzly Hill, the mountain at the base of 
which stood the cabin occupied by the brothers. 
There was much search b}- curious miners in the 
neighborhood for this sujpposed deposit of valuables. 
They crawled under the edge of shelving rocks, 
jieered into crevices among the cliffs, and proheii all 
sus])iiMous- looking stone-heaps, but no lionanza of 
scientific ajpjiaratus was ever discovered. When 
Allen (irosh left to go over the mountains to Cali- 
fornia, Comstock was placed in charge of the cabin, 
and it is very probable that whatever books and 



54 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



ajjparatus there may have been were carried away 
by such visitors as took a fancy to them, and thus 
were scattered and lost. 

On the 27th of June, 1865, Schuyler Colfa.x and 
party who were eti route for California overland, and 
about two hundred others, participated in the cere- 
mony of erecting the marble slab mentioned by the 
father at the grave of llosea B. Grosh, in the ceme- 
tery at Silver City, Lyon County. Upon the slab is 
the following inscription: — 

llosea B., second son of Itev. A. B. Grosh, born 
in Marietta, Pa., April 23, 1821), died at Gold ('anon, 
Nevada, September 2, 1857. 

Such is a brief sketch of the lives, discoveries, and 
sad fate of the two men who first discovered silver in 
Nevada, and they were the undoubted first, unless 
the discovery in the Black ilock country' as here- 
after related, was a genuine find. 

THE " LOST SHAFT." 

The mystery and the history of the '• Lost Shaft" 
has been explained by Mr. J. M. Hunter, a responsi- 
ble citizen of Montecito Valley, Santa Barbara 
County, California, who, under date of August 8, 
1881, relates the following : — 

While in the mines at Sonora, Tuolumne County, 
in the summer of 1S50, there were continued rejjorts 
of rich diggings on the eastern slo])e of the Sierra, 
which created (piite an excitement among the inincrs 
who were, as everj'body recollects, constantly push- 
ing for new discoveries, leaving good claims in hopes 
of finding better; also for the adventure of prospect- 
ing, and to be the first explorers of a new countrj'. 

Immigrants from over the plains the preceding 
year reported having been shown by the Mormons, 
in Carson Vallc}-, large nuggets of gold iiurported 
to have been found in the neighborhood. To search 
for this 'fountain head" of gold a jiarty of fifty men 
organized, and went over the mountains, going Ijy 
the old emigrant road, through Uojie and Straw- 
berry ^'alll,■3•s to Carson Valley, jjassing the old 
Mormon Station, now Genoa. We ])ros])ected the 
country from Walker's River to Devil's Gate, spend- 
ing some eighteen or twenty days in doing so. On 
the eighth of August, 185(1, we commenced sinking 
a shaft at Devil's (iate, which was undoubledlj^ the 
first hole sunk in that region. Some gold was found 
in our jjrospecting trip, but in small (juantitics. 
That which we found at Devil's Gate was much 
lighter, in C()m))arison to its bulk, than what wo 
had mined in California, and we did not think it 
of much value. 

The company disbanded on the twenty-fifth of 
August, at the point where Kiupire City now is, some 
returning direct to California. Myself and six 
others went to Washoe liake, thence to Truckee, 
and crossed the mountains to Nevada City, where 1 
remained ten years, and then returned to Nevada. 

The reason given bj' the immigrants of 184!) for not 
8top])ing to mine in Caisson Valley, when shown the 
coarse gold and nuggets by the Mormons, who repre- 
sented it to lie in large i|uantities in the hills north of 
them, was that tiiey were short of provisions; would 
be unable to winter there, and were anxious to reach 
California, the land i>r their destination. 



While residing in Nevada City, I became acquainted 
with Henry Meredith, who was killed in the Ormsby 
massacre, near Pyramid Lake, and after mj- return 
to Nevada Teri-itory, I saw his gun in the possession 
of a Piute Indian. This 1 bouj^ht in 1808, of the 
Indian for .?10. and sent it to .Mr. John Meredith, 
brother of Henry Meredith. 1 had known the gun 
well, and recognized it at once. 

I have never claimed that our part)" was the first 
on the Comstock, as that lode was not found for 
several years alter our prospecting trip, and Devil's 
Gate was lower down the canon. We pros])eeted the 
foot-hills from Walker's Eiver to Pyramid Lake. 

TIIK ni.ACK ROCK PROSPECTORS. 

In the summer of 184!>, Allen Harding and two 
other parties, whose names are not known, at day- 
light one morning, left the emigrant road to hunt 
for game, being short of provisions. They were on 
their way i'rom the States to California at the time, 
and had arrived, almost destitute, at a point between 
Black Rock and Mud Meadows, in what is now 
Humboldt County. 

The emigrant road in that county runs to the 
northwest in the direction of California, and these 
three men, in seeking game, for food, had )iassed into 
the mountains, to the northeast of it. It was a 
barren, desolate, burned region of black igneous 
rocks, and volcanic ashes, where they had gone, and 
the hunters found no game. On their return to 
cam]) about noon, they brought with them, however, 
a chunk of bright metal that weighed about twenty- 
five pounds, and pronouncing it silver, tried to get a 
man who was short of sutticient oxen to haul his own 
property, to take it to California for them. The 
party in question politely informed them that he 
would not pack it even though it were pure gold, and 
thej' were forced to leave it beside the road. Before 
going, however, thoy took a piece and melting it 
down, made a button by molding it in the sand. 

The button Allen Harding took with him to Cali- 
fornia, intending to raise a companj', and go back 
to work his mine of native, or pure silver. When 
he arrived in the country about Mount Shasta ho 
showed his s])ecimen, and related the manner in 
which he had become possessed of it, and his nar- 
ration was confirmed by the other two parties. He 
said that after becoming discouraged in their hunt 
for game they h:Td started back down the mountain 
towards camp, and in doing so passed along the 
margin of a shallow gulch that had been cut by 
water, a little to their right. As they were going 
along some bright metallic substance lying in its 
bottom, and for a short distance up the banks, 
attracted their attention, and they went down to 
take a closer look. At first they supposed it was 
lead, but finallj' concluded the substance must be 
native silver; and there it lay scattered along the 
head of the wash, and slicking out from the sides of 
the gulch in chunks, from the size of a bean to 
thirty, forty, and fifty pounds. It was there by 
the wagon-load; an Aladdin's cave uncovered; and 



1859— GOLD HILL DISCOVERED. 



" there was millions in it." The gold miners of 
Sh!i»ta informed Mr. llariHiii; it was gold they 
wanted; that tliej- would not take the liluck Rock 
country as a gift if it was all silver, and he soon 
came to think much in the same waj' himself. A 
great manj- people saw the button and jironounced 
it silver; when finally he sent it, in 1850, to San 
Francisco to bo tested, and it was lost in the great 
fire that swept over the city that j'ear. 

Eventuall}- turning his attention to farming, he 
settled in Petaluma Valley, Sonoma County, Cali- 
fornia; and a little later a man named Frederick 
Alberding, coming from the Rogue River country, 
also located there, and became Harding's neighbor. 
One day the last comer chanced to hear the storj- of 
Harding's native silver mine, and he at once ))ro- 
nounced a decided belief in its being a genuine find, 
stating that the same story had been told him in 
the Itogue River country bj- a [lai-ty who said he 
was one of the 'original discoverers. The result of 
all this was the organization of a company in Peta- 
luma to go and locate it. The members of the com- 
pany were M. S. Thompson, now a State Senator in 
>«'evada; Allen Harding, A. B. Jamison. Fred. Albur 
ding, H. Whiteside. Charles Humphries, Major James 

Pingley, Holt Fine, P. McGuire, and Oman, and 

the)- all arrived at Black Rock in quest of this 
Silverado, on the eighth of July, 1S5S. Kor three 
years Thompson, Harding and Jamison searched 
for this treasure-house of the mountain-gnomes with 
parties numl)ering sometimes as high as seventy 
members, but the invisible wand had been waved 
over the spot. Its lurking-place became an ignia- 
/(i/aiiii — tantalizing the brain, and luring the pros- 
pector to his death among the rocks at the hands 
of prowling bands of savages, that were never at 
peace with the whiles in that locality. H was never 
found, and the search was (iitile, but Mr. Thomp- 
son still believes that Harding told the triilii. lie 
believes that the mineral had recently been sluiced 
out by a water-sjiout, and thus e.\i)osed to view 
when seen in 184!1, and that the storms of the years 
that intervened, before the place was sought again, 
had caved the banks and covered up the de|)osit 
with washings from the country around. At the 
time of the battle with the Pah-Utes, when they 
defeated Major Ormsby, in 1S(!0, M. S. Thompson, 
with a Jiarly of about seventy men. was out in the 
Black I!ock country searching for the lost mine, 
when he received news by a pony express that the 
Indians were laying waste the whole country, and 
also a call for him to come in and help i)rotect the 
settlers in Honey Lake Valley. The request was 
prom]>tly comj)lieil with, and none of the original 
Black liock prospectors ever went back to that 
country again in search of the lost treasure-house of 
the gnomes. 



CHAPTER IX. 

1859-GOLD HILL DISCOVERED- 

The Coiiistock Lode Discovvietl, .June, Till^Aii Article of A^;roe- 
ment — Sii-rra Nevada .Mine liocatiil — First Notii-e — (loidil & 
Curry l.,ocated — Bill of Sale — California .Mine — Union Con- 
solidated .Mine — Names of First I.K)cator8 on the Conintoek — 
Virginia City LaiilulKin I^ot.s — Carson N'alley (,iuart/. — Jtich 
Discovery — The Kirst Quartz .Mill — .Silver Found in the Com - 
stock Ores — Itush from California. 

As before stated, the miners all rendezvoused at 

Johntown, when the winter frost of 1858 rendered 

further placer mining im|)0ssible around Mount 

Davidson (at that time known as Sun Peak), but in 

January, 1850, there came a thaw, that started water 

in the gulches, and jiarlies went to the head of Gold 

Cafion prospecting, on the twenty-eighth of that 

month. Arriving at the point they had started for, 

at a rocky knoll on the west side, near the head of 

the Canon at the north end of what now is the town 

of Gold Hill, the)- tried for gold and found it. John 

Bisho}), one of the party, gives the following account 

of the discovery: — 

*\Vhero (Jold Hill now stands. I had noti'^ed indica- 
tions of a ledge, antl had got a little color. I spoke to 
''Old Virginia" about it. and he remembered the lo- 
cality, for he said he had often seen the place when 
hunting deer and antelo])e. He also said he had 
seen any quantitj- of quartz there, so he joined our 
party, and Comstock also followed along. When 
we got to the ground, I took a ))an and tilled it 
with dirt with my foot, for 1 hail no shovel or spade. 
The others did the same thing, though I believe that 
some of them had shovels. 1 noticed some willows 
growing on the hill-side, and started for them with 
my pan. The |)lace looked like an IndiaTi si>ring. 
which it proved to be. 

1 began washing my ])an. When 1 had tinished 
I found that I had in it about fifteen cents. None 
of the others had less than .eight cents, and none 
more than fifteen. It was very fine gold; just as 
fine as flour. Old Virginia decided that it was a 
good place to locate and work. 

The next difflculty was to obtain water. \Vc fol- 
lowed the canon along for some distance, and found 
what a])peared to be the same turmation all the way 
along. Presently ( )ld Virginia, and anothei' man who 
had been rambling awaj-, came back and said they 
found any amount of water which could be brought 
right there to the gi-ound. 

1 and my partner, meantime, hail a talk to- 
gether, and had decided to ]nit the others of the party 
right in the middle of the good ground, 

Afrer Old Virginia got back we told him this, but 
were not understood, as he said if we liati decided to 
" hog" it wo could do so, and he would look around 
further; but he I'emained, ami when the ground was 
measured off took his share with the rest. 

After we had measured the groinid. we had a con- 
sultation as to what name was to be given the jihu-e. 
It was decidcdl)' not Gold Canon, for it was a lillle 
hill ; so we concluded to call it Gold Hill. That is 
how the jilace came by il> i)i-eseiit name. 

At first the new find was lookecl u|ion with favor 
only by the owners ; but when the pay dii'l became 
richer and richer, as the miners worked in the de- 
composed quartz towards the covered u\> ledge, and 

*.Si-c " Hif{ Bonanza," liy Dan De l,luille, ]>age 4*2 and 43. 



oG 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



the yield increased from five dollars per day, to 
twenty per man, the Johntown unbelievers became 
excited, and moved en musge to the new loealitj'. 
At first they camped under trees, then erected tem- 
porary huts, or shanties, that gave way eventually to 
log houses. In this way was started the town of 
Gold Hill, that is built over that portion of the Com- 
stock Lode, known as the Belcher, Crown Point, Yel- 
low Jacket. Imperial. Em])ire, Kcntuck, and numer- 
ous other mines that have since yielded to the world 
the value of a nation's ransom in gold and silver. 

THE LODE DISCOVERED JUNE 12 OR 13, 1830. 

On the north and south sides of Mount Davidson 
a wash comes down from the west that, reaching 
the mountain's base, passes out through the foot- 
hills eastward to the valley by the Uarson ISivcr. 
Both of these washes have cut their way through 
and over the Comstock Lode, and the waters that 
made them picked up the gold freed by the decom- 
posing quartz ledge and deposited it all along the 
waj- as far as the valley below. These washes, after 
they leave the mountain and quartz ledge, cut deep 
into the hills, and are called canons; the one to the 
south being known as Gold t/ufion. the other just 
north of it, over the ridge, the Six-mile Canon. 
The miners who had since 1850 been gradually 
approaching Mount Davidson, as the diminished sup- 
plj- of paj'-dirl in (Jold (^afion forced them to seek 
new ground further u]!, were consequentl}', without 
knowing it, nearing the quartz vein from which it 
all came. When some passed to the north, over the 
ridge, and commenced working in Six-mile Canon 
towards the main mountain, they were gathering 
gold distributed from the same general fountain of 
the royal metals, and were unconsciously trailing 
from another point to the same great treasure- 
house that nature had secreted. 

Emanuel Penrod, of Elko, under date of October. 
1880, gives the following account of the discover}^ 
of the Comstock Lode, and other incidents of eai-lj- 
history: — 

1 left Illinois in 1S.J2, bound for California, and 
stopj)ing, mined with success for one month at Gol<l 
Canon, and in November continued my journe}- to 
the Pacific Coast. In November, 1858, I went back 
to that canon, where I mined until .June, 1854. 1 
then visited Illinois, and returned again in 185U with 
my family, and have resided in this State since, fol- 
lowing in summer the occupation of farming, and 
that of mining in the winter. 

I was on the jury when William Thorrington 
(Lucky Bill) was hung. It was not, as 'Dan De 
Qnille" has it, by a ^'igilance Committee, but by a 
peoples' court. A A'igilance Committee was organ- 
ized afterwards. * * * \ w!iN in (iold Mill when 
Peter Oliiley and Patrick AlcLaughlin were ))i-os- 
pecling at what is now the Opliir mine. They had 
just found a good ])rospect of gold when Comstock 
came to tiiem, and said, •• Vou have struck it, boys." 
He tlien told tliiin that Old Virginia. .James Fin- 
ney. .Jo Curby, .James White and William Hart 
claimed this ground, and that they, O'lJiley and 
McLaughlin, had bettor buy it or the old claimants 



would drive them ott". OKiley and Mcl>aughlin 
sent for me, and wanted me to buj- the old claim- 
ants out, as Comstock and mj-self owneil nine shares 
: out of ten ol' the spring that furnished water for 
I working the mine; Comstock was to buy the other 
I share, and we foui- were to be equal owners in the 
claim. We tliought it was onlj- a continuation of 
the ])lacei"s that had been worked lower down on 
the flat, where the Ophir hoisting works now stand. 
1 got a bill of sale from I-'inney, White and Curby 
for the whole of the ground. Hart had left the 
camp. I paid fifty dollars for it. I think, and Com- 
stock gave an old blind horse for the share of water. 
There were about six inches of pay-dirt after strip- 
])ing off about three feet of surface. This streak, or 
stratum, of pay increased in thickness as we worked 
up hill. We found the gravel ail decomposed quartz, 
some of it black as soot. When it became known 
that we had good paj- — for we were taking out 
SoOO a day to the rocker, and were running three 
of them — Joseph D. Winters found we had not 
Hart's signature to the bill of sale. He, Winters, 
found Hart, and got a bill of sale of his interest, 
and to save trouble we took Winters in as a full 
partner. About this time, June 12 or 18, 1859, our 
])a3'-streak turned down into a lead about four feet 
wide, I contended it was a quartz lead, and the rest 
of the boys laughed at me. Comstock finally sided 
in with me, and we measured off our claim — 1,500 
feet as the law allowed — ."jOO feet to the man, and 
800 for the discoverer. This was a day or two before 
Winters came in. After Wiiitei-s came into the com- 
])an}' we took in a man by the name of Orsburn, in 
consideration of his building and stocking two aras- 
tras, making six men in the companj". After it was 
known to be a lead, our c()m]>any gave Comstock 
and mj-self 100 feet of it, joining our work on the 
north, for staking oft' the claim, and saving it to the 
company. This 100 feet was the original "Mexican," 
In a short time the news reached California of the 
richness of this mine, and then followed a great rush 
of excited |)eo)>le. Threats were made to cut down 
claims to two hundred feet, so we each six of our 
company selected his man, and deeded off fifty feet 
each, making 800 feet in all. This 800 feet came 
off the north end of th» Ophir. This was afterwards 
called the Atchison. Some of the company, I believe, 
got their |>art of this 800 feet back. I. from the first, 
considered it a lonn Jith sale, and still do. A major- 
ity of our comjian}- soon sold their interest in the 
Ojihir, when the buyers proposed to build a §200,000 
mill and to keep from being froze out, I sold my 
one-sixth for S5,500 to James Walsh. I sold my 
fiftj- feet in the Mexican to Meldoiiado for §3,000. 
Of the six original locators, or companj', Comstock 
died in Montana, Oliiley was taken to Stockton, 
McTjaughlin, 1 heard, died in Southern California, 
()i-sl)urn went to the States 1 believe. Jo. I). Wintei-s 
was in Califoniia when last I heartl from him, and 
all except Orsburn I believe quite poor. 

After many ups and downs I am located in Elko 
CJounty, and pro|)ose to camp. 

In 1.S58 I, with others, mined in a little gulch we 
called Cedar I'avine, just below where Virginia Cit}' 
stands, then from the head of the ravine working 
the flat where the Ophir Hoisting Works now arc, 
and to within three or four rods of the lead, where 
there was so much clay it could not be worked. 
O'Kiley and Mcliaughlin wore running a cut in this 
clay in June, 1S51), wlieii they struck the croppings 
of the lead broken over and covered three feet deep. 

Later Mr. Penrod, in answer to a letter in which 





^ ^ 



y z^*- 



John \^^. Mack ay 



Is a good sample of those men who, leaving Europe 
without capital, save that of brains and muscle, 
come to America and by dint of hard work and good 
judgment, accumulate fortunes which, even by 
princes, are considered colossal, .\stor, crossing the 
ocean with a few dozen musical instruments, his sole 
capital, commences trade in a modest way, and soon 
establishes a sj-stem of business which leads to fort- 
une. It may be said of these colossal fortunes, 
while they are often used to oppress the public, 
they serve to show the possible results of industry, 
guided by good judgment, and thus induce thousands 
to emulate the owners in devoting themselves to 
work, and in a measure atone for the evils they oth- 
erwise promote. 

Mr. Mackay was born in Dublin, Ireland, Novem- 
ber 28, 1835, and is the youngest of the " Bonanza " 
firm. He received his education in Dublin, where it 
is said the purest English in the world is spoken, 
consefjuently ho shows very little of the brogue in 
his speech. He came to America in 1850, and was 
engaged for a short time in a commercial house in 
/ Boston. The discoveries of gold in California were 
then shaking the foundations of values, and breaking 
up the old routines of business, and young Mackaj- 
thought proper to bid good-bye to that old and 
highly respectable, though somewhat fossilized speci- 
men of eastern cities, and push out for California, the 
country of boundless possibilities, where the customs, 
habits and thoughts, had not jietrified into a social 
bedrock which could not bo ])enetrated with shaft 
or tunnel, or blown up with giant powder. 

In the spring of 1852 we find him hard at work 
close up to the snow-banks of that elevated town, 
Downieville, in Sierra Count}'. It is not related of 
him that he made a fortune there in mining, or that 
he lost one, but here he met the talented and ac- 
complished lady who afterwards became his wife. 
Few made fortunes in those days at mining; the 
miner's dust, as a usual thing, came in small 
quantities, and onl}- made a bulk after it was 
gathered in by merchants and speculators, who laid 
all kinds of games and pit-falls to induce the miner 
to part with it. Mr. Mackay was not of that kind, 
80 ho delved away until the breaking out of the 
Washoe fever, when he changed his location, and also 
bis luck, though as far as that term is concerned 
nothing could bo more inapplicable to his case than 
the word luck, for if ever man achieved a fortune out 
of hard and persistent endeavor, together with good 
judgment, it was John W. Mackay; but this is antici- 
pating. He commenced a tunnel in company with 



other miners, in what is now known as the Union 
Ground, and soon exhausted all the results of his 
California mining. He did not curse Washoe and 
leave it as so many others did. but went to work on 
the Comstock at four dollars per day, which, how- 
ever, was but a small portion of the benefits ho 
derived from the labor he performed, for while 
engaged in this way he was gradually acquiring a 
knowledge of the great silver lode, and preparing the 
way for the big work of his life. 

He soon began to acquire feet, and made arespect- 
able raise out of the Kentuck Mine in Gold Hill 
This enabled him to operate still more largely, and a 
few years later he felt safe, from the condition of his 
: purse and his knowledge of the Comstock, to enter 
upon the project of original explorations. In com- 
pany with James G. Fair he undertook, by contract, 
in IStift, to develop the Hale \- Norcross Mine, which 
had previously paid large dividends. Heav)' assess- 
ments were then in order, and the stock fell in the 
market, but the contractors, having faith in the mine, 
induced Messrs. Flood & O'Brien, successful mining 
operators of San Francisco, to aid in securing control, 
when shortlj- after another "bonanza" was opened and 
dividends resumed. This laid the foundation for the 
great fortune since acquired. With the profits of 
successful mining and successful speculations the 
firm, now composed of Messrs. John W. Mackaj-, 
James G. Fair, J. M. Walker, James C. Flood, and 
William S. O'Brien, extended their possessions until 
thoy had control of some :?,(M)(I feet of the Comstock 
vein north of the Hale \- Norcross, and along that 
property they sent an exploring drift. Mr. Walker 
becoming discouraged, sold his interest to Mr. 
Mackay, giving the latter a two-fifths interest in 
the firm. 

The result of the drift was the discovery of the 
"bonanza" in the Consolidated A'irginia and California 
Mines, which paid between the years 1874 and 1879, 
$100,000,000 in dividends to its stockholders. It 
was on Mr. Mackaj-'s judgment that the terri- 
tory afterward known as the California and Con- 
solidated Virginia was purchased; that in addition 
to the money paid for the ground, ?5(I0,000 was 
spent in tunnelingandcrosscuttingbeforoasight of the 
ore body was obtained. It may be asked whj- Mr. 
Mackay believed in an ore body? Wh}- did ho 
induce others to invest also? It must be answered 
that he had studied the lode in its entiretj-. He had 
compared its formation with the great lodes of Mex- 
ico, which had been deposited in similar openings 
between the same kind of walls. Ho had calculated 



on the average value of the foot in depth and length, 
and the chances of an ore body in so many hundred 
feet long and deep. There might have been nothing. 
It was entirely possible the ore bodies should 
skip his ground both in length and depth, as much 
as it is possible for a man to go through a hundred 
battles without harm. He had, however, no right 
to expect more than the average deposit, and when 
the great body of ore was found, the largest, the 
richest the world ever saw, that much was luck or 
good fortune, just as you choose to name it. Though 
millions have come at his call, he still is studying 
among the levels. He dons the mining suit, takes 
his hammer and candle and goes prodding around 
2,000 feet under ground, observing the dip of the 
wall rocks, the stratification and character of the 
ores, and is just as keen in searching out the secrets 
of the mine as when he was pleading with Flood and 
O'Brien to test the ground. He knows from the 
shade of ore whether it is good or bad; whether to 
order it mined out for milling, or whether to let it 
remain where the great convulsion left it. With 
him it is a science. He searches out the secrets of 
the Comstock as the astronomer studies the stars, or 
the movements of a planet or a comet; as the bot- 
anist the structure of a plant, or a politician the 
secrets of political economy. Though money is a 
factor in the problem the strong motive is the love of 
knowledge, in his case the knowledge of mines. Let 
no one, because silver is in the lode, say that such 
knowledge is beneath any man's attention. When 
we look at the convulsion of the earth in which the 
Ck)mstock fissure had its origin, the wonderful circu- 
lation of subterranean currents (solfataras) which fill 



the fissure with minerals, when we look for the 
sources of the mineral, the sources of the power that 
lifted up the rocks, and set them in order, we are 
lost in wonder, as much as the star-gazer, or the 
theologian. 

Fortune has not spoiled Mr. Mackay as a citizen. 
When not beset with adventurers he is as plain and 
approachable as when swinging a pick in the Union 
Tunnel, or putting a set of timbers in to a Belcher 
drift. Like all wealthy men, he is annoyed with 
applications for charity and assistance, many of 
which are doubtless deserving cases, but far the 
greater part are impositions, deserving only con- 
tempt. The very circumstances compel a hedging 
about of forms for self-defense. 

Mr. Mackay married, in 1867, the daughter of Col. 
Daniel E. Hungerford, who had served with distinc- 
tion in the campaign against the Indians in 1860. This 
was before the discovery of the "bonanza," and 
must have been a union founded on mutual respect 
and esteem. He has had two children by her, a boy 
and a girl. She is a most accomplished lady, and 
resides most of the time in Paris, where she repre- 
sents well the culture and wealth of the United 
States, and is doing much to bring about a feeling of 
respect for the citizens of the wonderful Kepublic, 
whose sources of wealth and power are unfathom- 
able, and whose progress in culture and refinement 
is a marvel to the world. 

Mr. Mackay's house is a home for all worthy 
Americans, a stepping-stone to the best society of 
Europe. Our ex-Presidents, our Generals, our mill- 
ionaires, all feel honored by being entertained by the 
Queen of the Comstock. 



1859— GOLD HILL DISCOVERED. 



57 



his attention was called to an incident mentioned by 
D:\u Do Qiiiilo in " IJIj^ IJonanza" i-o<{arding the C"om- 
8tocl< Lode discovery, wrote as follows:— 

On pane 52 of the " 15ifj Bonanza," Dan Du (^uilie 
saj's: "Comstock next dcnianded lliat 100 feet of 
the ground on the lead should lie segregaled and 
given to I'enrod and liiinself for the right lo the 
water they were using," which is incorrect. The 
loo feet of ground referred to, al'terwards called the 
Mexican, was given Comstofk and myself, as I wrote 
in my first letter, as follows: Ahciut a woek after wo 
four, i'. «., O'lxiley, McLaughlin, ( 'onislcick, and my- 
self, were all in company aiul working, following tho 
])ay up the hill, /. e., the croppings of tho lead, 
broken over when it turned to go down. I was tho 
first to claim that it was a <iuarl/, lead; the rest of 
the company laughed at mo and said it was only a 
crevice washed out h}- a current of water. 

I said it would do no harm to locate it for a quartz 
lead, and did so. I wrote out the notice claiming 
300 feet to the man and 300 foot for discovery, four 
men, 1,500 feet in the claim, as was the law, and 
signed the four names to it. Comstock then sided 
in with me and hel])ed measure off the ground. 
O'Kiloy and McLaughlin laughetl at us all the time. 
In a few daj's it was proven to be a lead, and all the 
country taken up. 

In consideration of the location in tini^, and [)Ut- 
ting their names in the location, O'Kiloy and 
McLaughlin gave us tho 100 feet, to take it at any 
place we wished. We look it on the north IVoni the 
discovery. Comstock and 1 owned tho water that 
supplied the mines. We then gave it to tho com- 
pany. 

Tho following copy of a contract entered into 
within less than ten daj's after the location of the 
Comstock Lode as a quartz vein, will throw some 
light upon the condition of affairs at that time: — \ 

NOTICE OF AN ARTICLE OP AGREEMENT. 

This indenture, made and entered into this twenty- 
second of June, 1859, between Emanuel Penrod, 
Henry Comstock, Peter O'Riley, Pat. McLaughlin, 
of tho first part, and J. A. Orsburn, J. D. Winters, 
Jr., of the second part, witnessoth. That tho first 
party above named do agree to soil and convey to the 
second part}- (J. A. Orsijurn and J. D. Winters, Jr.) 
two-sixths of fourteen hundred (14((0) foot, of a 
certain quartz and surface claim lying and being 
located on Pleasant Hill, Utah Territory, for and 
in tho following considerations to wit: Tho said 
second j)arty (J. A. Orsburn and J. I). Winters, Jr.) 
do agree to build two arastras and furnish stock to 
run tho same, worth tho sum of 875 each, and 
the number of horses or mules are to bo two. It 
is further agretid b}' the jiarties that after tho com- 
])letion of the first ai-astra, the proceeds from tho 
vein and claim shall be e(iually divided between the 
mombei-s of the company, after all debts settled 
[line worn ofl'] copartnership. It is also agreed that 
the second arastra shall be built as soon as possi- 
ble after the cr)m|ilction of the first. It is also 
agreed by the first |)arty, that the second party, J. 
A. Orsburn and J. D. Winters, Jr., shall have an 
equal interest in all the water now on the claim, for 
the use of working said claim and arastras. It is 
further agreed b}- tho members of the comiiaii}' that, 
if an}' member of this comjiaii}' jiroposo to sell, he 
is to give tho members of the company preference 
8 



in the sale. We do further agree that if there is 
any surplus of water that is not used by the above 
claim, that it ma}* be usod by Messi-s. Comstock and 

E. Penrod, on tho . We do lurthor 

agree that no member of this company shall sell, 
convoy, or transact any business whatever for the 
comjiany, unless ho is authorized to do so by a 
majority of tho company. In testimony whereof, 
wo, tho parties heroin mentioned, do cause seal to 
bo made. 

K.MANirKi, Penuou, 
Patiuck McrjAt'dllLlN, 
J. A. OllSItllRN, 

Pktkii O'IJii.ev, 

JosKi'ii D. WiNTKUs, Jr., 

IIenrv Co.mstock. 

Attest, n. F. Little. 

llecorded this day. V. A. IIousewortii, Recorder. 

The following copies of mine locations and other 
transactions, are the first entries in Hook A of min- 
ing records at Virginia City. It will be observed 
that the miners put upon record within ton days 
after the discovery, their acknowledgment that it 
was yet a doubtful question as to there being a 
quartz vein, and the credit of discovery is given to 
Messrs. Penrod, Comstock & Co. 

SIERRA NEVADA MINE LOCATED. 

(First Notice.) 

We, the undersigned claimants, have this day 
located the .svy»/«).sci/ (luarlz vn'iu, (/iscoi'ereil hi/ .\fe.sDrn. 
renrod, Comstock A- Co., commencing with the second 
ravine north of Penrod, Comstock & Co., and run- 
ning north through tho hill and with tho vein three 
thousand six hundred (3, GOO) feet, with all its doj)ths, 
angles and sjiurs. 

June 22, 1859. Henry Miller, 

C. C. (lATES, 

J. F. Stone, 

B. A. Harrison, 

B. C. I NO, 

R. Robinson, 

T. SciiAMi's, (abandoned.) 

T. Walsii, 

H. M. TUAND, 

H. M. Tkand, 

J. Sturtevant, (abandoned.) 

M Atwooi), 

V. (i. Muui'iiv, 

Jos. WiloiiWidlTII.* 

Recorded this day. 

Fee paid §3. V. A. Hoisewoktu, Recorder. 

NOTICE. 

That wo, tho un<lorsigncd, do claim these springs 
and streams, as designated by notices and stakes. 
Juno 23, 1859. Peter OUii.ev, 

Pat. McLauoiilin. 
Recorded this day. 
Fee paid. V. A. Hoitse worth, Recorder. 

NOTICE. 

That we, tho undersigned, claim six hundred foot 
of this quartz vein, commencing with the south end 
of Finny iV Co., and running south six hundred feet 
and two claims (or chains). 



Peter C Rilev, 
Pat. McLauuHlin. 



June 23, ls5:i. Itccorded, etc. 



•Namca of L. C. Porter and Josepli GifforJ scratched off. 



60 



HISTORYIOF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



erroneously been given the credit of having first dis- 
covered that the Comstock Ledge carried silver : — 

Carson Valley Quartz. — We saw a specimen 
of the Carson Valley gold quartz yesterdaj-. The 
rock is verj- different in appearance to the quartz in 
this vicinity. It has a lluish cast, and looks more like 
common blue limestone than anj-thing else. The 
sample which we examined was full of gold, however, 
and if the lode is as extensive as has been represented, 
the owners have doubtless found a good thing. 

It was the following September 28th, before the 
existence of silver in the Comstock Lode was hinted 
at in that paper, and Mr. Stewart had ceased to be 
its editor the previous August 3. The item then 
crept into the Observer, as an extract from the 
Territorial Enterprise. 

This first notice was followed by others calculated 
to create an excitement over the mountains, of which 
the following are samples. They are also taken 
from the Observer of July 6, 1859: — 

RICH DISCOVERT. 

J. S. Child, of the Walker Jiiver Express, returned 
to this cit}- on Monday last. The news which he 
furnishes in relation to the new diggings at Gold 
Canon is most encouraging, and eminently calculated 
to produce an excitement. It will be remembered 
that we have before had occasion to mention the 
probable richness of these diggings. Our corre- 
spondents have constantly and uniformly predicted 
that when the mines were proi)crl3- ])rospected they 
would prove surprisinglj' rich, and it appears they 
were not mistaken. Child states that the new dig- 
gings are apparently in the debris of an old quartz 
lode, which is so effectually decomposed that the 
quartz is rotten, and crumbles like pipe-clay. Sev- 
eral of the claims which are now being worked in this 
old lode are yielding I'rom filly dollars to five hun- 
dred dollars ))er day to tlic hand. The best part of 
the matter is, that the vein has been traced a con- 
siderable distance, and there is good rea.son for 
believing that the diggings are extensive as well as 
marvelously rich. 

Some idea may be formed of the richness of these 
mines b}' the following: — 

Comstock & Co. are working two common gold 
rockers, and are averaging 850(1 per daj- with each 
rocker. 

liishop ct Co. have struck dirt in their claim which 
will ])ay forty dollars per day to the hand, but uii- 
fortutiately lliey have now no water to work with. 

The Calitorriia Compaii}', a party of miners who 
recently left I'lacerville, have a claim which aver- 
ages §25(1 ])cr da}' to the hand with a rocker. 

W. Knight iV Co. are crushing the hardest of the 
quartz with arastras. At jn-esent thej- are running 
two, which j'ield an average of §4(1(1 per day each. 

At Walker IJiver the miners are all doing well, 
the only drawback to their ])rospcrily being a scarc- 
ity of j)rovisions. It is strange that our business 
men do not keep them better su])])lie(i. 

And again from the same paper of the ensuing 
August 13th: — 

More (toLn. — The excitement about the Washoe 
and Cold Hill mines continues unabate<i. Comstock 
& Co., at the latter place, are literal!}' digging gold 



by the panful. Another company known as the 
California Companj-, have an extremely rich claim 
at the same place. It is stated that this claim 
yields as high as .?30(J ])er daj- with a rocker. 

Gold has also been found in considerable <|uanti- 
ties in Honey Lake Valley, and there is every reason 
to believe that the eastern slope of the Sierra will 
shortly rival the golden foot-hills of the West. 

THE first quartz .MILL. 

The news of the valuable discovery of gold-fields 
in western Utah spread rapidly, and reaching Cali- 
fornia, Hugh Logan and John P. Holmes came over 
from Nevada County, in that State, to see what 
foundation existed for the rumors. Becoming satis- 
fied that a mine had been discovered, these gen- 
tlemen purchased an interest in the Gold Hill loca- 
tion, south of the divide, on the thirteenth of July, 
just one month after Penrod had written out the 
first notice claiming the Ophir property as a 'quartz 
ledge. 

Mr. Logan immediately started for Sacramento, 
where he purchased of the Union Foundry, a small 
mill, with mortar, and four stamps of 400 pounds 
I each, with a horse-power to run it. In three daj^s 
it was ready, and shipped on wagons drawn by 
twelve yoke of oxen and eight horses, under charge 
I of John Black. The machinery arrived at Gold 
Hill the last of August; but as the water had all 
dried up at that ])lace it was taken to the Carson 
River, at the mouth of the canon where Dayton 
now is. The batterj- blocks and posts for it were 
cut just over the ridge east of Gold Hill. Early 
in October the mill was started by horse-power, 
and continued to crush quartz until closed down 
by the winter storms, because there was no lumber 
in the countrj- to cover it. 

Castings for a water-wheel, to run the machinery 
had been ordered from t'alifornia, but coming too 
late were snowed in on the mountains and did not 
amve until the next summer. 

This was the first quartz mill jmt up or running 
between the Rocky and Sierra Nevada Mountains, 
and consisted of a four-stamp battery with blanket 
sluices. 

SILVER FOUND IN THE COMSTOCK ORES CAUSES A RUSH 
FKO.M C.VLIFORNIA. 

None of the parties having an interest in the lode 
knew of its containing anj'thing of value except gold 
until sometime in Jul}-, the knowledge being finally 
obtained in the following manner: — 

A rancher named W. P. Morrison, living on the 
Truckee Meadows, visited the new discovery and 
carried away through curiosity some of the suljihur- 
ets that having bothered the miners in washing for 
gold they had thrown away as worthless material. 
Morrison's former residence had been Nevada City, 
California, and in ros])on.i?e to a business call he went 
dii'cctly to that i>lace, where in company with J. F. 
Stone, ho visited the Journal office on the twenty- 
fourth of June, giving an account of where it had 




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EFFORTS AT GOVERNMENT. 



61 



been obtained. It all resulted in turning llie gnmplc 
over to an assaj'cr, named J. J. Ott. for a test, who 
demonstrated that it contained SI, 505 in gold and 
S3,19G in silver, making a total value of 84,701 per 
ton. Another test was made with similar results by 
an assayer named Melville Atwood, in Grass Valley, 
California, and there could bo no longer a doubt as 
to the value of the material that was being cursed as 
an obstruction and east away as worthless by the 
Utah miners. As to the immediate result upon the 
imagination and consequent influence upon the 
actions of tho.se making the discovery. Ban i)e Quille 
writes: — 

The excitement by no means abated when they 
were informed bj^ Jlr. Morrison that there were tons 
and tons of the same stutt" in sight in the 0])ening 
that the Ophir Company had already made in the 
lead. It was agreed among the few who knew the 
result of the assay that the matter should for the 
time being be kept a profound secret; meantime 
the}' would arrange to cross the Sierra and secure 
as much ground as possible on the line of the newly 
discovered silver lode. 

But each man had intimate friends in whom he 
had the utmost confidence in every respect, and 
these bosom friends soon knew that a silver mine 
of wonderful richness had been discovered over in 
the Washoe country. These again had their friends, 
and although the result of the assay made by Jlr. 
Atwood was not ascertained until late at night, by 
nine o'clock the next morning half the town of Grass 
Valley knew the wonderful news. 

Judge Walsh and Joe Woodworth packed a mule 
with provisions, and mounting horses were off for 
the eastern sl()])e of the Sierra at a very early hour 
in the morning. This was soon known, and the 
news of the discovery and their departure ran like 
wildfire through Nevada County. In a few days 
hundreds of miners had left their diggings in Cali- 
fornia and were flocking over tlie mountains on 
horseback, on foot, with teams, and in any way that 
offered. Many men packed donkej's with tools and 
provisions, and going on foot themselves trudged 
over the Sierra at the best speed they were able to 
make. 

When news began to be received in various parts 
of California from the first |)arties of these adven- 
turers U])on their arrival in Washoe, their reports 
were confirmatory of all that had before been said 
and imagined of the new mines, and an almost 
unparalleleil excitement followed. Jliners, Ijusiness 
men and cajiitalists fiocked to the wonderful land of 
silver that had been found in the wilderness of 
Washoe, be^-ond the snow}- peaks ol' the Sierra. 

The few hardy, first prospectors soon counted 
their neighbors b}' thousands, and found eager and 
excited new-comers jostling them on every hand, 
))lanting stakes under their very noses, and running 
lines round oi- through their brush shanties as regard- 
less of tlieii' presence as though they were Pah-l'tes. 
The handful of old settlers found tluMuselves 
strangers almost in a single day in llicir own land 
ai\d their own dwellings. 

There were numerous sales of mining claims almost 
daily, at what then were thought hiicli |iri<'es, and 
the huridi'eds who were UM|irovided willi money with 
which to ])urchase mining ground, swarmed the hills 
in search of ledges that were still undiscovered and 
unclaimed. The whole country was supposed to bo 



full of silver lodes as rich as tbo Comstock, and the 
man who was so fortunate as to find a large, unoccu- 
jiied vein, containing rock of a color similar to that of 
the Ophir, considered his fortune made. 

Many who came from California know nothing of, 
and cared less, for any mine except i)lacers, and 
when it was found that all such had been worked 
before, or were already in the possession of others, 
they returned in the fall disgusted to the gulches 
thej' had abandoned in the rusli to Washoe. 

Others who deemed themselves more fortunate, 
having located something or purchased an interest of 
those who had, remained; prodigal in what means 
they possessed and happy in what thej- believed the 
coming summer would reveal to them, when capital 
should come with the spring from over the mount- 
ain for investment. They lived in tents, brush 
houses covered with dirt, burrowed into the rocks 
and tunnels by twos, half-dozen or twenty together 
as congeniality, interest, or necessity assorted them, 
and passed the most dreary, comfortless, severely 
cold winter ever known in Nevada, warmed by scant 
wood and cheered only by a golden hope in the 
future. 

Snow commenced falling on the twenty-second of 
November. It continued through the daj' and 
repeated itself with slight intermission until from 
five to six feet of the white fleece carpeted the 
ground, effectually closing out for a time communica- 
tion with the outside world. 

Many cattle and animals of various kinds perished 
in the country during the winter; and though no 
instance was known of a white man starving, Dan Do 
Quille affirms that the stomachs of man}- had fre- 
quent holidays. 

Having followed in 1859 the development of min- 
ing interests in western Utah, and camped upon the 
" honest miner's" trail until they are securely cor- 
raled in snow, perhaps it will be safe to leave them 
there for awhile and return to the ])olitical history 
of Carson County. 



C II A P T K R X 



EFFORTS AT GOVERNMENT. 

Resume of Political History — IJulos .tiiil Regulations — A 
Conviction ami Enr-C'ropping — Tliu Tliinl Unsuc- 
cessful Attempt at Territorial ()ri;anizatit>n — Kac-sim- 
ile of '• Torritorial Kiit riirise," .Inly .'10, I8">".t — IXvlara- 
tion of Cause for .Separation — Kleetion anil .Ailoption 
of Constitution, Septi'mlier 7, 1 S.V.I— .Miisser certilies to 
Results of the Klei-tiou — .\uotlier Attempt to KeorKanize 
Carson County l>y •'"'•ne ■'• S. CliiUl — Carson County KI«o- 
tion Returns of Oetoher, l.S.V.I — .\tteuipt at Provisional 
(Jovernnient — Provisional l,eKislat«re Mwt ami Ailjourn — 
(iovenior Itoop'.s Messa;;e — .M'ter the Ailjinirnnient. 

It has alreaily ln'cn noted that in l.S.")S an attempt 
to reorganize civil government in Cai-son County 
had been made by the appointment ol' John S. 
Child, Probate Judge, who had called a special elec- 
tion, tiiat was held on the thirtieth of October, 
that year. The next loot-print of an attempt at 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



government is found in Gold Hill, made one or two 
days before the Comstock Lode was discovered. 
The miners, because of the rapidly-increasing pop- 
ulation centering about the place where the rich 
placer gold deposits had recently been found, be- 
came impressed with the importance of having some 
well-defined, recognized rules of action for guidance, 
in the absence of anj- operative, regularly consti- 
tuted civil government to rely upon in case of 
extreme emergencies. Consequently, they assem- 
bled on the eleventh of June, 1859, at Gold Hill, 
and adopted laws, of which the following are some 
of the most important: — 

Whereas, The isolated position we occupy, far 
from all legal tribunals, and cut off from those 
fountains of justice which every American citizen 
should enjoy, renders it necessary that we organize in 
body politic for our mutual ]irotection against the law- 
less, and for meeting out justice between man and 
man; therefore, we, citizens of Gold Hill, do hereby 
agree to adopt the following rules and laws lor our 
government: — 

RULES AND REQULATIONS. 

Section 1. Anj' person who shall willfully and 
with malice aforethought take the life of any person 
shall, upon being dulj' convicted thereof, sutier the 
penalty of death by hanging. 

Sec. 2. Any person who shall willfully wound 
another shall, u])on conviction thereof, suffer such 
penalty as the juiy may determine. 

Sec. 3. Any ])erson found guilty of robbery or 
theft shall, upon conviction, be ]iui)ished with stripes 
or banishment as the jury may determine. 

Sec. 4. Anj- ])erson found guilty of assault and 
battery, or exhibiting deadlj- weapons, shall, upon 
conviction, be fined or banished as the jury may 
determine. 

Sec 5. No banking game under any considera- 
tion shall be allowed in this district, under the pen- 
alty of final banishment from the district. 

The rules thus adopted were recognized but a 
short time, the rush from California in August and 
September having swept them, with all else that 
partook of the past, into chaos and obscurity. But 
one incident seems to have been remembered of anj- 
attempt that year to punish for an offense, and this 
occurred in August, when a couple of thieves were 
caught in Washoe Valley with a yoke of stolen 
oxen. Their names wore given as George liuspas 
and David Heisc; and a jurj' of citizens ordered an 
ear of each cut off, which being done, they were 
recommended to travel west for their health, and 
they traveled. 

TERRITORIAI- ORGANIZATION. 

The movement set on foot in 1857, previouslj- 
detailed in this work, failed of achieving the desired 
result. The desire for a separate government, how- 
ever, had not failed with the |)lan. It is evident 
that the feeling of hostility existing between Mor- 
mons and other citizens of the United States had 
not been allayed in 1859, and that it was proposed 
to U80 that feeling of unfriendliness as a leverage 



by which to yet procure a Territorial organization 
for the western portion of Utah that would not in- 
clude Salt Lake ('ity. There were men cast of the 
mountains in 1S59 who were politically ambitious, 
and they gave direction to the popular feeling by call- 
ing a mass meeting for the sixth of June, that year, 
at Carson City, to take such action as would be 
best calculated to open the Territorial question 
again. That meeting apportioned Carson County 
into voting precincts, called an election for July 14th 
to choose a Delegate to visit Washington, and pro- 
vided for a convention to convene at Genoa, on the 
eighteen of July, to count the votes for Delegates, 
give the successful candidate his credentials, and 
take such other, not well-defined, action as the 
emergency demanded. They also called a Nominat- 
ing Convention of regularly-appointed Delegates from 
the various precincts, to meet at Carson City on the 
twentieth of June, whose only duly was to place in 
the field candidates to be elected, at the same time 
with the Congressional representative, as Delegates 
to the (ienoa Convention. 

The miners of Gold Hill, at the first meeting over 
held on the Comstock, by the following action 
joined in this movement: — 

At a meeting of the miners of Gold Hill, held on 
Saturday, June 11, 1859, A. G. Hammack was 
ap))ointud Chairman, and V. A. Houseworth, Secre- 
tary. The Chainuan briefi}' ex])lained the object of 
the meeting, after which. Judge t'rano in a brief and 
cogent speech, gave an account of his labors and 
exertions as Delegate of Nevada to Congress. 

On motion of V. A. Houseworth, it was unanimously 
resolved that we fullj- indorse the citizen's proceed- 
ings of Carson City, on June Olh. 

On motion of B. F. Little, it was unanimously re- 
solved that the Chair ajipoint five Delegates to meet 
atCarson City, Kagle Valley, on June 2ilth. to appoint 
Delegates of this distriet to be elected by the people, 
to the Convention to be hold at Genoa, Carson Val- 
lej-, on the eighteenth day of July ensuing, to consider 
the public good. 

The Chair a|)pointed V. A. Houseworth, J. A. Ors- 
burn, James K. Rogers, L. S. Bowers, and Captain 
A. 11. Parker, said Delegates. 

It was unanimously resolved that we, the miners 
of Gold Hill, in demonstration of resjjcct to Judge 
Crane, hold that his manly and distinguished services 
as Delegate to Congress, entitles him to our highest 
considerations. 

The mass meeting having boon held six or seven 
ihiys before the Comstock Lode was discovered, and 
the election following on the fourteenth of July, 
thirty days after the discovery, and before it was 
generally known that silver was a part of its wealth, 
full}- establishes the fact that this was a political 
move by the settlers of the country, and not by an 
irresponsible transient population without fixed or 
well-defined purpose. On the contrary, it was the 
influx of such a class that later swept away this half- 
com))leted governmental fabric. 

The Convention, elected on the fourteenth, met at 
Genoa, on the eighteenth, and after a nine days' 



EFFORTS AT GOVERNMENT. 



03 



session inljouniod on the twoiUy-oit^hth, its proceed- 
ings being ])rintod in tlio Territorial Enterprise of the 
tliirtioth. all in July, 1859. 

i'\)rluniitely a copy of this j)iiper has been pro- 
served, brown with age, and wrinkled and worn by 
handling. Desiring to preserve a sample of a paper, 
b}' lajise of time so valuable to history, a pholograph 
of the original was taken, producing a fae-simile, in 
dimensions fitted to the size of the book, and is pre- 
sented on pages (')!)-72, a memento of the past. The 
original was on jiaper twentj' bj' twenty-eight inches, 
of poor quality, and the press work was carelessly 
done, all of which the 8ample"shows. Besides giving 
in detail the proceedings of the Convention, it con- 
tains many names of the pioneers, and the leading 
men of that time. 

DE0LARATIO^f OF CAUSE FOR SEPARATION. 

The following adilress by the C'onvention is in some 
respect an exaggerated statement of the condition of 
affairs at that time, and causes leading the people to 
ask for a separated government: — 

Wheue.vs, wo, the citizens of the proposed Terri- 
tory of Nevada, considering that we have sutfered 
from a scries of internal and external evils of so 
grave a nature, as to remlor forbearance a virtue no 
longer, and believing -that the time has now arrived 
for us to take some permanent action upon our future 
well-being as a people, and believing further that a 
plain statement of the causes which have impelled 
us to take this course, will convince a candid and un- 
prejudiced public, we would therefore state: — 

That a long train of abuses and usurpations on the 
part of the Mormons of eastern Utah, towards the 
people of Western Utah, evinces a desire on their 
pari to reduce us under an absolute sj)iritual des- 
potism. Such has been our ])atient sufferings, and 
such is now the necessity for dissolving all political 
relations which maj' have connected us together, 
and we deem it not onl^- our right, but also our duty, 
to disown such a government, and such a people, and 
to form new guards for our future security. 

We would charge upon the Mormons a gross viola- 
tion of the organic Act creating the Territory of 
Utah. 

They have declared themselves hostile to the Con- 
stitution, Government and Institutions of'ourcouiitr3\ 

They have refused to submit to its laws, while 
they have, whenever it suited tliem. claimed protec- 
tion under these laws. 

They iiave denied to the judges of the United 
States a right to try in their court the violators of 
the law, when such violations were numerous. 

They have so managed lij- their legislation, as to 
defeat justice, protect criminals, and render the laws 
and the authority of the United States, in Utah 
Territory p.void and of no effect. 

They have conferred powers on their Territorial 
Marshals, so extensive as to render void ihc au- 
thority of the Marshals of the United States, in all 
cases. 

They have conferred U|)on Probate . Judges the sole 
right to select juries in civil and criminal cases, in 
violation of all law and all ])rccedeiit. 'I'hey have 
also given to said .Judges, and .Justices of the I'eace, 
absolute jurisdiction in all civil and criminal cases. 

They have made all laws existing under the em- 



bryo State of Deseret, binding upon the people of 
this Territory, and in defiance of the laws of the 
United States. 

They have, by an Act of the Legislature, declared 
all unmarried men ineligible as jurymen, unless they 
have resided in the Territory two years. 

The}- have imbued their hands in the blood of our 
citizens, while the}' were peacefullj' ])Ursuing their 
way across the continent, and have deprived them 
of their property without due course of law. 

They have jjoisoned the minds of the Indians 
against us, forced us frequently to open war with 
them. 

We have ])etiti<jned them to redress and protect us 
in our right, but our ajijjcals have ever been treated 
with disdain and neglect. To continue the connec- 
tion with Utah longer we fear would involve us in 
treason and rebellion to our country. 

We further consider that the danger, difficulty of 
transit and ex])ense of communication with the seat 
of the Territorial Government of eastern Utah, of 
themselves valid reasons to induce us to form a sep- 
arate Territorial organization. 

We have appealed for assistance to California, but 
she has declined to aid and protect us, because we 
were without the jurisdiction of the Slate. 

We have for the last two ye;»rs invoked Congress 
to erect for us a Territorial Government, and that 
body has been deaf to our appeals. 

Therefore, believing in the rectitude of our inten- 
tions and believing the time has arrived, we make 
known and declare our entire and unconditional 
sejiaration from eastern Utah. 

To provide for and secure our future protection, 
we pledge to each other our sacred obligations, to 
erect for ourselves a Ten-ilorial (iovei-nment, founded 
upon the Re])ublican iJriMciples of the Constitution of 
the United Slates, and that we will maintain and 
defend it to the best of our ability. And we look to 
the support and protection of the Federal Govern- 
ment, and our fellow-citizens in every part of the 
Union. 

ELECTION AND ADOPTION OP CONSTITUTION, SEP- 
TEMBER, 1859. 

Having decided to assume tho rcs])onsibility of 
taking the preliminary steps incident to the organ- 
ization of a provisional government, and trust to tho 
future for a recognition by Congress, the Conven- 
tion framed a Conslitulion to be submitted on the 
seventh of the ensuing September, to a vote of the 
people, and an election was ordered at tho same time 
to fill the various offices created by it. 

The election returns wore not preserved, and a 
consequent obscuritj- surrounds tho result, but an 
indication may be obtained from the following: A 
resident of Genoa, in writing to tho Semi- Week/;/ 
Oti(cryer of Placcrvillo, California, gives tho vote of 
Genoa and Carson, as follows: — 

Genoa. t'lirsoii City. 

For Constitution 38 121! 

Against Constitution 12 5 

For Governor, Isaac Hoop 46 121 

For Governor, John A. Slater. . 1 4 

Soc. of State, A. S. Dorsey 47 121 

Auditor, .John I). Winters 43 115 

Treasurer, 1$. L. Kiujj 47 124 



64 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



The above, with (lie exception of Dr. Slater, were 
probably clecti'd; but none of tbein were ever called 
upon to servo except Governor Hoop. From a news- 
paper clip, found in the Governor's scrap book, it 
appears that the majority for the Constitution was 
about four hundred votes. The following election 
certificate tells its own tale: — 

MUSSER TEKTIFIES TO RESULTS OP THE ELECTION. 

I, J. J. Musscr, President of the Constitutional 
Convention held in Genoa, in July, a. d. 1S.")0, and 
Chairman of the Hoard of Canvassers aiijiointed bj- 
that Convention to canvass the votes cast at the elec- 
tion for otticers under the said Constitution of Nevada 
Territory, held throui;hout said Territory, on the 
seventh day of Se]Ucmber, a. p. 1S.")0, do hereby 
certify, that the said Board of Canvassers failed to 
meet at the a|)pointed time and place to discharjie 
the duties assij^ncd to them. 1 further certity that 
the votes cast at said election were received by me, 
and that I have examined and cast up the vote of 
said election returns that came to me unsealed, from 
which 1 do hereby certify that a hirye imijority of the 
votes cast on that occasion were in favor of the Con- 
stitution, and also that Isaac Koop was elected Gov- 
ernor of the said Territory by a large majority. 

J. J. MussER, 
Pres. Con's Convention, 

Carson Cit}', December 12, 1859. 

ANOTHER ATTEMPT TO REORGANIZE CARSON COUNTY. 

Immediately after the foregoing election, John S. 
Child held a session of Court at Genoa on the twelfth 
of September, with P. II. Lovel acting as Clerk. 
This was the first legal Court held in Carson County, 
after April 13, 1857, when Charles Loveland presided, 
just before the Mormons left for Salt Lake. Judge 
Child found no business before the Court, and 
adjourned until the next day. Pursuant to the 
adjournment the Court convened, and still no busi- 
ness; but the third day's session was rescued from 
monotony by the appointment of \V. P. Morrison as 
Coroner, authorizing him to officiate in an inquest to 
bo held upon the body of John Buckley, who had 
been killed at Virginia Citj*. On the fifteenth, six- 
teenth, and seventeenth, the Court adjourned for 
want of business, and none seems to have presented 
itself until the nineteenth of October, when Mrs. 
Rebecca A. Bristol filed an application for divorce 
from Kssic C. Bristol, that resulted in her getting it, 
and this was the only case tried in 1S59. A Coro- 
ner appointed and a divorce granted was the sum 
total of Court ]irocedure that j'ear. 

Judge Child had become anxious to restore the 
organization of Carson County, and give to it a legal 
existence in all its functions. The necessity for 
this was becoming daily greater, because of the i 
rajiidly augmenting population, as well as the < 
increasing value of mines and other property. In [ 
pursuance of this design, the Judge, after dividing 
the count}- into ten precincts, called a special elec- 
tion to be held on tho eighth of October to till the j 
various county offices. Out of tho ton precincts but 
threo, Carson, No. 2, Gold Hill, No. 5, and Walker 



River, No. S, opcjned any polls. The following are 
the returns fi-om those j)reciiicts: — 



CARSON COUNTY ELECTION RETURNS OF 


OCTOBER, 1859. 


OANIUDATES FOR 
REPRESENTATIVE. 


PRECINCT VOTE. 


Prtfiiict 
No. i 


Precinct 
No. 5. 


Precinct 

No. S. 


Total for 
Candidate. 


C. II. Fountain 




100 


1 


100 


J. C. Jones 


G7 


84 
1 


S. \V. Sullivan 


R. M. Anderson 


1 




1 










Total Precinct Vote. 


t!8 1 100 1 18 


186 


SELECTMEN. 




W. C. Armstrong... 




101 


18 
18 
18 


101 


L. Drixley 

K. Lambe 

J. M. Luther 


C7 
G6 
65 


85 
84 
83 


SHERIFF. 




E. C. Moi-se 




101 


""is" 


101 


J. Farewell . . . 


66 
1 


84 


R. Abernathy 


1 








Total Precinct Vote. 


67 


101 


18 


186 


TREASURER. 




II. Van Sickle. .. . 




94 


"is " 


94 


L. A. Smith... 

J. M. Ilenry 


67 

1 


85 

1 









SURVEYOR. 



J. F. Long.. 
P. C. Rector. 



45 



100 



18 



100 
63 



William Justice, elected Justice of the Peace, Gold 
Hill; Alexander White, elected Constable, Gold Hill; 
Thomas Knott, elected Justice of the Peace, Carson 
City; Gocrge Wilder, elected Constable, Carson City, 

The returns were certified to as above on tho 
twenty-fourth of September, by P. H. Lovel, County 
Clerk. 

Upon receipt by the Utah (iovernor, A. Cummings, 
of the election returns, ho forwarded commissions 
dated November 15, 1859, for tho successful candi- 
dates, with the following expressions, to the t'ounty 
Clerk, P. II. Lovel. He presumed the matter would 
eventuall}' have to submit to a legal investigation, as 
there was no authoritj- for calling the election; but 
as he was anxious to aid in organizing, he had for- 
warded the commissions. 

On tho ensuing fourth of Juno, Judge Child ad- 
dressed the following communication to Armstrong 
and Drixley, who had been elected Selectmen : — 

" I urge upon you the necessity of appearing 
immediately and taking the oath of office, from tho 
fact that with the po])ulalion now within the limits 
of Carson Countj- it is indispensably necessary that 
we shoii!tl hat'e some law." 

None of the parties elected accep'ed the ]iositions 
they were selected to fill, consequently the only 
legally authorized county officials in what is now 
Nevada, in 1859, and up to August 6, 1860, were J. 




./ 



'. V^ , t 




y:j^yA / e ir r^ { 



\_ 



Hon. James F. Hallock 



Is the present Con trollcrol" Novada, the fiiumeial tri- 
bune of the State roveniios and expenditures. Chanc- 
inj? at his office, in the fall of 188(1, the writer obf^orved 
a book, of something over 40(1 pages, that boru the 
title of a "Brief Sketch of the Ilallock Ancestry in 
the Ignited States." Turning the leaves we asked 
the genial State official if tien. U. W. Ilalleck, who 
for some years during the Ivebetlion commanded the 
Union armies, was not a relation of his, and he 
replied that such was not the case. Continuing to 
turn the leaves, however, we came directly upon the 
name of that distinguished General, and asked our 
friend his reason for denying his kin. He replied 
that it was the first time he had liecome aware of the 
relationship and that he bothered himself but little 
about either his ancestry or distant kinsman. We 
continued to turn the leaves and found that the sub- 
ject of this sketch was the direct descendant on his 
mother's side — whose name was Mary Fanning — 
from Dominicus Fanning, who was Mayor of a city 
in Ireland under 'the reign of Charles the Fir.st, and 
was taken prisoner at the battle of Drogheda in 1640, 
all the balance of the garrison being put to the 
sword. Finally this old Irish hero was beheaded by 
order of Cromwell; his head being put upon a pole at 
the entrance of the principal gate to the city, and his 
property' confiscated, because when Charles I. made 
a proclamation of peace, Dominicus advised the Irish 
council not to accept it unless the British Govern- 
ment would first secure to his people their religion, 
their ])roiierty and their lives. 

Turning to the lather's side, we noticed that I'eter 
Ilallock, the ancestor of those of that name in 
America, was one of the thirteen pilgrim fathers, 
who in l(j40 fled from civil and religious oppression 
in England, and landed in New Haven. All along 
down the lino are the names of those who have 
fought and fallen for the IJopublic, among the most 
conspicuous of whom appears the name of Gen. II. 
W. Halieck, who went from California to the tented 
field (luring the late llebollioii, and eventuall}- became 
the commander of all the Union armies. Hut as our 
friend remarked that he cared but little for all this, 
we skip much of it that would he interesting, and 
pick up the thread of his own checkered destiny at 
its dawn. 

Born of humble parentage, his father being a small 
farmer at Moriches, on Long Island, New York, his 
life datOB from that place and the twenty-fourth of 



.March, is:!."!. His earl)- years were spent in attend- 
ance at school and helj)ing his father, until seized 
with an uncontrollal)le desire to see the world, he 
went to sea when but eighteen years of age, and was 
absent for three years, when returning to his homo 
he was induced to abandon an ocean life and become 
a dry goods clerk in Brooklyn, I^ew York. 

In 1855 he sailed for San Francisco, where, upon 
his arrival, a couple of months were spent in coasting 
in a brig belonging to a friend, who oflcred him the 
l)Osition of Captain of it, or to furnish monej^ to start 
in mercantile business with; both generous ofl'ei-s, 
however, were refused. The mining mania had 
taken full possession of him, and nothing short of 
"a cot in some vast wilderness" would do. The 
next three years were devoted to an unsuccessful 
search, along the eastern bank of the river for Alad- 
din's treasures. During that time, one of his most 
extensive operations was to shift the course of the 
middle fork of the Feather River, with a dam, and to 
this day, when reminded of the fact, ho is enthusiastic 
in continuing to damn that place and enterprise. 

In Jlay, 1858, he joined the throng that left in 
pursuit of the Frazer River ujnisfntuus, and came 
back in the fall to Camptonville, Y'uba County, Cal- 
ifornia, with a purse that looked like the seven lean 
kine spoken of by the Evangelist. 

In May, 18()0, he first visited Nevada, his com- 
panion l)eing the since notorious Azberj' Harpon- 
ding, who was arrested on the eve of an attem|)t to 
sail from San Francisco, with a letter of nuinim from 
the Southern Confederacy, to prey upon the Amer- 
ican shipping on the Pacific Ocean. At the time 
they arrived in Nevada, in ISIKI, the rahrte \Var 
was in progress; but they continued, without inter- 
ruption, their prospecting in the hills, now known 
as Peavine District, in Washoe Count)'. The same 
year he returned to California, and engaged in mer- 
cantile business at Ih'andy City, in Sierra County, 
where he remained until 1868. This latter year ho 
again tried his fortunes with a mining excitement 
that lead him, this time, to the Owyhee country, from 
where he returned with the usual results. 

On the twelfth of February, 1S(!4. ho arrived in 
Austin, Lander (bounty, and ibrming a copartner- 
ship with two other persons, commoncod work upon 
a mining prospect. An unsophisticated capitalist 
came along one day atid )>aid the three men 81,000 
each for their hole in the ground. When the verdant 



purchaser had pasBcd beyond hearing distance, and 
the partners came fully to realize the singular freak 
of fortune that had dumped this money at their 
door, one of them expressed the astonishment and 
feelings of them all at the strange, unexpected, 
unaccountable transaction by remarking, -'Let us 
pray." 

Mr. Hallock invested his proportion of the funds 
obtained from the sale of the prospect in a grocery 
business at Austin, where he remained until August 
1, 18G8, when he located at Treasure City, in White 
Pine Countj-. For :i year — in connection with 
Charles V. Meyers — a successful mercantile business 
was transacted, after which tlie}^ were overtaken 
by business misfortunes. Their failure was caused 
h}- having a large stock of merchandise on hand 
when the railroad commenced bringing goods at 
reduced freight rates into eastern Mevada, com- 
bined with the sudden collapse of the mining excite- 
ment in that part of the countrj-. 

While everything was prosperous with Mr. Hal- 
lock he was married to Miss Sarah L. Currie, of 
Virginia City, on the thirtieth of November, 18G8; 
and the young bride went to her new home with a 
heart filled with fond hopes of passing her future 
years over a life path covered with the rose tints of 
happiness. Yet three of them had not come and 
gone before the young mother, summoned by the 
dark messenger, with a parting prayer for her hus- 
band, and kiss for the infant boy, passed out into 
the shadows of the mysterious unknown. Hundreds 
of miles lay between the dead mother and her girl- 
hood's home: but Mr. Hallock determined to take 
her to that place for burial. No stage company 
would take the pale sleeper as a passenger, and he 
was forced to charter a stage for that purpose. 



With the cold, inanimate form of the once beautiful 
and loving wife, lying in her coffin, fastened to the 
seat beside him; with the little child calling for its 
dead mother, and sobbing in his arms; with the 
long lonesome miles of dreary deserts that lay 
between bim and the grave that awaited his dead, 
he started, with no companion but the driver, the 
little motherless babe, and his grief, to carry the 
dead wife to her father's home. It's all a sad picture, 
sadder than tears, but from out the background 
appears the fact, that such acts as these come only 
from promptings of a kind heart, true in its affec- 
tion, constant in its allegiance, generous in its 
motives; and from such we would choose our friends. 

Mr. Hallock, after the death of his wife, visited 
his home in New York, and taking his little bo)- — 
whose name is James C. — left him there with his 
grandparents. After an absence in the East of 
about one year he returned to Nevada, and, in Octo- 
ber, 1872, settled in Pioche, where he became book- 
keeper and collector for the Water Companj- of that 
place, and Secretary of the Alps Mining Company. 

In 1878 he was placed by acclamation upon the 
Republican ticket as a candidate for State Controller 
of Nevada, and was elected to that position for a 
term of four years. 

As a State guardian of public receipts and expend- 
itures he has had no superior in those who have 
filled that position in this State. 

His Controller's report of 1881 is an exhibit of 
the subjects treated that showed the skillful work of 
a master mind, a fact acknowledged by those com- 
petent to judge; but it carried within it the seeds of 
his political death, for the railroad will never for- 
give his expose, in the interests of the people, of their 
short-comings in this State. 



EFFORTS AT GOVERNMENT. 



65 



S. Child, Probate J uil.,'0 ; P. II. Lovul,* Clerk ; S. A. 
Kinsey, Recorder ; P. C. Rector, appointed Survoj-or, 
Jlarcli 1, 1800; D. G. (iioyd, Road Coinmissioiu'r, 
appointed in February, ISlit) ; A. Kiniie, ai)pi)iiited 
Road Commissioner, February, 18C0 ; James White, 
appointe<l Road Commissioner. April, ISOO. 

The attom]it to ori^anizo under existini^ laws hav- 
ing jiroved a failure, let us return and follow the 
eft'orl beinj; made to institute a government unauthor- 
ized b}- law. 

RESU.MKD HISTORY OF AN ATTEMPT AT PROVISIONAL OOV- 
EU.VME.NT — DE.\T11 OF JI'PiiE CRANE. 

The organization of a separate Territori;il fiovern- 
ment had been so far perfected as tin' adoptiDii of a 
constitution and the election of otKcers and a Legis- 
lative body authorized bj' the instrument could 
accomplish such a result, as alreadj' narrated, when 
Judge Crane, the Congressional Delegate, died sud- 
denly, at Gold Hill, of heart disease, on the twenty- 
seventh of September, and was buried at Carson City 
on the following day. Another election was called 
for November 12, 1859, to fill the vacancj', when, 
according to the Sacramento Union, J. J. Miisser re- 
ceived for the position O/Ja votes, the balance being 
cast for different parties. Who those different par- 
tics were, or how man j- votes they received does not 
appear, but as Governor Roop in his message de- 
clared that Musser was " umanimously elected," it is 
safe to assume that no oiu' attempted to run in o]i])0- 
sition to him. Immediately alter a convention of 
citizens counted the vote and declared the peoples' 
choice for Representative at Washington. Mr. Musser 
started on his mission to the National Cajiital. A 
few days after his departure Isaac Roop, having been 
declared elected Governor, subscribed to the follow- 
ing oath of office : — 

Teriutorv of Nevada. J-ss. 

I do solemnlj- swear that I will support the Con- 
stitution of the United States, atid the Constitution 
of the Territory of Nevada, and that I will to the 
best of mj' ability ]ierform all the duties of Gov- 
ernor of said Territory' during my continuance in 
office. Isaac Roop. 

Subscribed and sworn to before me this thirteenth 
day of December, a. d. One thousand eight hundred 
and fifty-nine. F. M. Presto.n, 

U. S. Commissioner Second Judicial District, U. T. 

THE PROVISIONAL LEtllSLATlIRE MEET AND ADJOURN. 

The Sacramento Union contains the following in 
regard to the session of that first Legislative Assem- 
bly in Nevada:— 

[By Telegrai>li to the Sncramcnto DaHi/ Uiiinn.] 

(Jenoa, December K!, IS.')!). 
The first Legislature of the new Ti'rritory of 
Nevada met and organized last evening at the house 
o,f J. B. HIake, of (ienoa. O. II. I'iersoTi, of t'arson 
City, was elected Speaker; II. S. Thompson, Clerk; 
and J. II. McDougal, Sergeantat-Arms. 

The proceedings met with a great deal of en- 
thusiasm, (iovernor Roop <lelivered his message, 

•Succeeded iu March, 1800, (Jeorgc McXvir. 
9 



which will be published in the 't'erri/orln/ A'"lfr/>rige 
of to-morrow. Several s|)iriti'd resolutions were 
passed, and a committee of three was appointed to 
draft a memorial to Congress to e.\|iedite the for- 
mation of the new Territorj*. The Legislature then 
adjourned until the first Monday in July, IBliK. 

GOVERNOR ROOPS MESSAOE. 

To ttw, jvojilfi of icesleni Ulitli inrlitilfd w lliin the bound- 
arieg of itie pntpDsed Terrilury of iVevwl i: — 

Having been duly elected by you as Executive 
of the Provisional Territorial Government of 
Nevada Territorj-, and deeming it my duty to 
address j'ou upon the subject of our separation from 
the curse of Mormon legislation, 1 present to you 
ni}' reasons why an organization of the Pi-fivisional 
Government would at the jiresent time be impolitic. 
At the time we were compelled to assemble in our 
sovereign cai)acity to endeavor to rid ourselves of 
the theocratic rule of .Mormoiiism, we had no pro- 
tection for life, limb, or ])roperty. We had in vain 
]>etitioned Congress for relief against the unjust and 
illegal attempts of Mormons to force upon us laws 
and customs obno.xious to every American. We had 
no courts nor count}' organization, save those con- 
trolled by the sworil and satellites of the Salt J^ako 
oligarchy; our pf)litical rights were entirely at the 
will of a certain cli(iuo composed of those who were 
O])posed to the first jirinciples of our Constitution 
and the freedom of the ballot-box. Under these 
circumstances, we endeavored to relieve ourselves 
from these impositions, and believing that a Pro- 
visional Territorial Government would best assure 
us protection to life, limb, and propert}', we held our 
election, and made all necessarj' arrangements for 
the formation of a tem])orary government until 
Congress should give us justice and ])rotection. 
Since our election we have been deprived, by dispen- 
sation of Providence, of our estimable Delegate to 
Congress. James M. Crane, whose whole energies 
were devoted to the best interests of our people, and 
who carried with him to the grave the kindest wishes 
of us all, and who should have inscribed upon his 
tombstone: " An honest man, the noblest work of 
God." 

Within the ]iast few months an attempt has been 
made by .ludge Cradlebaugh to establish the Ihiited 
States I)islrict < 'ourt in this district. Coming among 
us as he did with the prestige of his noble stand 
against Salt Lake legislation, we at once yielded to 
him and his court all the respect accorded in any 
community. Rut notwithstanding all his endeavors, 
Icicked by the gooil wishes of the peojile, the so- 
called laws of Utah Territory have proved to him 
an insnrinountatile barrier. We have now en route 
to Washington as Delegate to Congress, to represent 
us and our wishes, John ,1. Musser, unanimouslj' 
elected hy the ]K'o|)le to fill the vacancy occasioned 
by the derease of the lamented Crane, and in whom 
we all jilace the most implicit I'onfidence. The 
recent discoveries of goM. silver, copper, and lead 
mines have caused an influx of ])opulation totally 
unexpected at the lime of oui" late convention. 

The new imniigration is composed of the bone and 
sinew of California — of men who are disjxjsed to pay 
all due obedience to laws which extend to them a 
reasonable ])roteclion. Under the circumstances, 
but few members of the Council and House of Dele- 
gates have assembled in accordance with the call 
for their election. Now, therefore, 1, Isaac Roop, 
Governor of the Provisional Territorial Government 



66 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



^ 



of Nevada Territory, believing it to be the wish of 
the peoi)le still to relj" upon the sense of justice of 
Congress, and that it will this session relieve us 
from the numerous evils to which we have been sub- 
jected, do proclaim the session of the Legislature 
adjourned until the fii-st Monday of July, ISfiO, and 
call upon all good citizens to suj)port, with all their 
energies, the laws and Government ol' the United 
States. 

Done at Genoa, December 15, a. d. 1859. 

Isaac lioop, Governor. 

AFTER THE ADJOURNMENT. 

Mr. Eoop continued to assume the duties of Gov- 
ernor after the adjournment. Most of his official 
acts being noted in this work under the head of 
''The Indians, and their Wars in Xevada." The only 
other instance known of his exercising such author- 
ity being in the issuance of the following military 
commission to M. S. Thompson, now a State Senator 
from Humboldt Countj": — 

Nevada Territory, ) 

Susanville, February 1, 1860. ) 

I, Isaac Roop, Provisional Governor of Xevada 
Territory, do herebj' appoint M.S. Thom])son as my 
Aid-de camp, to rank as Colonel of Cavalry-, with pay 
and rations as such; this appointment to take effect 
from date. In testimony whereof, 1 have thi.s daj' 
and date affixed my private seal, there being no pub- 
lic seal provided. Isaac Roop, Governor. 

[L. S.] 

The efforts of Mr. Masser, at Washington, fell 
short of obtaining immediate legislation favorable 
to his constituents, and he returned to Carson Count}'. 

His influence, however, had left its impression, and 
served to give form and direction to a growing sen- 
timent in Congress inimical to leaving other citizens 
of the United States under the unfriendly juris- 
diction that had already, by the Mountain Meadow 
massacre, been demonstrated to exist in Utah under 
Mormon control. The subsequent development of 
Comstock mines, causing a large increase of popula- 
tion, but served to increase that feeling at Washing- 
ton, and the breaking out of the southern rebellion 
culminated it in the Congres.sionai Act of March 2, 
18G1, creating the Territory of Xevada. With the 
discovery of Gold Hill; with the discovery of quartz 
gold and silver mines; with the infant Virginia City 
born and named; with the consequent rush of pop- 
ulation to the new El Dorado; with the first steps 
towards reorganization of Carson County; with the 
unsuccessl'ul attempt to create a Trovisional Govern- 
ment; with a largo population struggling against 
the rigor of the severest winter ever known in the 
Great Basin; with western Utah shaking loose the 
old and putting on the habiliments of a new era, wo 
close the narrative of 1859 to introduce that of 18G0. 



CHAPTER XI. 

PRCXJRESS OF SETTLEMENT. 

1860. 

Passenger Communicition »itli Californi.i — Stock-raising in 
C'arsun Valley— The Weather — Building — General Appear- 
ance — Business, Etc. — The Mines — P'irst Efforts to lieduce 
the Ores — I'olitical History Continued — Carson County 
Otficers in ISOO— County Court and Kepudtation of Debts — 
Hates of Licenses — Stock Brokers — Toll-road and Briilge 
I{;ites — First Railroad Franchise — First Court House — Ne- 
vada Invoiced in 1S60 — Business .Statistics for ISOO — Popu- 
lation of Nevada, ISUO — Nativity of Population — Deaths — 
Stock and Agriculture in 1860. 

The excitement in California had been increasing 
through the winter, and a large population waited 
on the Pacific Coast side in the spring for the melt- 
ing snows on the mountains to admit of a passage 
ovor them. Goods were shipped in the spring of 
1860 on mules that traveled for miles upon blankets 
s]>read on the snow to prevent their sinking into it. 
T!ie first goods shipped into Xevada bj' its present 
Governor, John H. Kinkead, reached the Territory 
by passing the snow barriers in this way. The 
hiirh price that the severe winter had created in 
C:ii'8on County was a leverage that caused mer- 
chants to make the most strenuous exertions to 
reach that locality at the earliest po.ssible day in 
spring; and those having no goods, lured by hopes 
of sudden wealth awaiting them, were just as eager 
to reach the "promised land." Of this latter class, 
Dan Dc Quille, in his " Big Bonanza" says: — 

At first they came on foot, driving donkeys, or 
other pack-animals, bel'ore them, or on horseback, 
rilling when they could, and leading their horses 
where the snow was soft; but soon sleighs and stages 
were started, and in some shape floundered through 
with their passengers. Saddle trains for passen- 
gers were started, however, before vehicles of any 
kind began to run, and the snow passed over was 
in man}' places from thirty to sixty feet in de])th. 

At first there was not sufficient shelter for the 
new-comers, and the}' crowded to overflowing every 
building of whatever kind in all the towns along 
the Comstock range. But houses were rapidly 
being built in all directions, and the weather soon 
became warm enough to allow of camping out in 
comfort almost anywhere. 

One of those parties who was so eager to reach 
the Comstock was not so favorably impressed with 
the country and its surroundings as wore manj- who 
vi>ited it; and the consideration of his evidence is 
important in arriving at a verdict as to the condition 
of western Utah at that time. He writes from 
Virginia City to the Jfoim/ain Democrdf, under dale 
ol' April 5, 18G0, as follows, after having passed over 
the road to that place from Placervillo in March: — 

There aro but few houses in the Valley (Carson), 
aixl at each house a few acres have been fenced in with 
sawed lumber, and these seem to have been designi?d 
for grazing purposes. 1 have not seen an agricul- 
tural imjilement since I have been in the Territory, 
and only about one acre of land plowed, or bearing 
any appearance of having been placed in a prelim- 
inary state of preparation for cultivation. I am told, 



PROGRESS OF SETTLEMENT. 



67 



however, that there are several good farms in tlie 
smaller valleys, back in the canons anionjj the fool- 
hills, but the ureatest portion of the valley 1 have 
seen, is entirelj- destitute of soil, beini; a loose, dry, 
coarse sand, which, with all the irrij^ation and cul- 
tivation that could be bestowed upon it, could 
not possibly be made to " s])rout a pea." Taken 
altogether, the whole country jjresents an uninvitiiii^ 
appearance, and 1 am satisfied that so far as aijricul- 
turc is conceriH'd, (.'arson Valley is an unmitii;aU'd 
hunibui^. 1 ho])e, however, that a more IhorouLfh 
investiiralion will i)rove that the sniall valleys before 
alluded to, will, when ])ul under cultivation, produce 
sufficient to meet the wants of the ])eople of western 
Utah. 

STOCK RAISING IN CARSON VALLEY. 

It is estimated that there are 10,000 head of hoi^s, 
horses and cattle in Carson and neinhl)orini^ val- 
lej's ; horses and cows are very poor, and thousands 
are to be seen iyin;^ dead all over tlie valley. They 
evidenti}' died from starvation. All the hogs I have 
seen are in good order, as thej- have ])rofited much 
b}- the numerous dead carcasses of other animals, 
but to think of a fat ]K)rk steak under such circum- 
stances, is by no means refreshing or consoling to 
my mind, and yet we have them served up at our 
restaurants, without knowing from whence they 
came. 

THE WEATHER. 

Ever since I have been here, the wind has been 
blowing continuall}', day and night, with double the 
intensity of the afternoon winds which ])revail most 
part of the year on Telegraph Hill and North Beach, 
at San Francisco ; and I am told that these winds 
prevail here nearly- three-fourths of the year. Snow 
has been falling here lor the past fifteen hours, and 
there is about one foot of snow on the ground, and 
still snowing. All out-door business is stopped. 

BUILDING — GENERAL APPEARANCE— BUSINESS, ETC. 

A few daj-s ago there was some little stir here, in 
the way of preparation for building. J have noticed 
some eight or ten small buildings in the course of 
construction, but some of them have been stopped 
for the want of lumber. Mearly all of the " build- 
ings " here are canvas : a few are of rough stone, and 
some of them are merely- Iwks dug in the hill-side, 
and covered over with brush and dried hides, present- 
ing moretiie ap])earance of an Indian wigwam, than 
that of a Cili/. The three fanioug cities, Genoa, 
Carson and Virginia, all put together, would not 
make a town half so large as Placerville. The ))riii- 
cipal business going on at jiresent, is eating, drink- 
ing and gambling. There are hundreds of men here 
hanging around the gambling saloons from day to 
day, not doing anything at all. Some are working 
in the mines for wages, at five dollars per day ; so 
j-ou will see that after paying four dollars a day lor 
board and lodging, they will have one dollar a day 
left. There is no demand for mechanics. Carpen- 
ters get seven dollars ))er day, when they can get 
work, but there is veiy little doing in that line, 
owing to the scarcity and high ))rice of lumber. 
Everything here sells for enormous jirices, not so 
much on account of the ready return for labor, or 
investment, as the cost of getting the articles here. 
Lumber can be bought at the mills for fifty dollars 
per thou^and and the same cnstx/oar /iiiw/ie'l i/ol/ms 
per thousand. Flour is selling to-daj- for sixty dollars 
]ier hundred^it has raised twcntj'-five dollars within 
the i)ast three days. Beef, from sixteen to twenty-five 



cents per pound; potatoes, twenty-five cents ; hay. 
I'our hundred dollars per ton. These extravagant 
]>rices cannot last long, but thej' are a great draw- 
back to the prosperity of the country at present. 

THE MINES. 

As to the extent and character of the mines, 1 am 
not a whit better iiifornie<l than before coming here, 
bift I sup])ose I must fall in with the current of |>ul)lic 
opinion here and admit that they are exceedingly 
rich, as I have not heard any one here deny that 
such is the case; meantime 1 will investigate 
for m3-8elf, and inform j-ou at the earliest o]ipor- 
tunity. I will venture the following remarks, upon 
information obtained from reliable ])arties here and 
from jjcrsonal observation. That there have been 
false statements and exaggerated accounts sent forth 
to the world in regard to the mines, there can be no 
doubt. The reports that have apjieared in the papers, 
that there have been heavy operations guiiig on here 
in the way of griiuling and smelting ore, are utterly 
false. No smelting has been done here except small 
parcels for the ])urpose of making assays. It has 
often been stated by writers from this place, that 
such and such men who have been here but a short 
time are now worth §10,000, 820,000, 850.000. and 
that a man may be poor one day, and a millionaire 
the next. But when these statements are sifted down 
to the bottom, they turn out about as follows: Mr. 

A. goes out and stakes oft" 200 feet of ground, and 
returns to a drinking saloon; he approaches Mr. 

B. and remarks. "1 have been oft'ered 8150 \)ct 
foot for my claim, but do not care to sell." 
"Ah I" saj-s B. " how much do you value j-our claim 
at?" A. replies without hesitation, ••82.")0 i)er foot !" 
B. in return makes similar statements to A. They 
drink and depart, and straightwaj' it is reported that 
A. and B. are each worth 850. OOO, when, in reality-, 
it is not known that either of their claims are worth 
fifty cents. But perhaps I have alreafly extended 
this letter much too long for your columns. I must 
close, and as soon as I have informed mj'self so as to 
write un<lorstandingly, I will give j-ou a full histoiy 
of the mines and mining operations here." 

FIRST EFFORTS TO REDUCE THE ORES. 

As the miners worked into Gold Hill and ap- 
proached the main ledge, the quart/, became firm and 
required pulverizing before the gold could be taken 
from it, and it was necessary to treat the sulphurels 
in the same way. This change of condition in the 
material containing gold necessitated a preliminary 
work ujjon it that was jjertbrmed hj- an ancient 
Mexican contrivance called an arastra, which was 
used to grind the rock and sulphurets to a ]iowder, 
thus setting the gold free. Messrs. Hastings and 
Woodworth had two of these running by water- 
power on the Carson River at Dayton, in the fall of 
1859, that pulverized three tons of rock each perilay. 
The contract by which J. D. Winters, Jr., became an 
owner in the Comstock Lode, already given, shows 
that an arastra was one of the first appliances for 
reducing ore on that lode. The building of this, and 
the one constructed at the spring in Gold Hill, both 
antedated those run by water-power at Dayton. 
Then came the Logan and Holmes horso-power four- 
stamp battery ;it Dayton, and these comprised the 
reduction capacity ol' works in Nevada in 1S50. 



68 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



The following from Dr. K. B. Harris of Virginia 
City, who is now one of the prominent citizens of 
Nevada and who, prior to his arrival, had owned and 
■worked several quartz-mills in California, concisely 
states the progress made in reduction works in 
I860:— 

In companj' with five others in the winter of 1859, 
I fitted out an expedition for Washoe, and ]Mtched 
my tent in Gold ilill, on the s]>ot now occupied by 
the Bank of California. My visit to Gold Hill was 
not with the view of remaining, at first, but tlie 
excitement was too great to give up the new El 
Dorado, and there being no physician, 1 concluded 
to stop, test the progress of events, and, aside from 
my professional duties, canvassed well the mineral 
resources of the surrounding countrj'. I soon 
became convinced that Gold ilill (which took its 
name from the peculiar mound from which projected 
a steep bluff of rock) was rich in mineral from the 
" grass roots." 

Very little ore had been taken out, and that was 
being sent to San Francisco for reduction at gre:it 
cost, paying as high as tweiitj-five and thirty cents 
per pound, conveyed over the mountains on pack- 
animals. 

The last shipment by Sandy Bowers and wife of 
2,000 pounds paid §2.200. 

The general opinion prevailing was that the ore 
could not be worked here. This was not my opin- 
ion, however, for 1 believed and maintained the theory 
that ores could be worked here in the same way as 
in California. The question of amabjuiiinliou was 
the only difficulty, owing to the silver ])revailing. 
Many contended that it required a ])rocess j-ct 
unknown to any exce|)t Mexicans, whose theories 
were a(loi)ted, but alwaj-s proved in the end too slow 
an order for go-ahead Americans. 

The "dry crushing" process was settled U])on, and 
no one would listen to the " wet crushing " theory. 
Having surveyed the whole matter of the future of 
the Comstock. and being convinced of the vast rich- 
ness of Gold Hill, I entered into an understanding 
with S.iikI}' Bowers and wife (taking as silent |)art- 
ner J. 11. Mill^) to erect a mill in connection with 
his mine (twenty feel in the richest |iart of the Gold 
Ilill (rulcli) each party to be eipial owners. 

Ever\Mliiiig was completed, ready for the signa- 
ture of Bowers to the coniract, when that was re- 
fu<ed, becau-e his at torney advised him not to give 
his mine up to a '• Yankee Dictor." The o-tensib'e 
reason tor refu-al wa< to get his own (attorney's) 
fingers into the ))ie. which lie did idtimalely, and a 
fortune, for a time, was taken from that mine. Then 
1 turneil my attention to a*'- custom mill." bein;; 
guiranteed all the rock 1 could work at SlOO per 
ton. 

1 looked about me for a thorough tiu-'incss ami 
moneyed man, and luuiid both in C. II. Coover. of 
Sacramento, who b. iiiir then in (iold Hill and seeing 
"millions in it," readily Joined me. The first thing 
was to select a ■' mill--ile." I located a small stream 
of water runniiig <lown '• Crown Point Pound," and 
secured a site for the mill on the east side ol' the 
road, nearly opposite to the present Leviathan hoist- 
ing works, formerly located bj- Overman for ara.-'tras. 
On the twenty-seventh day of June, l.^tJO, we lell 
for San Francisco. We secured one of "Howland's 
nine-stamp, jxirtable, rotary batteries;'' the engine 
and boilers to run it being procured from Goss & 
Lambert, of Sacramento, all of wh'cli was ordered 
shipped/o/V/iiutV/t. 



We left for (Iold Hill July 2d, arrived there at 
night on the fourth, and on the fifth, I commenced 
operations for the erection of the works. 

The machinery was freighted by ox and mule 
teams, at four and five cents per ]>ound, and many of 
the light and necessar}' articles by pack-mules at 
twenty-five cents jjer pound, A great strife was 
gf)ing on to blow the first steam whistle in the then 
Teri-itory of Utah, 

On the twentieth of July the machinery began to 
arrive, and as fast as it came I was ready to put it 
in position, and on the eleventh of August, a, .m., 1 
started the machinerj- and crushed about a half ton, 
the operation being witnessed bj* several hundred 
peo])le, anxious to see the " old pioneer mill start." 
Most of the crushed ore was carried off as souvenirs 
of the great era of a Washoe cnterjirise. 

The rock was donated by Bowers, and valued at 
about 8400 per ton. 

I procured my battery block from two j-ellow- 
pine trees, cut near Fort llamsteed in Gold Hill. 
There were three of those j-ellow-pine trees that 
were about seventj'-five feet high. Thej* measured 
in diameter nearlj- four feet at the stump, and were 
the onlj' ones to be found among the hills. 

Nearl}^ a thousand cord3 of nut-])inc wood were 
cut in the ravine where the new Yellow Jacket 
shaft is located, for which 1 ])aid for about 500 
cords of it SI. 71 for cutting and cording, and 82.50 
for i)acking; making it cost 84.25 per cord, delivered 
at the mill. T>umber was worth 8100 jjer thou- 
sand, and 1 ran my mill ncarl}- a month before it 
was covered. On the thirteenth of August I started 
the mill again, and ran continuouslj- until the follow- 
ing October on ore from the Bowers' claim (and the 
Gould & Curry, then managed by Charley Strong), 
working about one ton per twentj^-four hours. 

Finding this a losing business, and the dry dust 
destro^-ing the machinery, I resolved on the "wet 
|irocess," against the protest of many who believed 
that the mineral could be saved only by dry crush- 
ing. I soon made the change, and 1 not only in- 
creased from one ton to ten per twent3'-four hours, 
but saved thirteen dollars ])er ton more; thus set- 
tling the )iroblem to a certainty. The advantage 
was soon followed l>v Paul and others. 

As my facilities increased and other mills began 
to start, my prices fell to seventy-five dollars jier 
ton. ami in the s|>ring of 1801 fell to fift}- dollars 
per ton; then ;;iving-me a hamlsome |)rofit. The 
co-^t of working the ore was a little less than six 
dollars jier ton. 

I hired my amalgamaters for fift}' dollars and 
sixiy dollars ])er nnnith. 

Eii<;ineers lor one hundred dollars per month, work- 
ing twelve- hour shilts. 

The retorted bullion ran from fen dollars to four- 
teen dollars per ounce; but as the mine increased in 
depth, it fell, owinii to an increase in silver. 

A. B. Paul commenced to erect a mill near Devil's 
Gate some time in the spring of 1800, and I thiidc 
he started to crush ore on the afternoon of the 
eleventh or twellth of August. There was a great 
strife between Mr. Paul and mj-self to blow the first 
whistle, and crush the first ore. As the milling 
business had become ))rofilable, Coover came over in 
the winter to assist me. 

The third tnill of eight Howland Batteries (sev- 
enty-two slam s) was erected by A. 15. Paul below 
lower Golil Hill, but was not made a very great 
success. The fourth mill was liy the Ophir ("om- 
paiiy in Virginia, The fifth by Staples, in (iold 



VOL. 1. 



CARSON VALLEY, UTAH TERRrEORY, SATURDAY, JULY 30. 1333. 



«if .f.T. t>nff. tlitf Hialr. 



Ctrritoriitl f nftrpcisf. 

JERNEGAN & JAMES, "'^' "i;; *;,;''•' "-L, Kh..rc;'x.Nw 

Ia j. r.itiraii, ( .iniiiiiitce uu Knolul Oii« 
ma O/.Irr t.r BkJuiw*.- 

Ti tne, CiriTjiiy or mi: .Ci^^rty- 

Ttfiv:— sj-r: U'lUCouD.iillrv nil |Vriii!i- 
i<«t.l Offici-t* <'t ,tli-j- 0.iisrei.ii.,u U-x 
t'lT" la rrwrt ai rti!l.i»..: IVvi'lent 
"r:Citit>'iii:oii, J. J, Mij*>tr, Viw I'n-v 

Un-^li A-d .!.. I,. C irr; SwMary. Ji.o.F. 

1^'"*:; A-5L«I«niSi-cfvtnrr.M. .M. Q.i:cri 

Svr^-.«..l nl-Ar..,-. A 0.' n^.niu.avl-.- . 

C. N. .\OTi;\VAKE. CJ.'.u Cvak'7 

omriidtco r;iq;l;,tivc.|. All. I inofnl itial 
\hQ n'Kir,- iijiik-lsciiiJcilJcirUj tlctU'd 
l«y oallm.nioii, 
O.Lh.. ■ ,, \rrM-. t;;.|ron.| \XV«nf, 

'* ='' lie lr» Cun'lllCl 

C"l. .'■ ,- kIio nfivr ta- 

' - 1 Ifittoi.ictillyii 

:tf'ii..il vxiiljiti- 

<v;nti"n utjdtlifir 

i>.-.icio* iiif;i,.j,'r>ur ilic same. 
Tiic rjirjiPc.vTi-. jKMirjrj. 



KO.SIJ. 



Ob« Vr-r .^-.„.,.™^..«,SS M 

i"« «-ti..... ,-.,*_^ ^4 ca 

T»rM ^'■■el''«......,....-.._.«.H J VJ 

airt:t Ct>nt» — — ..„ -.._^„«.,>. i>. . 

AdVcrllilng',. 

One PqWl*. 10 li-in. fir,! [sifTltM. SJ- 

Mcb ici'i-'^i.rql laoriion, $1 C'l. Du'iaPd 
C»r4t of [»« I.-i'i cr.lrit. oo^-TCifiSlS 

^"t o:c f;u»rCr 



tCftiKBr; 



•l;ca'j r»r lbs Ea:cr^rllr l' 
.Vnov^s imv.T ^K^-TkiYfrfTf 

A. B VDI. \ VI J. C U riAV(l>.H>.f Stc««i4[iTo 

B. M »'■ t ,.., M.R^.r.itB. 

J^C. Ki:..!.F:i' PiMinvair 

X M. « ..M.K - „.C..i'»*». 

"•C- M P\V Dl.l(««P Sf.i.r.c 

JOHN w un»;\r. (>«*■. umie. 



Constiliitional fuuviulion 



^OCCrdln?^ of ilic rtmt*cnt!on. 
^t Grnaa. Caw-Q Valley, L'..T., 

J'driuinl lo A notice Rirci ami Ju:'. 
liilKtl bj * Mak. Mctlirijr. licM ai fu; 
mn CitT. Jnne 6th, ISjD. t)ie D^le^Jl^. 
licet net ill CoiircntlO'i, anil wu caHol 
toonicrlj A. Q. H4ti)iu.ii,I;: atiiL ^n 
taoiir>n. Cul. J. J. Mii'<cr wnx clio<en 
IfiMjKtrary CUa!rijiait, auij Jno.,F. Long 
S*crctiry, I 

M.>Tr(l antl carrlnl lliat u f 
of fireU; ctcCfnl M a CoTr 
Cmlcntial*. Mf»=«rii. "Njv nf 
lti*fr, "nifo. Wii-.tcrt cf Wj ' 

AiMkT.".ioMIiii.ilK.lJt. nmi U 
l/on^ Vitll(-y, weTc ]ilacpil iiinoinnul.- 
foriaJJCiiitiiiilt^^. 
Oi mtti.,1 of G. W. ir-i'Tv^lf'. ■ 

Vft« r-f... I f.% r .... f .- . . I .' . 

byb, 
»on» •' 
AC.« 

knil U-.L .,:.. 

Mov.>l iii,.| o.trriwl lli«t' tlio ^ConV n 
J^ioii Mk(t A ri.vi-3* to ^'iro tltyu (\te cui ; 
Initlci' ti» r<ji.ir:: 

; C-Jurci-;iuj conrcoeJ pjrmnt w n - 
lion. 

, C-'-n-'.:'- ■-.-.... I (iM-rciionJ u> 
W^. I I 

A irw» inirAiitf^, I 

»t 8-.. . 

TtViP*T, July lOtli. tllQf. 
C'tnrention lui-t (I'jr.ujut tu ■.IJtfcri: 

iBilit. 

- Cc.mittcc on CrcJcntisU rrponcd a 

m« rn! 

■rul ' 

10 I 



OnJrr i>r.Itj*itif«(— |.T. Tist tdc 

Cu.rCiiI«>r.oi.»..l.f tie J'ttMiC Sifety. 

■ ro tl'>iii)( M iiirinrj'y pf jour C 



1,1 



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croiain< 




i<'rtii-«of p«rii-i 




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- iir^inUifucilon. 

■ "*'r Ktn'lrra't. 
lis i.nlii of tbit 

■ 'oilieolhtr. 

' ifi.liirr itiv 19 ae 
1 Ili iloiiii ta ft 
-9 liAlf LtliU/ tb* 



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■Jil irvilU'LiMlrptiO.i; 
d* OiO minority Iiniftr 
PUrJi !f"ni our i-oii- 



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-W.T.C. FIlio: 
1 i 1. A. V. Clui..iii 
I. .I..l„, ll..l.i.,.m. 3. A 
IV S 11, .J 1 I. .!_ (I 



II 
1 V .! . 

5. J \\: 

it. V,: 

n 

J. II 
. 11' 

TO!-*. 1 

J. w 

• c. 

I.J .; 
I, I, . 

1. W ; 

Mnlii.t 
O-iJ,. I. 
W>ll.t'<R;ier Diiirlcl— rrf'f 

D..f.rv 

WOfllt I, 

1, J A 
L 



■ I, V'. ii. W-;, 



[mfiit. 



I, p. m. 

■t.i;..';4 .lut (-uf^uiittto ailjiiam- 



lauive wuiil,! >3)rtf,-.t u .it (Im CVurcu- 

Nu Ti> M<oi> A calf for. • CmstltO' 
ti'Miar C<"trfiii,on. 

2'1-t T.» irraiii fjJ' jSntTpr* tu aa;.t 
C.ifitttttloii to crraiu tif.il.c OHJcw mi- 
•Irrtlio C^nttitmivti, »«.()le;i IIh? WhT 
dr«ft. 

Sn|. Tin^ 11.3 iif4»;/<- Crtnrtn'.; 
Wlaliii-IuiJil.rtjn.i... i^wrt* Ilirmi 

C"*u.itIUiti.ii.u| Conrt-htloii. 

4tlt. Tu nt'pou.i tl/. .Oirjcrn of ticc- 
Itnii Ift 'Iio rori'>i|« im.;iiitti 

6ilr. r-iiiit-ko l.jwt (prcrulrig lU 

rrturns of i-lK-riniif. 

Cili. T** c.ul^ltsli fl'C qnal.Ccat:oii cf 
Tot.r*. 

2mI. Of.lT of Di^;(u~Ciiii-i«4 III 

Cfirmiiltcc f-r Ifivnlji'tf tlitf Tor.uUJ rc* 
lun.H r.r IMa'vtf" Iu Cw.pn-51". 

Mr, C'liiiinmn— .V^diiii-intr of TOnr 
co;iii->inw iip-i O'.Un of l;.i-Ii.p.i iu 
rtKS vt tlic u-iiUxtr-tD^ tia<uru of li.e 
call ni..|.-r wl.-rli vv grj ffl.vinl.Ii.-I, cm- 
^Mtr lliiit it i/- Ijut JiiVWmt this C'ti- 
ttiiti'iii t.ik.' lilt .tr|( ui^lrurict uf |>u'»- 
l.tni.i.,;,.,,, f.-rlvBudsIiigit (tm.M h.^ 
It ilT.tt ciiitliii;,'!! »t.r.utfl . Blndi w.>ciM 
ot l«j I'liriratl ;iml I^Tcnia a rteafl [.t* 
UTaiiinin; L«. ul-ollipt |!h* Cniiru'tioii 
Iiai rin r;j:I.t fi irflti'-"*T any Iiu'inc-s iif't 

drhVltp-IIyltlll JJH^ifii: tlTIJUl.y Illr 

cull, fur III no dctltt;; it i'oatJ Jir' on uii* 
w:ifniiitiil.Io ni<»unij.li;*ll of iLc tlgUta vt 
ilie T'-ojiIcnt lor^v, 

■ Wtf imilwt rno-r'dOTlnity nji'n^t 
litis Coiir^nrinn iv..il(iin H.,|f into n 
C.if!-titoiirt.,:il C'livimiuii, 1(1.1 M(W iti 
view of llif a1.ovcjt(..'.ttori wfliOTc ti'ik.-n 
iiriil wliivli np ciiiffita to, In; torrx-it 
jiriiii nil.-«. li,i nl.,) iu^ii-w of lie fuit 
ilintfli;!! i-uc tl.J 1,11 nitir i'do i!,e 
Caiirj«», lori.ffiurji 
iu orin-r wonl*, weo« 
liail U0]tulil(i.-ia^>rp«4' 
utidiiiir* that wuuM oLlIioriip ii. In m- 
[;i"jr.llt')i't'-n; oa * >l!irr.)i.i,.| wr 
W.tlyl/i-l(irpll..iMrr wouM not U- 
rifli.Tlinj; tlie ociion r.r our immidiatc 
rvimitd.iil*. Ill cl.nnzu);: wlint we rot), 
ct-ii-c t-i t/c (lie Ii-gitimalo coaric of tlii* 

Wu Wi.uM a\to fnrriMiIy rcrco^imfiitl 
"'■■ iMLiiiutirtri of ilcr»-l.ir.,.. to I« 
li.til ft< »|*cilioI III otir 2..1I. tf.Icr of 
' 'i-iiicM; w« ore t.MiiiiiJul t.i t],|*. f..r 
ilii; rullitwiti- r«L»on«. wu iNliiTc it (< 

■ te a ciirn-tt i-rintijilo 10 c'ur.l in rvrtr 
|.o.Sill,'D3inicr tlic r^ulit i<t niiTfaii-, 
wc Woul^l tilr toil t.iil,^ fxrriiriw inu- 
Iiini. nitil »jir,(ni«r.U lltrowii nfrn::..! ihf 
l'«II..l Ihix ill If iiFitKc* t'orrri.nl l.y Inw 
oml we would BlMititi* yftii l.i ihi- na- 
Jii'foui iiLitjawK of rnui.l ollr.!.''*'! to 
liHVf U-cPi (Minnilrtitl i| »a.li wdl rrjti- 
fit.nl inmiiiiiiil»;i-<<Trr,-.^We nru iit<.i 
","i"'-n| |» HiMJiii-j itaPO.C"iiIHniIlro 111 
• jiitiK* III,-*,, n-iorii*. .Wiiii*e wi-Ulii »!■ 
' It iviiy mutiUr ►li"a!Jclrp n *lr\r 

■u-1'il Iol.i«co,„iiri:ft.l< uii.l he Ii.|.l 

|..f.nii,IIjr r.-f(».i..,i,iL. |,> il,i-iii f,)r dip 

: ■ 'i! ^'mt.l»(T..ii(.t of |l.i<rnlii.-i.«, 

■\ lintlienllnwn|ln.I,[.M |,iin. 

t the Bcti-.n of n rom niilpp; 

'TithBtMilinmlprpry iMyntc 

•'i.iuM U- |.|,iTvil in iKM.«rMiotn.r nil il,o 

fjcl* rcljliii;: (o the lnkiti;rof the T<.Ip« 

in PSv-li anj pf^rr prrriiipf. nil of Bbich 

ii laoet rc-jitrlfoMr »n!.iiiitlr.l. 

r. N. NOTKWAnr. 

WAHRKN WAiiO.V. 
Oi mrtlioii or \Tc. PrtKlor, the re. 

|iort« n.TC rrrritcil. 
U. ^V• Chic if.f>r«] lliat |t.o tnlii.vr 

itv r.,„.rl tw n.Ini,I...|. 

rector ni'.vrtl xn amrriil. hy 
It ihfl «or.l tiojiurily" onl 
a of " msjontj." 
n j.-tict.ly iI.f-iKtion on iho 
t, h» MniN. Nolririrf. W,I|. 
■ttl. Il»"r-nirlr. |'f,>i lor. (.'■.T. 

J Aiawir, ii,r 



ATr« — MfW. Eii;ott, JI^»(Ior.p, 

C!'C(.i.jn (3 To:f«.)'\Vi::.jt,i'. J. ll..i.ii.- 

Jcn (2 rotp*.) r-B.;;in (3. tot,*.) Ury. 
B'lt.J. Q. lt..r»rt^.>n. Ntltthtry. Il,x»| 
NVilp, A. A. Siaitli, nu-eJ'»7c WiHttr 
Lot.c. Ji.o. [}. \\ Jiitrr, Srtilc, KiyiT, 
P'Tw-y, IKij*p»orlh. StarlpTatit. Curry, 
Cboni. llamma^lt. A'n!pr-on. TpoPt-.r, 
St>"'virrJirM. Jpp.rciii. Orui'liT, llfli- 
!» rly Kt,ri .Mart <;,f„ti,,_3|. 
XdP*— M(-*'r«. Wj<»oi ( J TotM.) J. A 
■.iiiitt, Nulpwarc Farwrir. CwIJu-itt-i., 

T ni***!". Ai"-nNtl.7, Ql-aiMtlrr, t'*rt. 

WiiJr. O.Igp. CIicJk-. aiid Njp. (|'; 

TofP*)— 8,1. ' ' ^ 

^^IV^1 l,f lltrtiniftrl: il.tt ■ comraH- 
trtof IIv«l,cow-iiutn| (,| thtt C!i«:n 
inanloJf.rta Co.Miiuti'.n— poi.p,!. 

Mi-i-rn. lUmmaclc. N-jtrwarr, Kariti!', 
Si-tiltf aiitl .N'l-alc tprrr tyi-o'.iiU'd o-i ^<l 
lotnmittec. On tnnliod ..f Mr liry.nt 
Viv Cliairmaii var odilnl to tl:ecvu:ait- 
'r. ., . . 

On motltiit, Xoterarp' trnfc rel-ntcd 
rroinllitfcoiiiniltfrif 0. IV«)ltitioiii» ami 
Pa hi nit ion oitdMr. i'r.n.tor Bulisliluiid 

ill llil^jIuLV, 

Oil iimtiPii of >rr. yolfVttrr, i^t 
CIiB rniaii o|.po;i,tcj Me^r*, DT'ct, 
C'HiiliiiKloii, lCli;otr, It^^iit itTi<] Oral** 
hy, a coiniiiiiipr to draft a MtmoriaJ t 
Irt lahIT|ilt^I inCoti^'rr*f. 

On limlioii uf IjOti;;, C-it. J. J. McilCr 
wa* ftiMnl to til.' C^iJi'iiittCf." 

Ai!j"i!riif.l till tyiuorrow flWminff.B 
o«Iut.k, o..nt. 

Wc&scs-iav. Jo'jsoift., is:?.^ 

ConTeniioii lotliiarcoaat to nJlyoru' 
n-nt. 

Ti.e CommittPf on Kcfolutlgiu r«K)H«l 
HI niT'arution. 

Oil in.'ii..n of Mr. Carrr tho trporl 

Oil m..tii.ii of J. F. Lftn-. Ihe fiTxvrl 
tf<i* rifi-rrc^l luik lo the C'riiiinftce 
u.ih injiructinn* fiora the Cunrei,!liti, 

C.Mliiiiltrp* Ott the Ci:i>tlmitnri nt:-l 
M.ni.ifiult. r.-j.rrtcU l'if>;rcu, and OjItiI 
f.prf.irlhrf tiiiif: 

Mr. IVottorrffiTr.Ilhf f-iITnirin?; 

rrnfro*. Thai :h* TrwiiT..M,L Tv- 
TrnrnuB l<a n-fiip^tHl to pulilts'i rh.- 
lirwiilii.?«i.r llii« CoiiTciitlcu In full, 
wliitit »*a« nafcfi 10. 

On in'.t:-»ti ..f Mr Cirrf. Mr. Janw. 
of the T.-ftrr[T(»R;.M. rMm't'itKr, ff3« In- 
T.tpil to takca xatiollio Coureiitioii. 
Vhirli t.r .!. t-Iinisl. 

On ini.iioii of A. 0. TTammnel. t^.p 

Ch.iir nj-i-ilnftl a puitimlrtpo of irvcn t.» 
tli'lrh-i iho 'iVrntniy into lyiii.kltPi; 
di.lflitK. cooMUiii; ..f .VM.r.. W. S 
hr^iif, IViPP Nt^ Jl. M. G*ls- 
MMrt.Sn'lh. Tpo'Itc Winter, A. U. 

IlrtlHrnnik ni.1l W. \\*4V0tt. 

Ailj.iurticvl lit liair ).ul or.6 oVIork 
p. la. I 

■^ AntRvftot itiiiiy. I 

Cmtpj.tiim net i.ir»oiiil to o'' 

nn-lif. C iiiltir« liol liriii^ >■ I 

ri|->rl. o<i m'i|i..u Ihc Coiitrttt, 
j-umtj lilt {\} taMTTtiw uiumiii^ 6 ■ 



to rcpor, i:>cy-wm)r;'rtttoSoc:o(K 
a. m. lo-aomr Bunilug to OAk* t^ 
p*.rt<.- 

Or. :cotioa C«irtfl::on tfljAroffl ty^ 
to-do.'ioif Doruiiiir 9 o'clodi a. ta* 

SiTtMAT, J0I7 5W. 1SS9. 

Conrpn(TOi) npt r^aant to e^fcfltt* 
racfit MiTjtpi of T:.:r*I«f iu:] friiAf 
rrfij. t•^Jbf^n5 19 C'-'cclItiUS to X'jf fz&ti 
'I'V*! Kt Aft. 

n-i-or( of Co'ara:t!(v or l^f Cw»l!l» 
ton U.'f U vriKT. A. 0. JU-zr^tK^ 
^'''." ySi"^- P^^^ra^H ^-e fPpOft, 
e...li.rrprW..,r''-B.rM V^i^jTrvwoi 
ou m'jtl.ii ..f Mr Cai^. ■»■« rcrrfftft, 
. Ml iittr!eTtfct irotrl that l'j» rv 
port I- h-ad 110.1 tii'-pt^ tr r^Jprtw! If 
Aft..l-«nr.aS«livL» C:.Irf • L'T Irlt* o 
t;rrM.ri*r. ' 

Mr tlryanl Ciorptl that to Birfflt*f 
l<*'i..Tctta »i.«k c:-jrc tfita t»tc», 
nor l;'^rr thtn Cfc (r.tuatrt Bpoo tbv 
Kii'c wt;o I or rjo'.rcfi. orrlfO. 

TIipCy.*nfn;:tpe 01. CunitJtoiioo litft 
iTi«.r:.-!. V.',-,', ■»:- *,.•, t 

„.*^^'.-- ■ ■ ' Of«, 

•!«.' "^ " tbfl 

;:■- ^..^, 

^ Fi. «o Ajifr^ 

J t.-.i.. lu U flU.il, t« 

Trrnor irn.t Lift tttkls* 

•"■: '•.» r.r r..-., «e<) 

V«l. 

■'ioq 

-Ibt 

UJJ*. Wi, 

Viii<— E;.,- 1;. t^»,;.,i,., Chni-tt* 

(3 Tolo-,) nMli.m., J„o. n(.l.n.pn| 

.1. O. KoljtrlM)!.. \Vm. h"i!|[l,lfr, V.acp, 
N'jlc. A. A. S.;,iih, Lo„j. J.-.r,. 6" 
W jt.ifr*. S"-!:!", K''/. p->».^T !;.-.«, 



f^Ji.. l;r..a., 
ll.c "Uce of G 
1.1 1';. or" cf 



Cr.i.l,-.-. 

0. w. c 



iJ.,-', .i-!l ;.">.; .u w 

X«.r.-TI.TO. W.r.lr 

■irr. T' " : - . _ ; ( 



TTU, 



Las* 
. r- .-J ^.r t&t 



Via.— Kii Oil, l)o»i!onf. OnMnii, 



(J totr..) \V.ili>n 
'■'Ir'.) V«njl.ii c 
lt"l« rt«in, Nsil. r 

J. :r 1-. 



(» 

A. 

;'J. Slurtt. 

~irk, Son' 

(J lOtM.) 

I. CoUific- 
C«rr. Mart 
1 .\'o IIX 



TiiriuniT. JalffiUr., 19"?. 

C'nTf'i'iiii liii t i^Miiatit lo r 
mciii. .M.in,-, .,,f y,.i,„l„, „„ 
tt|'|.roTiil. TI.c or>I,-r iif luj-inf.. I 

iImI, Hti.1 tioDi* ftf tlirC'.iininiili*e W\ ,; 
rrii-ly 1.1 rijHfl, nil tii.iilu,! il.,jr wer,- 
'r-ti fiirir-r tiiiipln mill;, njxnt*. 

(1.1 i..'.!...iiil.oi:irtirii»iioii ft.Jj.tomeil 

Iu 1 dVI.kV I', ni. 
jinrr.Nftrtir iriiroT. 1 lA WV ji n. ' 

Oniti-iitOii 111. I ■ 
'i.l. Mr. N..T. . 
lillirwi 11. 



warco'i'l Aliaiiall.y,— 5 

^•. i: .<.-.-!T -o., -,:„. ,ivj^ 



' r. 



: lb* 
111 i.guna 
r-J to rtil- 



I.J„I i>-..-l. V. A. 11..,,.,^ 

"•'— 1 I. A U, lljuiTii.a I ' 
-W. «•,..«„ 2 
■• M. Ofuub; 1 



tCtc, . 

JXO l: 

TTAKRENWASSON.J 

Oo oglMo, comollln dlKbar^od. 



KOfUHl, Tl.-ii il.i. C..iit»il<n tfMt. 

If. .■•7.1 c..,.! ; ,, oi,alCoi.rr;iti.i(i. 
'.init all fmio 
'.inj thircto. 



1 



|W. U JtBNKGAy. 

O.N. Xote».iro lS.n pffl.ntJ'l th. 

followlr; u t laUiUmU Ijc Itg ;i]'aIoiJ- 
'ljIUf<rti 



T ealln), Ihf 

', n ilr.lrtn.. 
' '.J. I!..l... 



' (» TOIK.I 

' , . Abcr'.ath.. 

t 1,.-. C,.-;-. .\U,i Sc.rl.. Wadf. 
0»l:««i..l >;o{13.IJIcai_;i. 
Tl'O tnotloii aa ain.ii..',^l iI...) f^uMl 

M u (ollo'ii ' 



rl. . 



J..]. 



0.1 nii>ti..ii iif 
n-irfirt. «»r« rtw. ... 
ili«clij%'rd, I 

It n-i« n.ir.it Mj.l nrrtn] it.it Iho »■ 
r<|...-l Lo .,.l.,|.l,..| t., iln. o...'.-.it|."i. 

II r.- 1I..I C.iri,i|i.||rc c.ii n..irr.' -' 

iI.iTiirlii.rjr Rjivtinl. &« Cot. . 

O.i molfrtfl cf sir. Curry, ttia rr- 

. rmlinl tuil UMouifliiiltlw (^H'u.^l• 



Ontnolf'f 


rf Mr 


V'V-ra^ 


'*>ri »-j« I 






Mr. X ; 






ffjvi'I K- 







' J J, 

•04 

■ trriMii 
. .1 t.'i/cnti (• 

.- (/ 

.« u> 

.Ir* 

-« re*. 



.•l! 



I0.11iv.'i'w« l«.>iu.a/. iii^wca, •, o. 

r»i?ir. Jul/ su lut 

CinwDlIaoinolporva»nllo»4;oQT,::iflRl. 
^*oot of Ibo CoiaiultlowbdDgrtad/ 



>-4 



■^ (I *w 
'.1 - ■ -. . .M-'jon fi* 

llll.iu lu li>« aalar7 uf rarr.l^rlal Aqj> 



Gfrritorial "fntrrpvisfr.J 

■■ !■ ' ■ r n ir ■'•'- 

lii:>0.\.CAH-<»N VAI.I.KV. •,'. 

SJ<tir.1aT. .1 u M 3om. 185'.>. "^ "^ 

€oD!»tilntioniil (buuutioD. !; 



^ro^erdinRs of tite CnnTrnllon. , 
lit i;rii->;t I'ursoa \'allrf, t'. T., 



■ f 1 



.:n«s ai (Say be iirtttnlcJ by |tir.ii, sn-l no ptrtoo ►l-ill l-c r-.-jtwrlrd 
i:. T..L i;u»cmt.r. ScatUry. TrfO- 






I Uie>rtctitQac 



■1 fto'l ii<:f ;«rr ' 
.1 tr]Kritiuu fr. 



DECLARATION. 



p.: 

were ■-■. 



T. 'ijlaP^ U'»ti«cTrOTlli, 

II.. i ■■". Jernpfraii, Kirijr. 

TL ^. ;■! .-. t.-. .\..U''.I'T. Ny^ [12 roll'] 
Ff;»I.'. .O.l>'UJi. Oemjliy.j. UoIhiiMI", [3 

&ttlf, A* A . Scn'.li. ti-Ji-.m-Tlu-IiJ, Slun- 

iVjuuVi, j. j)..iVi..tc/fl iwi>i y\':h. Wudt. 

£>-«>*j3-0 tLitJic. 

T.t«"Cjiuii Hill oil .w.u.itlicn < dccLrcd 
W^j<lcijnk]OkpKlti>lc. 



^0 



tMpi^.'O'irtrrnNVy'rif Nir^.Ia, o.i.M.Icr- 
Joe I'ji'i *<i l'!>''c'>oITinSi frntii a Mrii-> 
«f )t,t-ri!ul a^H ixltjnal, /tiU .of m 
^Srt- Ti' Tiflturr-o^ tVr rf iidor f.trlh-jnincr 
€'»iftijf'"'' lorijrt f J'arnl Wit-Tiii;* tlmt 

fc;-* "" uar foiiiri 

*■ ■ \ WUt,..^ 

ev" ,., ..t.^ I'lif^"' 

ilftTbiVjjli ihci^mrlnr :iIiL- MuTit 

.■VV'-* ' '* ■' .p; k'ilc-i.'c'w"! Ili<-ir 
fi> ■ ui,ili:r'aii.ini*oIuic 

-♦■: ■ -r-.''.fit >;u!rrri [';:•, 

If,. ' 'V fijr'dU»<jl 

»i- • ' vrliiclr'niar 

liu-, , ii;Ml»eO.-i'i(i 

iTijfit .>:■;_.■ Ki'-.T -t,.;' t, I .jt tiUti iiur iluij 






tr' 



f 

t* 

(1.. 



ii|<j>orl eiiit |)foln-liiiti of t>i^ l-'itUral . »>« 
iwVi-.-itio-*i*t H'lJ nnr fi-lloMT-vitizciiS inl ^ ' 

ui; i^rtof lliuUir.u... ff-^'-'".' 



CONSTtTUT[OM. 



ri,or«liall-l>fdfier-t\V • lv.,->.'. ^u ■. 

Nu 4, ute • oiinc'lttofcn ••■ ■ '--' •■■"' 
,1 I., lli* \,^^ \,r,-, i;.-^»ln. l>i>Uiti No 6, 

..I* ^ kii^ut^: :i.i riiiLTfi Si»i-». ■ j,,.;.i,.t \-j ' our '\tiix-iitaji. ftna t"u 

■r iwii y.-«ni iii*i;l i-rrrt-Jirij- l'**l Ix-u-piU-*, Ui*io.l No 6. IKU Luuuc. 
" Ihvbral rU-ctiOn «l. 



■Af it ..ffir*, tot 
'* rXUtid 

r (Tuf- 
» Atl 



>lU> 



Vrriiorr ri ,n^.„ ft„o f„uf ;.rl.vatc?; Uuina No. ». K'V"''<""' 



ilrtBt-auur ■» oflice. -n F^-l. ni 
:l.c »»c.«rra. At«-iLUir rm» j-r.. 

*.ne Trnwur* li'jt m r(iii<<tj u'i»' 
|frM|ini;i<jit< tame liy Ik* ai"! 



■'•n^ti'tlit Mormotu, 
t'lv "irS'i'iic uvi. cr»;- 
'L'lalj. 
'! ttimi^tlTM lio<llle 
.1 iroft-rtitiitjijt .ami 
,'uiitrj; ^ . 

- i.VBr BCftiiwt * jlic 
United St:ac.' ■' 
1 .\l/ '►ut.tiiit'to' It* 
1 Mo wl.itr t-T.-r )[ 
J liruU'L-li^:i Budt-r 

_ . i;:l.i lu rry in Oiclr 

cUiVUi'llit ti<)Iatur«'of lite law wliirii 
Ai'Ji riv1d!-ir<Vt:r« MuniioiM; 

T."-y liort- fu luatiB-ii) l.y Uicir Ifgis- 
UUiAi »«Pio tlAil jo*llw', jiroiixt crimi- 
nal', liinl iC'i'l'T tliv latfa ai>tl tht;' Qd- 
iWfify ^)T'lflf U''-:(vd Simc iu Cia!,' 
tirr'iii'Ty Xi':i\ ut-.il of no vC-ct; 

TliiV lifcVtf iii.ifi-rr»sl jjfiwir* on llicU 
T<rrtu>ftul M':ni!i*ll« ••i>txiiii-!»t ci 
'r*hd^»rbl.l ttic uuUinrily of ll« MA^ 
•twIMofUc Ctiiti-d:)UU<t In oil ca.'^a. 
•JTrtr/ *^u♦3 CO ift,T>vJ ci.Oi I'roUle 
3(1.1,-e«lhp wit rijrlit tO<<rltvljuriL-«^iii 
Ciril *ii<l crirnttitl cAa-h, tiiTJnldUuti u( 
»ll Uw •ii.l" toll |.rk.>;«lciit. T'^y lia»«-' 
a1«o t^ri-ii Ul Mi'l Ju'Iq'Cs ariiJ' joitlkirt of 
Clio'I>fitL'vfab«uliitc JunUictiuii III oil civ- 
il mill rnminkl cuu-n; 

T.i.y h*vc laiilj ull Iiw* Mwtb- Jin- 
«Ier (lie ^'bi>ro OfViUTcrritury b^I Iu 
d^fiuico-cil tliu law«*ot ''tlto UuiteO 
0Ut<^t '■' ''-^ 

T'lcf liaTo by ah' bct'of Uio LfpTiU- 
{Dr*7«iiH:Iai'i-d all uiimarnnl men ii't.'K^i- 
L!ffii'1t:'Tr^'^" tri'c* tV'-y liaTB rg«cJiJ 
(:. ^' ■■ 

a". I 3nd< Id the 

ll'.y <cfc 
. ,- . . ^ . . -y oiTwii-llii; 
nC, Kiftl iiBic tjc|iri>i.-d Ihcia of 
ii,K:f-\>AjiKtlJ MItliOUt dod coQr|b''oI 

Uv !>■»-'■- 

K-i ■ - r,l7..]| oMf.c 

I : o*rn<;oml 



AllTlCLE ]—Eli<Ure I'ratiJiue, 
Slirir^s I ICvcry ffi-cw lute male |KT- 
son. .of twriii; om- yian of B;:e or ui"- 
vemd*. «lllt^)lnll liavc>l*ccti six moiitti' 
iirst prrctrtin" on clt-cliDn a rotdriit of 
llii* Ttrrtiory. Btul ilnny days a ri--iJvut 
of tlic rouniy in ivhicli h« may oCi-r to 
ciitc, noiJ Uni;; at lliv time a citizrn of 
tliv L'tiilFi] t^iuti'*. stiiill Ih' cpiitili-*! In 
VDle in oil vIi-ciIihk lnTraficr ti», U- licM. 
anil at ollfcuv-liVlfClinriotlic rnlohlialllM; 
Uko.by baliiil; proiiilcd, chat nny citi- 
zen of lite L'nit'-O Sutt-n ami ft-»iit<-iil uf 
tiic Tcrrilnry iitjy'iole on Ilic ntlnfttiint 
•>r ttiU C»ii*lilii(i.jii.tii»luttlicrirj<t(ln.- 
tion til fill tlic uITo'x licn-in crvfiliil. 
: :;. Knry pcnnliiIiclfdorni.j«iirii«l to 
niiy t'Sci: of |>roIit or tni«t miUit Uil* Coii- 
Ktitutiun'cr laws niailo |>ur*u.iitt l!icrrIo. 
Iivfuru lie lli3ll nilrttj|Kiii tlie duli<-« cf 
ituoi oIEi,r, Ahall take uk) »>n>Mi-nbe tlir 
folluwiij^u-tlh uralliniutiuti : "I, A. U.. 
.!g»wmr tor uMrit»,-a» iliri-«»o luaylM-.J 
Hut 1 hill »Oyi>urt tlif CoiutJQEioii uf 
lliti Utiitinl SJtiiic^, a:i<I tlie Oimtilutiun 
of 'il.cT>rrii-ry uf NcrBla. n:>U tliai 1 
Will faillifJlly ixrforui all it>c du'.it-* f'l 
ttic uHiu of ■ -■ !■■ iIjo tcit of my 
ubilify." AuJ if any (itrwo rli-vtnl nr 
u|'jioiiitrd li> oSco a* aforuaiJ, -mIliII 
itt^j'kA't ur riTd^ to iskf *ai<l luih or 
aQjriiuhun williiii tb« liriu- l:i-rriiiaru-r 
l-re-tribcil, sanl vQicc lOial) La Uvi-tAnnJ 

3. Wiiciitrcr any olcc fr^-m otiTOiu* 
l>r\i'lilV iui-jiil, tuni no iiiO^Iu la fruTidaJ 
liy tUu C«u»>!iii'uji niut (»«» for lilliRi- 
tliu tVLu-, lilt) liiiTtn"^rAi'aimrc|fOK(,r 
lo fill >ui.lt Viii-jmy by iiraiilin'/ » com- 
n)ife»iitii, uljicit ^liuir ikj'ire a( llm iKxt 
Awaiun ly tlic jiuj.Ic, ..r *o >«oii tlnTt- 
tif[ir B« liU(Ua»?ur aJull In tUxlctlyud 

4. Tli-ii to ))crson qIioto tlif o;x of 
lw(-iily-<iiii- yiiirn, cunTicttd of larci-nr or 

'i:Lcr iiif^uiijai ciiiu<>. unLa.^ in- rliall W 
j>ar>loiicU, iii iKTiiiialtiT iirrxiitml, kliall 
cvrr lliiTvCllcr I-: viililU-d to tote &l ony 
tlivtii'n iii ItiisTcrrilory, unrl utr (irrNOu 
UudtT f;uenli»ii*lii^ oa a iBualir. or ni a 
pQf soil lua cmpoi mt*tu, snail ba cnlillcd 
to b voir 
ARTICLE 11.— Catiuin Departmtu 

Sec. 1. 'Flic Ex:t-ulivc i»o*ir of the 
Ttrriioiy ►lall U- »t>lnJ in m Uo»fnior. 
irbOio term nf oCiro *l.till m:iiiiiciice uti 
lbi> flrot M»ii<l'iy in Umiiilnr next eri 
«tii[i;:lii« t!rt.ii".i, oil.) coii.i.iunl f.-r two 
yrar^, ami until liii •'utvotur aholl bare 

been il'-tlnl uitJ 1^1141 litii-d. 

2. Tin- Cm »l.i.ii(ni fi)r b!I oIEwraun- 
<lrr tlu« Coiisliiulibn •■Lull Ik lidd on tla- 
Cf^t \\\-dtirN<J.-«y ufiir lliD Ilfil MoiidaT 
of .Scplt-Mlnr. in tlic ytar one ttiuusm.i' 
ciiclil liuiiilri-(l anil Iilty nine, ond va t)i< 
KOiuo day ond niontli iii vftry cii-ond 
ycor tlicrt'oflcr, outil oIIiirwi*c iirucidi-d 
for by tliU Co'Htitulionurby |aW|at llic 
[■!accji of Tutingfiir DclrKoU'^tu llictiiii' 
ral Aiurmbly. Ttic clivlion ti> be lirM 
in thu fainu manner ili tlic tlcvtioii of 
l>>Ii),'atri', BiiJ till- rr1uriiilIitTtuf.nnJ<.T 
«eal, to lieodilffvSrtl tu tlic tJjuaViT ol 
iho lIouMj of |)i:Ii-|r.iti;<, and chlIikl-O 
and truiittniltftl to tlic .SitTctary uf t)ic 
iVrhlury, aiul dclirtri'd to tttg aaid 
Spi-ukcr ut ttif coRuncnccincnt of tlic 
■ctflon of ttie Central Auvfubly utxi 
ftituing MiiU'tiitiiin; jirOfidcil. ll>0 Crit 
rctunu of an ctn.-tioii DmKr tliu C 

iiliall be iniilc Ond cariTasicd u 



\y- 



t 



Iin-Bscof A>y>tfancT ^n tlie'of- 
frif^^dcnn,: lli« r»T»-« »•! 
.ViV'ibly. tlie I'rr^iduitof 
i!(c I ' • .J ''.•!u !-^ iiurce I'lC dulit«of 
•;:iij L.r.,i.v ui''Jd> '^crii'ir U t'lid-d "■■' 
licn-ju protidccT^'" .\nd in r^M-oflbc 
dciiUi or tcKi>:Tin*Jon of *aid I'rciidcnt. 
or iii« ninoval from the Tcrrilury, or of 
lii» nfiKil til f^rvc. then the diilir« of 
Kui'i ofUor^liall in like Di.inncf divnhp 
n[>on liie Sjttokcr of ilic J!ol<c of iJrli^ 
tatrs. And tlic (itiicral Aa«tii''!y may 
)>roTide by law for tlic CAM) of iui)icacli- 
incni or iTialiilily'iffttlic (loTcrntjr, ond 
i[(\!aro what \K-r*.*n ►UU prrfunii tlic 
cstvutlrc dutit-s duriag *uii.-ti t[]i|icacb- 
(uciil i>r inahilit^r. 

The -fi iivctiiOr alion bate |»o«rr lo 
cwll ont llie M'liija to rt^Rl Invasiuii*, 
»u)>jir\-H.'i iii^urrivtilna and rnfurw tlii- 
-Itvutioii of the lntr». 

a. n«- fliull t Ac care that tb« la«» 
be fjitl.fully fXtCuti-d. 

9. Jle fball ^miiiiatp, \nA ty ailil 
witb tUtf advi-TBKil OJiiwnl of the C"0'»- 
cil. aiipi'iut all citJl and luililary titti-er* 
•if ihcTrfrit'ifj Jb/Kc »i.ii.iiiitni«.t ur 
(-l>\'Iioi i* hut iilPt-rwl-c It-rriH |'rOTiditJ 
lor, U:\e*A a diQiirfiit taoile uf afi-o^nt' 
incjil l:^;!*^:!!!!!*! by tliO law rfwtin* 
the iiEive.- 

10. AllclnloCv-vrfariiomlcdby tdr 
Qoiiniurnild Cotiiicil »li«ll be i.on.itia- 
t«l to the C-iCiicd Within ten day* frma 
the ivmniriicfturLT •>! «ib rr/ular Be*- 
otoii iif th<* (jcniTtl A>*eUibly. b'») th 
i> Tin of xHi-c fclisll i-oitiuit&tx- un tltc firrl 
M'iKlaym Jsnuiry nnt rn^uin;: IFinr 
a]i)>-*iiitciiiit, BiidVoiitnne for tiro year*. 
tu.ilttiwwiivr nE'ifid In-ni nSc-,) niid 
until their autxYxdn be cletU-d and 
i|ualiScil eaMnliiifElii law 

11. Tiie OyttniPr may «u<iifnd or 
orri.i aiiy.lliilit.r*^Tiiyr of the IVrrito- 

y fur di»obDl.»i*e o( orders or ottur 
uilitary yCiriio-s and may rcnioTo liiiuin 
jior.uiiiii.-u of tiic (iiitciicv of a Court .M:|P- 
t.al. and may rcmuTu fur iiicouii":te«ry 

conilui-ta allcifil olora wto 

ctiftf ui'i>yiutmenl from tlic Kx«tnli»c 
fuf n li nil lit>l rxrmiii'/ t"n yearx. 

li. ii^hullbcllicdiityorilie Gorrr 
Dor Kini-aniiojllj. and olirm-r if lirdccta 
It exjivdiciit. 111 rwmiiic tlio b'wk 
oiTouiit* of the Treasurer end Auditor 
oflI.eT.rril . 

13. lie ►hair, fn^tn line to titae, inform 
the Crtitrel A^miihly cf the rondilion 
of Iht) Ttmiory ui.4 ritorominid tu tluir 
eori'idvnstinn mth iura>ori-a aa liO COar 
dccTii in-CiTuary uld rsiiidiriit, 
■ 11. lb* aiiall il:3TD (•ower tO |rai>t 
n'|incri-> and icilon-. txt^iil iu cb-'cj- of 
tniiH-achmrnt bikI III ri«*H in whiili Ii 
i« jirolnbitcd byHiiIicr oriivli-* uf Ilii« 
Courtituiitvi. and to rmiit C'lr* and for- 
f.-itur»'«f.iruiiKa-«o;.'3ii.iil till- Territory. 
Iiutrhull not r^inil ilic iiriiiiiiwl or 
tiTe*t of any di-M dnc ilio T.rritory rx- 
ef(>t ill ca*e* of f.iic» and forftiinrcf, ond 
Inlore praiitin^ i>ardi'ii IiO shall (.'i^^e 
noiR-e ill one or nuTc ocw-^ipajicni of tlir 
iij'[ilii-aiinn RiSiIefur i: mid of the d^y 
on uhieli liiiiliriil-n wi'.l hr cifeo. and in 
lauli wuc in ahivhhr ticniw* ihJ iKtw 
er, tlii« power he sli&il rcii.<rt to cither 
hninch of ilic Oeninil AiMUilily at it* 
liral wii-inn Uifrealtir; tlio |>itiliiii<. 
rniimmiiid«tion«.on<l r.-OM'u* whieli in- 
QucMoi lliD dni'ion. and in oil cu«ci of 
pjrJin, tUo Ucei»ioii of the Oi>*enior 
mint lie mvlahi.d or r.j.xuil by both 
IlijiHC!! of tUcUi^itcral Att^ciiibly i» juiut 

><iAioii. r 

. IS. Tfif Oavcmor »hall rccciro o* 
.coai]«cn«iiion fiir liiS tcrtioi* on aonujl 
'•alary of riftcC'i liuuilrpl dull-ira. 

iO. WUncitrihei'uhlc inlcrct rt- 



Ddii.-alca»h,:ib« chosen aniiaully by ""I"' "-/ P«W.c Trca^ufr. Lot .i 
,i.ulKo,.the r.rst W.^..c^-y^ar.r > r.i^^.';"';.; ^J/J 



I be clw»ct. bi lUe sualiCcd l'f»'l'l"';'-» « 



I. 
votrr- tii.Tiuf- 

3. T'lc «e**ioB of thv 
ily »hall be onnnal, r.:A 
J-t Cr»t Monday iii Uu' 
Miiiig lltc ebi'li».n of it* uiuiV.r*. 
:j. Tlie inciiiben of t!.c Mog' 



ri froa 
Pf ap. 
:i atnt- 
Kivd rx- 
.;.b11 be 
!ju« ai 
..-al At 



■tieral Awm-l^'^'VSi'^*'**'' 
.-:: commitice I ""*'',''>_, , , , „ . . 

i>-r iKXt cif '^ Tho mcBbcra of the Genera! Aa- 
lacnibiy iholl rcti-iiBfor iticir atrtjce^. a 
.rlcorai'tnuauon tixtd by law. and >:bi<1 

.'..... ..f .1 _ -..l.l. T^ .- II-. , .■ 



the Iirjt ilciiiday of SepUiaU-r, utile** 
otherwiic cnlifij by tlio Ocucral A«- 
»en:t.Iy, and tluir term of oOitA atibll be 

ic ji-ar 

4. C<Jiiiiri!rscn bud mcniben cf the 
llouicof DcU-nutcs tltall be duly qauli> 
tied eU-clor* iii the re-iiviliic counlie* 
and diS'.rie% which they rrjirtwnt. 

t. Countiluieu »liu!l l>e cnojcn for two 
y<ar«. nt tticNiiiie tnue ond plaiva as 
inuUrt uf the ll"u->c of KUv^tis. 
;id no |n r»tiu »h«U \h: B invinUr ul tlic 
Cwiii'til Of Uou*c of UJtV^lt? wlio ha* 
iKil l>i,vii aciliKii uiid itil>.i>jiijut of Itic 
IVrntwfy one J«r, atij liic d.^irul lyf 
wtiivii livvtull be enoieii thirty ddi*; 

uiiijiiio, all |i«'rM>iis whoarvciliZvKi ul 

V Ti-Tr.:ury Mfd dLtlrivl lo wLi<It thty 

i: ciioKu ouall be eligible at tliu Itrsi 

rili'iu. 

C. The namber of Coaitcilmcn ihall 
iiul Ik lev tnaii one tlnrtl nor liKiix than 
unchalf of irut ol the la^iu'.x-r* of tl.e 
ilou-e of U lr^'.e», and al llic Cr»t «■»■ 
wy.1 of llie tjeueral Ajmhi'i^ afUT Hie 
Bi.u| tiouol lhiaCoi'>tituituuUkeat?ct.i. 
tlic lVqiiciIukcj »liall tw diTidnl by 'bit 
osiitkiatiy ai may bv into IWO cla<Mt. 
Tlic AuU of the Couiiciliiicn of the flr-l 
cl*>a ahall Ga vaoitvd at t!ic eXiurj;.un 
ut tl'O tr»t year, mi ttiat onc-balf aball 
bn c!iu»en iiiii.ujUy. 

". Katli b3use ahall choose il< Cvr. 
otSicerj iiiid ju-)^« of the q'luli&^.^li'^ < 
lectiyiinBiid rvturii«of lU own iiiciubt: 
eXivi'L Ul litr.-iiil»e!orv (iroiidi^I. 



term for whicb tLa 
uicifiUrivf lIicllou»c Live b^'Cit elected. 

t'U. Ktcry law ciiactcj by the (Kner> 
al AiKiobly *ha!l nobrocc but o»c ob- 
ject, and that ahall be rx^rcurd iu ' the 
title, atid no Uw thall be teviud Or 
ami'iid<,-d by reference of iti title. - I>at 
in iueh cat*, (he act rcviird. qr ilic »rc> 
tion Biuciided, ahall be rc-cna^tcd and 
publiihtd at leti;;lh. 

SI - .No'.-llrry rMI l«e Bm^^^irrd by 
lhi:«TerrilorT, i.'ir fthall ihe oalc of Ivt- 

rt ti.ki-ln "Ual!-«e.l. 

a. Tlie tieneral Aiiembly ihall bore 
no |>i>wi;r tu |uu any BlI t:r«t,liii|; any 
i.li.ir[er lor ImitV-h-.- |.ufj..mi, but e'vx'i- 
BluiiM nijy If formrO U"<1»r mucral lawa 
Tjr drj'UMt of i:n!d ind ailier. but no 
f uvb Bt-oklatioa ktia!) tnalr. i>*ue »r )>ut 
in ciriuLuiyi'^ cny Ldl, elmk, tlikcf, 
kxriiticalc (•ronitMOrt nnte or other [lapr, 
or the \t*\KT of any Latik, to arcclato 
aa monry. 

23- K-icIi atockhoUrr ^f a cfirr.-ifi. 
iiwii. or jv\:,l ai.Rk f ' o 

i;.'ltridujllr and )>rr«>i , 

liTi;wirt:oii'of Bllitjil' ' ■ . .. 

AKTICLR IV.-AJ^,: li>j.-:.-w«r. 

Sic. 1. TliO Judicial tower of ihla 

Teiri[..ry al.a'.l bt tiMtii iti District 

Courti. m IVobatc Ciurt*. bmI ia Ju>ll< 

tvj of the rLii.-e. T'lC Gcli^bI Awcto- 

i-'y msy a'»o f«*«'j!-ih i--cJi foprtnr, 

'■'.'■ c» inay bo 

• |>0.(i:ni 

U,r lUe 



proriilid fur by ilii« Cotireiitioti. i t— . . . ,, , _ _ ,«...,. i,- 



rj^a'.e'a i>Iiail Uu-ru <>j>J'ii tlir laid rviuriu 



codiwcl who altall be .ntUlnl to auvfi 



iiiiaa iho Gi-arral Ai*rinbiy 
II rt*h caic uIliT ll'o icrrtca 



ireienra of boili llou»r".o:idlho'""'l*"'*'' 
prrMjn'bafiiiff the bij.'be.t nuiuVr of "1"^ """r ,, , .f ,„ „i 

Vote-, ai-d l*»iK co-utitolionally ehi:.b!r. Of --J. C<»ciml ha- U-vn ,,rf..^n:td^ 
.hall b« the Uofinior. aii-l ►lull uuahfy t 17. A Scrctiry ahall b« ih-cttd for 
athvrtin|.rc>*riU-d.o.itliefif»l.\loi..I-y thu T. rrnory ot thw •aiur lime c; ■ 
of Utv-ciiiU-r iirxl eii^uin/ In* eUvt.wn, l-'ace. and in il^e «nie t:itiii:cr iki \ 
ur oi avuu tlitrcHT^er u way b« urawU- xidrd bir tlKtVit.o-iof tjuurii.>r. k 
jj(,|^ . junnof oDica-UiU-ouuiei;'."*; On H.e !.' 

«. If two or wore persons bI.»II liire MomUy l» Ibcmibir iteit *u.tni.s b.« 
the liighul und on i-qoal imiubtf ul tKvtioii, oml conlmoc fornrii ymra, and 
rutc^, uiic of llittn alull be rlivicn Uor* uiitl I 

luldlemur by the Counul bm) Itouwuf IMe- >^'' ' 

. to] |CaU-«: JiudAll l|Ut>liou« in rrlaliou tO I 



:J. A Uiajviiiy ol Ctitb IloU'C ahall u( *ui.ii tvuru. Bbu ntaoiuti iticir cvu 
COUntitutv u iiitoniin tu uo burinrc<,bullp«iitation^ 

o lc»tr iiiJiaWr may aHj-Juru from day S, llic Territory thai,' >*« ditidol Into 
today, and may toii.iiel ll.c Oltnidinte j« i-otin-mtnl nuuiticr -I dLirnta, by tne 
of ubHTKt tuclulN-ra III ►uiha maniier atil Cr*! Ij'iirral AkirniUjr, iut>;rtt t>>'»urh 
utiikr nuLb inijalim aa cacb lioa»o uiay 
prutidf. 

D. ICdeb boQW' ahall determine Ihc 
rub -1 of itioan |>roi»diii^«, atid Itiay 
ttith t*.ic cct-currancv of tao-ll.irdi of 
all lhviii<t:<l>irarli>lid,f-S|«l n Ofinbtr. 
10. l^ch Uoti^»hall kn-|t a journal uf 
it* own (»ro-.Tedi!i;;* oiid pui-Iidi the »amf, 
BuJ the yeai-Biid iifiyi if ntlur IIoum.- 
on any nuiM:n» ahul) at Il.o Ui^iie "t 
any tl'irev ii-eiuUra i>n»cut bo culcTcd'd; 
on the journal. 

II. Wi.tn raronrln ormr In ritlur 
lIi'UM, i!.v U"Virni>ror t!.*- j-.-r.i,n «x- 
• rtijiiiii the fiiiictiuniuf the UoVtri.or 
■hull i>-Uc viritaof ehvl-cn to fill »uili 
racande*; pro^idid, aiieli Tar-tiiiJc* Oivur 
|>r>or to till: leuiuu uf thctjibtra) Av 
acinbly. 

I J. 'Hic iloors bf rarli Iloute khill be 
0]ieii, exo'i't on ■uch iK\'a>iviia u iu liic 
ujiiiiiou uf the l[uu>e aiuy rc'iaire ac- 
trci y. 

13. NcUlicr Ilcu'c»!:on ti^joum for 
niure than thac djj*. u.:t:<iat tneccnuiit 
of tiie utiier, nur to uny oihcr |itncc tbau 
that IU whicb liiey muy be ovitinp. 

14. Any bill may ori;,'iiiate Iu cither 
lluuMiul the Uuural Awvinbly, ond all 
li'b' [KMi-O by unc lluu*i- nay LAaiutn- 
ded I.I the utncr, and all bi!l« *^ etmiv 
Oe^l luutt bu relurnid 10 the T 
wliicli tliiy ori;;i[iaUt!, and r< 
cui'CurreiKe of K.4id llouic t < 
lent to the GjTiritor fi^f I • 

15. Enry billu: , 
led thcU«;iK:zl Av 
U-eouiel B law, be { T' 
i-riiur; if he appruvc t:, I ' ■ i l . 
ii; but If iiut, he ahall rituro . 
wiih hi c'-!c-ti'ji* 1" l'<« I!t>-i«? 



a!icrr.t.«u*, frota time to t.me. a« nc 
[I'lliiit ^x>i may rrqg.re. I-ir cai h of 

uhicb a Ibitrivt Jud^-e •!.>:. be rl.xtcd 

by tlie joint Tote of tl.et'»nvral Awifi- 

Ut.b- ■•. <-• ■. ■ ■ - ■ ' . ' 1 
hr. i' 
ary i. . 

tirXl , t 

• hiji -...•: J-.:^^* *;..i.. u ....:.■: ij 
ilir r|ijal.rie<l thilon i-t tl.nr rrtiik-..tu 
di»lr-.:v ..1 tr,i' c ^' •"'■■- ■■ ■. 4' d 

aha::, . -. 

a : 

li'hr,, : 

the Hi 1.- i. .-,.■., . *..-,.. i. .9 

Bi'prtljte ]">»(r> Ml alt raf»-* inti-'r rr* 

• inrlito rli-tnrt*, Biid tlie iln i*.> '• i'. »< r 
Pi'trirt Juilj:*-. or lhf»rrdivl o( a Wi.il 
in bin rnurt. ►hall be Ciial. 

4. llie D.'iricl C'nurii ahall 1i8*fl 
ftri(:ii-r.) ' :'.-.N ;:-■■) iti l". t.t.t (LI. I 
wh.rn 1 

d^.i:- 1 



I'ruI'Btr i...uri», tlicir jyri>d,c:njn 
bcunl..i, 1..1. 

5. TlcGoirra! Ai-rrV'T -v/: 
»iJc f-ir Ihf I 
Clerki f r Pr. 
I.vf.i* t'-,r ;■ 



u lo ar*l fvt 



aTa-) Fyrrr' ■ 



II liBte l^Tti tiretcd 
jie wliry aliill U- 



■, at,, I lo t:,c 



l~ 1 



l^r atJuoRi. 

wf the T.rrilory 



not Ixe ritu 
aliall bJ*r I 







. < >.. 1 ( .- iioitfluk-« , 
lalv >ciMui.|l.vqcau<Ut 



u»io;**^iii'i.jf.ni'llwhi/iiol iiuiubcTof twtt*,*"'"""''**^'' V''*-^J L;*i.m^v[ l..«^ U>U|k.i.ta-.il «i.*u..;:i;.^:ui l.-.l i --V-^c. t l i^ t.i>ii ltd 
Btiou b« iut!:ijibfi.v*W^ys*f™or.iUO:l»l"»*^^^*^'^^^^ |«rfwnoaotbkoaoalw»aLaUbeoB «ib w aflina** | Oatc Cocri. 



lioai JiUfiit • i. ,/iu'L Id t^t i'to* 



T\c JuJ-ei uf \U Diitrlct Cotru 
- rtccue for tlieirtrr- 

*il bo [MI'J Out fcf 

kll nul Oc iiicrfa*-lT.rri!afi»J tun dhill U.- tlrtic^i't.y i 
■ ii; ttio ItfBi fyr qual Levi ««ilorsor tltctuUi.ty of 'uwu 
r Uffi elcctctl. tl>r lu wWf. tNc propcrt/ Uir4 fwf Tcrrilo- 



[>rojKitf in lUi Tcrritc.y »] »:i be Ui^llj-o 
in {>ro,>ortton to m Tali.-, tu b'fcic-* • 
Uinctl Uil.rrclnl bj \»m, but tuut ■ 
'! ci> !«[»>n of tocu, cuiiQ'.f. » 



r»ri,> r'^.^'jUlP t* ■• ^■-"i?''! ef*r^in;^ir j 



mtmsT. 

• f>fvTtit afa^all lb« «i(i|«i. uj 11 



. f.)l 



thrfr 



I'fMMfC liiB «;tcvtiWH or I 

Im mcile to < 



cutD|)cnutiwa to ite [m'J uu! ' ' 

tj Treamry of ihtir ft>prti. 

wLittt iIjbII do*, be iiicreucil _' 

«^ durinc iKc trrui r^ ■biclt tic; t.L^ljU.>/c 

bftir brturlntrrl. iD\iit. 

H neDi^UKt JoJ;rt thM be in- I2. I t»i tMI 
IIi;iU!o to my r.thtr pSi-e during iS.r frinu oTht, uniiij uu junv 
term for Mtticb tbcj ■JisJi iia<<; U.cu . t.'.r ri^bl« of «uOrut;o. tli<*M 
«1«'»«J- haci(urb€OJufKUj"t.f '.-'.. 

IS, Jo4|rt« iltall not rhar^ Joflcs f.tr(;rfy. or wilxrl. .■■. 
•llh rt^prrt to maltrr* of f«ci, brj: tntj Irgo uI Uit taZra^^ - 
tUl« th« tci'.iRloDj KuJ ili-claro (Lc U«. Iby lu«ri rc-i,i;l4U!.„' fl- 

i4. The ^•.J\c uf kll proccSsr* llttll bfi lunj; cr.drr Bilnj 
th« [xor^Io of .NftjdaTcrriicry; B.l (be ' " 
pra>rct:tiont ihal) be ccndoclcil ici the 
Ek4iM atkl b.T the Bi>t!ivri:j of tlieticc 

Aimcix y.-^xcitia.^ 

Src. 1. The Ccf.cral AittablT »K»II 

ritiUe b/ t»<r f.>r ar^'tnliiog tLe Militift 
f uct) & ouricr ft-t the/ aliall dcco ex- 
polient, not ir>c<JS pa libit with the Con- 
■tilut;< ri BnJ lav* of the Vniu-0 Sute*. 

■J: Olctn of the Miiitia ihall bo eicc- 
IM or •(>fK>iDtcJ lo iQch a tainocr o« 
Ihe GrncrB.1 AucrcMy sb^lt from time 
^ line, direct turd tbkJl becoasiuioonj 
|)j the GoTcrrOf. 

ARTICLE yi.~TtrrUofUi VtUi, 

6sc I. Tt« <iener»l AueiaWy "KaU 
toot cmt« In tnjr imirtcier dcbu or liabil- 

Jlif^otlicf tbnu 'DchAi n;s/ be &b<i 



»bjll bUo Kite jwftcr tj n%'u!atc_,lfc 
JBjioont (.rfwill loT cnartmciiU 
■J AftTKLE X— t^Bi/j-vitm. r j 
Tfie LouiiOiry line* «f (licTcrniorf ofl! 

*I C' ii.iumr.n^ At A J 

" NctaJ> MilUlitBin*. ■■ 



I'-- 



.N.jj — Mv^f.. AUi'io'.lj 
Cl»ndltr, CodJificloo. Ilo-t^ 



I Nof.! 



.at.fj'U 



indufftce ihtrrwu frum i-w-tf. briucrr. 
tumult nr ol.'ier iiu^rofxr iffaclire. . 

13. Ab*iv<-c oil bii>.i t-» cf theTtfri- 
toff. or the L'uttol ^tj£c*. *:.Bil uoi 
fc\-t thoi^utittooof tht^lidtuco of any' 
pcnoii. 

11. A i'icr»:it/ »«tei)i»ll fOBitilole* 
cloice. »b(rc iioioiljeriuc ducvtid, ju 
Uii Conitilution. 

iy It (Uil be thedutfof the Oen- 
erti Aucoibly ut lu ti>t leMloii nuJ 
cvcfj (ccoiiij/ ftritiual WMioti' tlicrrnf- 
tt( (otkxtBD Attorney forthcTcrniory. 
» ho •hall br eiTlnJ Ki] Attorocy Ueiie ml. 
«hiMe duties a.-ii] coinpen«aiiau thai) be 
prr^r.txd ao<) Ult<S t-y (jir. 

10" All officers tl(\ic.l Of oppoinled 
by TKluo of Ihlt Coiixlituiion >hM nvr- 
crally bi; rc«)i.ircd to piro Ijond 



Jowly ur^w»rj'ru'r'lhc %KlM^ .exprn»« yn-idi of - N^tuJ* for' ■ the Ti^thful iliv 
©( K"icfnrBeol.^anddJr«yuifcftli ueec»-|cUrK-cof tl.c dutiw of Ihrir rc-i>.Aiit»; 
ul^it\ Ihcatu.tuiit/vf.'.Vhicfv,' bond* 



nry ci|KQ*eii vf eon- 

2. Tlio Uenrrdl A«<ii:ihly utiall can-e 
lo bclcf inland i:'illi-»;li-d na fla ri.Vff»i 
UX. Brliii-li, whrn Bdli'd 10 tt.c rvUiiur. 
from mhcr ».iurv«. nuy i'l thtirjuds'- 
tanit l>c «affi..-rijil 10 tnevt all tacb Uivo- 

AUTICLl; \'ll,~AmtnJliig CfftutUKiim. 
^tc 1. lA'iJ wsetiiliDcnt ur DncinI 
4Qent« t<\ or rcTitiuu »nd [Ij«it;;e, of til:* 
eatircCoatlitutJon laay be -{'rojioscd. in 
the Coqncil.or.Uouic of Dclrgk'.cr, ftn.l 
if the *4De ^1)BlI bi; n^'rccil tu by . tic 
iaa>iritjf ©f.-tticiacp'tewtlccu-d to each 
vi xlf two Uoiitct, Kucli iiropO'ied itnmid- 
inLii'. ur aminibuciiLi to, or rcvi^iou i.nd 
^tiall.bcrtiternl on their Joeruftl, 



rll B*a\\ iiiatU'rs'K-iruliititig'tlia.Miuu 
thgll b>' tiled, by. Uw. 
AUTICLK IX.— rrewtry I^pjrtauM. 
Src. 1. There kIiuII be a 7>i-iivury IK- 
partisriit,'CVti5l«(iii;; of oti Auditor vKo' 
•on by thcqualiScil clet-'torit nf the 'l\r- 
rttory at cntli elcilJoii of the tnntib. rj 
rtf tlio IIoii»cyf D.-I.-K'atc*. »^h')^hall re- 
■.ci»f BiiEnuciil,<jl«ry uf liflccu liuiiJred 
dolbri^: .Olid of a T.cajurvr. tu betlixli-d 
B.4 oboTc, vfbiia!ia:i tt!-io rcctiTc an nuna 
al KaUry vt one jhou'^DnJ dollart; in 
catcof uvacattcy in cither oflji-c. by dciith, 
fcai-iiatiori.ortilUtTwLsp. the Gorenioi 



bjr nml with the consent, of the Couotil, 

iliali liJIiuch vucoocicf by oppoiJiluiciit 

With iJnoiycsand n.y» . taVcn ihrreon, land eDinniiuiort, until tlic ntxL ccneral 

^uJrcfcrrgJio the G«.cp! A- • ■on and; the riualif.catioa of hi. or 



i>rit tu be cho< 
l>4ibti>)i(.tl for.llirre iii'j»lh'> i. 
in;( Ihiitjme.of ra>ikiitj{ »ucli ■ 
if ill tbc Gtncr^l Auctiibly u^xl lL^^cu, 
fW •furi.'^xid, ktR'h Kmci'dmcnt fir nmeiul- 
incut*, rcvuion and chanjfc, bhall .be 
B^jfcfd ty by ft ia.ij ifiiy of all the mem- 
ber. clLCtctl to iBcli [Iktute, then it thall 
bu tl.c duty ol Jhe GcLirntl A*seml>1y to 
Minrnt jkuc-i.>proi>o>cd auicniiiuciit or 
Hiacuftnienta, rc*i>ion and ctiar;:e, to the 
t'coy'.ti in fuch a maarer and at auvh a 
liii-.c ai the Ucurral Avembly ahaj pre- 
Mnl>c; opd if llic |)vo{»]e .fl);ill Ap|irove 
nnd ratify suc'i 'amendment' or wnieiid 
iDviit<, revision and vhan'v, by a Rinjor- 
ity of the electors qtnliCoI :tu tote for 
lucnlicri of tliu General At'temMy Tut- 
iojc th^.-rcoii. »li;h nnieridtuetit or amend- 
raeiit«, rctision and ch;in;;e, shall Ik-cOiqc 
a part f1, or Die en't-re C"ij.tiluiion, 

AttTtCLi; vni.— .Vjrt/;.i««i, 

bic 'l.-Tiie Ont acuioa of the Orn- 
eral AtM-nlily itiiJl l>e htid tt 0<-nuA, 
which \Aice ahall bo lhc|trrmanent iilau- 
of earcriurent until rcTnuvrd by law. 

S. The Gcncrj] AitcinWy »hall Mtnb. 
liib a lytlcn of co>i.>*.t and town gov- 
ernment*, irhi^ti (lir.l| be at nearly nni- 
form a« proclK'able thrun^bom the Tcr- 

3 The OenrfAl Aiwembty a'haTI hare 
po*rr to firoTtdo a ]t>,(ril of Supervii> 
on in eacJi eunnty. ani| lhe«e Soficrriior* 
ahall jointly ani in<liridn:dly perfuna 
aach (lutin ni luay t>c |jre«rribcd by low. 

4. All ol&eer4 who«o election or sp- 
pointmcnt Unot protided for by thii 
Conn I tu lion, ond allfliyjcm Hhotc nlTlcc 
nay hereafter bo created by law. *hall bo 
elected by the peopleor npitointed aa the 
Genera]! A<iembly may d.rcct, 

5. When the dura'.iun of any oftfco ii 
not provided for by this ConiiitaliOQ it 



ccc«or* Tiie Trciiurerand Audi 
■ aill kccji their oflieei nl the *cai of 
... . 1.,-iinicnt. auil enter into. hacIi bondi 
« the General AMembly mar prctcrilw 
ttlhriai;fcJd.H;Ucha.-ecof- I'htir rc*pet- 
ttvo dntics. 

2.', Tlio Aoditor iliall hare Iho j^encr- 
b1 jopcrintcndciicc of the fijcal oijiri of 
the Territory; he stiall di;;at and |>rc- 
pare planj f<.r the i(nj.rovcr.iciit and 
luaiiQjreraent of the revenue und for (he 
itippcrt of the pubtic credit; prepare anil 
rejiort frtlimaie-tC of the rci'cime and 
tX|ieiidittiri:<vf thcTerrilory; dJ;u<1. sc'^ 
tly bnd' . {Kncriu nil poblic utconnt*; 
erant, under rejulaiioa* pre^vribed by 
lawr,- all worrunls for inoneyt to bo (laid 
«.ul nf the Treasury, in itur»u«ncc of a|i- 
prupriation* by law; prcccr.bo the 
roriualitica«f .tha IraiL'ft-r of stock or 
other i-Tidcncw of the TirriEorial dibt; 
and ctfuolerjlyn. withoni nhiih aoch 
ctidtnie ►hall not be valid; he^hullmake 
full report (if all hN procciAlinu'^. and of 
the "ttttc of Iho Tr.-*»ury drpartmcnt 
within ten days after thu comtncncemvnt 
of iho »e»4ioji iifeo^'h General Ancnibly, 
and perfunu such olbcr duties as tiiull bv 
prr-t;ribi;d by law. 

3. Tlio Treojiurcr shall rrcrito and 
keep the money of the Territory, ail 
duburie the fame tipon warrant* dr.nvii 
hy the Auditor, and not otherwise; he 
>hai: tnke recc pts for a<l moncyi jiaid 
by lull), tml all receipts for rooueyn re- 
received by hnu »hall bo in-Iorned npon 
worrnntajigi.rd by (ho Auditor, without 
which warrant so »i|;ncd no acknowlcd;-- 
ment ofmoniy received in t)io Tr-Hury 
fchall be valid; ami upon warn-* *fnid 
by the Auditor ho aliall mak«'-ran*e- 
tuciiii fjr thf pajfocnt of fiu intercut of 
the pnSlic di'ji; every bond, cerlificnte 
r otlicr cvidL-iieo of tho diht of the 



,:-yji,i I...,- «.ij, if.u Uiu Vi.'tjiiii 1-ci.i.c 
op rani I'.to Viruin to its junction with 
.Mnddy Uitir; llivucv due Ni/rth lo the 
Oretuolinc: thenco WcA to the nlate 
of U-siM.i.c, ■* ■ 

AWVICI}: Xt — ZhtlriiU.. 

Diitrict No. 1 thnll U-k'j?^*! «• 
poiol cu the «!3ii3it of th'^Ss-er^ 
Xeraita .Mosutaioi wWr« jf\ 4- 
of tionh Latitude crosic* . -i^iQu 
init. Thence tonthcr'y witli Mid. vm 
tnit toihe htadwoien of Elyxion creek; 
thence down that croek to the big beiHl 
in laid crerk ;_ thcDVC In a atrai-hl line 
to ti.e mouth cf w^Iow crec^;. thence 
north to the Oresou line; thcpec along 
*aid line to the j«l.icc of brginning. 

Diitrict No. .2 .*hill U-Ria- at the 
momKof xillow' crnk; thrntc ahv;; 
the coitcro Khore of Honey Lake to the 
north end nf Pyramid Lake; theare ii. 
r. to Uuhbit Il<ile Spring*; thenccuofth 
to the Oregon line; thmcc olnug said 
l.ric tu Ihu coitcornT of Diitrict No, 1. 
Thcnec south to the plaeip wf^ U-ginning. 

I)i.'.iriit..No,-3, shall ccnuuelico' at the 
hi-a4 of Klyniumrtrk. ', Them-cAilloiving 
the 5U>nniit to a point npiitcitr the diei- 
linn: rid^q between. Iloimy. Y*ke, ond 
l^.i.g Viilfpy;' thctic'o down iffd rid,;c 
to Long Vulfey ItiTer; thence <n a di- 
nvt line 16 the north oliorc ut. i'yretuid 
Ltke ; thence iilnn;; tiio roiitb line of 
O.'lricLi No. 1 Olid 2 to the place u( be- 
ginning. 

No 4 shall begin at the wcrt eorner 
of Di.trict Nu 3; ihcncc following llic 
huminit (0 a point ojipuMte tlie dividing 
ridge and folhiwing tho iiain*.Lfne]udiiig 
Steamboat Vnlky. thence lo i.aid ridge 
Olid following the "ame. including Steam- 
boat Vallt-y, to Trui,kco Uivcr; thenic 
on Mid streani lo the oorlii siiJe of I'y- 
ramid Lake. 

No' 5 shall begin at the we^t corner 
of No. 4;'lhenc« doirn that»trcom lo 
Carson Uiter ; thence down l.iid river 
to Nicholas Ainbrnvinii' ta-jJ t thence 
fiorilterly lo tFii- divide between Wmho 
and Cjrsou river; thence alor.g ^3id 
divide to the south line of District .N'o. 4. 
Nn. <i shall comracticent N. AiiibroviiiN*. 
ranch; tlieiicc ca«t to the boundry line; 
thence v.i>t lo DiKirict No. 2; tluuce 
on thcca»t line I'f Sna. 2,3,4 audi to 
the I'lace of bi-Kinning. ' 

No. ', shall Uttui at the hccil wotirs 
of Clear Creek; thence nloni.' the caj- 
tcni or open tuntinit to a point opposite 
C.ipt. Sinitlis lUiicli; thence et't in- 
ti'iding sjiil place to tho west fork of 
Walker* River; thence up said ittreant 
to f the main summit; thcnee alnn^' the 
tuininit to the nurlb »hore ol Lake Itig- 
let'; thence cu»t to tbo place 'of begin- 

No, 8 <hii\\ crtmitiencoat the.licad wa- 
ter* of Clear Creek; thentc; on the 
ftf P.-tnct No. 7 lo the ire*t fork 
of Walk>'r« Uivcr; thence catt to the 
cwt boundry line; thcnco north (o the 
iiiio of ■ No. 6; (hence along laid line to 
the ptacc of beiritming. 

Nn. 9 shall begin at the lieatl waters 
of the nest fork of Wnlkcr'rf R ver and 
fiillnwing the junimil lo the jooth bcun- 
dary.Iiny of ihn Territory rtn ihenee 
alonjr *aid lino lo the eatt boondary; 
tlicnoc on caid bonndry to the line uf 
District No. 7 and 8; thence along aaid 
line to the place of boginniiig. 
J. J. Mut*er. I*rt«. A. G. MnfumacV. 
Jno. F. U g. S'V'y J. S. Ward, prcsy, 
M. M.Gaigr, A.S.. J A. Sl-iicr, 



may be declared by law; and If not »o Territory, aliall be signed by the Trca«urer 



declared, such ofEeeihall be held during 
Ibo plciiurc of tl»e authority making t 
^ppoifitmtfil. nor shall the duretio'. ■ 
aoy ofJce not filed by Ibis Conslttut 
ever exceed two ycara 

6. Ejch coonty. town, city ift'l \u' ■ 
^i>eatc village iballrrako p'-oriiion* ■ 
tfeo icpport of their own officeri. sal^.i 
to locn rcstrietioni and reguUtious atabt 
General A«u-rnl>ly may pre>i-rilie. 



'limned by the Anuitar. oiil] n 



■ or other cvidcuco 
another thall bo 

-5 »'-iti K: ,:r:;rr 



ntcn- 

Kdcd 



• (■lail iti« adioa •( ihi . 
ilivit trfiirai bad ta lb> 
fur 10 advi'lirc Uie If f^>ri 
>uk.r tctf.oiutec k;<;<4iaitit tj i t-m 

V>«' brtttv* iksl la adofil*: tL» reiclailca 



my. El. 

f ■ b«C**# 

Nealr. 

•■<^ It 

^**lle. 

. ::'ci.ibb 

W.I). 

■ ..i.ttn. 

'■M. Ny* 

• , -T. A, 

Meiiri. 



.-•j &f niock 

.fk-c Meadowa 
by tie Cj«- 



haac (loop. 

A. L. Uorsey 

,Ino. n. Ne.ile. 
J. A. O.l.gni. 
R. L. Km;;. 
J. H. S;ur:cvaMi. 

B. F Sa:lr, 
\. A- -S'fiith, 
w ^ v. ...' 



h-^f\i Stark, •• 
S-iiilhJ. Ijjll, •* 
J. .1 Cwdc-'igfoft, 
O W. Hr,ti^.rly, 
W. M Orn'Aby, 
T Anl.r-o 
3. 1> i: biu'on, 

n.c J 

.1 '■! I 



Kt ptcUU ■£>!£ 


I tie .ill. cf tliiCet 


.«!.". 1.; f., .M,. 




I.i# Ifttt'oiJ 10 lt< 


a.rj. ..r rr...i, w.-U," 


• ;i3tla; lL» it'.iIijFWt; an ni.j.orij«,tj lo 


■eqult ibta,».I'#i. ' 


irrtlij H\Si-t,e liKtlilca- 


iluu Ib rce-Mlo lb 


uiutr: Mil uf whUb Ii 


r'spedfaUj lubrtU- 


tj Bb J tbe **Br aikr J to 


'• (a«-!f • w*iitr o( n^otd 


C. N, >o-t«.T», 


3. ll(Or*»r, Jfjeptest, 


W«/(e3 \Taiiaa, 




X.MUSta.tb. 


L«^-li Vil:r-. " 


J A. .'^mlih. 


Jaert W.Kllt, •' 


J.o W .Che^le, 


a.ril Si^ll. " 


:<«>t rar«*ll. 


JoSDft.l!..fi. " 


luLn [.. Car;. 


L*(er Viai'f. •• 


t. A TtiecpioB, 


E:,.. L.itt. - 


H. «. 0..if, 


A. J. JJ.r^n, •• 


P«l<r:(.r 


J, A T.l.oi:. •■ 



C.C.ilci,WaMOaprei,i>. lUttli.De. •> 

Tho nye « and nays belug colled for, re- 
lohed a* fitHours: 

Aye* — Mc«ar:i. llnwdone. Uryant. Ga- 
ry. C.'i.ipinan, (3 »otc«^ ChMni'lcr. Cod- 
ditiglon. Curry, Klllntt, G:iige, lloaie- 
worth, llaiam-iik. Ilij-p'rly. Jcniegan, 
King, Lanif, Muvht, .\'ai;:li!ry, Ncale, 
Oilwrn,.I.O Uottert-on. I'r-x'tor. Si:ttte. 
A .A.Sinith, Summcra-Id. Vnoghan,'3 
v.tc^.) William*. Thco. Winter*. J. U. 
Winters ond \V ode- 
Nays — Jno. Kobitiioaf3 Totes,) and 
Slurtevunt. 
Tho protest wax placed' on record. 
On lootiuii of Mr. DoricV, the ret 
od-.ptiii^'tlie maji.rity rrport of the co;,: 
iiiittee appointed to cjiita^* the elcctii. 
rv'turiM fur IK-Ici^-ate to Concrcsi waj ri 
coniidered and uiinulled. When, on [i<> 
tfoii of J. J. Mu'yer, the Convention re 
solved itself into a Committee of the 
WhoJo to cunvaiL* tho raid rlretioo re- 
turn«. After which tho Coiaaitteo rose, 
-and rc;io:tcdaf fullowi: 

EiircTWS hktvr'cs. 
•Vj-i/ n/ PrmrMt. I>»{gt. 



•'■It- avw.ifttd af ivjiwiled 
aiitlec. 

On Qotioo of the adjptioa of the re- 
, port of the C.<c:oii».te cf the Lbi!iv7 
Station prtTinc:. the yeas and oayi wen 
lrt:«"). *,•!. t»-fj!]^.p;-- rei-.-':- 

•--■"' * T'.'ioQf, 

Kll.ol, 
Mi'ser. 

.. -.-J, Jftou 

'•./ J. O Uobertiop, 
V. A. Sniitb. SoBUDCt* 
■'■•.. Vanglian {3 totet) 
\. .iLLi u i J D. Wiaier.— ST.- 
Nays— Mn.r. Chtd.r. Ney (12rotM) 
J. A. Ssi:b, Mart. Smitb, acd Watsoa 
(2 vote*.)' 
The report was declared iJcpted.*. 
Ojrr,&ton it was reioNid tbat'OO 
tc't.mony ibeu:<l be receiteJ bat legU 
(eitiiaony. 

The report of the prteityeti of OUift> 
town. Gold tMI. Wa^hot Valley. Lak* 
VtfUfy, Geno*. Wolker I'.uer. Uakei^ 
Camp,- .Motlsviilr, Cnrs^u C.ty. sad 
Ssiithl Stati-fi were r^^-i r- reported 
by the Commiirr- - 

On the mot - .^rt of 

the Cororoiltr' ,[ ito 

Sink of the L . .Nct»« 

ware. C^ieflic:! ■- swoni 

to te.'.ify to *' ■!) the 

legality of thj . --rinct, 

alio the followir,- it.ii .%:. . ],.r!:Jty Mr. 
James; 

llelttt'ef -Vf. Jar^t t9 Mojer D^gt.^ 
Ctsoi, Csaioa V*itiT, J«Ir, li:».' 
Ua.r. Do39l. L*. 3. laOon A|«'a:--D«ar 



— lUtinrrmoaiobnifi 



I b*fl 



Homy Lake 
Mud Spring*. _., . , 

black \Xoi\ 

L^i.g Valtry 

Truckee ilcaduwj 
LimUey's StJliOil., 

Chinjtowo , 

GoM H'll , 

Wndio Valley.... 

Lake Valley , 

Genoa ,., 

Wnlker'd Uivcr ... 

Itiker's Cioip 

Motl'vitle 

Ca;,onC.ty 4 

Smuh'.Slatir.u 6 

Sink of Ilumboldliin- 

clnsiv.-,) 3 

Podjjo Volley . 41 



17 
3 

6 
4 
3 
1 
IG 
U 

4i 

CT 

\H 

4 

49 



Crant. 

C7 

i; 
1 

41 



35 
1 



Total. 



..U-3 



Total Dumber of votes B17 

Cranc'a majority.,. CI 

Maj Uortp moved that the report f' 
the Committee of. tbo Whole be rccciv : 
— Cnrrinl. 

MiiJ. Hoop moved that the report r' 
the Committee of the WhUe be r*. ■ '. 

Mr Nutcwurv iftore*! to n- 
voting on the udopliun of tho r. 
prrcineU. and the nye« and naj 
cuthil, resulted as fullims; 

Aye*— .Mi-B^ra. Abvrntiihyi Cary, Cod- 
diintlnn, Cht-r"!!.-?. Ctt-d--, Firwrll, 



Ihcvnrlotid )Uifai(BtT. 

Vt»S If jpscUut:/, jaar ob't. im'r., 

ALFRLD JAUC3, 

\7le Emietrd Statixin-l) 

••T.v..:;..ir. »;...:;.. i.r-t....t.iut i>- 
».ir,i. .'.liir 

cr ihr M , iits 

IEI> ., ^-.na; 

Jeiidaj cf Jci.', 19:5. ■ r wtfcs, 

V. a lailiaa Afval." 

The Tole bring taken aad the ay«s uA 
\i»y« being eallcd, resulted as followi- 

Avcs— 30; Nayi Cfi. 

W'licreufion it was declared that tUi 
rrjinrt nf the Cooimittrf, u tn the Sioh 
of HumboMt, should be adopted. 

Oa motion the re|»ort ai to OodA 
Vulliv wai adopted as reported. 

The I'retidctit tbes declared the YoCi 
as follow*: 

For PMgr, total noicVer of votc^ 
Z'h; for Cranf, total utciVr of volea. 
43y; majority fur Crar>e CI votes; aad 
tHat Jarees M. Crane was duly declared 
elected a\ Delegate to Coogrcu froo 
Nevada Territory. 

A I. V.:-rx , tTcrrl tl.e r/Iowiojf- 

v>f th» 
- ste to 











lb. 


tfc. pro* 




-•:olb« 












: 1 br 












' r tiM 


l.r:,,,-, 


ol 


-Scr, 


... ti 


.^u 


ii'iuinl 


— rarnrd 












.'1- M' 


.« 


fi^'t 


llH. 


fn" 


■■■^-■f.. 



prci 



7 Tn. 



the General A 
lory shall lions for the . < 
loaned to, cridcncc of drl 



A. C.I. 



A. J. .Ma.ni, 
J. A. T.iltw(, 
Saul. I(aici;:!>f 



, A. A. It'i 

■ v^tcs,) rriTf,' 

>nd J. P ' 



Cf . 

■court) i» 1.: . 

9. N.I c . 
WiiodQly m > 
of Cftnfnrmity i ihe ri., 
religiosi Met 

10. Tuauon iball boMoal and: atil 
fo;in throoahool I tbo i ■.Torritoij ■ all 



4. Tho Trra.orer iliall render his le- W. T. C. Elh'otl, 
''2h:\ ^^'l1f'..■t'.■;^., i',c Au litor; ond on' J. U. Winter*. 

1 of ttie'joi. 0. [WbcrUOti, T'terNye, 
' t tothaj I>4ar Furwcll, 



declared tho lootior 



'▼IS thra coIIm 



■oaud 



Mhii 
.Do, 
«r IB 
•a o( 
J »t« 



all other dttlica ibat ihail be pruaibvU 
by law 
&. Tbe Gcnent Anmb\j »bUt bare 



Mr 
test, t 

record; " 



■i ' ' ^i^teJ u r 
. tjr D^o 3. (. 

--■ i.-^'CuJ ibat th4 rep::c i->. 

jMtc& Mji wen callt4. n-fu-- 



■.^*„k. c' lie Cc^icas 
' t^a ViM Presideat* 



'«Coo» 



' •*- I ^jti — McJirsr Aodmoo. tryiat 1 1m. M. Wt," A«iiia'ai twrmir. 



aI Td-a'iiiftT, liy iit»i.riiii;; mii- tli m ... 
• ■A.H'»!l^n^l till- .U^Qdo; .foortiinjc 8 

tT^rt-ivpii(!.ifi>rict iMir*nJiit in ••■tj'tiin.- 
Inirut, Uiar U<i<>|t in llic C'lifr; iitiiinliS 
ofS.t.i'.lrtj-fri-lAiMl nj.|.r..t-.l ] 

* Mi'Tol t>/ Mr 'Ni-..' il-.it O'inmiltPf. 
rf tline lie-ofiininlt-il '>y the t^iaini.mi to [ »•'• "tm*- r-u-r*. y»( la-'h -ro our h.i 

h.T„.i/uu. tu- . irM...M--: i.f-...i* (>n.vi..,.l !-!:5:.vJ?:!.i':*.i".t.?:'.:-^';.!r!i;''.':: 

|i<t)i* M'Cr^J' Ni'iil'-,* M.irf irnitli'uiitl 
CuTjf «a* ii|>|>-Miii<'il •III.) CiiHiiitK^' 

'flH)ftl|'«)iliOil of III- C''l'*tj'lUln»'l \g- 
(f»L'"l><i ill lintrr, :>.Ttioii*^;cc<.ti'I.T.iir\l 
«n'l Fourilt ur Article Nine 1^'vn.' mloji- 
trtl. 



• r* hare jtm.t p«ikile<M' 
■ i^.^i |.r>iir>-U"cf •Litliio'r r.«i 
. ..*. from t<e».i>>ofiiirtor L'Uli 

^^.in Bi I erut ^^l ih* |iron; 

Ato < f [I "I..-*! Tirir MffiUJ Iron ihs'^uiei 

■ ulh.riii'i Il-vr cfftrfl BO ftllcf. rrp'tttJii 

Ir»i».« bljt-l ..f ibc |-^.««l.l» cli.Ki 
tlirrv««* BO rrlirf siteiti*! sffwcd bj Uir 
fi.t.ij fif nil ind'cnani jwnplf. 

Kto'i.* Iiive 'Ktn ilM'»n. \'X,»*Tjit W. 

rr>.n tttr hn.i'1 nf oor Trrrl'orj hdJ coinr>(l 

tr I idirvL « h'-ra* wlirts ttw an* |ircfai). 

iTC drU'trrJ fr"in tc'ltnj; aQotf|t g« hv 



.r2v'flicwarc,' J. A. Swill", 



Marl. SmUli, 
(2 lylc:-,) 



In 
itrtfi^uYtbi pnfteo 

/- DOn^EY.ChB. 
Tlic Mcmorinl van ail0)>tol. 



TFlrdtm*ni)« till 
Hue r»)«etor Coojrr 



'^B'liSTiBT nr TMrrfffth-icn'-RRtTrtRr 
,\T»" " ■>"i'l"J' tiiiiicf iliL- T-rriof, or 
■KiTa-U "Iiall t«- fl«_-{yi!i.»«. U)-wit 
«.. C":)!!!!' ML-iiii; ■t"a |i»i>iC oil Sirrni 
2CiTii'l.* Miiiiiimtii'.yiiiTe llic 42' «■! 
^■Mlti i^itirii'li- Imiclir* llio »jmiiiLt i>l 
fiiil M'lii'itiiiii l.» tlir aV i-r t..iril. r,:il 
jlO*.li;lI"iiLO Kl-ll■ll^^ 11-'° "f \V-.t 
Lun;:iiU'i<-: lUcitiv NintliiutlirKiiil 42 
oTNnrtli I.Tiiihi'I*'; llitiive AWi^t t>t lln 
piai-tf of lH-o'"'iiii';r 

, AG. 1T.\MM.\CK. Cl.'ii. 

MrM^.'Oriii>ltr ofT-'ftil il^' r->!louii>'i n* 
• ■iil..liriilf. Ti-i- i:.><i'..l.irt liiiciif tin- 
T rr.trfr; of Nirnili almll bo v^ roltoto, 
*0<irit: l»-<..ji 

..'C-iniAriicins nt a \'t\i\\ rm \\\f Strrrn 
'^Ci'tml.i Mtiuiiliiiii', «l»n* till* 
Kortli I..<t>iiit|r. ii'iiclitK tlio :>iiiti>nit i>\ 
iji\<\ M<iiiMt.iiii*; llit'iii'u S-ulliL-rly Willi 
fciiJ Sumriiil !■> llio35' iif NoMli I.tli- 
iQilr; tlii'ii'V f^^t on raiil t-^riilli-l in 
Ctf|i>rrf<li> llirrr; tlinii-fiiji >ai<l l!>t>'i 
lU jiini'linii Willi tliu U.n Vir;;iii: tlic 
pjfji'^'Kio ViriTiti lu iu j.iii.-li.m w.tli 
^l>i.M; i;^v.'r;ll.>t>i->-il>K- .\»rlli to tli< 
Ou.^.i Iiik; tlicitiO \Vi>l l>> tliu t<Iiii'< 

,. (I., i.ioh.iti i.r.Mr. Willintns ilio *ul«- 
itiliiio wat mli'i'i'il. M'tvttl \'j llniii 
iiuik llut tli«- r-'.l< •Willi; 1)0 iit>4.-rti\t m 
tti- Ctuiritiuijioi. viz: 
,;-.T<iv ruli-«,-u>iji;:u> om) nvolaiinn*' of 
tha thiiji-ni III an; txcality williin ll>i* 
^errilury kliiill l>u llii- (jv, that fIsII 
|^i>r<i iIlo inijii-rr ur..*-iii<l l«r..!iiii>, 
^irovulnl, >'Ui)i Idnnflii iKil uMiil It Willt 
Xlie C-'ii'tiiiili.iinirtlii-Triii-ry. -'■'■' 

*•• Oil T01<- I'h- Vru* iltlll lltlTH WtTt! cbrCil 

Jprilli till- r..l!.i*ii.i; u-AiiIt;' 
u"Vfft«— ll.'Miloiir. It.ifttit, C!iaiirr.iiii 
V(3totci.) KlI-tiK, llui>i'iii;iik. Ji-rif-L'uii. 
•>'cnl. O.luTi., A: A. bmitli, Williuin. 
_ti"l W<iR*j.ii {i »oii*.» — IX 
". 'Niivd — ^"Mcjwr*. A''ji'atl>y,^ Atnl.r>oii 
Car;,' -CliA>itJIcr,- • CIkiIk-, ,- O><i-I<ii^lo<). 
C.irfV. I)..r*^y. U-i-kV, U..'i-i*..rlli. 
lI-M-rlv. Kill- Luiit'. NVjr U- f'lC-.) 
Nuuwi.r.-. Unii«l-y, It-iLn.^oii (2 i..l.-.) 
,J. O. U'i'«ruiiit, K"oj<. TcKtiT, Sriilv. 
Suii'iiiriCvM, J. A. biuilli. Murl. 6'<iitli, 
2iiuru»jul. 'ltiiLiii-c»i, . V.ia^liaii. Tiii-i>. 
\Vi(.i4:r^, J.'D. Wtiiion'.'iiiuP \V.' U. 

A»ljot>riiol to I ..yak. i». (H. i 

'•'JUr. .JlryBiil piilfo iiniiiT) llial*~|io 

SuulJ t)ii>tu oi( tu ipvrryw, Iv TLH-uitHjiivr 
Lv. I.Mf Art. {5,..M ;.»■ ■».;,.:^^.,.. 
"Mr UjhiIdiio )fftn\i liiiVj(;x9- tl^at li<' 

fM"I;l O-i l-i .Hi'/fyf..|(ltftc ly.rwVHiWiJ*' 
re. ^.if A(l. 3.rttM-.:. dj V,,.^.,. 
, J. F;i^ii;>:uKH-itiaiIiatlKl»0'iM. 
cnbiiMjrru# w r<nv i^'<Jdf ;!>.^;. 3. i>r 
Art. a. ^ ,..^,- ,., t, , ,,,r»-r : 7 
I^Otiiiotiou or C«l. MiL**cc.llto ruriliiT 
con IK Itu Ml II uf lltu Ci><i'tttul4o>i .WA« 
iaiiluriT (.11 (k> iiiurniA* iuupiiiiK--.c1 

l<o - f,.i 



mtA I 



?llr Ory iiiinTfil tlint lliu rrp»i.lctil 
fli>|.niituii Awi*Uiit St-riri-mit-at-Arui* 
Cjrfic.|, Sir, Curry »ro< ii]'(>ninic«l. 

M->vo) I'y ll.iiiini.iLk, lliiit n CmninH- 
ti-c <.f nil"-, oil.- fnnii ini'li I).»triil, Iji- 
a|i|-u tili-il \>y Itic rri-Ni<k-iit tuilrjCllJivn, 
r.il<.-« mill rt'i;utiitiiiii*, r»r Ili«» Cr*! t1i\-' 
lii'ii I'V till) |ico|>ti*,' to f.iriii 'V'lfii'ti", 
:il'i».iiit Jti-Ui-i of ilivtiiiii. nii'l r>)->rt 
llii-KiMit.' tu 11(14 Coitvi-iilixiii cutTinl. 
.Mr rn-i.ii-nt tti'i'niinnl J.- II*- Nmlr. 
IM.tri.l No. I; W. S. Ilrynnl. D.-lri. l 
Nn. 2; W. T. C. j;iliutt. |l..lri.-l Nl. 3; 
W. \Vii^..iii, Il.^r.iii No, 4: A. CJrrj, 
jiiMra Ni>, 5; U. Stiioiinrlii'l I. l)»lri<'i 
.V.'. U; MirL Sill. III. l»i«lr.ct ^■... 7; C 
.N. N..TtWBrp. Di-lricl Ko. 8; uit<l IVtcr 
.\v.-. Ili.lri.l No. jy. .- 

On ni'tiioni.f J. K. I-fli'V.T.Jl. Tfrtr- 
I'tr. AIiirL Siiiilli, '\V. \Vu»j<iii uiiil..! 
U'illi.iiitS' «vro iipiMiiiilcil u Cituiiuillri- 
'■• ilrnrt lilt uiMn'k.i 10 llii* vitiUiin'iit tliu 
IViril'iry r«;|jtiru ti> llin C^.i.<t)tllti<Mi. 

M..ri,| l.y Jlr.>\'ulf, llMt.'.llid C" 
•ttlul<iiii)'u i.ilii lliv Commiltcu (T til 
U'l.'ili- 111 i-aiivj«. ido rituni* for I>..!i 
;.*tfU' III C«icri>4. >-I.oii;;>'iiiiirt'il tu 
itiiH'iHll'y llic L'linirtiiaii to ai'|H»iiit o O 

Illltli'V nr^I'Vfll lu C.1IIVIIM lllC Mill tv 

titrii\ iiixl ri-|Htrt tia- kjiuc U tliii ,C^i>' 
rviili> II r>'r tinvil uclixii^ 

Mr, JluJttiT iiiovLtl lliittlio. .wbofc 
•tii>ja-t liiiitlcr >>(.- itiitilc tliu. i>i)c<:inl or' 
iJ^r iirifu-ijiipiu to-nigrruir, i)V i ^Vlvcb, 
l». 111 , «.-»rriv-<L 

Aiijiiuniiil t;il tomotroif mvx.^-i ot 

!^ uVtyt k, 8. .Hi. 

— ■— ^ I 

-TittMnAY, July 20ili, 1B5J>. 
ConT-ntiiHi iiii.t [-af'U.iiii ly «.ijuiini- 

mtiil ; uiitlllti'rt of T. RIiril.(J n-uJ Uit'l \>\> 

(ir..v,s|. U-|Mftjii.r C'l.ti.ii'Uirt litv'wji 
111 unlvr, Uiu (iiancu Ctfiuio'ltti} itnt lir 
ik;; ri-ii>ly |.i roi^trt.. 1 .luOlimi of Mr 
M.'yiiitT (licCuuiiihltiii iitM.4 ulluvdl to 
rr|^)ri ul ituy lUuc diicin;: lIiiriiouKii ot 
till* Citiiftiii'iii.t Ciiiuiiititvoinn I'ri*- 
i:.iKtl»;:i;iu Uolr^L'lA ninl rr|iorlini;l4\f 
111 K>)frnl lliv (irrt llrvlioii n|>nTttil,4llil 

iiiutiini iif Mr. IljDitiiuck,.U>v ri-i^ri 

« ruiiv.^l, 

Mr. NuUwaro poTO not'co ifml h.* 
W'liM iri.ivc l.n,oii«.i!.rS.v. I. of Art. 
I. i.f till- C'ltoiitiitiuii tu luurruvr uiu[iiit>';: 
ut H oVKkIc. 

On iiiolioii of MrXf.tlca'C'nhiiji'tlic 

..f liv,- B.i*ai.|«,iMU'l I.; tlnj IVivoJini 

Uiijr.l i^if C.iiivavH'i''', to ail lri ci 



] >"ij-»— Aii'liTrso'n, Bryant, Giapwan, 
(2 .V"U«.) 'CiimnJliT, Curry, Durn-y, 
Klliutl, IJua'^vriirtli, llatiiliiiiik. Kii>|,'. 
ip'i^', .Mus.Ncr, Nai^lily, Ncjic, O»0urii. 
i'^iiiil'V, Jill*. iUb.n^oii ^a vuliT.) J. O. 

J^jOvrU'ii. U'loj.. rrociMr.iHiiU-.A.'A. 

C<tnil(i, blUrti'Vuiit. VdU^lioii ^3 VUtl7,) 

TiiUi'. Wii.ttr-.' Jiio. l>. \Vtut(.r< _^ ^ , 

.'i'lfi l^n^iiiul 4iKiit.uu U.-inj{ ILtU.^I' 

Ic^ It tt'.t4 IblOl'tol. 

' irr\\ok;»ar,- luitTof ioMrlktf Oill'lTiC 

woi-f "Uiima" 0- H'ltitl..! Ill .-uiiliii'f. 

mij lnwrl "Car»vu C.li' !>• llio fk-al «f 

Ijuvcihmv-iit. 

Mr ; I'rwt.ir morcd afl n Sulislilutc lo 
iitnkcilll out fnMi \a\<\ jic.tion ufur t'lv 
nurti "Liw," itiCHiiii'tiluti: wu.-<Hil'i{>tiil. 

Mr. UwuUuiitf tl>in inoTi-tl' tlii>l tlic 
wurj* '"iwu yiarit" llni tli-ptiility i>f 
Cuiiiik: Itiinj.'bij i-rj>i-<l, anil "ouo Jw 
»uU>tuut<.il, Kliiili ui>» t-urriitl.' . 
' ■'»^ijl^'"o 'it^J^t-J l*> ruH;Oii»l.KT, Stf. 
2. o.^tfu 2, t'j uiiiviiJ, t<r ri«(l'iiii''r'il 
|..w,«V,uu.!iil, lliv fir.l rcluriH of 
tUxiv.iVoniiLT tliii Cuiittitutiuii dliall Ik- 
inuo:^^uit-»'ivn*#n] U4 iiruiriiJcil fvr l<y 

tllt« CM|\(lltl«l.. 

■ Oiiiiwtiuii of Mr.' Xtali', (fio'worl 
'r.*»iili-a' Ml ilio ]<r»vi*u uf Si-c. I. t>f 
Art. F'ttiL*»lruvk iiut,-oii'l llio w 

VltHlll' WusiUMXliJ. 

•"'Mr. Niik-wurviriiinimiftt tlitj'folluw 
iii|; >w Ii'.I.ImI to llii< C»n»tiiul>on: 

AI! U.1!.vr».l.vi.il or ii|'i«.iiitiO l.y 
nrluc -iTtlii- Ci,ii»lituliiiit ►Imll hvitjI 
ly fk* r^iurvl loV'^u •'oinl'' to 'tin- \wn- 
I'lo of ^^:Tl^b Tirritury. f..r ifio /ailliful 
ili;tlinrt;v uf llju iliilli.* of tin ir ' ri-^in-C- 
tiVi-,Ofl:>'C«, llicnmiiuiit'nf wlii^h Un'iln, 
111 ft. II i/iullliiiltiTrtrrijuIiilii'^tlici 
j:i,.IM.yliu-.|l.yli.w.- 

■ Oil r.iittiiii ol Jiio. F. Lons, Hip Pffni' 
it'iif oiyi'ii.t^il A./A. Suiitti l.'urolliii 
Cl'-rk. 

Ailjo-imrJ'tlll I oVIoilcpii^, 

jincitsvo:< Busny<i 
0)fi'TtSilivu met {<ur*aJUb .(9 ^adjotira- 
incm.. 

0..\1( Iftpiwrly niiTcl lliit tlio Con 
Tfliticiipt iiiiu toiii'uilloi.- of l!if U'liult* 

t>i i-u:ity>4iiij) ri,lunu (or J^iUji^tu tu 

Cy"i;f\-Kv 
K, .M.,rri>i:U;r ruatcO as 6 xuUUtate 

tliiit tlif: CimiEDl>l'"ini tv.Cuiniaitti'c uf 
iiic t>i fiti'ViL-n MiiJ nturn« unJ nporl 
J lliix'Cui|VLiiliuii f.ir liiiftl uttif)... 
i.,Mr. Nuiewuru oJin.nl iliu follun.ug^ojt 
fii'i*lili.ic for (!iu nlwvu.iiitfliuii^ 
!iaj\l, Tliat l[;u Cli'air oit]»ojut' 

C'ii|iiitilK« ol lliriy iniircviK-u of, ilii 

C'oivtntloii, 111 ii]»-ii oti-t oiuiit tlio fc' 

lurtM fjifil>' l.va'« t" CoiiitrrM; 

.., On v*^if<K Ki'* ><:oa >in>l ^'"XK^SI^ Cfl)- 

W wiTTiSr^'.iowfi";?, ri,»ult J 

Vua:*— AI'ariLilliT, Ciry, Dinndl-T, 

Clu-Uii*. C".Mi[i-Ioo,.'FarwilI. rUui--. 

IIilliiiIyiNyi- tl^votLf.) Non-ffun-, .1. 

A. I Smitlt, Mart.' Sinillt, TiiomiMtii. 






jucliiiii uillPllif rri*liIii<i*'or IIii«'C''ii- 
trnlmii ttt tuntu^'llif' rvluniii of llu- 
G'«l tliflioii ii.i.I.T ■ ll.i* Con*lltiilift:i. 
M.fcr^ J. II- Ni-iili-.- C. N. ^"ol. wnn-. 
IViirNy.'. It. K. SJ.-III.-. nii.M»r.' ».. L. 
Ktoj. ».Ti-iili|BiiMliiI Kii.|-*0'Ulinittiv. 
M-.r.*l I,y Mr. l'r<\tiT., ll.il lliifr'n* 
Jiori i,f it.t Coiiinnlltv 1.;^' t^i 'iiinnrl.il 
.1 ti*« il.i- nonl ■■|V.>iiliit'*fiMli-a.| 
of ill!,- wiif.l "iiHiikcT'i vf tbla ■ Co4ywii- 

M>milliyj. P |,on^'* fi'nV mrriiil. 
ll. a till- rqi-rt l)-i rtf.rnillM.k In tin- 
C«uiiiiii(iv, iiiij to tujku irji'jrb tujiior- 
row iiioniiii;^ 

Uti Moii.iiM.f .Mr. Mii««r, M..j. n-vn, 

II tilt) Cli«ii^,*'tfie firttitr t-rtinitl r.iii. 

Tide Co!i.|imti.i;i WTjiH |ii.| on llit) t:i 1 ' 

Ml' till II nVWknrifi^l.ni.iy. | ■' 

.^Ir M,i*HT ilMVN iii'lii-c lliiil lio wrrnl 1 1 '' 

-r U .l.iy lo rvviitiAiJiT tjcvlioo I. ul 

KM t.i.liy 

'.■•. Noti-ivaf^ olijrt'lrtl.' hi ?» Iml 

iinliiv to nvoii-i'I. r llm naniu Srr. 

1 ,\Tr toiiifirniw: ii'-ivtintiJ ntcrrut. 

. iliv CUir. m .1 u)'!val luki'ii fniiti 

' !> i.y .\Ir. Cnolr. • O i foto- Ilii 

• Kt-rucalli^, with ilio ful- 



'II'yflf.f,"*Chipman 

- -y. Klf'.if. Iloii-i- 

":;»i't. K'lijr. l^wf. 

^•^\^A^ itiiUit- 

\. A. S.-,;!i,. Sill- 

, 'i'litm WiHicr-', J. 



N'iiy4— .\nili r*oii, Brynrft: . Chupmart. 
(2 loir*.) Curry. pofM-y, lilli -tt, IIou-c- 
wnitli, It.iitn;ii.k.Ji:rii.-;rni. Kin?. lyinL'. 
Nil';;M.<r. Ni.iili-.U.ili|irii. Oliiiol.y.J. Muh 
iijuiii a votrA.) J. 0. Kulii rt?on, [l'io|i, 
rrnvt'T. Silili'. A.- A. Sriiitli, Suiiiiutr- 
li.M. MwtiiaiiT, V-L-lun (3 voh- ) 
W.lIm.iivTmu. VViiiUft-, J"0. i>. • Win- 
tirv._uii . 

• Tu-P-AwlIinU-fraiiKUn-.l [ost Mr 
l'r..ili.r «(r.fol ilio |..:itmiiit', oihl.Kv- 
yinl.tl lij^Mr. .Noti-i»ur«. 

* .M.if.iBlfut llniClijiroi'iiointnCirii- 
iiiiltirc olM,»i-ii, i»iii- fiiitn fdclr Ihstriii, 
iiml oil.- fruirt till.- T rnlory at ttir;;r, i<> 
vjMru.« ilirf ir-ito , pir I>.-Iit;'»'i' iw Cun- 
'^tKt^, wltfi rlwU in-rfonn iitiir' dmiiB in 

, l>rvMri<a'l>t llni lu^-utUniif IliU CotiTrrr 
,|>iim;< i;ruTiilri), ilmt llii'jrniliiiil uU Icm 
■'iioi.y Utiidtiit;: tlic l.-uiiliiy of- ihc- tv 
ir... »Jui.li iriiV Irtj oilonil. au'I njiorl 
IV liYjiJy orilliiri.liiiy oft-atli |in\-;i.Li 
l'i[.iii-});alio vuig .iiiNiii vli.di, nuN 
iiiin-iininiDi} 

.Mc.**nt. J. 'U'illlflinF.. Tlirn.' ^^ tntpr*. 
'ni.i.. Anil. r-.ri, \V. Wu.-ud. IVttr Nyi-. 
O. \V. IM 1-1 riy IIII.I l»r. I(. L. Kii^ 
l\i-n' u|'|il>iiit>ilon l!>e Coniniiltri*; ' l. 

U. tioii It F. Si'liltf »diolpoltitn> 

a.Cl.rfor Mill Cwii.miili'.-. 

Ailjo'lnii.l hil twiuttriuvr monitog r. 
Bu'ulu^To-'n)- 



i^t^ifird th*t A Iiir ti[Ttui3g oftttptopl' 

i*% ftol t)crn thruu^li I'tC l&llol-bol ml the 
'Ifiiion.' Aflil l<i ilrK of ilif Icnj^tb ef Usi« 
rctriiary IjrKiull «i'iBia«iioa uf |l>« »«1J 

TClCni, «D<1 lhi> ■.B-rilniQii of ftflil "'fWinft 

ut njoit anil n for drcli.ou In iLa |>rFtuU>>. 
na niiuk4 cnriiFfliy rc.(>TDii>rsd^ itiat Ibc 
w^olc *u.>jr<l n >t;rr n* in h Ildr^/ie to Ciia- 
7f»»« !•« rtfftfrj l)»tV lo til* pcfip'r, r>r ibr m 
lu .JxiJv oil tbe IrtWiOaridkr ufirribr Cm 
Uunjnj \a iri.tttuUrr Bdl. Bi.'l Bik lo b< 
ilmlj-tjtfj.^ J. MV WiLU.iir. (ji»B..Co(a. ' 
■ ^T»»V Wi,i«M, 

Trdi- Avi'iiuos. 

■II. (. Kiio."'" 
: ■ CfBoii, tr. T. J u ly 27 ifi 1 1 «»i" 

On tniilioiitliv«luti-iDciit of iho'ScC- 
nTify of lliV'(Jouiniii|fC"'ira«. biaiJtf a 
)init "f l?ic innjoniy nj-ort. , 

Mr Wiiwiii ii.k.-d f.ir I,<If on'IioIirV 
linn: to iiiiiku a minuriiy njiutt.' trLuli 
\iu9 f;ruiilL-<1.- 
' ' CouTcuiion 106k a' rrcctk iif OD^lI&lf 

tltfUf.'-. 

mtsrtti! fl? 'ftmvtAS. 

Mlimrity- (if C«ii*«nliig ComiDiUi-t 

ntwrtcd lu fyllow.': . "^ 

BFpninC- 

Ur ririiiot«r-f-.\ loiiiuiltf of ^AvrCan 

nlte to nlioniAfxl nftrrpd llio niniUf ul 
cmiii'lirie lU-r<luriia of llii> infill (Iniion 
lur lM.t:«lrloCi.in:.e»». ,«0ul4 fruirtlfiillj: 

li<>- li«ic to ill**'!!! rnini llir'rf|ioft of iVp 
in.J'irii* nrjuurCumnintrr; wc tumikr lh«t 
V.ir firuTnmru<li>ti4n lu r. ftf lhtf■^olt mfttirr 
li i< k I'l (he |ip<i|i!r li ua«atr4i>tt-l «n<i wiin 
•ml |irr<t>lciiii iliMi li 1< tlctc^nlii'it porrr* 
il.Mi \\irj rfuiioi -inufi iliitlboToir li.islieru 
lArotii ilir ji'uj.Ie'unrttnlir l^mc •uidorli' 
I'l f.r l! 



' lo *•/ tr'Hiitip 



*UVt 



•l>«:i n<.( l.c rMunlnt HO-I Mill pmiOil lU. 
ui>nn bjr llili Co'iiriilMii i*C]i3lfi|[ « lel 
lino up'oi llic ■•i)nr«iy nuil ifiilum of 

ConfCbllii'i mIiIiIi il'.#l nnCAtUrti in 11 

nm iiivITci. in i-r tlinl npn'n rot ra|i.i tile i.r 
dlltiiicuiilnnj; Lriwcfii r>chl Hb-I frmnv. >■« 
iwrtii Ii.m-ij ii.i.lfr>u4 Wc.Pk oiirurny 
•■f tour C.iin>'iiiii-p, tlirnf'ife. roulil rripni. 
full J frci.rt (.lo^ti-u ■□4 aili iliat Ibonbolc 
■lil-jxt luaiicr be itUtn\ *i4(;k Ui y-mr Com- 
iiiOirr to rrpi ri In orroolatiir *«l"h ibc in- 
tlrudiimi *ii.l.«jir4 In .tin- rftolullan m. 
atiss ibii C'vmiuittrr/ O^ W. Iti rrcuT, 

Parea Nrt. 

Oit motion .tho'.mliioriiy:- ri^iort 'was 
nT<irvil. 

. Mr, .NoitwoPe mnr«l ilmt tlio iniittir- 
ity n-jiort Ir- ih]o|pIci1 DinlllioCoimiiittfc 
ilrsi-lun^fd; Mr. Ncali-, inoTnl to nmrtnl 
\>y iirvcrMi;: tlic wofil "niojrtiily" in tl.c 
(i(.nc wf iiiuiionty; on Toto Hic jra* tiinl 
ni>y;i wcro called Kitli ttio (ollowin^ re 
suli:'> 

Ycoi— Anilcrron,' Ilow{!on^" nrtnnr, 
rimiimaii (2 vote".) Cnrry, Il-rM-y' Kl- 
liiit. Mpa>i;».irt!i, ilainiiiQrk. Jiiin -.mii. 
Km,-.. Ljm- 5Iii^i.-r. Nni;;!ilv. N,-.iI.-. 
Olcrn",. Orm»l.y. Jni.,.' KuI.ii.m^ii i'l 
t'ltc'.) J. O. KnUrHon. (Votlor. SiHli-. 
A. A. Siiiiili, Sunniii-iGrM. i^Tuf|l•vlt.t, 
Vnu;.'iiuii |J voti--,] Williiiius.-' Tln.'O. 
Wintim uiiil Jno. l>. WinliT*.— SI. 
-— JirtTi* — Mr«i'r<."'Ahfrrftiliy. - C.irr, 
Clioiiilli-r, Ciiiili<% CoiJtIiii;;ioTi, *Katwnl, 
'j"i;:'*,,Ny.i (13 votiii,] Nouworr. J. A. 
S'liilli. M-iri.tiinilli, 'lliniiiiiotl;:>\Vnssuii 
(3 vni.-jij Wa-luiiiiil Ili-|-p.rly.— 21. 

'I'liu iitution ilica K-iii;; tir»i cii niiirn- ; 

.Int. iiii.l ilio yi-mnrij imyt ljciiigmlk-(J, '' ' ' ' 

fi-Miltiti I 5 Ion- ; 

.Villi— AiiiIirMiii, I>f\'nn(,-:'Clilipm .■ 
(2voti-««.] KMioti. ltjmr,ijitrJ'-rmt:.iii.. 
K.ii/. .\»i;:lilT. HofMV. O'linrii Orni^l v. j'^'' " '.*, iic-ih 

. KoI.iiiMin [i liiw*,] J. O. U'lliiri- l'P'l'"cr». •c- 
i^n, IVoi-lor, Ijvltli', A. A- .*<iiiilti. ynru- ' li"'pvr^ i f i 

rliil.', bliirUviiiii, ViiM;;liii [3 rotiv 
U'lllain.*. Citrry, lluunnoilli, Jnci. ii 
\Viiitvri timl CiU]ini<in [j roti-a,l — 'jLi 

N.iy*— Jl'i^r*. Ci>'t-hii;:lnti,- 'Cjit >^ ■'■ ■■' 
Ciuivll.r. Inrwi-ll, Cji/r.^-lli |.]. 



I No. ?, I precietM.— Itlack r.o»« - 
JEJert, Uroiaoi •''<I l'i»; I'^^fn'.'if. S II. 
L«>.(. ^• X— Jii'i|;t't, Lcibivu m{I lUt'rr i 
Uipmlor. Tbot. Ilarcry 

bi*irivi Vo S. i prctictia— >o. Xr^ir.iffft, 
WnrO Btiil L'li"ti>'»>l In^jM^lai. I.'r. Jc'.m A. 
i^uut- No. i-JjlKH,K«KtilJ«B(lWiiabi: 
lun-rclOT, W.T C. tlltotl. 

D>FitictN«. 4,3 pttiloeii.— N'e. t— 'udi;ai,' 

Uoipt!) aOd \Val«Oa ; IcfptCtOf. 0. J>. OiUatt. 

.No. t-^u'if.ft. £a>a£a AJid (i»lta; lUfit<lor, 

i'flrjLlO-O. 

li.iUld .N"o S, Jfrt'lat^.— N» 1— Juflcn, 
ProttornAdUr Kib(; Ini^tttor. U.aitb'.,jt]i. 

.No, X— JuJgri, tiiuruiAttt ud Nuifroie; 
Ioii>r<tor. A. UCB»aj. . 

Liiitrtrl No. 0. 9 pirfiorli— ClHuiowii— 
JiKt^ra, W C(n«tf aid Joi, K-iltf ; Io?p<rwr, 
C*I-t I'arkrr. Guld llU-JuJKr<. Huu.e- 
ttonti aoJ J. WiBiPr: l-.riJt<lo<, J C-.irp. 
.-^S'lb'a Suilon-W%df«'i, WiliU'iiiauU Ujik* 

l«iij; \atprtlot. tt. OiUilfa. MiliuKtOMO-* 
J'.>litl.JM:>i Jontlkitl \},.1t; la.;.f<tof. II, 
Kr.o. M-k lIua.l.aM!'>JuJ«r«, 1}l,t *\A 
autlli; loip'rtivf, T, Ktllir. Uuba* i;ia;.au 
— JuJCO, ClitrrT nuil Ntia'oa ; lotj.tciur. 
Urown.' Wil^bli Eulitro— Jo-It f«, Onoril 
aad Wililil; le.pnior, H. L«}io.i. Aufrr- 

two* j>(at<OD— JujRCf. rurotrtiiwa aOJ ^ at. 

mill; luipritor. T Animwa. .■iit>«Dti>a'« 
:ii>t>ou— JuJ^ri.b'jIrriUracd Tyti; l»prc> 
lor.'J, K. l-ipfiT. 

Oiiiri. I .Vo. ;. 3 pftfiBru.— L«kt VallfT— 
Jtiili;f>, K Citoiriiia-bJ W. lturB|.t>r.y /Ir. 
»t»(ior, MuK« IVitri-. Va. l-JjIgM. I/. 
\V'oo.lfgf.| mi.l W. II. .- a.U , lu'pfvUP, S«»l. 
lylrr DArr'aC-rap— Jo e^^*. U. Uirawod 
■u.lJ. Siuiih; l.fpnior. U»k»r. 

U.iiri.t.Vw B. arrerjn.n— No I— JuJitPj, 
S Ki'ii.y-nJ W. W. 5.ailb; iT^rclor T J, 
•licLtBi. o. ■ No. !— JuJ^w, t'ar«<ll u4 Lm: 
Iu>|x-ciur. J. Ilowarj. 

^.llficl .No. 'J, : (ifff iBftr— No. 1— Jailjra, 
t.. llillfr ao'l J.ni'i U rrii; lotpti'or. K. 
Limtk .S . Z-JuJen. UilliKuiiaDjlboBip- 

(on; Liljiprlur. n,.l>L t'niorr. 

W* «iiuld aUo iF^ommrcid tTiat' iftpft t# 
■pj-oinf'l a ItOnr.l of l'i(« CaO'iNtra. «):• 
III. II >>ir(iiil<;tBi I'.r Cipi'ot oa Ibr Jl Moa 
<i«t <jf iMuliirn'xt (.iiiioii. la ronnrcli.ti 
Willi llir 1'n-i.Icrt of Ihi* Contfitiioii. ao-1 
Bholl I'rut'cd tu or»R a&<l rouol llif roita 
■•■d tt".:arc Ihr tnuit tbtrrof, aod ht-jf rtr- 

llbotlfluf (Icdiori to ill (vrrt^ra l^al rwy 

tM--lrM..|.all(i.f •ti-,fi U raaii tft;<»''^- j 
aubm.ittd, ■ \ JOIi.V n. .^t:ALt:, LI. n. 

Oil motion tfic rrjiort «o< rrrcitej, 

.^!r. Dvrtry oQlrttl lUc folio* inj;, to 
l*c niliK-.! to thr n-j-ort: 

UtMlrtti, Tiiultla- Ji«:j;Mancl Clcrki 
of llic fforiomi-IiTiioii iirttiMf :« .il.all re- 
(U/ii a Irui: i-cjiy of I lit- |<oll liif. sluo 
tlio U'ty litt. uiTomiuincil ■ilU llic b«I- 
luLi. viliivli was tdojitid. ' 

Oir ' motigu tlie vomtsittce Wu~ dti- 
cliarf.'crt. 

A.ljiiiirrnI tiRtit' t»KOfroir butfoiitg 
at ti tiVlOLk, n. It! " 

TtirtisDAr, Jotr 23lS. ISS?. 
ConVrntion met |iur>.u.iiit lo m'jOiiro- 
mcnl; .M..j. Hj...]. j., tl.- t;j.,vr. M.uutCT 
uf yotiTOiiy n-aiX ami ciloj.titJ: 

' .Mr, Noicwdne lu-ircil • rrconialrm- 
tiuii uf ^i<.■vliOll IsC uf Article - Lsl. Dtiicii 
WU4 a^rnol to 

^'•Mr. >i(itvW4i:o llicti-mori-tl'tu rrtiaq 
till- worxl "Tcrrilyry."aiiil iimrt "Cmrrft 
:>latfK,'' ill ita •luiiJ, Ijjp cuta ic was lo 
unli-rnt.i 

; On iiii^ion nf Mr .I,'-J,''Miw«rr, tl;9 
fullowiritf il:iu^- vtai aiUv4 lo tl)« Ciw 



iilint ol «iiiw mill 



■•■ ■ ^- "'i'"'- " ...■■liur. Inrf- 

ili-rinv »oii' {jj uiKdiiho rv|«jrt i-f 



.\vi-. [12 voir.] J. A. Mniit., .M><rt 't'"* "'•"'"'''•'» '-"wntmilUt woa fcODi.loJ. 



'Iivniimiiii, I Wauioii [3- vutcx) 
Wiiili- Hlnl Clililii-,~-23. 
'J'oc inujuritjr ri'imil wai !bi-ii Unlurril 

U'li.Jitlll.*. j 

ll.i iiiiilit>n of J. V. l^iii;;. Ilio CviKii 

(Kill v.'.\> ll.iit l;>t;iii Ituin the Itltitc I" 
forilnr I'unMiKrjti'ni. 

Oil iiioiioii tEio CuiTcDtiuniailJonrTK' 
foriMplHiiir., 

CiniTi-iiliuii mil fitiniuiitito.'aiijiiuni 
mill', i 

Cntnniitlfc 0!i'- prrfliutiiip. the Da- 
trii'14. ninl ilr.il'iLii;; r-il>-> ^miil luwi 
r.-;;ii!fl1.iij:!tM' 1-' ,:m!. .■.. t».;KLiu- m [ 
niuko lliv full 



C^rnul 
Air, J.,0. Roldiisoii tnofpi] thbt o rnm- 



iintiti: of ii'iio liL*ii|<;i 



Mltiy llie l*rc«- 



ft^'r^^f^*PlY, July 2"i''. 
Clint fill ion iiit't |.iir*naiit i" . 
mint; t»inutc*' of .y.-fliril,iy i 
rr.iily lu ni«l, il>ci>ii'r>lury U4i» j^u^ 
ti.-.u-'tilMClu'il<«k, |>. tu. - 
'T. CiryV Clinn.llrr, Mr >"•'•'. <''i-- Cl>i.ltii.fln iT llir Cu 
l-'iirwtll. Uriii.1' intt'-'jOi F.ni'n.v, rq-irtol Hntan i. 
'iw,) XutcWMfr, ,'t""t<'nt'iiif ono dollar Uii.I liliy 



:i.-, C .N Nmc- 
, I'lUr.Njc 00 

Jiill lU.L.IlUt.ll.'. 

Aiijunriittl 10 1 oVIoi-k p. m. 

'.iitii'n tnvi imr^uaut to adjoartt* 

i(tc«,.o.n>AriwtioT)mtnt report 

rir'>itT. 
Mr C)iJiinM*x— Vour Commltlfa- oir 

^11 "i: -uii wuuiJrt»)nrituily npori 



-n 



r* -■— - 







tiiU o;:t 



lilll-T. of I 



fit. 
•• • 
Hi. 

\. 7 

^>) 
•A I 
.I''. ■ 

Hi,'. 



M<l(o»4ihl k».« b«ta ftb4 Ht^Mi\lfi9^\ 



■ \-j- -y li.il^i •!■. u! ,1 fi-ijri: j-crioj. 
Call or Koncrj. 
■'■ TT T'.'it roofcil tp(v-coi)iiJdci',Bec 

mnrnl for on IiiJcOSiiTfo 
'.if Kic »lo«tlon.'^oii toio 
, . : ; .. 1. i ...ivt Hin- calfnl; I. 

j iV«— A'.Jiiiillif, C4ry. CIn--i;e,*CjJ- 

lOiuxtoDu i'iTwtil, yiijjiy Urj>pftl/, 



>Ttavfto.'< tMrt^r^.' 
MitJ'irliyor C-n»»**i»jt Cvaittitltflt', 
li-arc (v ri-t>orl a4fiillo«a:- 

liirovT. , j 

.iiUa DtinpiVi 'ii^ tirailrfbta of ib« pci. 

Tf"t'.n' 

/i ilrw of ihl rt«peftilb'>IUj'r»iiIne o" 
et. tt««Ottlilrt«ptiini 1/ isbvil lb* fo:ka 
lBjl.'l*( lUUinfOL , . 

/ 'iht\ Ti hA« n;.|3td ft&A ca&rtUtil a^l t' * i.^.\^ 
votn rr*.ire»Jaa rt^icirtd to t>a*Tit lo ibiily \\ 
C9a*tAit7af m4 «•, y*v Cyuatluttf utl^^' 



... ,-.■;. Cb"ii.5 
i)t«J. and It* 



..♦^i^.l ''' "" ' ' ■^'^ Notewar*. S<etioa 

-•ltyftpd)l*t Cl Ariirli; Sil t^aa rKOniidcrid. 



PROGRESS OF SETTLEMENT. 



73 



llill. The sixth by Hobcrt, in Gold Hill, near the 
site of the Levialhaii works. Then followod the 
Nevada, in Six- mile (.'anon; ^iuc•eeeded by others 
too numerous to mention. Several thousand cords 
of wood was cut in and about the adjoining; hills, 
and as it disappeared ran up to fifteen dollars per 
cor<l. 

There was no water in Gold Hill save a couple of 
small s])rini;s near the old Kmpirc mill, aside from 
that riinnini^ down Crown J'oint ravine. 

In the s|)riTm of l,S(il water was found in runnini^ 
a tunnel in the northern part of Viri;inia, and the 
bulk of it was conveyed in boxes and ditches to 
(ii)l(l Mill by Williams it (tashwiler, and sold for (1 
think) one dollar per inch to su]iply the mills. The 
tunnel supplied about lUO inches. 

POLITICAL HISTORY CONTINUED. 

The unsuccessful eftbrts in 1859 to establish or 
resurrect some form of govei-nment for Carson 
County, or western Utah, has been already noted; 
neither the Provisional Government or the county 
election of that year having had anj- lej^al base for 
support. 

Judj^e Child, with earnestness equal to that which 
had prompted the eflbrt of lS5!t, urii;ed upon the 
people the necessity of availing themselves of such 
laws as were operative in the countiy by electin<; 
officers to execute them. August 0, 18G0, was the 
time when such choice might be legally made, and 
he called an election for that day, after first divid- 
ing the counties into fourteen precincts. St. Jhuy's, 
Humboldt, and Carson Counties were jointly entitled 
to one member of the Utah Jjegislature. 

The result of that election was to fill the vacant 
offices of Selectmen, Sheriff, Treasurer, Surveyor, 
and Member of the Legislature, which gave to Car- 
son County, by election and appointment, the follow- 
ing-named persons as officers in 1860: — 

CARSON COUNTY OFFICERS IN 18C0. 

(1). J. S. Child, Probate and County- Judge, now 
in Genoa. 

(2). George McNeir, Clerk, now in San Francisco. 

(3). S. A. Kinse}', Recorder, now in Genoa. 

(4). W. M. Stewart, Prosecuting Attorney, now 
in Carson. 

(5). Thomas Condon, Assessor and Collector, now 

in Carson. 

(G). James J. Coildinglon, ') r, , , , 

0). William Alford, J Selectmen, salary 

(8). 1. Williams, ^*1,;.00 per annum 

(9). John L. HIackburn, Sheriff, killed in Carson. 
(10). S. H. Marlette, Surveyor, now in Carson. 
(11). 11. P. Bland, Treasurer. 
John C. James, Legislature. 



(1). S.ilary lixi-il ;it $2,500 i«;r year; succcudud by Juiljje I,. 
W. K.OTia, .Inly :«), ISlH. 

(•J). .Salary lixe.1 at iJl.SOO jicr year, Itcinovcil frnm iilficc 
Maroh 'JO, INliO, fur alwciitiiig liiiiiSflf, ami \V. H. Pi'ttit 
appiiirituil. .May U, KSGl, I'ettit r.!)i',nieil, ami C'li.irlcs V. Cmi- 
fjer was a].iiiMiiU,-<l the •JOtli: he was aucceiilcd July :<0, 1801, liy 
N. W. Wiiitoi,. 

(3). Hi.i eleetii)!! w,ia iinsuccc.ssfiilly coiitcsteil liy K t". Mmire, 
Decciiilier 3, ISGO. (iovenior Nye appointed .Samiiel U. Kiiiy to 
that olliee July '-"J, ISO I. 



This legislation cost Mr. Kinsey about 83,000. It 
was a profitable |)osition on account of the recording 
of mining claims, tiie jiroceedH of the oHice aver- 
aging about fifty dollars per day. Afr. Morse had 
run as a candidate at the election, although there 
was, according to the call, no vacanc}-; and failing 
to get a division in his favor from the courts, he 
opened an office, and the minora, not knowing who 
would eventually become Recorder, recorded with 
both Kinsey and Morse. Mr. Kinsey retained the 
old Record books. Governor Nyo to settle the dis- 
pute, appointed a third party. 

COUNTY COURT ANU REI'UIHATION OP DEBTS. 

The first session of the County Court after an 
interval of over three years was held by Judge Child 
on the third of September succeeding the election. 
This Court under the laws of Utah, aided by the 
three Selectmen, performed the county business that 
now is transacted in Nevada by the Count}- Commis- 
sioners, and in other States by a Hoard of Supervisors. 

There was no business transacted on the third of 
September, but on the tenth appear.^ the following 
entry uj)on the books: ''The Court next considered 
the matter of county indebtedness, and ordered that 
all county scrip issued to this date be declared void 
and repudiated," On that same day commenced the 
shower, that in after years became a deluge, of 
petitions for private franchises and grants of water 
rights, toll-roads, bridges, railroads, etc. 

On the fourteenth, the county was divided into 
fourteen school districts, and on the fifteenth, the 
following rates for licenses were established lor 
county revenue purposes. 

RATES OF LICENSES. 

Billiard T.aWe $10.00 

BowliiiK Alley 10.00 

Theaters, per day . .').(K) 

Theaters, per month 1 (KI.OI) 

Theaters, three months "JOO.OO 

Theaters, one year 000.00 

Opera or (>)ncert, same as Theater. 

Caravan or menajjerie, for each e.xhihition 'JO. 00 

C'ireu.s, .Slii,'ht of hand, Wire or Kope-Dancers, and sneh 

per day 10.00 

(4). Appointeil by Probate Court Septemlwr I'J, 1800. He 
was suceeeiliil by I'. II. Clayton. 

(0). Appointed by tlie court, Septomlx;r 10, 1800. The olliee 
was declareil vacant In^cause of illegality, the County Treasurer 
lieins; Collector I'x nfiii'in of Licenses, and on the sixteenth of 
February, 1801, V,. C. (.'ardoz^i was appointi-d to collect the tax 
in .St. Miiry's ami Hunilioldt Counties .-w well as Carsiin County, 
the two former having been attached to Carsm for jmlicial and 
revenue purposes. April IJ, ISlil, the Court allowetl the 
Assessor and his deputy ten dollars per day and eijjht per cent, 
on cnlleetioiis. 

(0). liesi^neil April l.t, 1801, to takucfTect on thcsevcntocnth 
instant, when \V. M. .Stewart was appoint«Ml to lill the vacancy. 

(7). Kcsii;necl .Xpril 17, ISOl; acccptL'.l .May l.'Uh, ami the 
next ilay John W. (Irier, of fiilver City, was .appointed to lill the 
vacancy. 

(S). Editor ami proprietor of TtrrKoriiU Entrtpri*^^ com- 
missioned by tlovcrnor Nye, .Inly Ml, 1801. 

('.)). T. .1. Atchinsmi tiled notice of intention to contest the 
election August I'J, ISOO. .Mr. Illackburn was kilhtl ill Carson 
by William .Mayliidd, an<l Novcndier 'J8, I.SOl, the liCgislaturv 
otreretl ,1 reward of ."JI.OtM) for the arrest of his munlerer. 

(10). Wius later Surveyor Ceneral for Nevad:i. 

(II). .Salary lixed at $1'J,'> [ler month from \ovend>cr I, 1800. 



74 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



(Business was divided into three classes as Ibllows ) : 

First Class — Those whose sales reached 85,000 ikt 

mouth, quarterly license 17.50 

Seco.s'd Class — Those whose sales were less than $5,000, 

au'l at least SI, 000 per mouth, nuarterly liceuse. . 12.50 
Third C'la.ss — Those wliose sales were less than §1,000, 

per month, quarterly license 10.0) 

Traveling merchants or jiack-peiUUers 12.51) 

And if they used a pack-animal or wagon to convey 

their gooils 35.00 

Hotels or Inns, per quarter 17.5 ) 

Saloons, per quarter 17. ."lO 

Pawnl>roker.<, per quarter 50. Oil 

Auctioneers, per quarter 30.00 

Stoek-Broker.s, over $100,000 in business, per quarter 80.00 

Less than $100,000 ami over .$50,000 per quarter 40.00 

Bankers aud dealers in l^xchauge, if business was 

$200,000 aud uu<ler .$:50O,00O per month SO.OO 

If business was $100,000 ami under $200,000 per month 40.00 

If business w.as less than $100,000 per month 30.00 

This Keveuue Act of the County Court was repealed 
February 18, ISO), except S(j far as Liquor Dealers 
and Manufacturers were concerned, and their 
license was placed at per quarter 15.00 

TOLL-ROAD A.SD BRIDGE RATES. 

Established from Genoa to the Ridge, December, 5, 18G0. 

Carriage or wagon with six or eight animals 2.50 

Carriage or wagon with four animals 2.00 

Carriage or wagon with two animals 1..50 

Pleasure carriage wiih two animals 2.00 

Buggy with one animal 1.00 

Horseman or Pack with one animal 25 

Loose Stock 1 -JJ 

Same rates on road from Chinatown to Palmyra. 
December 7, 1800. 

Toll rates when not specially rated : 

Wagon with six or eight animals 2.00 

Wagon with four animals l.ol) 

Wagon with two anim ils l.Ol) 

Carriage or Buggy with two animals 75 

Horseman or pack-animals 12.', 

FIRST RAILROAD FRANCHISE. 

The following entries also appear upon the record 
of the Count}' Court, indicating an earlj faith in the 
future of the Comstouk Lode, and a disposition to 
take time by the forelock. 

October 4, 18G0— Petition of Leonard L. Tread- 
well et ul. for grant of railroad from Carson City to 
Virginia City ; and also grant of water, were taken 
up, and being duly considered and examined, the 
pra3"er of the petitioners was granted. 

October 24, 1860 — Gonnin and Tulluck arc 
granted a charter bj' the County Court, to construct 
a railroad "iVom Virginia City, by (Jold Hill, Silver 
City, and through Gold Canon to Johntown * * 
and thence down to Chinatown and the Carson 
River." 

FIRST COURT HOUSE. 

On the nineteenth of September the Court, while in 
session at Genoa, authorized the building committee 
toe.\i>eii(l not to exceed 8750 to complete the Court 
House in that place, and furnish it. This was an old 
structure being repaired, a building thirty by sixty 
feet, one and one-half stories in height. Now it is 
clapboarded in front; rough boards j)ut uj) endwise 
inelo.so the other end and sides, while shakes cover 
the roof, and i>r<)bably were placed there by the 
county to help make up tl.e cost of 87.")0. It has 
been twice painted, but no one would mistrust this 
fact from its ju'esent look, and it is now being 
occupied as a stable. In the ujiper part of the 



building Judge Cradlebaugh held his first United 
States District Court, access to it being had through 
the front door by means of a ladder from the street. 
Later, stairs wei-e built from the sidewalk up to it. 

Directly in front of the building, across the street, 
stands the Nevada Hotel, where the Roop, or Pro- 
visional Government, Constitutional Convention, and 
later, its Legislature, met in 1859. A few hundred 
feet to the north of this pioneer court building still 
stands the first house built in Nevada, the old Mor- 
mon Station, a log structure that now has a new 
roof and a clapboard front. 

NEVADA INVOICED BY THE DEPUTV UNITED STATES 
MARSHAL. 

At the State Capitol is deposited and laid away 
among the material deemed worthless the original 
books of the census records of Nevada in 18G0, from 
which are compiled the following statistics. They 
are imjiortant, being an exhibit of the condition 
and degree reached in prosperity of Nevada at 
that lime. 

The following table shows the dift'erent kinds of 
business, and its extent in each village and city in 
the countr}-, and is a volume in itself. From it 
there appears to have been at that time, in what 
is now Nevada, sixty-six saloons, no preacher, four 
school teachers, .six printers, nineteen doctors, and 
not a lawyer practicing his profession. 

BUSINESS STATISTICS FOR 1860. 



BUSINESS DIRECTORY 

OP 

1800 TAKEN IN AUGUST 



Hotels 

Boarding Houses . 

llestaurants 

Saloons 

Stores 

IJarbers 

Carpenters 

Teamsters 

IJIacksmiths 

Jiootmakers . - . . 

Jewelers 

Printers . . 

I)octor8 

Dentists 

Lively Stables... . 
Harness Makera. . 

Upholsterers 

Tinners 

Painters 

School Teachers.. 

Tailors 

Brewers .• 

Milliners 

Gunsmiths 

Speculators 

Lawyers 

Bakers 



3 
19 
3 
4 
9 
'> 

11 
7 
9 
1 
1 
1 



r 

M 





n 


C 


^ 


> 


w 


2 3 

r3 H 


a 


z 

o 
> 


. ' z 


o 




> 







19 

1 

15 

10 

6 



3 
5 

6 
42 
42 

8 
62 
68 
17 
14 

•> 

1 
<) 
1 
6 
1 
3 
9 
4 
2 
4 
3 
2 

1 
13 



16 



7 
2 

3 
10 
32 

6 
30 
46 
16 

(! 

1 

4 



19 
29 
15 
63 
109 
17 

lis 

131 

54 
•>•> 

4 
6 

19 
4 

14 
1 

10 

11 
9 
3 
4 
9 
2 

1 
21 

5 
28 



TKRRITORIAL ORGANIZATION. 



There should bo added to the foregoing list to 
make it complete, four telegraph operators at Car- 
son, and one in Genoa, two druggists, and a daguer- 
reau urtipit in Carson, The enumeration was made 
in August by J. T, Waters, Deputj- United States 
Marshal. 

Long Vallev — Three public houses, ten miners and 
sixteen ranchers; the balance of population no occu- 
pation given; census taken in September. 

SrE.\.MiioAT Vali.ev — Two niercliants, two public 
houses, one saloon, and two blacksmiths; census taken 
in September. 

Palmyra District (in what is now Lj-on Count}-) — 
One saloon and one merchant; census taken in Sep- 
tember, 

Clinton (now Dayton) — Two blacksmiths, one 
shoemaker, one saloon, one merchant, one public 
house; census taken in September. 

Caeson Valley — One school teacher, three hotels, 
and throe blacksmiths; census taken in October. 

Walker's River Vallev — Two hotels, and one 
grocery; census taken in October. 

IIoNEV Lake Vallev (taken by t'alit'ornia Mar- 
shal) — Ills claimed that along the border over L'JOO 
persons were enumerated for that State who should 
have been credited to Nevada. lie also saw over 
2(tO miners' huts made of willow, that were aban- 
doned because of the trouble with Indians. 

The following enumeration of population at Ilag- 
lown, the countrj- between there and Virginia City, 
and the towns in the vicinity of the latter place, were 
enumerated in August, all the valleys along the base 
of the Sierra being reached in September except 
('arson Valley, which with the Walker River countiy 
was taken in October. 

POPULATION OF NEVADA IN 1860. 



SlIBnIVISIO.NII. 


White. 


Colored. 


Total. 


Dwelliuifs. 


Male. 


Female . 




5S4 
319 
ft-i 

i:« 

837 
80 
110 
610 
87 
47 
34 
80 
311 
Oil 
17S 

an 

97 

2198 

40 

18 

200 


167 

123 

8 

48 

12 


13 
10 
2 


714 
4.52 

78 
227 
319 

80 

6:is 

117 
49 
40 
80 
»i 

637 

196 
39 

105 

2345 

40 

24 

270 




CarHdli Valley 


81 


Ka;,'le Vallev 


64 


K..rt Churchill 


5S 


Flowery Mifiiii;; Distriet 


24 


CciMia 

fjnlil Hill 


28 
18 
29 
2 
« 


? 
1 


57 


.Itt<:k'8 Valley 

Loii;; Valley 

>l»iiitniit)t Ea^lo nmrrlcl 

l'»iiit>Ta Mining District 


23 
14 
12 
2.'i 


tto^'tdwn 

Siher Citv 


2 
25 
18 





11 


Su-aiiibiiut Vallev 


58 




14 


Tnickec .Mea<lowii 


8 
139 

6 

70 


8 


22 




SOS 


Virginia ^linltitr histrict 




Walker Hi. or Valley 

WiuHJHie Valley 


8 
«0 


<';ir»nti Count V, total 

Iluiulioliit Countv, total 


5957 
40 
105 


710 


4S 


6712 
40 
105 


2014 
8 


Saint Mary'B County, total. 






15 


Total o( Nevada 


0102 


710 


46 


6' 57 


2fi37 



NirTK.— Of the free colored population IB are male and 2 Icinalc niulntoes. 
At < ienoa uiie »laoe is reported, named T. J. Sin(;leton, a female, aged 4,'> yean. 

NATIVITY OP POPULATION. 

I rish G5 1 

English 294 



German 454 

Scotch 98 

Mexicans .' 85 

Other foreigners 482 

Total foreign 2,()(i4 

Total native 4,793 

Total population G,857 



t;HAPTER XII. 

TERRITORIAL ORGANIZATION. 

1861. 

PolitiCTl Events — Ai)iiointineiit.s liy (iovernor Nye — Org.iniza- 
tioii and Kluctioiis — E.veeutive Procl.imatiou — .ludicial 
Orj;aiii/,:itiiiu — Legislative Orj;aiii/.atii)ii — Census ami Elec- 
tion Districts — Kirst Territ.irial Election — Mcmliers of 
Teriitiiiiul Council — Members of Huuse of Iteprcseutativcs — 
Territory Diviileil into Counties — Special Election of .Janu- 
ary 14, 18()i'— Election of Sei>teml)er 3, ISti'J— Election of 
tSeptemlM-'r •_', liSOH — Etforta to Become a .State— \'ote For 
ami Against a State Government — Homograpliic Chart — 
Third House — The Constitution IJefeated— Vote for Dtlicers 
Under the Constitution — .Second Attempt to Become a 
State— Constitutional Convention Elected June litli, and 
Assemhled .Inly 14, 1864 — Votes for Congressional Delegate 
— Constitutional V'ote. 

Political and other events in 1861, pertaining to 
Carson County, chronologically given until it is 
merged in the first county organization of Nevada 
bj- Act of her Legislature, approved November 25th 
of that year as follows: — 

January 8. William O. Connor filed bonds as 
Deputy Sheriff for S2,000. The office of License 
Collector declared not warranted by law as the 
County Treasurer had those duties to perform ex 
officio. 

.Fanuary 18. Territorial law passed authorizing 
change of Carson County seat of justice from (tenoa 
to Carson City. 

February 11. The County Court declared that 
Honey Lake Valley was within the limits of Carson 
County, and appropriated 8250 to assist any one in 
tile legal resistance to the collection of ta.xes, within 
th:it valle^', bj- the ollicers of Flumas County. Cali- 
fornia, and March 9th following, that section was 
organized as District No. 15. 

February 13. Rates of taxation in Carson County 
fixed for ISiil at one and one-half per cent, for 
county and one-half jjcr cent, for Territorial pur- 
poses. The latter was remitted on the following 
seventeenth of Juno because the new Territory of 
Nevada had been created in the meantime. 

I''ebruary 14. tJeorge McNeir, County Clerk and 
Auditor; salary fixe<l at 81,S0() per year. 

February 15. John L. Blackburn allowed 81 ,3(1(1 
for services as High Sheriff, and J. V. Solo jiresented 
bill for services as Deputy' Sheriff. 

February lU. The appointment of Assessor and 
Collector in September being declared illegal and 
void, the Court appointed to those offices ]•]. C. Car- 
doza. lie was to collect taxes in St. Mary's and 



76 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



Humboldt Counties us well as for Carson, those 
counties haviiii^ been added to the latter for revenue 
and judicial pur])oscs. 

On the same date Judge Child was authorized by 
the Count}' Court to select suitable rooms in Carson 
City for holdini; Ihc March term of Court, the counts- 
seat having been moved in the meantime from Genoa 
to that ]ilace; 8200 was allowed to be expended in 
fitting u]) such rooms. 

February 19. Date of last entry in United States 
District Court under Judge Cradlebaugh. 

March 1. County Court met in Carson City for 
the first time. Its place of meeting was in a build- 
ing rented of George Lewis for §175 per month. 

March 2. Congressional Act approved creating 
Nevada Territory'. 

March 7. A tax of one-fourth of one per cent, 
levied to be continued from }-car to year, to raise a 
fund of not to exceed $15,000 with which to build a 
County Court llouse, also, one-half of one per cent, 
to raise that same amount with which to build a jail. 

March 8. Poll-tax fixed at three dollars or two 
day's work. 

March 22. 
of Nevada. 

April 10. 

April 11. 



James W. Nj-e commissioned Governor 



George McXeir no longer County Clerk. 
P. H. Cla^'ton presented a bill for ser- 
vices as Prosecuting Attorney, and Thomas Winn as 
Deputy Sheriff. 

April 12. Assessor and his Deputy allowed ten 
dollars per day for services, and eight per cent, on 
amount collected. 

April 18. Selectman J. J. Coddington resigned and 
Wellington Stewart was appointed on the seventeenth 
to fill the vacancy. On this last date. William Alford 
resigned as Selectman, and May 14th, John W. Grier 
was appointed to fill the vacancy. 

May 14. The salarj' of Probate Judge was fixed 
at §2,500 per annum, and that of Selectmen at 81,500. 

July 8. Governor James W. Nye arrived in Car- 
son ('it J'. 

July 11. Governor Nye issued his proclamation 
organizing the Territory of Nevada. 

APPOINTMENTS FOR C.VKSON COUNTY. 

The following appointments by Governor Nye 
were made for (Jarson County during the year 18(Jl : 

J'robate Judge, L. W. Ferris, Virginia City, July 29. 

Clerk, Nelson W. Wiiiton, Virginia City, July 29. 

Jiecorder, Samuel 1). King. July 29. 

District Attorney, Marcus D. Larrowe, August 12. 

T'ounty Siirvej'or, S. 11. Marlette, August 14. 

Treasurer, AKerd Helm, August 20. 

Selectmen, J. Williams, Chauncy N. Notowaro, 
George W. Grier. .hily 81 . John F. Long. Septembei' 2. 

In the next cha])ter is given a detail of events that 
worked the change by which Carson County was 
ab.sorbed and deprived of its separate existence. It 
was a gradual transformation. 



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DEATHS IN CARSON COUNTY. 

The following deaths occurred within a year ]irior 
to June 1, 18(!0, and do not include those slain by 
either red or white men: — 

FORT CIIPRCIIILL. 

Robert Murphj', ago 2G, drowned, soldier. 
Charles P. Selmer, age 28, inflammation of bowels, 
soldier. 





oC't»?re/ci^^ 



Hon. Lyman L. Crockett was born March 1, 1S31, 
in Waldo ('ounty, .Maine; fame to the Pacific OoaHt 
by way of the l8thmu.s of Panama in 1S51. During 
the succooding nine years he was engaged in lumber- 
ing and mining in California. 

In 18()0 ho came to the then Territory of Utah 
and worked at mining for one year, in Washoe 
County. In lS(il he moved to Dayton, Lj'on County 
(then called Chinatown, Carson ('ounty, Utah), and 
built the first hay and feed stable ever opened in the 
town, which business he followed for about one and 
one-half years, when he engaged in the lumber busi- 
ness, in which he remained the greater part of his 
residence there. During that time he held several 
])OHitionsof trust and honor, some of them mentioned 
in this sketch. In 1805 ho was appointed United 
States I)ei)Uty Revenue Assessor for liyon ('ounty, 
and was also United States Commissioner and Notary 
Pul)lic. As County Cominissioner and Count)- Re- 
corder and ex officio Auditor, as well as in his various 
other offices, ho accjuitted himself with credit and to 
the satisfaction of his constituency. In 1870 ho was 
I)eputy Census Enumerator of Lyon County. In 
1876 he removed to Reno, Washoe County, and 
again engaged in the lumber business, also in the 
manufacture of gas. In 1878 he was elected to the 



position of State Treasurer, on the Republican ticket. 
Since 1863 ho has been an active working mem- 
ber of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, 
and is at present connected with the same lodge in 
which he was initiated over seventeen years ago. 
Ho has been honored by his brother members to a 
high degree, having held many positions in the lodge; 
was Representative to the R. W. Grand Lodge for 
twelve successive years; was also R. W. tJraiid Treas- 
urer and W. G. Chaplain. In 186t) he became a 
member of the Order of F. it A. M., joining Valley 
Lodge, No. t), at Dayton, in which he has held sev- 
eral oflSces, often officiating at burials in the absence 
of clorg3-men. He has always rendered assistance 
to his distressed brethren, and many live to testify 
to his generosity. In 1861 he, in connection with 
Judge Calvin Hall, located the cemetery at Dayton, 
and December itth, of the same year, Mr. Crockett 
dug the first grave therein. Several hundred have 
since found a resting-place there; among them arc 
two children that once cheered the household of Mr. 
Crockett. He has a residence in Reno, Washoe 
County, but at present resides in Carson City, the 
duties of his present office making it incumbent on 
him to do so. Mr. Crockett was married in October, 
18();5, but has no children living. 



TERRITORIAL ORGANIZATION. 



77 



Charles Slapp, ago 29, drowned, soldier. 
Fred. Acaidel, age 23, drowned, soldier. 

WA.SIIOE VALLEY. 

John Calvin, ago 29, typhoid fever, teamster. 

Senira Perkins, age l(i. typhoid fever. 

Louisa Perkins, aged 4, typhoid fever. 

Chester Harlow, aged 1, iuttamnialion of bowels. 

Harriet Parks, ago 25, child bed. 

Thomas J. Owsloy, ago 2, cholera infantum. 

CARSO>J VALLEY. 

Mary E. Jones, age 40, congestion of brain. 
William Kdwards, ago 51, mountain fever, farmer. 
Iliram Mott, ago 29, by a threshing machine, 
farmer. 

Sarah J. Robinson, ago 21, typhoid fever, servant. 

WAOES IN 18(!0. 

Farm hands, per month, ^50, or S:5 per day with, 
and S3. 50 without board. 

Female help, per month, S40, with board. 

Carpenters, per day, without board, S7. 

Board from 812 to S2(i per week to laborers. 

Ruby Valley, in St. Mary's Count}-, has but one 
farm, run by William Rogers, Indian Agent. Last 
winter there was throe feet of snow in the valley, 
and most of the stock died for want of feed. 
Mountains highly timbered with cedar and pine. 
No minerals yet discovered there. 

llu.MBOLUT County. — No inhabitants in the county 
except those connected vvith the mail service. The 
onlj- things not human seen living are snakes, liz- 
ards, and crickets, upon which the Indians are 
forced to live a portion of the year. " Tho county 
is the most barren of any I ever passed over." 

J. P. Waters, 
United States Deputy Marshal. 

First, Congress created a new Territory including 
it, over which a new system of laws ap])lie(l. Then 
came Governor Nye, who applied the new system to 
tho old subdivision as they had existed under Utah. 
A Legislature then met, and on the twenty-fifth of 
November, ISGl, the Territory was segregated into 
nine counties, among whidi the old names of St. 
Mary's and ('arson found no ])laco. The Legislature 
enacted that the records of the county erased should 
be turned over to the Secretary of State for safe 
kee])ing, where they are now to be found. Then the 
legal shadows of Utah passed from that portion of 
the Great Basin that is now known as tho Stale of 
Nevada. 

OUdANIZATUtN ANll EI.KCTION. 

James W . Nye, of Madison County, New York, 
was commissioned Governor of the newlj'-created 
Territorj- of Nevada, on the twenty-second of March, 
1801; commissions being issued on the lwentj--sev- 
enth of tho same month to Orion Clemens, as Sec- 
retaiy; to Benjamin 15. Hunker, as United States 
Attorney; and (ieorge Turner, as (Jhief J iistice; his 
Associate Justices being Horatio M. Jones and Gor- 
don N. Mott. 
10 



In July of that 3"ear Governor Nye issued tho 
following, his first proclamation, to the people over 
whom he was appointed: — 

EXECUTIVE PnoOLAMATION. 
To all whom it may concern — 

Whereas, By an Act of Congress of the United 
States of America, entitled "An Act to organize the 
Territory of Nevada," ajiproved March 2, ISfil, a 
true eo])y of which is lieri^to annexed, a (iovern- 
meiit was created over all the country described in 
said Act, to be called the "Ten-ilory of Nevada;" 
and whereas, the following-named officers have been 
duU- a])pointed and coiniuissioned under said Act, 
as officers of said (iovernmenl, viz.: — 

James W. Nye, Governor of said Territory, Com- 
mander-in-Chief of the Militia thereof, and Suiierin- 
tendent of Indian Affairs thei-ein; Orion Clemens, 
Secretary of said Territorj-; (ieorge Turner, Cliief 
Justice; and Horatio M. Jones and (Jordon N. Mott, 
Associate Justices of the Supreme Court of said Ter- 
litorj', and to act as Judges of the District Court for 
said Territorj-; Benjamin H. Hunker, Attorney of 
the United States for said Territor}-; I). Bates, ilar- 
shal of the United States for said Territory; and 
John W. North. Surveyor General for said Territory; 
and the said (Governor and the other officers having 
assumed the duties of their said oflices, according to 
law, said Territorial Government is hereby declared 
to be organized and established, and all persons are 
enjoined to conform to, respect, and obey the laws 
thereof accordingly. 

Given under my hand and the seal of said Terri- 
tory this eleventh day of July, a. d. 18t!l, and of the 
independence of the United States of America tho 
eighty-fifth. James W. Nve, 

Governor of Nevada Territoi-y. 

Governor Nye filled the several offices created by 
the first Legislative Assembly with tho following- 
named gentlemen; and thus tho swaddling-clothes 
of government were )iHt U])on Nevada, transforming 
liei-, an infant, into the sisterhood of Territories. 

ArroINTEO 1!V (iOVERNOIt .JAMES W. NYE. 

January 1, 18ti2, Warden of Prison, Abraham 
Curry. 

February 1, 18(12, Treasurer, John TL Kinkead. 

February 1, 18(12, Auditor, Perry (i. Child. 

February 24, 18t)2, School Superintendent, William 
(J, Blakely. 

September 8, 18G3, Auditor, vice Child, resigned, 
William W. Rose. 

December 24, 18()3, Superintendent Public Instruc- 
tion, for two years, A. F. White. 

At a later date tho following officers succeeded 
those in the positions named who arrived with (iov- 
ernor Nye: — 

August .il, 18(j;!, Ciiited States Attorney, Theo. 
Mdwards. 

October 2, 18(13, Judge First District Court, John 
W. North. 

October 14, 1803, Assistant Justice Siii)remo Court, 
Powhattan B. Locke. 

JUDICIAL OROANIZATION. 

On the Bovcntccnth of Jul}- another proclamation 



78 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



was iesned, this time to establish Judicial Districts, 
over which to aBHijrn the three Judges for duty, and 
the division was a peculiar one. 

District No. 1, to which Gordon X. Mott was 
assigned, included all of Carson County lying west 
of the one hundred and eighteenth degree of longi- 
tude, and embraced what now is Washoe, Ormsby, 
Douglas, Storey, Lj'on and most of Churchill, 
Counties. Within it was, practically, all the white 
population of the Territory. 

The Second District embraced that part of Nevada 

ing east of No. 1, and between the one hundred 
and seventeenth and one hundred and eighteenth 
degrees of longitude, and J.o it was assigned Chief 
Justice George Turner to preside over a country 
inhabited by whites at the stage stations, Shoshonos 
and Pah-Utes. 

The third was given to Judge Horatio M. Jones, 
and included all the Territory lying east of the one 
hundred and seventeenth degree of longitude, within 
which were a few more stage stations, and quite a 
number of Shoshone and Gosh-Ute Indians. 

The proclamation further stated, that the terms of 
Court in the First District were to last two weeks, 
commencing at Virginia City on the twenty-third of 
July, to alternate between Carson and that place, 
and closed with the following : — 

The times and places for holding terms of the Dis- 
trict Court, in the Second and Third District, will be 
designated in a subsequent proclamation. 

LEGISLATIVE ORGANIZATION. 

The next thing in order, after having insured an 
equitable dispensation of law, among the whites as 
well as among the Indians, by the assignment of 
Judges, was the organization of a Territorial Govern- 
ment, or to set the wheels of State in motion. In 
pursuance of this purpose, another proclamation was 
issued, July 24th, that districted as follows, the Ter- 
ritorj', for census and election purposes, appointing 
Dr. Ilcnry De Groot, of Carson City, to take charge 
of enumeration, and make returns of the number of 
population in Nevada, on the twenty-second of that 
month and year: — 

CENSUS AND ELECTION UISTRICTS OF 18G1. 

District No. 1, Genoa, including all of Carson Val- 
ley south of Clear Creek. Population, 1,057. 

District No. 2. Carson City, including Eagle Val- 
ley, and that portion of Carson Valley north of Clear 
Creek, and to a point three miles south of Empire 
City. Population. 2,076. 

District No. y,. Empire City and vicinity. Popula- 
tion, 02ft. 

District No. 4, Silver City and vicinity. Popula- 
tion, 1,022. 

District No. 5, Gold Hill and vicinity. Population, 
1,297. 

District No. 6, Virginia City and vicinity, includ- 
ing what is known as Flowery District. Population, 
3,284. 



District No. 7, Washoe, including the Washoe Val- 
ley, and all the territor}' south of the divide between 
Washoe Vallej- and Steamboat Creek. Population, 
1,005. 

District No. 8, Steamboat Creek and Truckee Val- 
ley. Population, 608. 

District No. 9, Pyramid District, including all 
territory north of Truckee Valley, from a point where 
the Truckee River enters the mountains below Gates 
and Gage's Crossing, and west of Pyramid Lake. 
Population, 1,073. 

District No. 10, Humboldt City and vicinity, in- 
cluding the valley of the Humboldt and Silver Hill. 
Population, 469. 

District No. 11, Fort Churchill District, including 
the Carson Valley, from a point ten miles below 
Empire City to the sink of the Carson. Population, 
569. 

District No. 12, The valley of Walker Eiver and 
all territory south and east of it. Population, 3,286. 
Making the total population, 16,374. 

The number of population being ascertained, the 
next move in order was the calling of an election to 
choose a Delegate to Congress, and a Legislative 
Body for the Territory. This was done, and the 
election occurred on the thirty-first of August, 1801, 
resulting as follows : — 

FIRST TERRITORIAL ELECTION DELEGATE TO CONGRESS. 

The Union vote was 4,300; Democrat, 985. 

John Cradlebaugh received votes 1,806 

Charies E. OIney, " " 1,593 

("haries H. Bryan, " " . 90l 

William F. Anderson, " ■ " 985 

Scattering " 6 

Total Vote 5,291 

.MEMBERS OF TERRITORIAL COUNCIL. 

District No. 1, J. W. Pugh, 413 votes, two candi- 
dates; total vote, 642. 

District No. 2, Ira M. Luther, 313 votes, throe can- 
didates; total vote, 313. 

District No. 3, Wm. M. Stewart,* 557 votes, three 
candidates; total vote, 1,095. 

District No. 4, John W. Grier,t 477 votes, two 
candidates; total vote, 726. 

District No. 5, Thomas Hannah, 220 votes, two 
candidates; total vote, 386. 

District No. 6, A. W. Pray, 671 votes; J. L. Van 
Bokkelen, 635 votes; six candidates; total vote, 

District No. 7, Solomc)n Geller,J 134 votes, four 
candidates; total vote, 408. 

District No. 8, none elected. 

District No 9, Isaac lloop, 62 votes, two candi- 
dates; total vote, 68. 

• Resignefl in 1862. 

+ Resigned October 23, 1 86 1 , and a special elccti'm culled in 
Lyon County, to choose his successor November 3, 1862. 

t George \V'. Hejipcrly contested for the seat, but faileil lo sus- 
tain the charge of illegal votes cast at Huffaker polls, upon 
which his claim depended. 



TEIUUTUKIAL URGANIZATIUN. 



79 



MEMBERS OF HOUSE OV REPRESENTATIVES. 

District N<>. 1, Samuel Yoiiiifjs, M^ votes; William 
E.Teall, 320 votes; seven caiulidates; totalvote, 1,327. 

District No. 2, James McLean, 180 votes, two can- 
didates; total vote, 31G. 

District No. 3, W. P. Harrington, Jr., 526 votes; 
John D. Winters, 652 votes; six candidates; total 
vote, 2.105. 

District No. 4, William L. Card, 365 votes; K. M. 
Ford, 330 votes; five candidates; total vote, 1,341. 

District No. 5, John 11. Mills, ISO votes, three can- 
didates; total vote, 394. 

District No. 6, Mark IT. 15ryan, (Ml votes; Ejihraim 
Durham,* 582 votes; Miles N. Mitchell, 623 votes; 
nine candidates; total vote, 3,333. 

District No. 7, Edward C. Ing, 205 votes; J. 
H. Stnrtovant, 297 votes; four candidates; total 
vote, 728. 

District No. 8. William J. Osborn, 215 votes, three 
candidates; total vote, 4(52. 

District No. 9, John V. Wright, 52 votes, two can- 
didates; total vote, 58. 

After the election, another proclamation was made 
declaring the result, and naming October_l, 1861, as 
the time, and ("arson City us the place, for the mem- 
bers to " meet in Legislative Asseinldy." 

Congress had named 820,000 in gi-eenbacks as the 
amount that could be expended per year in support- 
ing a Tci-ritorial (iovei iimeiit for Nevada; and the 
fear of not over prompt pay added to the fact that 
greenbacks, the U. S. currency, were onlj- worth 
about forty cents on the dollar, caused the people to 
look with reserve upon the new scheme of Govern- 
ment that came with oflicei"s imported to run it. The 
Assembly was called to meet at Carson, but there 
was no one there who would i-cnt the Government a 
place on credit for the members to meet in. 

Mark Twain, whose brother was Territorial Sec- 
retary at the time says in his " Roughing It": — 

But when Curry hoard of the (iifliculty, he came for- 
ward solitary and alone, and shouicU'rcd the Ship of 
State over the bar ami got her afloat again. 1 refer to 
" Cuvry—0/<l Curry— Old Aim Curry." But for him 
the Legislature would have been obliged to sit in the 
desert. Ho otfoivd his iai-gc stone building Just out- 
side the (•a|)ital, rent IVoc, and it was ghullj" ac- 
cepted. Then ho built a horse-railroad from town to 
the ca]iital, and carried the Legislators gratis. He 
also furnished j)ine benches and chairs for the I>egis- 
laturc, and covered the floors with clean saw-dust bj- 
way of car|)et and s|)ittoon combined. Hut for Curry 
the Government would have died in its tender in- 
fancy. A canvas jiartilion, to sejjarate the Senate 
from the House of liopresentatives, was put u|) by 
the Secretary, at a cost of three dollars and forty 
cents, but the rniled States <ioclinod to paj- for it. 
Upon being roniimled that the "instructions" j)er- 
mittcd llio p;iyinont of a liberal rent lor a legislative 
hall, anil that that money was saved to the country 
by Mr. Curi-y's generosity, the United States said 

* Was from jVirginia City, and R. W. liillutt contcHtcd with 
him the Bi'iit in tlic Iloiinv, on the grounds of iiun-residence, but 
failed to iiiaintitiii the position. 



that did not alter the matter, and the three dollars 
and forty cents would bo subtracted from the Secre- 
tary's eightoen-hundred-dollar salary — and it wm .' 

The following, also from Mark Twain's book, is in 
several particulars an exaggeration of facts, but for 
all that gives so strong an impression of the general 
surroundings at the time, that we give it in full: — 

The matter of printing was from the beginning an 
interesting feature of the new Government's diflicul- 
ties. The Secretary was sworn to obey his volume 
of written " instructions,' and these commanded him 
to do two certain things without fail, viz.: — 

1. Got the House and Senate journals printed, 
and, 

2. For this work, pay one dollar and tifty-cents 
per " thousand " for composition, and one dollar and 
fifty-cents per " token " for ])ress-work, in green- 
backs. 

It was easy to swear to do these two things, but 
it was entirely impossible to do more than one of 
them. When greenbacks had gone down to forty 
cents on the dollar the jirices regularly charged 
every bod3' by ])rinting establishments were 81.50 ])er 
"thousand," and 81 5(1 ]ier '-token," in (/old. The "in- 
structions" comniandod that the Secretary regard a 
paper dollar issued by thotiovernmont as eipial to any 
other (loUur issued by the Govornment. Hence the 
printing of the journals was dist'onlinuod. Then 
the United Slates stt'rnly roliuUed the Secretary for 
disregarding the "instructions." anil warned him to 
correct his ways. Whereupon he got some printing 
done, and forwarded the bill to Washington* with 
full exhibits of the high ])rice8 of things in the Ter- 
ritory, and called attention to a printed market 
report, wherein it would be observed that even hay 
was 8250 a ton. The United States responded by 
substracting the ])rinting-bill from the Secretary's 
suffering salary; and, moreover, remarked, with 
dense gravity, that he would find nothing in his 
"instructions" reijuiring him to purchase hay! 

Nothing in this world is ])alled in such impenetrablo 
obscurity as a United States Treasury Controller's 
understanding. The very tires of the hereaftercould 
get up nothing more than a litful glimmer in it. In 
the days 1 s])eak of ho never could be made to com- 
prehend why it was that .i?20,00(l would nt)t go as far 
in Nevada, where all commodities ranged at an enor- 
mous figure, as it would in the other Territories, 
whore exceeding chea])ness was the rule. Ho was 
an officer who looked out for the little expenses all 
the time. The Secretary of the Territory ke])t his 
ofiice in his bed-room, as I have before remarked; 
and he charged the United States no rent, although 
his "instructions" ])rovided for that item, and ho 
could have just'}' taken advantage of it (a thing 
which I W(Milil have done with more than lightning 
jiromptness if 1 had been Secretary mj'self); but 
the United States never a|i|>lauiled this devotion, 
indeed, I think my country was ashamed to have so 
ini|)rovident a ]ierson in its em]iloy. 

Those "instructions " (wo used to read a chapter 
from them every morning as intellectual gymnastics, 



* Wo notice in thoso procoodings that (rovernnr Nye's me«- 
sago to the I,p^;islative Asswnhly, coverinK eleven pages in tho 
book, was printed viTbatiin twite over, inakiii); twenty two 
jjages in all. It is an exwllent niessijii', tilled with a p.itiiotio 
(ire so characteristic of the 'Hiray ICanle," as the (iovernnr later 
came to be called; but it would seem that one insertion under 
the trying pc'cuiiiary circumstances would have l)ecn enough 
even for that message. 



80 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



and a couple of chapters in Sunda5'-school every Sab- 
bath, for thoy treated of all subjects under the sun 
and had much valuable relitrious matter in them 
aionfi willi the other statistics), those "illustrations" 
commanded that ])en knives, envelopes, pens, and 
writinj^ paper be lurnished the members of the Leg- 
islature, so the Secretary inade the purchase and 
distribution. The knives cost three dollars apiece. 
There was one too many, and the Secretary gave it 
to the Clerk of the House of Eepresentatives. The 
United States said the Clerk of the Ilouse was not a 
"member" of the Legislature, and took that three 
dollars out of the Secretary's salary as usual. 

White men charged three or lour dollars a "load" 
for sawing up stove wood. The Secretary was saga- 
cious enough to know that the L'nited States would 
never pay any such price as that; so he got an 
Indian to saw up a load of office wood at one dollar 
and a half. lie made out the usual voucher, but 
signed no name to it — simply aj)pended a note 
explaining that an Indian had done the work, 
and had done it in a very capable and satisfactor^- 
waj'. but could not sign the voucher owing to lack of 
ability in the necessary direction. The Secretary 
had to paj' that dollar and a half He thought the 
United States would admire both his econom}- and 
his honest}- in getting the work done at half-pi'ice 
and not putting a pretended Indian's signature to 
the voucher, but the United States did not see it in 
that light. The L'nited States was too much accus- 
tomed to employing dollar- and-a-half thieves in all 
manner of official capacities to regard his explanation 
of the voucher as having an}- foundation in fact. 

But the next time the Indian sawed wood for us I 
taught him to make a cross at the bottom of the 
voucher, 

his 

WaW-HO X NO-PAH. 
mark 

It looked like a cross that had been drunk a j-ear — 
and then I " witnessed " it and it went through all 
right. The United States never said a word. 1 was 
Borry I had not made the voucher for a thou.sand 
loads of wood instead of one. The Goverrment of 
my countrj- snubs honest simplicitj- but fondles 
artistic villain}-, and 1 lhiid< I might have developed 
into a very capable pick-jjocket it' I had remained in 
the public service a year or two. 

That was a fine collection of sovereigns, that first 
Nevada Legislature. They levied taxes to the 
amount of thirty or forty thousand dollars and 
ordered ex])cnditures to the extent of about a mil- 
lion. Yet they had their Iit4le jieriodical cx])losions 
of economy like all other bodies of the kind. A 
member projiosed to save three dollars a day to the 
nation by disjicii^iiiLC with the Cliajilain. And ye* 
that shorl-siglitcii man needed the Chaplain more 
than any other member, )>erhiijis, for he generally 
sat with his feet on his desk, eating raw turnij)s, 
during the morning prayer. 

The Legislature s:tt sixty days, and passed private 
toll-road franchises all the time. When they ad- 
journed it was esiimated that every citizen owned 
about three franchises, and it was believed that un- 
less Congress gave the Territory another degree of 
longitude there would not be room enough to accom- 
modate the toll roads. The ends of them were hang- 
ing over the boundary line everywhere like a fringe. 

The fact is. the treigliting bu.-iiiess li:id grown to 
such important j)roporlioMs that there was nearly as 
much excitement over suddenly ac(|uired toll-road 
fortunes as over the wonderful silver mines. 



This first Legislature held a forty-nine days' 
session, and adjourned November 29lh, after having 
passed complete civil and criminal codes for the Ter- 
ritory. Their enactments and joint resolutions, after 
compilation, covered 518 pages of a royal octavo 
book, eight of which are devoted to toll-road fran- 
chises, only six of them having been granted. We 
mention these facts, because of the wholesale exag- 
geration in this particular by Mark Twain, which 
has left a false impression of the efforts and character 
of that first Assembly. 

TERRITORY DIVIDED INTO COUNTIES. 

By an Act approved November 25, 1861, the Ter- 
ritory was divided into nine counties by name as fol- 
lows : Churchill, Douglas, Esmeralda, Humboldt, 
Lake (changed to Roop, December 5, 1802), Lyon, 
Ormsby, Storey, Washoe. 

Humboldt, Churchill, and Esmeralda Counties 
included about four-fifths of the total area of the 
Territory ; the other counties the principal popula- 
tion. 

After the division into counties it became neces- 
sary to breathe the breath of political life into those 
subdivisions, which was done in the following man- 
ner: The two branches of the Assembly met in joint 
convention, and nominated thrge Commissioners for 
each county, who were commissioned by the Gov- 
ernor. It was the duty of those appointed to meet in 
their respective localities and apportion the same 
into voting precincts, and prejiare for a general elec- 
tion, to be held on the ensuing fourteenth of Janu- 
ary, 18G2, at which time county officers were to be 
chosen. Probate Judges and District Attorneys for 
the several counties were given a two years' appoint- 
ment by the Governor, upon the recommendation of 
the joint House. For the result of that election see 
the several county histories in this work. 

This election of January 14, 1802, was for the pur- 
pose of choosing county officers to serve until their 
successors were entitled to supersede them; and it 
was provided that their successors should be voted 
for on the third of Sejitember the same year. There 
were conscijuently three sets of officials in 1802 for 
some of the counties in the Territory ; one by appoint- 
ment, and two elected. 

At the election of September ?,d, twenty-six Ter- 
ritorial IJcpreseiitatives, five Councilmen, and a Dele- 
gate to the Ilouse of Representatives, were chosen. 
The votes cast, and names of successfid candidates 
for the first two ])osiiions named, are given in the 
county histories, for the latter it was as follows: — 

ELFXTION OK SEl'TEMIIER 3, 1802. 

Candidates for Delegates to Congress: — 

Gordon N. Mott 2,838 

John D. Winters 1,682 

J.J M usser 1,710 

J. II. Rals'on 904 

Scattering Votes •- 35 

7,169 





^H^^c^^Z^<..'^^^^--C^/^ 



Hon. Jasper Baucock, Secretary of State of 
Nevada, is a native of Ashford, Windham Countj^, 
Connecticut and was born April G, 1821. His par- 
ents moved into the State of New Yorli, and that 
became the field of his business operations up 
to 1852. He was a heavy railroad, canal and build- 
ing contractor, the construction of fifteen miles of 
the New York Central Railroad being one among the 
numerous operations of his in this lino. 

In 1852 ho moved to the Pacific Coast for the pur- 
pose of continuing his business in San Francisco; and 
for a time was very successful, many of the extensive 
grading contracts in that city in early days being 
ojicrated by him, until ho began to feel as though 
fortune was being very kind to him. Hut one day, 
Henry Mciggs, who had caused the illegal issuance 
of large amounts of city scrip, suddenly disappeared, 
and that class of paper fell from eighty cents on the 
dollar, to ten. Mr. Habcock had on hand and duo 
him in that class of ])aper, over 812(1,00(1 at the time, 
875,000 of which was pledged for borrowed money, 
and in a daj' he was bankrupt, but ho paid every 
dollar of his debts and then wont to work for a 
salary. 

From that time forward his career has boon rather 
of a checkered one, divided between mining in Cali- 



fornia, Arizona and Nevada, speculating in real es- 
tate, and operating water ditches. In 1873 ho came 
to Nevada to take charge of a mining enterprise on 
the Comstock, and since that time has been a resi- 
dent of this State. 

Before his first sottlomont in Virginia City ho had 
succeeded in mending his broken fortunes and in 
accumulating a competence; but it was swept away 
in a stock zephyr, and he was left, at between 
fifty and sixty years of age, with only his reputation, 
his business qualifications, his energy and friends, to 
start in life again, to build from the bed-rock up. 

He is now a widower, with one son and three 
daughters living. 

Mr. Babcock has not made politics a business or 
a study, but was elected to the Legislature in Cali- 
fornia in 185!) as a Douglas Democrat, and follow- 
ing the advice of his groat loader, became from the 
first an uncompromising sui)porter of the Union 
movement, and naturally floated into the ranks of the 
Republican party. 

In 187(1 he was elected to the Legislature from 
Storey County, and Secretary of State for Nevada 
in 1878, for a term of four years, having for his 
deputy, Mr. James G. Chosloy, a very competent 
and genial gentleman. 



TERRITORIAL ORGANIZATION. 



81 



EFFORTS TO BECOME A STATE. 

At the session of the Legislature of 1862, an Act 
was passed that will be found on page 128 of the 
Statutes of that year, that authorized at the general 
election in September of 1803, the choice of Dele- 
gates to frame a State Constitution to be submitted 
to the peoj)le for their ap]iroval. At the same time 
the question was submitted of whether the people 
desired a State Government, with the following 
results: — 

VOTE FOR AND AGAINST A STATE OOVERN.MENT 
SEPTEMBER 2, 1803. 

FOR A8A1NST 

Churchill and Lyon Counties. . 849 288 

Douglas County- 193 119 

Esmeralda County 539 72 

Jlumboldt County 503 489 

Lander County 583 87 

Ormsby County 002 147 

Storey Count}- - 2.415 155 



Washoe County. 



91G 



145 



Totals 6,660 1,502 

Majority for a State Government 5,158 

The people having decided by such an emjjhatic 
majority in favor of putting on the robes of Slate, 
caused the Delegates to assemble at Carson City on 
the second of November after election, with a strong 
faith in the eventual adoption of wlialever Constitu- 
tion they should iVanio. 

The Convention sessions were continued until 
December 11th, and an instrument was framed that 
in most particulars was the same as the one under 
which Nevada later became a State in the Union. 
Due attention was paid by many Delegates to the 
chances of future preferment in a jjolitical waj-, this 
fact being particularly noticeable in William M. 
Stewart, ofStorey County, who laterbecame Nevada's 
United States Senator. Mark Twain was a reporter 



HOMOGRAPHIC CHART 

— OF THE — 



Members Constituting the Constitutional Convention of November, 1863, 

AS PREPARED BY THE CONVENTION'S SECRETARY, WM. M. GILLESPIE. 



Delegates. 



Ciiunty 
Represented 



Alban, Win. G ... 
B.1II. Xath'l A. H, 
Bcclitel, Krud'k K 
Bryan, C'lias. II . 
Brdsnaii, C. M . . 
C'liapin, Sam I A. 
C'ulliiis, John A. . 
Conner, Henry . . 
Corey, James C. . . 
Uorscy, Edward B 

Knt, Fred'k A 

Epler, W'm 

(lilrson, (leo. L. . . 
llaiaca, Jamu^ \V. 
Harrison, W. It . . 
Hiokok, Wni. B .. 

Hitc, Levi 

Hudson, Geo. A. . 
lug, Edward C. . . . 
Johnson, .1. Neely. 
Keiiiiedy, Frank 11 
Kinkead, .lnhn il. 
Larrowe, Marcus U 
McClure, James B 
Mitcllell, Miles \, 
Nightiiigill, A. \V, 
North, John W. . , 
Notcware, C. N . 
Plunkett, Jos. U. 
Potter, Charles S. 
iiaUton, .fames H 
mianip, L'hos. B . 
Sm.ill, .l.as. W. . . 
•Stark, .lames. .... 

Sterns, L. O 

Stewart, W'm. .M . 
Vinlen, \Vm. 11 . 
Wat^S'in, Warren. 
Youii.;8, .Samuel . 
•Cillespie. \V. M 
t.Miirsli, A. J ... 
+ Bowman, Amos. 
I. Stow, H. M... 



Post-office Address. 



Term of residence in 
this Territory. 



Place of Nativit.v. 



State lost resi- 
dent of. 



Storey . . . Virginia . . . 
Storey .. . IJold Hill . . . 

ICsuieralda .\urora 

Storey . . .Virginia . . . . 
Storey . . . I Virginia . . . . 
.Storey . . .! Virginia . . . . 
Storey . . .j Virginia . . . . 

Esmeralda' Aurora 

Storey . . .klold Hill . . . 
Ormsljy . . I Empire City. 
Washoe. . j Frank town . 
Hunilxjldt Star City . . . 



Since July, 1861 
Since Oct. I, 1S6I 
Since May, IStjO 



Ormshy . . 
Uoughis. . 
Humhcjidt 

Lyon 

Storey . . . 
Lyon .... 
Washoe . . 
Ormshy . 
Lyou .... 
i )rms1 >y . . 
Lander. .. 
Lyon .... 
.Storey . . . 
Humboldt 
Washoe . . 
Douglas. . 
Storey . . . 
\V;i.shoe. . 
Lamler.. . 
Wa-sliiw. . 
Douglas . . 
l-^meralda 
ICsmeralda 
.Storey . . . 
Lyon .... 
Drmshy . . 
'KsnteraKl.i 
'storey . . . 



Carson City. . 
( ienoa 



Silver City. . 
(iold Hill... 
Silver City. . 
Truckee .\leadows 
Ciirsou City. . . . 

Dayton 

Carson City. . . . 

Austiu 

Carson Sink. . . . 

Virginia 

Unionville 

Washoe City . . . 
lleiioa 

^■'■■i.''"';' 

Ophir 

Austin 



10 months 

.Since June, 1S60 



Since Sept., 186i 
Since Aug., 1851) 



.Since March, 1 850 
Since Aug., 18G1 

4 years 

1 year last May. 



Mansticld, Ohio 

Portsmouth, N. H 

Iteading, Berks Co., Penn. 



California. . . Physician. . . . 

California. . .iBanker 

California. . . IXotary public 



Ireland 

Massachusetts . 



Ireland . 
Ohio. . . 



Since July, ISOO 
Since Aug., ISIil 
Since June, I8GI 
Snice .May 10, 'o'.t 
Since .Sept., ISliO 
.Since Aug., 18(jl 
About ;{ years. . . 
3 years next June 
Since Aug. 1,1801 
.Since July, 18(50 
•i years last May 
.Since .lune, 1801 
.Since Oct., 1857. 



.Since April, 1801 
•i years 



Ijake Valley 

Aurora 

Aurora 

Virginia 

Dayton 

Carson City .... 

Aurora 

Virginia 

.Sacramento, Cal 

Carson City. ... 



Germaiitown, Penn 
■Jacksonville, [U . . . . 
Kryburg, Maine. ... 
Lower Canada 



Ogdenshurg, X. Y 

Lanciuster, Ohio 

.Massachussets 

I'hilailclphia 

Indiana 

Canon-iliurg, Pcna 

Smitlitiild, Penn 

Coshocton, N. Y 

Pennsylvania 

Delhi, N. Y 

.Vshland, Oliio 

Keusclaer County, N. Y 
Suw Y'ork 



•i years 

'2 years 

.Since April, 1801 
Since April, I.SOO 
Since Feb., ISlil . 

years 

Since Feb., 1800. 
Since July TJ, '01 
Since Oct., --'8, '03 
6 m<mtlis 



Schenectady County, N. Y 
Kentucky . . 

Eaton, Ohio 

.V. S 

U. C 

Wayne County, .N. Y. . . . 

Albion, 111 

liroome County, N. Y. . . . 

i,>ueensliury, L. I., N. Y, . 
-Vlbany, N. Y ........ .. 

Chenango Cimiity, N. Y'. . 
Caniula West 



C.ilifornia. . 
California. . 



California. . 
Indiana. . . ■ 



Pennsylvania 
Minnesota . . 
Cilifornia. . . 
California. . . 



Co.achmaker . 
I'ivil engineer 
Merchant. . . . 
Farmer 



Cilifornia. . 
California. . 
California, . 
lifornia. . 
California. . 
California. . 
California. . 
New Y'ork. 
California. . 
California. 
California. . 
Minnesota . 
California. . 



California. 
California. 

California. 
California. 
California. 
California. 
California. 
California. 
California. 
New York 
California. 
Californi.i. 
California. 



La« yer .... 
Lumljer dealer 



Merchant. . . 
Millman. . . . 



.Mill owner. . 
Mill owner. . 
.Mill owner. . 

Farmer 

Lawyer .... 
Lawyer .... 
Merchant . . 
Lawyer .... 



Miner 

.Sign painter 
.-Vtti.rney . . . 
Fanner 



Married 
or Single. 



Married. 
Single . . 
Single . . 



Married. 
Single . . 



43 Married. 

M Single . . 



Merchant. 
Lawyer .... 

Hotel keeper 
Min'g&.Md"n) 
Lawyer .... 
Lawyer .... 

.Miner 

.Miner. .... 
.Merchant. . . 

Uroker 

Keporler. . . . 
Reporter.. . . 



Married. 
Wid wer 
.M.irried. 
Married. 



Single . . 
Single . . 
Single . . 
Wid'wer 
Married. 
Single . . 
Single . . 
.Single . . 

.Single . . 
Single . . 
Marrieil. 
.Married. 



Ja:< Married. 
. 50 .Married. 



Married. 
.Marrietl. 
Single . . 
Marrieil. 
Single . . 
Single . . 
.Single . . 
Single . . 
Married. 
Single . . 



* Secretary. + Keporter. X Doorkeeper. 



82 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



at the time for the Territorial Enterprise, and in his 
coirespondciice to that paper notes some of the 
peculiarities of members as follows: — 

Cakson, December 13th. 

The Third House met in the Jlall of the Cimven- 
tion at eleven p. m.. Fridaj-, immediately after the 
final adjournment of the First House. 

On motion of Mr. Xightinf^ill the rules were sus- 
pended, and the usual prayer dispensed with, on the 
j^rounds that it was never listened to b}- the mem- 
bers of the First House, which was composed chiefly 
of the same j^entlemen which constitute the Third, 
and was, consequentlj% merely ornamental and en- 
tirely unnecessary. 

Mr. Mark Twain was elected President of the 
Convention, ami Messrs. Small and Hickok appointed 
to conduct him to the Chair, which the}' did amid 
a dense and respectful silence on the part of the 
House, Mr. Small ste])piiii^ grandly over the desks, 
and Mr. Hickok walkinj;; under them. 

The President addressed the House as follows, 
taking his remarks down in short-hand as he pro- 
ceeded: — 

Gentle.men: This is the proudest moment of my 
life. I shall always think so. I think so still. 1 
shall ponder over it with unsjieakable emotion down 
to the last syllable of recorded time. It shall be 
my earnest endeavor to give entire satisfaction in 
the high and bull^' position to which j-ou have 
elevated me. 

The President ap])ointed Mr. Small. Secretary; 
Mr. (iibson.Otticial lieporter; and Mr. Pete lIo])kins, 
Chief Page; and Uncle Billy Patterson. First As.sist- 
ant Page. These officers came forward and took 
the following oath: — 

We do solcmnlj- affirm that we have never seen a 
duel, never been connected with a duel, never heard 
of a duel, never sent or received a challenge, never 
fought a duel, and don't want to. Furthermore, we 
will sup]>orl, protect and defend this constitution 
which wc are about to frame until we can't rest, and 
will take our paj- in scrip. 

Mr. Youngs — "Mr. President, 1— that is — ." 

The President — "Mr. Youngs, if you have got any- 
thing to say, saj' it; and don't stand there and shake 
your head, and gasj) '! — ah. J — a^,' as you have 
been in the habit of doing in the former Convention." 

Mr. Youngs — "Well, sir; I was only going to say 
that I liked your inaugural, and 1 i)erfectly agree 
with the sentiments you a](|)earcd to express in it, 
but 1 didn't rightly understand what — ." 

The President — "You have been sitting there for 
thirty days, like a bump on a log, and you never 
rightly- understand anything. Take your seat, sir, 
you are out of order. You rose i'or information? 
Well, you'll not get it; sit down. You will a]i])eal 
from the decision of the Chair'.' Take your seat, sir; 
the Chair will entertain no appeals from its decisions. 
And 1 would suggest to j-ou, sir, that you will not 
be ])ermitted here to growl in your seat, and make 
malicious side remarks in an underione for tilteen 
minutes alter you have been called to order, as j'ou 
have habiiually done in the other House." 

The President — 'The subject before the House is 
as follows. The Secretary will read." 

Secretarj- — "A-r, ar. t-i, li, arti,c-l-e, de — article — " 

The J'resident — "What are you trying to do?" 

Secretary — "Well, 1 am only a heli>les8 orphan, 
and I can't read wi-iliiig." 

The Chair appointed ilr. Hickok to assist Mr. 



Small, and discharged Mr. Gibson, the Official Ee- 
porter, because he did not know how to write. 

Mr. Youngs (singing) — "For the lady I love will 
soon be a bride, with the diadem on her brow-ow-ow." 

President — "Order, you snutfling old granny," 

Mr. Youngs — "I am in order, sir." 

The President — " Y'ou are not, sir — sit down." 

Mr. Y'oung.s — "I won't sir! I ai)peal to — ." 

The President—" Take — your — seat!" 

Mr. Y''oungs — " But I insist that 'Jeft'erson's 
Manual'—."' 

The President— " l)—n 'Jeft'erson's Manual!' the 
Chair will transact its own Ijusiness in its own wav, 
sir." 

Mr. Chapin — " Mr. President: 1 do hope the 
amendment will not pass. I do beg of gentlemen — 
I do beseech of gentlemen — that they will examine 
this matter carefully, and earnestly and seriouslj', 
and with a sincere desire to do the people all the 
good, and all the justice, and all the benefit it is in 
their power to do. 1 do hope, Mr. President — ." 

The President — "Now. there you go ! What are 
yon trying to get through your head ':' — there's noth- 
ing before the House." 

The question being on Section 4, Article 1. (free 
exercise) of religious liberty. 

Mr. Stewart said — '■ Mr. President: I insist upon 
it, that if you tax the mines, j-ou imjiose a burden 
upon the ])eople which will be heavier than thej- can 
bear. And when you tax the poor miner's shafts, 
and drifts, and bed-rock tunnels, you are not taxing 
his projiertj'; j'ou are not taxing his substance; j'ou 
are liot taxing his wealth — no, but j-ou are taxing 
what may become property some day, or may not; 
you are taxing the shadow from which the substance 
maj- eventually issue or may not; j'ou are taxing the 
visions of Alnaschar; which maj- turn to minted gold, 
or only prove the forerunners of poverty and mis- 
fortune; in a word, sir, you are taxing his ho]ies. 
taxii;g the aspirations of his soul; taxing the yearn- 
ings of his heart of hearts! Y'essir, I insist uj)on it, that 
if you tax the min( s, you will imixise a burden upon 
the people which will be heavier than they can bear. 
And when j-ou. tax the poor miner's shafts, and 
drifts, and bed-rock tunnels, you are not taxing his 
property; 3-ou are not taxing his substance; you arc 
not taxing his wealth — no, but you are taxing what 
maj- become projierty some day or may not; you are 
taxing the shadow from which the substance maj- 
eventuall}- issue or may not; j-ou are taxing the 
visions of Alnaschar; which may turn to minted gold, 
or merely prove the forerunners of i)oyrt}- and mis- 
fortune; in a word, sir, you are taxing liis liopes ! 
taxing the aspiiations ol' his soul! — taxing the yearn- 
ings of his heart of hearts! Ah, sir, I do insist u])on 
it that if 3"ou tax the mines, you will impose a bur- 
den upon the jieople, which will be heavier than they 
can bear. And when you lax the poor miner's 
shafts, and drifts, and bed-rock tunnels — " 

The President— "Take your seat. Bill Stewart! 1 
am not going to sit hero and listen to that same old 
song over andoveragain. 1 have been rejiorting and 
re|)<)i-ting that ihlern;il s]ieech for the last thirty days, 
and want you to understand that you can't play ilofl' 
on this Convention an}- more. When 1 want it. I 
will re])eat it myself— I know it by heart, anyhow. 
You anil your bed-rock tunnels, and lilighted miners, 
blasted hopes, have gotten to be a sort of nightmare 
to me, and I won't put up with it any longer. I 
don't wish to be too hard on your speed), but if you 
can't add something I'resh to it, or say it backwards. 



TERRITORIAL ORGANIZATION. 



S3 



or sinp it to a new tune, you have simply got to 
simmer down for awhile." 

Mr. Johnson — "Mr. President ; I wish it distinctly 
understood that I am not acandi(hito for the Senate, 
or any other offiee. and liave no intention of beeom- 
inji one. And 1 wisii to call the attention of the 
Convention to the faet, .sir. that outside influences 
have been brought to bear here, that — " 

The President — •• (iovernor Johnson, there is no 
necessity of your ].utting in jour shovel here, until 
you are called upon to make a statement. And if 
you allude to the Engrossing Clerk as an outside in- 
fluence, I must inform you. sir. that his balterj- has 
been silenced with Territorial scri]) at fortj- cents 
on the dollar." 

Mr. Sterns — 'Mr. President- I cordially agree 
with the gentleman fnim Storey County, that if we 
tax the mines we shall impose a burden upon the 
people that will be heavier than they can bear. 1 
agree with him. sir, that in taxing the jioor miners' 
siialls and drifts, ai]d bed-rock tunnels, we would 
not be taxing his jiniperl^-, or bis weallli, or bis sub- 
stance, but only that wbirh may become such at 
at some future day — an AInasch.irian vision, which 
might turn to coin, or might only result in distister 
and dis:ip]>oinlment to the defendant ; in a word, sir, 
1 coincide with him in the opinion that it would be 
e(|uivalent to taxing trie hopes of the jioor miner — 
his asjiinitions — the dear yearnings of his — " 

The President — •' Yearnings of his grandmother ! 
I'll slam tills mallet at the next man that attempts to 
impose that tiresome old speech on this body. Sit 
now.N ! you have been ])reltj- regiihir about rehash- 
ing other )ieople's ))lalilu<les heretofore. Mr. Sterns, 
but you have got to be a little original in the Tldrd 
House. Your sacrilegious lips will bo marring the 
speeches of the Chair next." 

Mr. Kalston — '• Jlr. President : I have but a word 
to say, and 1 do not wish to occupy the attention of 
the House any longer than I can help ; and, although 
1 could, perhaps, throw more light upon the matter 
of our eastern boundary than those who have not 
visited that interesting but com|)aratively unknown 
section of our budding commonwealtb. it is grow- 
ing late, and I do not feel as 1 bad a right to tax the 
patience — " 

Tb(; President— " Tax ! Take your seat, sir, take 
j-our seat. 1 will not be bullj-ragged to death with 
this threadbare subject of taxation. You are out of 
order, anyhow. How do j-ou sujipose anj'body can 
listen in any comfort to j-our speech, when you are 
fumbling with your coat all the time j'ou are talking, 
and trying to button it with your left hand, when 
you know j-ou can't do it? 1 have never seen you 
succeed yet, until just as j'ou gel the last word out. 
And then tlio moment j'ou sit ilown, you alwaj's 
unlpiittoii it again. You may speak, hereafter, Mr. 
Ralston, but 1 want j'ou to understand that you have 
got to button your coat before you get u]i. 1 do not 
mean to be ke])t in hot water all the time by your 
little oratorical eccentricities. " 

Mr. Larrowe — " ilr. I'resident: There ai-e nine 
mills in Lander County already. Lot me see — there 
is Uobson's, five stamp; Thompson's, eight stam|); 
Johnson's, three stamp — well, 1 cannot give the 
names of all of them, but there are nine, sir — nine 
splendid Bteam-jiower ipiartz mills, disturbing, with 
their ceaseless thunder, the <lead silence of cen- 
turies! Nine noble ipiart;^ mills, sir, cheering with 
the music of their batteries tlii^ desponding hearts 
of pilgrims from every land! Nine miraculous (piart/, 
mills, sir, from whose steam-pipes and chimneys 



ascends a grateful incense to the god of Labor and 
Progress! Ninesceptered and anointed fiuartz mills, 
sir, whose mission it is to establish the ])Ower, anil 
the greatness, and the glory of Nevada, and place 
her high along the—" 

The Pi-esiijent — "Now will j-ou just take your 
scat and hold j-our clatter until somebody asks you 
for your confounded Reese River (luarlz-mill statis- 
tics'? What has Jteese River got to do with relig- 
ious freedom? and what have ijuartz mills got to do 
with it? and what have you got to do with it 
yourself? You are out of order, sir — plant j-ourself 
And, moreover, when j'ou get up here to make a 
si)ecch, 1 don't want you to yell at mo as if you 
thought I were in San Francisco. I'm not hard of 
hearing. I don't see why President North didn't 
tone you down long ago." 

Mr. Larrowe — "I think I am in order, .Mr. Presi- 
dent. It was a rule in the other Convention that no 
member could speak when there was no ipiestion 
before the House; but after the ipiestion had been 
announced bj- the Chair members could then go on 
and speak on any suliject tbej- ])leased — or rather, 
that was the custom, sir; the ordinaiy custom." 

The President — "Yes, sir, 1 know it has been the 
custom i'or thirtj- days and thirty nights in the 
other Convention, but 1 will let gentlemen know- 
that the}- can't ring in these stamps and Reese River 
quartz-mills on the Third House when 1 am consid- 
ering the question of religious liberlj' — the same 
being dear to evcrj- American heart. Plant your- 
self, sir — ])lant j'ourself. 1 don't want any more 
yowling out of you, now." 

Mr. Small — " The Secretary would bog leave to 
state, for the information of the Con — ." 

The President^ — "There, now. that's enough of 
that. You learned that from (iillesjiie. 1 won't 
have any of that nonsense here. When you have 
got anything to saj' talk it right out; and see that 
you use the personal ])ronoun ■!,' also; and droji 
that presumptuous third per.son. 'The Secretary 
would beg leave to state!' .The devil he would. 
Now suppose you take a back seat, and wait until 
somebody asks j-ou to state something. Mr. Cba])in 
you will jilease stop catching flies while the ('hair 
is considering the suli-ect of religious toleration." 

Mr. Ball — --Mr. President: The l-'inance Committee, 
of which 1 have the honor to be Chairman, have 
aiTived at the conclusion that it is Rid miles from 
hereto Folsom; that it will take 'I'.W miles of rail- 
road iron to build a road that distance, without 
counting the sw-itches. This would figure up as 
follows: Bars, 14 feet 3 inches long; weight, SOO 
pounds; 1,000 bars to the mile, 800, (K)0 pounds; 
130,0(10 bars for the whole distance, weight, 104,- 
000,000 pounds; original cost of the iron, w-ith in- 
surance and transportation to Folsom from St. Louis, 
cin Salt Lake City, added, say SIJ.50 a |)ouiid. w-ould 
amount to a fraction over or under S;ji2.722.2.'i!i 42. 
Three hundred and twelve millions, seven biiiidred 
and twenty-two tboiisaiid, two hundred and tbirty- 
niiio dollars and forty-two cents, sir. That is the 
estimate of the Commiltee, sir, for |irime cost of 
one class of material, w-illiout counting labor and 
other expenses, in view of these facts, sir. it is the 
opinion of the Comniitlee that wo had better not 
build the road. I did not think it necessary to ^ub- 
mit a written re|)orl because — " 

The President— "Take your scat, Mr. Ball; take 
your seat, sir. Your evil eye never lights u|)on this 
Chair but the spirit moves j-ou to confuse its intel- 
lect with some of voiir villi:ini)us algelifiiical mon- 



84 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



etrosities. 1 will iiol eiitcrlain them, nir; 1 don't 
know anj'thinf; about them. You needn't mind 
brinj^irif; in any written I'oports here — or verbal ones 
either, unless you can confine yourpielf' to a reason- 
able number of fiirures at a time, so that I can under- 
stand what you are driving at. No, sir, the Third 
House will not build the railroad. The other Con- 
vention's donation of 8.'!.000.()0(l in bonds, worth forty 
cents on the dollar, will bu\- enough of one of those 
bars to make a breast))in, and that will have to 
satisfy this commonwealth for the present. 1 ob- 
serve that Messrs. Wasson, and Gibson, and Note- 
ware, and Kenned}- have their feet on their desks, 
the Chief I'age will jiroceed to remove those relics 
of ancient continental barbarism from siglit." 

Mr. Musser — "Mr. President: To be, or not to be — 
that is the question — " 

The President — " No, sir I The question is, shall 
we tolerate religious inditt'ercnce in this community ; 
or the rights of conscience ; or the rights ofsuffi'age ; 
or the freedom of the press ; or free speech ; or free 
schools, or free niggers. The Chair trusts it knows 
what it is about, without anj' instructions from the 
members." 

Mr. Musser — '-But, sir, it was only a question 
from—" 

The President — " Well, 1 don't care, 1 want j-ou to 
sit down. The Chair don't consider that j'ou know 
much about religion anyhow, and consequently the 
subject will suffer no detriment fi'om your letting it 
alone. You and Judge Hardy can subside, and stud}' 
over the ])reamble until you are wanted." 

Jlr. Jirosnan — "Mr. President: These proceedings 
have all been irregular, extremely and customarily 
irregular. I will move, sir, that the question be 
passed, for the present, and that we take up the ne.\t 
section." 

.Mr. .Mitchell— "I object to that, Jlr. President. I 
move that we go into Committee of the Whole on it." 

Mr. Wasson — "I move that it be referred back to 
the Standing Committee." 

Air. North — "J move that the rules be suspended, 
and the whole article jilaccd upon its final passage." 

The President — '(ientlemen : Tliose of you who 
are in favor of adopting the original (jroposition, 
together with the various motions now pending 
before the House, will signify the same by saying 
'aye.'" 

No one voting in the negative, the Chair decided 
the vote to be uniiniinous in the adirmative. 

The President — "(ientlemen: Your i)roceedings 
have been e.x'actlj' similar to those of the Convention 
which preceded j'ou. ^'ou have considered a subject 
which you knew nothing about ; spoken on every 
subject but the one before the House, and voted, 
witludit knowing what j-ou were voting for, or 
having any idea what would be the general result of 
your action. 1 will adjourn the (^'onvcntion for an 
liour, on account of my cold, to the end that I ma}' 
a]i|)ly the remedy jircscrilied I'oi- it by I)r. Tjader — 
the same being gin and molasses. 'I'lie Chief I'age 
is hereby instructt^d to provide a s])oonfid of 
molasses, and a gallon of gin I'or the use of the 
President." 

TIIK CONSTrrUTION DEFEATED. 

H was provided inthis Constitution that all of (he 
offices created by it should be filled at the time when 
the instrument was submitted to the ])eoplo. This 
was a serious mistake, for those disa]>poinled in 
getting nominations for the ])ositions they desired, 
and their names wore legion, became hostile to its 



adoption. A Convention was called to assemble ia 
Cai-son on the thirty-first of December, and place in 
nomination Union candidates to fill the various 
offices to be called into existence bj- the proposed 
organic law. 

Eight here the trouble began. In Storey County 
there was a serious split in the Union jiari)-, caused 
bj' a bolt at the County Convention, headed by the 
Daily Union. Eight delegates walked out of the 
Convention, declaring their intentions to oppose its 
nominations, because of the unfairness and slate 
action of the assemblage. The bolters held primary 
meetings in Virginia City; chose delegates who pre- 
sented themselves to the .State Convention, where a 
hearing was given them, and recognition denied. 
In the controversy that arose, when the two delega- 
tions were before that body asking preferment, a 
passage of wit and menace occurred between William 
M. Stewart and Baldwin, 8n the one side, and Tom 
Fitch, of the Dai/i/ Union, on the other, that gave a 
glimpse of the personal nature of the controversy, 
and character of some of the principal actors. The 
former charged Fitch with having offered to support 
the regular ticket on condition that ho received the 
nomination upon it of Attorney-General. Fitch 
replied that he had remarked to those gentlemen on 
a certain occasion, " in a joking way," that if they 
would enter into §10,000 bonds to keep their word 
when given, that he might be induced to entertain a 
proposition to give them the influence of the Daily 
Uuio7i. To this Baldwin responded, that " every- 
body knew that when a little office was to be had, 
or a little money made, Tom Filch neoer jokes." 

The split was a serious one, and before the Con- 
vention had made its nominations a formidable 
movement in the Union ranks had arra^-ed itself in 
hostility to the Constitution, to which the secession 
element in the Territory immediately joined hands. 

The Territorial Enterprise advocated one of its 
])roi)rietors, J. T. Goodman, for State Printer; and 
the Daily Union desired one of its owners, John 
(,'hurch, in the place. Neither were successful; 
(ieorge W. Bloor being the choice of the Conven- 
tion. The Enterprise was glad that Church was 
beaten, and Church was partiall}- consoled because 
(Joodman was defeated; but the nomination of Hloor 
made neither one happy enough to cause them to 
shako hands over the inky chasm. 

John B. Winters, of Lyon County; Warren Was- 
son. of Ormsby ('ounty; James Stark, of Ksmoralda 
County; and 11. G. Worthington, of Lander County, 
wore candidates for Congress; and the vote stood 
in the Convention, all the first day. Winters, 21 
v*)tes; Wasson, It! votes; Worthington, IT) votes; 
Stark, 9 voles; and it required 26 votes to nominate. 
On the second day Winters won the coveted ]irize. 

For Governor, the names of Judge Charles II. 
Morgan, and M. N. Mitchell were presented as rival 
aspirants, the latter gaining the nomination. 

The Storey County delegation was iu the Con- 




Hon. M. a. Murphy, Attorney General of the State 
of Nevada, was born in the State of New York, 
September 2!i, 18H7, his father cmij^rating to .Mcllenry 
County, Illinois, eoon after the birth of his son, so 
that the lad's earliest recollections were of Illinois. 

He could only secure such poor advantages in the 
•way of education as were offered by the common 
schools of that day. Those were sujiplcmciited. how- 
ever, by his owH exertions to acquire information, 
which, with many persons, fully compensates for 
what is usually called the T^nivcrsity training. It 
seems that lip early fixed his mind on the legal pro- 
fession, and turned his attention to reading that 
would be profitable in that connection. The sys- 
tematic reading of law had to bo postponed until 
his limited finances could be ])ut in bettor condition. 
As the gold mines of (,'alifornia ort'crcd the speediest, 
rf not the surest way of rc]>lenisliing his cxcheiiuor, at 
the early age of sixteen he started on hisj<iuiiiey of 
life, and crossed the plains in 185;^, joining a bi'other 
in Weaverville, Trinity County, California. lie 
remained in this vicinity for several years, engaged 
in mining or any other business which would afford 
a moderate income, with only moderate success, so 
that the aim of his life to take a sj-stcmatic course 
of study in the law seemed as far oft' as over. In 
April, 1863, he moved to Esmeralda County, in this 
State, and engaged in mining. Here fortune smiled 
upon him, and ho was able to pursue the study of 



the law without hindi'ancc. His perseverance and 
close application to his studies was soon rewarded 
by his admission to the Bar. 

Here he resided when the Republican Convention 
at Eureka placed him in nomination against the 
gentlemanly, courteous, eloquent, and distinguished 
Kittreil, then Attorney General of Nevada. The 
contest between those men was spirited, resulting 
in the election of .Mur]ihy by a largo majorit}'. 

The arduous and responsible duties devolving 
upon one in so important an office are faithfully dis- 
charged by Mr. Mur]>liy, and since his induction to 
the position he has given entire satisfaction to every 
one. He is a good sample of that class of self-made 
men like Lincoln, (iarfieid, and huiuiredsofothei-s who 
have wrested fortune out of poverty and adverse cir- 
cumstances, and achieved success by their own innate 
good sense and energy, which is better than a uni- 
versity training, and without which education can 
make nothing. The people delight to honor such 
men because they know of them, and never forget 
heir origin. Besides his present office, he has 
several times been elected to honorable positions. In 
1808 ho was elected County Assessor, and in 1872, 
District Attorney, to which office he was re-elected 
in IsTlaridin 187ti. He has always been Republican. 
He was married, September 22, 1859, to Miss .Matilda 
J. Myers, of Ki-d HiufVs, Tehama County, California, 
enjoying most hap]iy domestic relations. 



TERRITORIAL ORGANIZATION. 



85 



vention in tho interests of Hon. John Cradlebausjh 
for U. S. Senator; and. in their preferment for State 
officials, advocated those who were favoralile to 
their choice for Senator. Colonel John A. Collins, 
Henr}- Hdi^erton, and James W. Nye were also can- 
didates for that disiini^uished honor, (■ollins with- 
drew before the election, and Alinon llovey became 
an aspirant. John Conness, who at that time was 
representini^ California in Washintjton, writes as 
follows to tho Viri^inia Cit}- DdUj Union, regarding 
tho candidacy of Mr. Edgorton: — 

If you send Henry Edgerton here as a Senator T 
don't know what I wouldn't jiromise to do; and 1 
do not hesitate at all, as a friend of Nevada Terri- 
orj', to advise and ask that he bo one of her Sena- 
•. ors. Send that gifted and big-hearted man here 
as a Senator, and I will never cease to be thankful. 

There were fifty-ono delegates elected to that 
Convention, which lasted three days ; Chauncey N. 
Noteware was President, A. P. K. Satl'ord, Secretary, 
and a full "State ticket" was put in the field. 

VOTE FOB OFFICERS UNDER THE CONSTITUTION. 



N.4ME OF t'.1NDID.\TE AND 

Office. 


i 

.J 

o 
o 


■i 

a 


i 

a 
o 


3 


^1 


2 


Ciiu^.jres8m;in. 
John B. Wiiitors 


253 


369 


453 
9 

436 
25 

455 
14 

383 

4.39 

446 

OS 

454 
2 

442 

2 

448 

1 

443 
2 

457 
2 

457 
2 

457 
2 

94 


947 


297 


154 


Scattering Vote 


15 


(lovcrnor. 
M. N. Mitchell 


249 


367 


950 


302 


141 




45 


Lieutenant Governor. 


25.'? 

245 
18.3 

57 

255 


309 

388 
372 
370 

374 


950 


303 


153 


Sc.ittering Vote 

Supreme Court. 
R, S. Mesick 




945 
940 

951 


298 
294 
300 


146 




149 


J li. H.irniou 


159 


Sc.itterini' Vote 


31 


Secretary of State. 


940 


302 


173 


Scattering/ V^ote 




Treasurer. 
W. B. Hickok 


248 


373 


945 


291 


151 


Sca.ttc'riiii' Viite 




Controller. 


244 


.308 


940 


.300 


170 


Scattering V'ote 




Attorney (Jeneral. 


247 


308 


.... 
932 

939 


.300 
.... 

305 


150 


Sctitt^'rin" V'ote 




Sui»cTiittendent Instruction. 
A. F. White.- 


245 


373 


175 


Clerk .Supreme Court. 
Alfre.! ICclm 


252 


371 


950 


303 


104 


SUte Printer. 
G. W. Bloor 


253 


.309 


937 


300 


160 


District Judge. 
H. M. .fiiiica 






1300 












305 


140 


T M I'awlin" . 


157 

143 
224 


319 








For Constitution 

Against Constitution 


270 
64! 


28 

785 


00! 
1740 


296 
!I9I 


175 
802 







.Storey County gave 570 for and 3,054 votes against the Con- 
stitution. 

The foregoing is tho official returns of that election, 
held January 10, 1804, with Ormsby and Storey 
11 



Counties left out ; thej- having neither mnde anj*, or 
loft upon record, data, upon which the fi-ures can be 
asciTlained. 

There were nine newspapers in tho Territory at 
the time, all of which supported the adoi>lion of the 
t'onslilution and election of the Ujiion ticket, except 
the Aurora '/'imrs, Humboldt la'ai/in/ei; 0/1 I'uh L'te, and 
"Virginia Union. There was but one ticket in the 
field, the fight being made upon the organic law ; 
and the Steivart war cry of injustice, contained in the 
clause that authorized the ta.xing of" tho poor miner's 
shafts and drifts and bed-rock tunnels," enabled the 
opposition to carr}' with it the pojjular element, that 
resulted in an overwhelming rejection of the instru- 
ment. 

SECOND EFFOllT TO BECOME A .STATE. 

The first eft'ort to become a Slate proving a failure, 
the ball was set in motion again within twenty days 
after the election, by Senator Doolittlo, of Wisconsin, 
who introduc'od a Rill into tho TTnited States Senate, 
February 8th, that authorized the Nevadans to try 
it over again. 

While the measure was before that l)odj% Senator 
Conness, of California, remarked — " Nevada is a 
mining community exclusively, and can never be any- 
thing else. It must alwaj's be fe<l from (u/jureut 
Countries," and the Central Pacific Railroad Com- 
pany has from the first been trying to denioii- 
strate that Conness was a prophet. 

March 21, 1804, the" bill was signed by President 
Lincoln, and Governor Nye issued a proclamation, 
calling for an election on the sixth of June, to choose 
another set of Delegates, to frame a State Constitu- 
tion, with the result given on the following page. 

On the twenty-seventh of. July, the Convention 
adjourned, and tho tiuestion of a State Government 
was onco more before the people, under widely 
different circumstances from those which had pro- 
duced tho former defeat. This time that obnoxious 
clause ri'garding the taxation of the •■aspirations of 
the poor miners' soul, his shafts, and drifts, and bed- 
rock tunnels," was so changed as to leave that class of 
the commonwealth free to enjoy, untrammeled, their 
hopes and as|)irations. This time no State Officers 
were to bo voted for, and the class of population who 
were aspirants for such positions, all joined hands in 
the effort for an affirmative vote. This time there 
was no general s])lit in tho ranks of the dominant 
party, although tho old contest was continued in 
Store}- County, resulting in the defeat of the regular 
Republican nominees for County offices. 

There was another cause that oxorted a powerful 
influence upon the public mind at this time ; it being 
0|>enl3'. and with iiersistence, charged bj* tho press, 
that one of the Supreme Judges of the Territory 
neglected his duty, and rendered decisions favorable 
to the " highest biilder for cash." 

Tho charge was never judicially affirmed or 
negatived, and we do not know that the press was 
warranted in its assertions; yet it presented a strong 



86 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION THAT WAS ELECTED JUNE 6TH. AND ASSEMBLED JULY 4. 1864, 

AT CARSON CITY. 



Ball. Nathaniel AH 

Banks, Janies A 

Hclden. W. W 

Brady. H. B 

Brijtjtian, (.'ornelius 

Chapin, Sanincl A 

Collins, John A 

Crawfonl, Israel 

Crosman, J. S 

DeLonu. i-'harlea E 

Duniif, E. F 

Earl. .losiah 

Kitrh.Th'unas 

Kriwll, LloTd 

Folsoni. Uiiman N 

Gibson, George L 

Haines. J. W 

Ha\vle> , Albert T 

Hovey, Alnum 

Hudson, George A 

John-nn, .!. Necl\ 

Jones, Williiiin Henry 

Kennedy, Francis H 

Kinkead, J. H 

L"K,'kwood, A. J 

Mason, H. S 

MK'linton, J. G 

Morse. E. A 

Murdock, Xelsoii E 

Nourse. * ;eor;;e A 

I'arker, H. G 

Proi'tor, Fran<i8 M 

8turfe\ant, James H 

Tagliabue, Francis 

Tozcr, Charles \V 

Warwick, J. H 

Wellin-ton, O 

Wetherill, William 

Williams, H H 

Johnson, J. Neely, President. 
Gillespie, Win. M., Secretary. 
Whitford, And'w, Ass't Scc'y. 
Marsh, A. J., ntticial RcjKirtcr 
Carson, T. M.. Strg'tat-Anns 
Skeene, Wni. K., I*oorkeeper. 
Ri jhards, Gcor;ce, Pa^ 



County. 



66fl 
KJl 
10.". 
105 
12-24 
1137 
11»J 



157 
1121 
160 

593 

12(X> 

103 



214 

218 
333 
3rt 
104 
18*[ 
11« 
10-2 

133 

1227 
321 
23.-. 
221 
330 



St orey . . . . 
Humboldt . 
Washoe . . . 
Washoe . , . 

Storev 

Sto, ey 

Storey . . . 
Ornisby . . . 

yon 

Storey . . . . 
Humboldt. 
Storey . . . . 
Storey ... 

Storey 

Washoe . . 
Ornisby . . , 
Doiujias. . . 
I)i>ui^la8. . . 

Storey 

Lyon 

Ormsby . 
Humboldt 

Lyon 

Ornisby . . 
Ornisby . 
Esmeralda 
Esnieraldu 
Lander — 
Churohill. 
Washoe . . 

Lyon 

N'ye 

Washoe . . 

Nye 

storey 

Ijinder . . 
Esmeralda 
Esmeralda 
Lander. . . 
Ormsby . . 
Store>' . . 
Storey . . . 
(,'alifornia 
Ormsby .r 
Ormsby . . 
Ormsby . . 



Profession. 



Ranker 

Mining Sup't. . 
Lumber dealer 

Mechanic 

Lawyer 

Miner. . . . 

Miner 

Editor 

Miner 

Lawyer 

Lawyer 

..umber dealer 

Lawyer 

Attorney 

Lumberman . . 

Merchant 

Farmer 

Lawyer 

Merchant 

.Mill owner 

t^awyer . 

(did not attend) 

lyawyer . . 

.Menhant 

MeclKUiic 

I*h\!>i'.'ian 

Elitor 

(did not attend) 

Millwvitfbt 

Lawyer 

MiniMK Sup't. .. 

Lawyer 

Farmer 

Surveyor 

Mining' ^V Milting 

Lawyer 

(did not attend) 

Mininj^ 

(did not att«nd) 

Lawyer 

Cleric 

Clerk 

Iteporter 

Saloon keeper . . 
Laborer 



State in piat^ of Nativity, 
Life. I 



Whence to 
Pacific Coast. 



Sing^le . . 
Single . . 
Married . 
Single , . 
Married. 
.Married. 
Married . 
Married. 
Married . 
.Marriet' . 
Single . . 
-Married . 
Married . 
Single .. 
Married. 
Married . 
•Married . 
Single 
.Married. 
Singl". . . 
Married . 



iNew Hamphire. 
'I^ennsjklvanla .. 

Vermont 

Connecticut 

Ireland 

Massachusetts. . 

Vermont 

New York 

New York 

New York 

New York 

Ohio 

New York 

Ohio 

Maine 

Maine 

bower Canada . 

Kentucky 

New York 

Massachusetts . 
Indiana 



.Single .. Pennsylvania.. 
37}Married. Pennsylvania 

:{M|Single . . New York 

47 Widower New York 

2« Single . . Illmois 



Massachusetts. 
New York . . . 
Wisconsin 
mnectitut . . 

New York 

Ma.^sal■husclts. 

Ohio 

New York .... 
Michigan ... . 

New York 

Ohio 

Alabama 

Wisconsin .... 

Illinois 

Maine 

Massachusetts. 

Ohio 

Tennessee . . . 

New York 

I'ennsylvania . 
Iowa 



Single . . New York . 

.Marii d. Maine 

.Married Vermont . . 
.Marrit'd Kentucky 



3ft Married- New York 



Single 
.single . . 
Married . 



Single 



3S Married. 
2fi Single . 
32 Sinirlo . 

35 .Married 
38 Single . 

36 Married 
12 Single .. 



England 

New York . 
Connecticut. 



Pennsylvania. 



Indiana ...... 

Albany. N. Y.. 
Rhode Is!and. . 

New York 

Ma^isachuselts . 

Indiana 

California 



'ennsylvania . 

Missouri 

Ohio 

Illinois 

Illinois 



New York . 
Minnesota . . 
Verimmt . . . 
K'-ntucky . . 
.\ew York . . 
New York . . 
.Michigan ... 
New York . . 



Whence to,o'< Present 
^ P Politics. 



NeTikda. 



1849 California 
18.'i3!California 
IS.'iO, Wisconsin 
IStil'Califomia 
IH-Sitcahfuniia 
ISjO California 
1849 California 
lii52Calitornia 
18.''>2 California 
IboO California 
1S52 Calif >rnia 
1&49 Californa 
1S(K) California 
1852 Calift»rnia 
1856 California 
1849 California 
1S49 t:ftlifi»rnia 
1858 California 
1849 Calif orrna 
1849, California 
I&49. California 

1867 [California 
1849 California 
18-^4 California 
1852 California 
1859, California 



1850 California 
184)3 .Minnesota 
1^:.2 California 
184!) Calif<»tnia 

1850 California 

1851 California 
18'»0 California 
1854, California 



Sew Jersey . 



1849 1 Call for Ilia 



Fa\ored in 
1S60. 



1863 

IS-W 
ISO; 
1863 
1860 
I860 
1863 
1863 
1863 
1863 
1864 
1863 
1S59 
1861 
1859 
18.''»9 
1861 
18.59 
1861 
1860 

lS6i 

186(1 
186fi 
I86'J 
1861 



18(t< 
18fl;i 
1864 

is:.8 

1»5 
l»f.9 
1860 
1863 



Iowa 

New York . 
New York . 
New York . 
Alabama... 
Ohio 



,1849 
1661 
1 1854 
.!l86U 
.184« 
.11850 



California . 
New York. 
California . 
California . 
California . 
Kansas . . . 
California . 



Union . 
I'nion . 
Cnion . . 
Union . . 
Cnion . . 
Union . 
Union . 
Union . . 
Union . . 
Union . . 
I'nion . . 
Union , . 
Union . . 
Union . . 
Union . . 
Union . . 
Union . . 
Union . 
Union . 
Unii>n . . 
Union . . 

Uniiin . . 
Union . 
Union . 
Union . . 
Union . . 



Douglas 

Lincoln . . . . 

Lincoln 

Lincoln .... . . 

Oout'Ias 

Lincoln 

Lincoln 

Lincoln 

Lincoln 

Douglas 

Dougla** . ... 

Iiouglas 

Lincoln 

Dimglas 

Lincoln 

Bell 

Bell 

Rreckinridge. 

Douglas 

Lincoln 

Bell 



Union . , . 
Union . 
Union . . 
Dennx;rat 
Union . . . 
Union . . 
Union . . . 
Union . . 



1861 Union . 



18601 Union . 
1861 Union . 
lst!3 Uni<'n . 
1864 Union . 
1861 Union . 
18tt2 Union . 
1859. Union . 



Douglas . 

Bell 

Douglas 
Douglas . 
Lincoln . . 



Douglas 

Lincoln 

Douglas 

BeJl 

Douglas ..... 

Linc(iln 

Breckinridge. 
Lincoln 



Bell. 



Bell 

Lincoln 

Breckinridge. 

Lincoln 

Douglas 

Rreckinridge. 



circumstantial case, so strong, that about 4,000 names 
were signed to a petition asking the whole Bench to 
resign. The document was printed with its names, 
in the Territorial Enterpriser and filled six double 
columns of that paper. The people were called upon 
to adopt the Constitution, and in this way get rid of 
this unpopular ]5ench.* 

The general Territorial election was to come off 
on the seventh of September, that year, at which 
time County otticers, a Legislative Assembi}* and 
Delegates to the House of Eepresentativos at Wash- 
ington, \vere to be chosen. 

A Territorial Ilepublican Convention was held at 
Carson, on the tenth of August, consisting of fifty 
Delegates, twenty-six of whom were proxies ; and 
they put in nomination, on the regular Union ticket, 
Thomas Fitch, as Delegate to the House of ]ic])resen- 
tatives. The Democrats put A. C. Bradford in the 
field, and Judge John Cradlebaugh ran indepen- 
dent for that position. 

The Constitution was submitted to the people, on 
the day of the general election, and the following is 
the vote upon it, as well as upon the Congressional 
ticket. 

VOTES FOR CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATE. 

Thomas Fitch, Republican 1208 

A. C. Bradford, Democrat ;]71G 

•^'ee {jkM Hill News, of Auguat 6, IbG4. 



John Cradlebaugh, Independent Union 3781 

Scattering _ 4 



Total. 



CONSTITUTIONAL VOTE. 

Yes. 

Churchill County 178 

Douglas County _ 470 

Fsmeral da County 859 

Humboldt County 320 

Lander Countyt - 1018 

Lyon County 898 

Nye County 148 

Ormsby County 999 

Store}^ County 5448 

Washoe County 1055 



8709 

No. 

100 

76 

72 

544 

978 

92 

53 

90 

142 

115 



Total 11,393 2,262 

Majority in favor of the Constitution, 9,131 

+A liirge vote was pollcnl at Ania*li«r, and rtjcctod Ixicause of 
fraud. 



STATE ORGANIZATION. 



87 



CHAPTER X 1 II . 
STATE ORGANIZATION. 

State Politics ami Elections — rrtsideiitial Klection of November 
8, 18(>l — Contest for United State.s .Senate in ISW — Removal . 
of Capital Attempted — Iteply «f Mr. Wait/. — Congi-essicmal 
Election of 1S(>5 — .State EleetiDn, N'ovomlier li. 18GG — Elec- 
tions in ISGS-Oil — Presiilential Election of I.StiS — .State Elec- 
tion of November ;^, 1870 — I'olitics of the IjCgislatiire — 
Presiilential Election of 1872 — Contest for United States 
Senate — State Election of 1874 — Contest for United States 
Senate — Presidential Elc>ction of 1876 — Uesult of the Elec- 
tion — Politics of tlie Legislature of 187li — State Election of 
1878 — Choice of Senator — Kepublican Ticket — Democratic 
Ticket — -Politics of I.egislature of 1878 — Vote for United 
States Senator — Presidential Election of November '2, 1880 — 
Politics of the Lenislatiire of 18.S0 — Siitro's Net for Fair — 
Colonel .I.imes (J. Fair — .Salary Hcduction l)y Hobart's Bill — 
Judiciary Elections, 18G1 to 1878 — The State Ue-districted — 
Districts as they are. 

The Constitution having; been adopted, it required 
but a proclamation IVom tbc President of the United 
States to usher Nevada into the national t'amilj- as a 
sister State; and the necessary parchment was 
signed on the thirtj'-first of October, 18(54. 

The year 1804 was the season of wholesale elections 
in Nevada. Already there had been three, and her 
admission rendered it necessary to have another, as 
the Legislative officers and Congressional Delegates 
chosen under Territorial law could not serve under 
the new regime. 

The Presidential election was to occur on the 
eighth of November that year, at which time mem- 
bers of the House of lieprcsentatives were to be 
chosen; and as Nevada had become a State, the 
recent election of Judge Cradlebaugh as a Dele- 
gate was non-operative. There was accordinglj- 
placed in the field that fall a full State and National 
ticket by both the Republican and Democratic 
parties of Nevada; including Representative, State 
officers, State Senators and Assemblymen, eleven 
District Judges, and nine District Attorneys. 

The following is the ticket placed in the field bj^ 
the Democrats: — 

Member of Congress, A. C. Bradford, of Storey. 

Governor, D. ¥,. Buel, of Lander. 

Lieutenant (iovernor, R. E. Arick, of Storcj'. 

Secretary of State, P. B. Kllis, of Ormsby. 

Controller, J. P. (Jalagher, of Storey. 

Treasurer, Paul Moroney, of Storey. 

Superintetident of Public Instruction, J. B. Chinn, 
of Washoe. 

Surveyor General, John Ortrom, of Storey. 

Sujireme Court Judges, John R. McConnell, of 
Storey; William C. Wallace, of Storey: E. W. Mc- 
Kinstry, of Esmeralda. 

Attorney (ieneral, William II. Rhodes, of Storey. 

Clerk of Supreme Court, Tod Robinson, of Storej-. 

The following returns, except for the offices of 
District Judge and Attorneys, exhibit the result of 
that election: — 

ELECTION OF NOVE.MBER 8, 18G4. 

For Presidential Electors — Republican, 9,826 votes. 
For Presidential Electors — Democratic, 0,594 votes. 



Member of Congress, H. G. Worthington, 9,7"G 
votes; two candidates; total vote, 16,328. 

Governor, II. G. Blasdel, 9,834 votes; two candi- 
dates; total vote, 1(;,389. 

Lieutenant Governor, J. S. Crosman, 9,786 votes; 
two candidates; total vote, Id, 348. 

Secretarj- of State, C. N. Notoware, 9,839 votes; 
two candidates; total vote, 16,335. 

Controller, A. W. Nightingill, 9,842 votes; two 
candidates; total vote, ]6,3(i!l. 

Treasurer, E. Rhoades, 9,824 votes; two candi- 
dates; total vote, 16,3 IT). 

Superintendent Public Instruction, A. F. White, 
9,823 votes; two candidates; total vote, 16,331. 

Surveyor General, S. II. Marlette, 9,828 votes; two 
candidates; total vote, 16,326. 

Supreme Court Judges — C. M. Brosnan, 9,838 
votes; II. O. Beatty,* 9,804 votes; J. F. Lewis, 9,826 
votes; six candidates. 

Attortic}- (Jeneral, George A. Nourse, 9,798 votes; 
two candidates; total vote, 16,308. 

Clerk Supreme Court, Alfred Helm, 9,846 voles; 
two candidates; total vote, 16,310. 

By this election Hon. Henry G. Worthington, of 
Lander County, was chosen Representative to fill 
the term until the expiration of the session of Con- 
gress, on the third of March. 1865. Mr. Worthing- 
ton served through one session, and returned to 
Nevada as an as]>irant for re-election; but failing to 
receive the nomination, removed to the Atlantic 
Coast, where he took a prominent part in the recon- 
struction of the Southern State Governments suc- 
ceeding the war of the Rebellion. 

For the Legislature, Nye County elected one 
Democrat, Frank M. Proctor, to the Senate; and 
Churchill County one Democrat to the Assembly, 
named James A. St. Clair. The balance were all 
Republicans. 

CONTEST FOR UNITED STATES SENATE IN 1864. 

After the organization of the two branches of the 
Ijegislaturc. a Joint Convention was hold by them 
on the fii'teenlh of l)eceniber, 1864, for the ])ur))i)se 
of electing two United States Senatoi-s; and the 
first vote stood as follows: — 

William M. Stewart, of Storey County, 33. 
James W. NyCj of Ormsby count)', 23. 
Charles E. De Long, of Storey County, 23. 
John Cradlebaugh, of Ormsby County, 12. 
B. C. Whitman, of Storey (,'ounty, 13. 
Necessary for a choice, 27. 
Mr. Stewart having been elected, there still re- 
mained the necessity of choosing another Senator; 
and the next seven tallies stood — with the change 
of but one vote — 

James W. N^-e 23 

Charles E. De Long 17 



* Resignation to take eSect November 9, 1868, and Hon. B. 
0. Whitman was nppointe<l the same day to till vacancy until 
J. Ncely Johnson, who had been elected for that purpose, could 
qualify. 



88 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



John Cradlebaugh 9 

B.C. Whitman 3 

There seeming to be a dead-lock, the Convention 
adjourned until the next day, at 1 r. m. During 
this interim, Mr. Stewart sent a mesxage to Judge 
Cradlebaugh, stating that if the latter would con- 
sent to yield to him all Government patronage, which 
would be due by courtesy to both of Nevada's Sen- 
ators, his election would be secured. The reply of 
Judge Cradlebaugh was characteristic of the man. 
" Tell Stewart," said he, " that I had rather be a 
dog, and bay the moon, than such a Senator." 

When the Convention assembled the ne.\t da}- 
one vote decided the matter as follows: — 

James W. Nye 29 

Charles E. De Long IG 

John Cradlebaugh 7 

Total 52 

Necessary for a choice 27 

REMOVAL OF CAPITAL ATTEMPTED. 

A little breeze was raised in the horizon of politics 
In the early part of 18G5, by an eflbrt made to pro- 
cure the removal of the seat of State Government 
to American City, south of (Jold Hill, in Storey 
County. 

It will be remembered that in 1861 the State Cap- 
ital was established at Carson City, and the Legis- 
lative Assembly was obligeil to meet at the place 
where the State Prison is now located — a suggestive 
coincidence. Storej' and Lyon Counties, taking 
advantage of this circumstance, entered into com 
petition to secure the removal of the same to within 
their respective boundaries, at Virginia City, if 
Storey County was successful, or at Da3-ton, if Lj^on 
County secured the prize. The Ormshj' County 
people became alarmed, and by petition asked the 
Legislature to adjourn to Carson City, where they 
would be furnished with assemblj' rooms, free of 
charge, which was finally done, Ijj'on and Storej- 
Counties failing, either of them, to gain the location. 

In January, 1864, a company organized with a 
large caiiital, laid out a town on the flat south 
from Gold Hill, ami n;imeil the location American 
City. They then oflVreil S.")(l,(l()0 as a duMalioii to 
the Terriiory if it would i-inmve the Capital from 
Car.-on Ciiy to ili:it jihico; and tlie Sloroy Count}- 
pa])ers advocali-d the removal. One of the reasons 
alleged lor its being desirable to make the change 
was, that Ormsby County had oftered to furnish 
assembly rooms free of charge, and now was asking 
a rental of 84.r)00 per ^es^ion for the use of the 
buildinii. 'i'lie Ca|)ital was not removed; but the 
discussioti li'fl the following interesting foot-|)rints 
behind it. that indicated the existence in early limes 
of that poliiicjil eneigy, and process of li-tling the 
rays of »i7iJ'r li;;lil in ii|ion the understanding of a 
Legislator, that since hue becumo suggestive of the 
Senatorial ionn. 



The Ormsby County people seeing the effect that 
the charge for rent by their County Commissioners 
had caused, many of them signed the following 
petition, headed b}- E. B. Kail, Wellington Stewart, 
and others: — 

The undersigned, citizens of Ormsby County, 
hereby resjjectfull}* request the present Commis- 
sioners of said County to resign their otlice imme- 
diately. To Adolphus Waitz we especially address 
this reciuest. We tirmly believe he has used his 
oflice as a means of speculation. We know that he 
has brought the countj- to present bankruptcy, and 
that he has acted in odious bad faith to this county 
in tendering the free use of our public buildings to 
the Territory, and afterwards charging the United 
States for the use of each building. As to him, we 
wish it distinctly understood that we shall not take 
NO for answer. 

REPLY OP -MR. WAITZ. 

* * * A proper regard for the public good, 
and those who elected me, as well as a feeling of 
self-respect, forbids that 1 should hasten to gratify 
j'our malice. If it be )"our pur])ose to intimidate me, 
it only ))roves what 1 had supposed was the case, 
that 3'ou were not well acquainted with my real char- 
acter. I am not apt to be scared bj^ the threats of 
armed desperadoes, much less those of peevish and 
excited citizens. * * * 

Your Coi'.nty Commissioner, 

Adolphus Waitz. 

On referring to this matter in ilarch, 1865, the 
I'osf, ])ublished at Carson, said editorially: — 

* * * And to show that wo are not mistaken 
in these matters we will add, that we individually 
collected the mone}- that was paid to a member of 
the I^egislature to vote against the removal. * * * 
The editor |)ro])oses to expose anyone else who goes 
and does likewise. 

CONdKESSIONAL ELECTION OF 18G5. 

The election of 18G4 had chosen a liepresentativo 
in Congress, Hon. H. G. W^orthington, for the term 
ex])iring March 3, 18G5, and, consequently, it would 
be necessar}' to elect another to take his seat with 
the convening of the new Congress, in December, 
1SG5. 

Nevada had two United States Senators, but no 
Member in the House of Representatives. To pro- 
vide for the deficiency a Re])resentative had to be 
chosen at the Slate Klection on the seventh of No- 
vember, 1865. This brought to tlu- front three 
KeiiLibiican as])irants, namely. Colonel Charles A. 
Sumner, sujiported b}- the Gold Hill iVeirn and Vir- 
ginia City Union; Hon. W. H. Clagett, supported by 
the Terrilorial Kiiteiprinc ; and Delos II. Ashley, of 
Lander County, su])ported by the lieene liioi-r h'eceilk. 
Clagett carried the Storey County delegation by 
twenty votes — as claimed b}' the Gold Hill News — 
tliroiiirh the agencj' of Democratic votes in the 
iiepulilican primaries. 

On the tenth of October the Hepublic.in Conven- 
tion met at Carson; the candidates, as named, were 
placed in nomination before it, and for ten or twelve 



Col. a. C. Ellis, 



Son of Dr. R. B. and Elizabeth (Collier) Ellis, was 
born in Eiehmond, Eay County, Missouri, on the 
twelfth day of July, 184tl. His father was a native 
of Sussex County, Virginia. Jlis mother, a Ken- 
tuckian by birth, died when he was but two years 
old, and Mrs. M. P. Koas, an aunt upon bis father's 
side, took upon herself the charge of his early train- 
ing. In 1850 the father removed from St. Louis, 
Missouri, to California, and the son went to reside 
with his aunt in Kichmond, where the succeeding ten 
years her house was his home. His early education 
was obtained in the last-named town, where he 
studied under a private tutor, and afterwards attended 
the academy of A. C. Jledmon and It. \V. Finley until 
1853, at which time he entered the Masonic College 
at Lexington, becoming a member of the Freshman 
Class in the fall of that year. In 1S55 he entered the 
Junior Class at the University of Missouri, at Colum- 
bia, and graduated therefrom July 4, 1857. 

In the month of October of the same year he 
entered the Law School at Louisville, Kentucky, 
which was a department of the State University, and 
remained there during two full courses of law lec- 
tures under James Speed, later President Lincoln's 
Attorney General, Judge W. F. Bullock, John C. 
Preston, and Wm. Pirtle. In 1850, February 
27th, Mr. Ellis graduated from this school and 
was chosen to deliver the valedictory, and received 
his diploma from James Guthrie, President of the 
Board of Curators. By an Act of the Legislature of 
that State, a diploma from the Law School entitled 
the graduate to practice in all of its courts, and he 
soon after located at llichmond, and through the in- 
fluence of old friends, combined with natural talent, 
acquired a good practice in his profession. In 1800, 
on the twenty-eighth of March, ho was married to 
Miss Lucie Rives Cobb, of Prince Kdward County, 
V'^irginia. Mr. Ellis was named by the State Conven- 
tion of Missouri as an alternate elector for Stephen 
A. Douglas ill the camjiaign of 180(1. lie was a can- 
didate the same year for Commonwealth Attorney 
in the Fourtli Circuit, embracing seven counties, and 
was defeated by only three hundred votes by his 
Bell and Everett opponent. The estimate placed 
upon Mr. Ellis by those who best knew him may be 
judged from the fact of his receiving 2,300 out of 
2,500 votes cast in his home county at that election. 
In 18<)1 he joined the Confederate regiment com- 
manded by Colonel B. A. Hives, and was an Adju- 
tant, first of General Little's brigade, and then of his 
own regiment, during the Pea Ridge battle and cam- 



paign. Colonel Rives was killed at Pea Ridge, and 
sometime afterwards Adjutant Ellis was sent by 
General Price from Van Buren, Arkansas, to exhume 
the Colonel's body and convey it to his old home in 
Ray County for burial. In 1803 Mr. Ellis came with 
his family to Carson City, Nevada, which has, since 
the fall of that year, been his home. 

In 1809 he practiced law in partnership with the 
late Tod Robinson, in "White Pine County. In poli- 
tics he has always been an earnest worker in the 
Democratic ranks, and has canvassed the State in 
the interests of his party many times. In 1870 ho 
was a candidate for Governor before the Democratic 
State Convention, at Elko, and was defeated by only 
three votes, receiving, after a protracted and exciting 
contest, ninety-eight votes, while bis opponent. Gov- 
ernor L. R. Bradley, had lol. The friends of the 
late Hill Beachy and Governor Bradley united, 
through the influence of General T. H. "Williams, 
Thomas Sunderland, T). K. Buell, and others,) to 
defeat him. Mr. Kllis was chosen Chairman of the 
Democratic State Central Committee, and made an 
active canvass of the State in the interests of (Jover- 
nor Bradley, who was elected. In 1872 he canvassed 
the State for Greeley, though he was not the man of 
his choice for President. In 1874 he received the 
Democratic nomination for Congress, but was de- 
feated by Wm. Woodburn, though he ran ahead of 
his ticket largely. In 187(! he went as a delegate to 
the National Democratic Convention, at St. Louis, 
and presented the resolution of the Nevada State 
Convention against Chinese immigration, and by 
persistent eff'orts secured its insertion, with slight 
modification, in the National Platform. On his return 
home he again received the itemocratic nomination 
for Congress, but was defeated by Thomas Wren, 
although receiving in the neighborhood of two hun- 
dred more votes than the Tilden Kloctors. 

In 1878 he took an active part in the support ol 
Bradley for Governor and Mr. Deal for Congress, and 
the Democratic ticket, making another stirring can- 
vass of the State, though not a candidate himself. 
In 1880 he attended the National Democratic Con- 
vention at Cincinnati, Ohio, as a delegate, and was 
again a member of the Committee on Resolutions. 
In connection with the members from California and 
Oregon he secured the ado))tioii of the very emphatic 
resolution in the National Platform against Chinese 
immigration. During his political life Mr. Kills has 
been one of the most zealous and untiring workers in 
his ] tarty. 



STATE ORGANIZATION. 



89 



ballots the contest luy between those <;entlemcn. 
Colonel Sumner then withdrew, and John B. Win- 
tei-s ajipeareil before the Convention to ask its jire- 
ferment for the coveted position. It required lil'ty- 
three votes to get the nomination, and the new 
candidate could not obtain over forly-nine. Mr. 
Ashley continued to receive his regular fourteen 
votes until about 4 p. .m., when it stood: John B. 
Winters, forty-nine; \V. II. Clagctt, forty-eight; 
Delos R. Ashley, eight. 

The Convention then took a recess; and, after 
re-assembling, twenty-six of Clagett's men voted for 
Ashley. The friends of Winters also voted for 
Ashlc}-. and thus he became the nominee of the 
party. 

Mr. Ashley then pledged himself, in a speech be- 
fore the body tha't had placed his name upon the 
ticket, to use his utmost endeavors to oLtain from 
the Government all the aid, in land and money, to 
build as soon as possible everj' railroad contemplated 
and in course of construction, connecting the Slate 
with the tide-water on the Pacific. 

A plank of the Rei)nblican State platform affirmed 
the same doctrine in regard to the railroad.* 

As before stated, the election came off on the 
seventh of November, at which time 

Delos R. Ashlc)- received 3,(501 votes. 

n. K. Mitchell received. 2,215 votes. 

Total votes 5,900 

The choice had fallen upon the Republican can- 
didate. 

In the election of 18GG there entered into the con- 
test the National issues brought on by the Presi- 
dent of the United States, Andrew Johnson. Mr. 
Ashley again became the nominee of the Republican 
party for Congress, and had for his opponent, on 
the Democratic ticket, II. K. Mitchell, the same 
gentleman who had contested the year before for the 
honor of being chosen for that position. The result 
was success to the entire Republican ticket, as fol- 
lows: — 

STATE ELECTION, NOVEMBER 0, 1800. 

Member of Congress, 1). R. Ashley, 5,047 votes; 
two candidates; total vote, 9,248. 

Governor, II. (t. Jilasdei, 5,125 votes; two candi- 
dates; total vote, 9,230. 

Lieutenant tiovernor, J. S. Slingerland, 5,211 votes; 
two candidates; total vote, 9,208. 

Secretary of State, C N. Notewaro, 5,207 votes; 
two candidates; total vote, 9,257. 

Controller, W. R. Parkinson, 5,203 votes; two can- 
didates; total vote, 9,257. 

* Tlii'i was before tlie Central I'aeitic liaii re.achol the .State, 
anil when it** e<m8triicti"ii wa.s m-'st ai'ilently <li;«ii"eil and lioped 
for .'\.x an aei'"iii|iliNliiiitiit of tin' iliatant Intiire. .Vt the name 
time there were two rnaiKs Heekin^ 8nl>siili'-8 — one, the Central 
I'aeilie, then unnally ilenoniinatcil the Dutch Flat roail; and the 
other the I'lacervdle mail, lioth roads were Heekin^ favors 
whieh all parties wcru willin}^ to grant without question ur limit 
of powers. 



Treasurer, E. Rhoades, 5,157 votes; two candi- 
dates; total vote, 9,239. 

Superintendent Public Instruction, A. N. Fisher, 
5,218 votes; two candidates; total vote, 9,250. 

Surveyor General, S. H. Marlotte, 5,209 votes; two 
candidates; total vote, 9,250. 

State Printer, J. E. Eckley, 5,208 votes; two candi- 
dates; total vote, 9,273. 

Supreme Judge, James F. Lewis, 5,183 votes; two 
candidates; total vote, 9,2(iC. 

Attorney General, Robert M. Clark, 5,193 votes; 
two candidates; total vote, 9,249. 

Clerk Supreme Court, Alfred Ilelm, 5,000 votes; 
two candidates; total vote, 9,202. 

In admitting the State into the Union the Sena- 
tors were allotted terms ending in March, 1807, and 
March, 1809, respectively. 

The election of United State Senators in 1864 was 
for short terms — one for two 3'ears and the other for 
four; and the question of who should take the short- 
est one was decided by lot in open Senate. James 
W. Nj'e drew the short term, and became a candi- 
date for re-election before the Legislature, on the 
sixteenth and seventeenth of January, 1807. There 
were five aspirants for the ])Osition; and on the 
fifteenth, when the candidates were put in nomina- 
tion before the two separate Houses, the following 
was the result of the combined vote: — 

Charles E. De Long received 21 votes. 

James W. Nye received 18 " 

John B. Winters received 7 " 

Thomas Fiteli received 4 " 

Thomas U. Williams received 7 " 

Total.. : 57 

The same day II. R. Mighels published in his 
paper, the Dnifi/ Ap/iea/, one of those incisive, burn- 
ing editorials, for which he was noted, calling upon 
the Union men of both branches of the Legislature 
to supiiort the "(trey Eagle" for the United States 
Senate. In it occurs the following: — 

The whole Union ])ress, not only of Nevada; not 
oiilv of California; not only of Oregon; not only of 
all the Pacific States and Territories, but of all the 
United States, east and west — with but two solitary 
exceptions — are in favor of, and persistently advo- 
cate, the re-election to the United Slates Senate of 
Mr. Nye. 

The exceptions referred to were the San Francisco 
C'tt/l and Humboldt Rei/inter. During the political 
camjiaign that had recently clo.sed, Mr. De Long 
had assailed Mv. Nye by correspondence through 
the press, in a very bitter strain, accusing the latter 
of frauds in his ailministration of the Iiulian affairs 
ill Nevada; consequently, the issue between these 
parties was intenselj- ])ersonal. On the sixteenth 
the Convention of the two Houses took jjlaco, and 
the names of .Mr. Williams and Winters having been 
withdrawn, the vote stood as follows: — 



90 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



James W. Nj-e received 25 votes. 

Chill-lea E. De Lotif;; received 27 " 

Thomas Fitoh received 4 " 

Thomas U. Williams received 1 " 

Necessary for a choice 29 " 

An adjournment was then taken until the next 
da)', when the vote was: James W. Nye, 32; Charles 
E. De Lons^, 25. 

There were seven Democratic votes, and all were 
for Jilr. De Jjong. The successful candidate was then 
declared elected for a term of six years, to com- 
mence March 4, 18G7, and end March 3, 1873. 

ELECTION IN 18G8 AND 1809. 

On the sixteenth of September, 18GS, the Repub- 
lican Convention met at Carson Citj', and placed a 
ticket in the field. 

Thomas Fitch by acclamation for Congress; Chas. 
E. De Long being a candidate for the United States 
Senate against ^N'iiliam M. Stewart, withdrew to 
secure harmony in tlie party; and the following 
resolutions were passed by the Convention: — 

A'e.<o/(V'(/, That the action of Hon. C. E. De Long 
in withdrawing from the Senatorial contest in favor 
of Mr. Stewart, in order that there might be entire 
unanimity in our councils, is an act of pati-iotic self- 
denial so noble in its character, and so gratifying to 
the loyal pcoi)le of Nevada, that it merits their 
warmest cf)mmcndati(ins and approval. 

Jie.so/oeil, That by his conduct in tliis matter Mr. 
De Long has endeared himself to eveiy loyal voter 
in tlie State; and the thanks of a grateful people 
are hereby tendered liini tor so prom])tly sacrificing 
his personal political prospects to the end that the 
victory gained over error and wrong in the late 
contest should not be shorn of its fruits by partisan 
strife among the friends of Freedom, of Humanity, 
and of I'rogress. 

Mr. De Long was subsequently appointed Minister 
to Japan, which post he filled with great satisfaction 
to the American people, strongly cementing the 
friendly relations between the two (iovernments. 

All of the Republican candidates upon the State 
ticket were elected, as follows: — 

I'RESIDENTIAI- ELECTION OP 1868. 

For Presidential Electors — Republican, 6,476 votes. 

For Presidentiiil Electors— Democratic, 5,215 votes. 

Member of Congress, Thomas Fitch, 6,230 votes; 
two candidates; total vote, 11,579. 

Surveyor General (unexpired term), John Day, 
6,301 votes; two candidates; total vote, 11,677. 

State Printer, H. R. Mighels, 6,425 votes; two 
candidates; total vote, 11,689. 

Supreme Judge (long term), B. C. Whitman, 6,476 
votes; two candidates; total vote, 11,698. 

Supreme Judge (unexpired term), J. Nooly John- 
son, 6,398 votes; two candidates; total vote, 11,632. 

The Legislature of 1S(>9 was made uj) of titty 
Republicans and nine Democrats. 

On the twelfth of January of that year William 
M. Stewart was elected to succeed himself as 
Nevada's United States Senator, being chosen by 
forty-nine out of the fifty Republican votes on the 



first ballot; A. C. Cleveland, of Washoe, giving hia 
vote for B. C. Whitman. The Democrats cast their 
nine ballots for Thomas H. Williams. 

Mr. Stewart was in Washington at the time attend- 
ing to his Senatorial duties; his political interests in 
Nevada being placed under the supervision of Hon. 
A. P. K. Saflbrd, who later became Governor of 
Arizona. 

.STATE ELECTION OF NOVEMBER 8, 1870. 

In 1870 the Democrats made their first political 
success in the State, securing the Congressman, and 
the most important State officers, among whom were 
Governor L. R. Bi-adle)-, and Supreme Judge John 
Garber. 

The Republicans, in Convention at Elko, on the 
twenty-first of September, that year, placed the fol- 
lowing ticket in the field: — 

For Congress Thomas Fitch (no opposition). 

" Governor P. A. Tritle. 

" Lieutenant Governor J. S. Slingcrland. 

" Secretary of State James D. Minor. 

" Controller W. W. llobart. 

" Treasurer Len Wines. 

" Superintend't Pub. Instruction A.N. Fisher. 

•' Survej'or General John Day. 

" State Printer H. R. Mighels. 

'' State Mineralogist H. R. Whitehill. 

" Su])reme Judge J. S. Slauson. 

" Attorncj' General Will. Camjibell. 

" Clerk Supreme Court Alfred Helm. 

The following is the result of the election; — 

Member of Congress, Charles W. Kendall,* 6,821 
votes; two candidates; total votes, 13,312. 

Governer, L. R. Bradley,* 7,200 votes; two can- 
didates; total vote, 13,349. 

Lieutenant Governor, Frank Denver,* 6,689 votes, 
two candidates; total vote, 13,309. 

Secretary of State, J. D. Minor, 6,786 votes; two 
candidates; total vote, 13,341. 

Controller, W. \V. Hobart, 6,770 votes; two can- 
didates; total vote, 13,353. 

Treasurer, Jerry Schooling,* 6,942 votes; two can- 
didates; total vote, 13,333. 

Su]>erintendent Public Instruction, A. N. Pisher, 
6,793 votes; two candidates; total vote, 13,3t!6. 

Surveyor General, John Day, 6,002 voles; tw<5 
candidates; total vote, 13,375. 

State Printer, Charles L. Perkins,* 6,731 votes; 
two candidates; total vote, 13,302. 

Mineralogist, H. R. Whitohill, 6,711 votes; two 
candidates; total vote, 13,363. 

Supreme Judge,! John Garber,* 6,787 votes; two 
candidates; total vote, 13,349. 

Attorney General, J L. A. Buckner,* 6,650 votes; 
two candidates; total vote, 13,277. 

t.'lerk Supreme Court, § Alfred Helm, 6,801 votes; 
two candidates; total vote, 13,365. 

* Duiiiocrnts. 

t Hu8ii,nic(l on the sixth of November, 1872, the day after 
election iif that year. 

t l{e»igiio<l .laimary 4, 1874. 

iS Keoigneil January "-, 1875. I{is succcaaor had been elected 
ou the jirevious third of November. 



STATE ORGANIZATION. 



91 



POLITICS OF THE LEdlSLATURE. 

SENATE. ASSEMDI-Y. 

COUNTIES. Dcm. Rep. Ucm. Ke]). 

Churchill 10 11 

llsmeralda 1 1 4 

Elko 1 L' 

Uumboldt 2 H 

Lander 2 4 

Lincoln 1 (I 1 

Lyon (» 2 3 

Nj-o 1 1 1 

Ormsby 2 12 

Storey 1 :{ 3 !• 

Washoe II 2 o 3 

White Pino 112 3 

Totals 10 12 22 22 

Douglas County elected one indc])eiident Senator 
and two independent Assemblymen. 

PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION OF 1872 — SENATORIAL CONTEST. 

The election year that gave General Grant his 
second Presidential term, and consigned his com- 
petitor, the unfortunate Horace Greelej', to his grave, 
was one of unusual political activity in Nevada. Sena- 
tor Nye's term was drawing to a close, which east 
upon the Legislature to be chosen that year the 
necessity of electing his successor, and for the first 
time the overshadowing influence of money was felt 
in political manipulations in this State. Money had 
been used before, but not to so great an extent as in 
the campaign of 1S72. 

The mines of Storey County had produced wealth 
that graduallj- centered under the control of a few, 
and had placed upon the floor of politics a new class 
of men, untried statesmen, developed by silver into 
monej-ed Samsons, who felt equal to the task of car- 
r^-ing away the political gates of Gaza. 

The real contest laid between William Sharon. 
who was termed the quartz-mill and railroad monop- 
olist; and J. P. Jones, called by the press of the 
State, ''The Commoner." .lames W. Nye, whose 
name had become a national one, and familiar in 
every household in the land, was also a candidate, 
but without hope of ])refermenl where monej', and 
not demonstrated fitness and ability to servo the 
country and state, was to be tho shibboleth of suc- 
cess. 

The Democratic aspirants prior to tho election 
were: John Garber, Supremo Judge; T. IL Williams, 
of Storey County; Harry I. Thornton, of Lincoln 
County; A. C. hlllis, of Ormsby County; W. W. Mc- 
Coy, of Lander County; John C. Fall, of Uumboldt 
County; II. K. Mitchell, of Storey County. 

J. P. Jones was a heavy mining operator in Ne- 
vada and Htock-<lealer in San Francisco. His policy 
was to maintain high prices for such stocks as ho 
was interested in, and ho carried a number of 
friends whose limited means would have proved 
their ruin but for his assistance. 

It was charged by the Pacific Coast press gen- 
ally that Sharon, backed by the California Bank, 



desired to break the Stock Market, expecting his 
opponent to go down with it, and ruin his main 
supporters, in this way thinking to ])lace this bold, 
talented, and generous coin distributor where he 
would be forced to give up the contest. It was 
further charged that the Central Pacific Railroad 
Company had joined Sharon and the bank in this 
move to suppress the Nevada •■ Commoner," who 
was tho champion of the people in their struggle 
against railroad, quartz-mill and bank monopolies. 

May 7, 1872, mining stocks were at their zenith 
for that year, tho inflatioti being (caused by the dis- 
covery of a sup])osed bonanza in the Savage mine. 
On the next day the San Francisco Chronicle pub- 
lished charges by one Isaac J. Hubbell, accusing 
G. F. Kellogg, the I'oreman of the Crown Point 
mine, of causing tho Crown Point, Yellow Jacket, 
and Kentuck mines to bo fired in April, 18(i0. at 
which time a number of minors had lost their lives. 
It further stated, that the " Nevada Commoner" 
was privy to the act, it being done to influence 
mining, or stock, manipulations. This same day. 
after the news became current upon the street, com- 
ing in connection with the unfavorable reports of 
the Savage mine, stocks suddenlj^ declined from 
thirtj" to forty per cent., and continued in their 
downward course for several days. The Tcrri/orial 
Enterprise, that supported J. P. Jones, in speaking of 
this matter, said: — 

Mr. Sharon, it is plain to everj' one here, has 
resorted to this atrocious means of alienating from 
his formidable com))elitor the support of a class of cit- 
izens whose numbers render them, when united, an 
almost resistless political power. 

At this juncture friends interfered, and the sub- 
ject was left to an investigation by the (irand Jury 
of Storey County, which rendered a decision in tho 
following June exonorating all jtarties accused. 

Two years later, in August. 1S74, at a public meet- 
ing in Carson, Sharon said of .1, P. Jones: — 

Ladies and Gentlemen: I thank j-ou on behalf of 
Senator Jones for the i'ece|>tion given him in your 
fair city this evening. He has jiroven himself tho 
representative of the true interests of the people. 
He has represented our interests at Washington 
against all opposition. He has been true to tho 
trust of the people i-eposed in him. and I am h;ippy 
to add ni}' voice in commending hiin for it. When 
we find a representative true to the interests of tho 
commonwealth; true to the best interests of all the 
peo])le; true to the principles of liberty, right and 
ireedoin. the i)eo])le can welcome him hack to his 
home with all the feelings which are highest in the 
hearts of freemen. 

Mr. Jones was helping Mr. Sharon to become Stew- 
art's successor in the I'nited Slates Senate at tho 
time of the above eulogy; and it makes a world of 
dift'erence whose ox is being gored. 

On the sixteenth of August William Sharon with- 
drew as a candidate, and the issue then lay between 
Senator Nye and tho "Commoner." But the con- 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



test liad virtually ended when the bunk and rail- 
road interest ceased their onslaui^ht upon J. P. 
Jones. It was claimed by the friends of Nye that 
there had. for cause, been a compromise between the 
moneyed powers, but the people did not believe it, 
and still trusted their -Commoner." 

On the twenty-fifth of September the Republican 
Convention met at Reno, and placed upon its ticket 
C. C. Goodwin for Congress. The nomination was 
bj' acclamation, and for some time he refused to 
accept the place, only doing so upon the assurance 
from the Delegates representing the eastern counties 
in the State that thcj- were unanimously for him. 
Thomas P. Hawley was successful in gaining a 
nomination for the Supremo Bench, and C. A. V. 
Putnam was selected for State Printer. No other 
State offices were to be voted for at the coming elec- 
tion. 

The Democrats placed Charles W. Kendall in the 
field for Congressional preferment, and staked everj-- 
thing ujjon his success. The friends of Jones lost 
sight of Goodwin's interests in their eft'orts to secure 
a Jjcgislature favorable to their leader, and the result 
was success to the "Commoner" and the Democratic 
candidate for Congress. 

RESULT OF THAT ELECTION. 

Republican Presidential Electors, 8,413 votes. 

Denidcratic Presidential Electors. C.23C votes. 

Member of Congress. Charles W. Kendall, 7,847 
votes; two candidates; total vote, 14.903. 

Supreme Judge. Thomas 1'. Hawley, 8,193 votes; 
two candidates; total vote. 14,021. 

State Printer, C. A. V. Putnam, 8,179 votes; two 
candidates; total vote. l.j.OOS. 

On the twenty-first of the following Jaiuiarj- the 
vote for United States Senator stood, at the Con- 
vention of the joint Houses of the State Legisla- 
ture: — 

J. P. Jones, 53; W. W. McCoy, 17; Charles E. De 
Long, 1; Robert McHeth. 1; total. 72. 

There was but one ballot, and J. P. Jones had 
fairly entered u])on the career as a national Legis- 
lator, in which cap;icity he has since won and worn 
the laurel crown as a monetary statesman. 

Of the man whom his success had consigned to 
private life, Harry Mighels, on learning of his death 
on Christmas, 187G, said in the A/>/)eai: — 

To write a full and fitting obituary notice of 
James \V. Nye would be to write the history of the 
Hvputilican |iartj-; tell the story of the administra- 
tion of Abraham Jjincoln; the struggle for the Union; 
the scheme of reconstruction, and the lite and 
achievements of the Republican l)arty of the State 
of Nevaiia. For our deail friend and neighbor was 
as closelj' united to all these momentous matters 
and events as any man of his day. In the 
verj- midst of the most tremendous events of war 
and jiolitics he was one of the grandest figures u|)on 
the stage of ]iublic aflairs. His name will ever rest 
among the most distinguished patriots and states- 
men of bis age. 



His portrait now hangs in the State Capitol; and 
the stranger who, passing, stop.s to look at it, will 
be told — bj' whatever Nevadan chan^^es to be near — 
that it is the kindly noble face of "Grej' Eagle" that 
beams down from the cold canvas upon him. As 
he tells you, if you note it, j'ou will see a look of 
proud regret steal over the face of j'our informant, 
as the scene recalls from the secret chambers of the 
past a recollection of the one great heart, real states- 
man, true patriot, and generous friend of whose 
memorj- all Nevadans are proud. 

STATE ELECTION OF 1874 — CONTEST FOR UNITED STATES 
SENATE. 

The political cam])aign of 1874 was started early 
in the season, the Senatorial contest being the ab- 
sorbing issue of the year. William Sharon again 
became a candidate for that position, and Adolph 
Sutro was his main antagonist. General Thomas 
H. Williams was the Democratic choice, and each of 
them were for the time being the leaders of a party 
in the State— Sharon of the Republican, Sutro of the 
Independent (Dolly Vardcn), and Williams of the 
Democrats. 

The owners of the Comstock Lode had come to 
look upon the Sutro Tunnel scheme with great dis- 
favor, although strongly advocating it at first. 
Thej' had used every means available to defeat the 
enterprise in and out of Congress, and Mr. Sutro was 
violentlj' oj^posed to having the chief capitalist of 
the mines go to Washington as a Senator where he 
could use his position to cripple the tunnel enter- 
prise; consequently, that gentleman entered the list 
for the position himself, determined, at all hazards, 
to "tunnel Sharon's prospects." Thus the mone3'ed 
Titans of Nevada were brought in collision politi- 
cally. To this day, fossil remains of the political 
managers of that era can be warmed into life by a 
reference to the " Battle of the Money Bags" for 
Senatorial honors. 

The Republicans met in Convention at Winne- 
mucca, September 24th. of that year, and placed the 
following ticket in the field: — 

P""or Congress, Wm. Woodburn, of Store}- County. 

For Governor, J. C. Hazlett, of Lyon County. 

For Lieutenant Governor, John Bowman, of Nye 
County. 

For Secretary of State. J. D. Minor,* of Humboldt 
County. 

For Controller, W. W. Hobart,* of White Pine 
Count}'. 

For Treasurer. L. J. Hogle.t of Eureka ("ounty. 

For Superintendent Public Instruction, S. P. Kelly, 
of Eureka County. 

ForSurveyortJeneral. John Day,*of Tiyon County. 

For State Printer, C. C. Powning, of Washoe 
(bounty. 

' TIic.hu uere ti\»o plucLtl upon tile ticket of the Independents, 
and wiTi- dectwl. 

t L. .1. Hiiglc afterwards withdrew hi» candidacy, and the 
name of George Tully, of Ornisby County, was subatituted. 



John Grant. M D. 

Doctor John Grant was bum in Lenox t'ounty, ( »iitario, Canada, in 1831, and 
as the name strongly indicates, is of Scottish anci'sti y. 

From early youth he evinced a desire for study, giving ]>reference at that time 
to civil engineering, with the design of making that his profession For several 
years he |iursued this branch of seientiHc study, till in 1854 he entered the Albany 
Medical College, New York, and adopted the profession of medicine and surgery, 
to which he has since assiduously di-xoted his life. From this college he graduated 
in 1857. Subsequently he graduated from .Tetferson Medical College, of Philadel- 
phia, and is al.so a graduate of the University of Victoria College, of Ontario, and 
of the Royal College of Surgeons, England. 

The Doctor's residence on the Pacific Coast has been chiefly in California and 
Nevada. For fifteen years he followed his profession in Santa Cruz, the pleasant 
summer resort on the Bay of Monterey, California. Here he practiced with great 
success, his fame and skill extending to surrounding counties, extending his busi- 
nes,s proportionately. During his residence at Santa Cruz his acquaintance was 
wide-spread, embracing the prominent members of the profession and the. princi- 
pal politicians and gentlemen of the State. Subsequently, for several years he 
was a prominent physician anil surgeon in Virginia City. In every sease Dr, John 
Grant is a gentleman of fine culture, thoroughly imbued with the sacred cause of 
profe.s.sional proprieties and obligations, a man of the strictest integrity, blessed 
with the itdieritance of a nature that finds happiness in cheering the afflicted and 
downcast, and extending a hand to help the wearv through life. 

The portrait of the gentleman of whom we write accompanies this sketch, A 
fine form and manly carriage ; a countenance always genial, pleasant and intel- 
lectual ; and with all this the Doctor remains a consistent bachelor, too loyal to 
Hygeia to admit another goddess to his devotions. 



STATE ORGANIZATION. 



93 



For MineriilogiBt, II. R. Whitehill, of Churchill 
County. 

For Supreme Judge, W. H. Bentty* of White 
Pine County. 

For Supreme Judge, Warren Earll, of Elko County. 

For Attorney General, Moses Tebbs, of Douglas 
County. 

For Clerk Supreme Court, C. F. Bicknell, of 
Ormsby Count)'. 

On the twenty-eighth of September the Dem- 
ocrats, in Convention at Carson, placed the follow- 
ing candidates before the people for preferment: — 

For Congress, A. C. Ellis,* of Ormsby County. 

For Governor, L. R. Bradley,* of Elko County. 

For Lieutenant Governor, Jewett W. Adams, of 
Storey County. 

For Secretary of State, Charles D. Spires, of Lan- 
der Count)-. 

For Controller, T. R. Cranley, of White Pine 
County. 

For Treasurer, Jerry Schooling,* of Washoe County. 

For Superintendent Public Instruction, E. Spen- 
cer, of Lander County. 

For Surveyor General, George Uaist, of Storey 
County. 

For State Printer. J. J. Hill,* of Humboldt County. 

For Mineralogist, W . F. Stewart,* of Storey County. 

For Supreme Judge, A. M. Hillhouse, of Eureka 
County. 

For Supreme Judge, C. H. Belknap,* of Ormsby 
County. 

For Attorney General, J. R.. Kittrcll, of White 
Pine County. 

For Clerk Supreme Court, B. H. Hereford,* of 
Lincoln County. 

The name of Spencer was withdrawn and that of 
Willis substituted as a candidate for Superintendent 
of Public Instruction. 

On the thirtieth of .September the Independents 
met at Carson in State Convention, and put upon 
their ticket for State offices and Congress some of 
the nominees from both the regular parties; but 
laiiiiig to find u])()n either men that suited them for 
all the positions, they proceeded to iian)e the follow- 
ing gentlemen as third candidates in the field: Ijieu- 
tonant Governor A. J. Hatch, of Washoe County; 
Attorney (ieneral, A. B. Elliott, of Storey County; 
Superintendent I'ulilic Instruction, II. H. Howe, of 
Ormsby Count)-. 

U. II. Howe declined the nomination, and neither 
of the others were elected. 

The Democratic party was made up of two ele- 
ments — one that syin))aihized with or had assiste<l the 
Southern Confederacy; the otiior. that hail done 
lu'ither; and the former element had captured tluir 
Convention, and nominated for Congress Colonel A. 
C. Ellis, an ex-Confederate officer, instead of C. W. 

* These parties were also noniin.itc<l l)y the Iii(Ic|iciiduuts ; yet 
Ellis, Stewart, Belknap, and Heri;foril were ilefeiitcil. 
12 



Kendall, a northern man, who had twice boon elected 
to that position by them. This was a serious mis- 
take, as it turned out, for Mr. Kendall would neither 
be flattered nor whijiped into pulling straight in the 
political harness. He was asked to "stand in," and 
make a ratification speech at a public meeting in 
Virginia City, on the eighth of October. He ap- 
peared on the platform, was introduced by the 
Chairman of the Democratic State Central Commit- 
tee, and then proceeded with such a storm of seri- 
ously damaging accusations and denunciations against 
the party platform, managers, and some of the can- 
didates as the members present of that organization 
never before had listened to. Ho was ordered off 
the platform, and withdrew, with the crowd follow- 
ing him, when he got upon a dry-goods box, and 
continued his '-ratification speech." The box was 
then kicked from under biin by some demonstrative 
members of the enraged audience, and he was forced 
to desist; but followed up the attack with very dam- 
aging letters that were published in the Enterpri»e 
until the close of the campaign. 

The Independents and Democrats chartcreil the 
Opera House in Virginia City for the campaign, and 
forced the Republicans to hold their meetings out 
in the streets. Mr. Sutro had magic-lantern jiictures 
painted in the East representing Sharon in various 
ways as a man that prospered unfeelingly upon the 
misfortunes of others, and free exhibitions were 
given with them to the crowds assembled on the 
streets. 

Thomas Fitch, "the silver-tongued orator," was 
called into the struggle as a |>aitl attorney, to wither 
the Sutro movement with his strange metaphors, 
luminous wit. and scathing satire. The peo])le of 
Storey and Ormsby Counties were told that the 
defeat of Sharon meant success to Sutro, and ruin 
to property values in either of those places, as all 
business would be transferred, in such an event, to 
the mouth of that "Banshee" of a tniincl in Lyon 
County. 

On the third of November the election came oft', 
resulting in the choice of the following parties: — 

]\Ioniber Congress,* Wm. Woodburn, 0,240 votes; 
two candidates; total vote, 17.S(!7. 

Governor,! L. H. Bradley, l(),l!10 votes; two can- 
didates; total vote, 18,0!t."). 

Lieutenant Governor,! Jewett W. Adams, 0,529 
votes; three candidates; total vote, IS.OtiO. 

Secretary of Slate,* J. D. Minor, 10,502 votes; two 
candidates; total vote, IS (101. 

Controller,* W. W. llobtul. 11.01!) votes; two can- 
didates; total vote, 17.0.'j7. 

Treasurer,! Jerry Schooling, 0,404 votes; three 
candidates; total voics. 18,070. 

Superintendent Public Instruction,* S. P. Kelly, 
9,070 votes; four candidates; tola! vote, 17,865. 

Surveyor General,* John Day, 10,078 votes; two 
candidates; total vote, 17,983. 



94 



fflSTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



State Printer,! J. J- HiH, 9,071 votes; two candi- 
dates; total vote, 18,038. 

Mineralogist,* H. E. Whitehill, 9,043 votes; two 
candidates; total vote, 17,94G. 

Supreme Judge (long term),* W. H. Beatty, 9,932 
votes; two candidates; total vote, 18,088. 

Supreme Judge (short term).* Warren Earll, 9.322 
votes; two candidates; total vote, 18,0G4. 

Attorney General,! J- E. Kittrell, 9,050 votes; two 
candidates; total vote, 18,006. 

Clerk Supreme Court,* C. T. Bicknell, 9,209 votes; 
two candidates; total vote, 18,038. 

It will be observed that Hobart's majority is 4,101, 
being nearly double that of any other candidate. 

The Legislative Assemblymen chosen at the time, 
over whoso election the main issue had been made, 
stood as between the Democratic and Eepublican 
parties, as follows: — 

couNnES. Rep. Dem. 

Churchill . 3 

Douglas 3 

Elko 6 

Esmeralda. 2 3 

Eureka 1 1 

Humboldt 1 3 

Lander 2 1 

Lincoln 4 

Lyon - 4 

Nye 2 

Ormsby 4 

Storey 14 (I 

Washoe 4 

White Pine 7 

Hold-over Senators 9 1 

Totals 47 28 

On the twelfth of January, 1875, the vote was 
taken in both branches of the Legislature for a 
choice of United States Senator, as follows: William 
Sharon, 49; H. K. Mitchell, 21; Thomas P. Ilaw- 
ley, 4. 

The Democratic caucus had rejected General Will- 
iams lor Mitchell. The votes of the two houses had 
now elected William Sharon to the United States 
Senate to take the place of William M. Stewart, who 
had proved himself an able, earnest working member 
of that body; and we find with regret that the 
truth of history prevents us from saying the same 
of his successor. 

PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION OF 1876. 

The year that saw the two great national parties 
struggling for victory in the country — with E. B. 
Hayes as standard bearer for the one, and S. J. Til- 
den advocated for the Presidencj' by the other — wit- 
nessed a comparatively quiet political tournament in 
Mevada. The national office — that sovereign State 
gives to her intellectual Calhouns, Jefforsons, Doug- 
lases, Clays, or Webstei-s — was not upon the market 
to call another Nevada Croesus to the front, and can- 
didates were left for ])referment to the strength 

* Uupublicans. 
+ Democrats. 



of their parties, and their own ability and fitness 
for such position as they sought. 

The Eepublicans placed their candidate in the 
field at Carson City, on the twent3--fourth and 
twenty-fifth of August. They gave Hon. Thomas 
Wren the preferment over Charles E. De Long by 
a vote of fiftj'-threo to forty-seven; at the same 
time placing Judge O. E. Leonard upon the ticket 
for Judge of the Supreme Court by a vote of fifty- 
three to forty-two, as between him and Judge D. C. 
McKenney, of Austin. 

The Democrats, at their Convention in Virginia 
City, August 28th, selected as their candidate for 
Congress Colonel A. C. Ellis by a vote of eighty-six as 
against fiftj--six cast for W. W. McCoy, of Eureka, 
for the same position. Judge M. Kirkpatrick was 
nominated without opposition for the position of 
Supreme Judge. Both political parties had placed in 
the field men of integrity, culture, and ability. 

The question of whether there should be a new 
Constitution framed was submitted at this election; 
also the proposition to change the beginning of the 
fiscal year from December 31st to December Ist. 

RESULT OF THE ELECTION. 

For Presidential Electors (Republican) 10,369 

For Presidential Electors (Democratic) 9,294 

Eepublican majority 1,075 

Against a Constitutional Convention 8,032 

For a Constitutional Convention 4,091 

Majority against 3,941 

For Congress, Thomas Wren 10,241 

For Congress, Colonel A. C. Ellis 9,330 

Majority for Thomas Wren 911 

Supreme Judge, O. E. Leonard 10.111 

Supreme Judge, M. Kirkpatrick 9,530 

Majority for O. E. Leonard 581 

The election had made a change in the party 
strength of both branches of the Legislature that 
will be best understood by a comparison of the fol- 
lowing table with that of 1874: — 

POLITICS OP THE LEUISLATURE OF 1876. 



SENATE. ASSEMBLY. 

Rep. Dem. Rep. Dein. 



COUNTIES. 

Churchill 

Douglas 1 

Elko 1 

Esmeralda 

Eureka 

Humboldt 

Lander 1 

Lincoln 1 

Lyon 1 

Nye II 

Ormsby 2 

Storey 2 

Washoe 1 

White Pino 2 



Totals .12 13 34 



1 





1 





2 





1 


1 


2 


1 


2 





2 


2 


2 


2 





3 





2 


1 


1 


2 


1 


1 


3 





1 





2 


(1 


3 





2 


12 


2 


1* 


3 








2 


2 



16 



' Iiidcpeudeut and Hold-over. Of the above Senators, seven 
Republicans and six Democrats were hold-overs. 



STATE ORGANIZATION. 



95 



STATE ELECTION OF 1878 CHOICE OP SENATOR. 

The struggle for Gubernatorial place upon the 
Republican ticket in 1878 was a bitter one. R. M. 
Daggett, General Batterman, and A. J. Tyrrell, of 
Storcj- County, were all desirous of the position; 
and it resulted in the withdrawal, before the county 
primary took place, of the former, and the admis- 
sion to the State Convention of an uninstructed Del- 
egation from that count}'. As usual, the Republicans 
were the first to hold their State Convention, which 
assembled at Eureka, on the eighteenth of Septem- 
ber; and, holding a two days' session, placed a Con- 
gressional and Slate ticket in the field. 

R. M. Daggett was nominated for Congress with- 
out opposition; after which an unsuccessful attempt 
was made to adjourn, the move being defeated by 
Hon. Thomas Wren, who said adjournment meant 
trade; and he was opposed to having a ticket 
placed in the field that was made up of traffic 
material. The choice of a candidate for Governor 
was next in order. General P. E. Connor securing 
sixtj'-three votes, and J. H. Kinkead sixty-six, the 
latter being declared the nominee. Then followed 
the vote by acclamation for Lieutenant Governor, 
II. R. Mighels being chosen without opposition; in 
fact, most of the ticket was made up of men who 
gained a place thereby a vote that indicated a unani- 
mous choice. 

REPOBLICAN TICKET. 

Congress, Rollin M. Daggett, of Storey County. 

Governor, John II. Kinkead, of Humboldt County. 

Lieutenant Governor, Henry R. Mighels, of Orms- 
by County. 

Secretary of State, Jasper Babcock, of Storey 
County. 

Controller, J. F. Hallock, of Lincoln County. 

Treasurer, L. L. Crockett, of Washoe County. 

Superintendent Public Instruction, J. D. Ham- 
mond, of Ormsbj- County. 

Surveyor General, A. J. Hatch, of Washoe County. 

Supremo Judge, Thomas P. Hawlej', of White 
Pino County. 

Attorney General, M. A. Murphy, of Esmeralda 
County. 

Clerk Supreme Court, C. F. Bicknell, of Ormsby 
County. 

All of these gentlemen were elected except H. R. 
Mighels and J. D. Hammond. 

On the twenty- third of September the Democrats, 
in Convention at Carson City, placed the following 
ticket before the people: — 

DEMOCRATIC TICKET. 

Congress, W. E. F. Deal, of Storey County. 

Governor, L. R. Bradley, of Elko County. 

Lieutenant Governor, Jewctt W. Adams, of Storey 
County. 

Secretary of State, George W. Baker, of Eureka 
County. • 



Controller, M. R. Elstner, of Ormsby County. 

Treasurer, J. E. Jones, of Washoe County. 

Superintendent Public Instruction, D. R. Sessions, 
of Elko County. 

Surveyor General, S. H. Day, of Ormsby County. 

Supreme Judge, F. W. Cole, of Eureka County. 

Attorney General, J. R. Kittrell, of While Pine 
County. 

Clerk Supreme Court. Richard Rule, of Storey 
County. 

The only two successful candidates upon this 
ticket were Jewett W. Adams and D. R. Sessions. 

There were several occurrences of this campaign 
worthy of remembrance, among the first of which 
was the dropi)ingof the following resolutions from the 
Republican platform: — 

Resolved, That the Republican partj* of the State 
of Nevada is opposed to, and protests against, any 
repeal, modification, or change of the law taxing the 
net proceeds of mines, commonly known as the Bul- 
lion Tax Law. 

This plank was introduced by Hon. Thomas Wren, 
of Eureka, and was added to the platform of the 
party, but when that document was placed before 
the people it contained no such provision. Mr. 
Wren at once demanded, through the public press 
to know what had become of the lost plank. He 
advertised for it, and the State Central Committee 
dug it up, and put it where the Convention had 
placed it, among the articles of party faith, claiming 
that the important resolution had been inadvertently 
omitted. The historian of the "Sazerac L5-ing Club," 
being the Secretary who copied the resolution, was 
said to be responsible for this notable absence of 
mind. The Democratic platform contained a similar 
clause, and both parties tacked upon their campaign 
declaration of rights a dissoloing view, to the effect 
that they were for bringing railroad corporations 
"to time" upon the question of fares and freights. 

Another incident of importance, and significant 
in many ways, is related b}' Mr. Ilohart, who, by the 
way, as State Controller, proved himself to be one 
of the ablest financiers ever elected to a State 
office in Nevada. lie said that at first there were 
serious doubts in regard to the success of ihe Re- 
publican ticket, especially the Gubernatorial part 
of it, because of lack of funds, and the great pop- 
ularitj' of Governor Bradley; because of his tried 
honesty and incorruptible singleness of purpose that 
could not be reached by either wealth or intimida- 
tion. Besides, the people, many of them, wished 
to reward him by re-election lor vetoing the "Bul- 
lion Tax Compromise Bill." 

General Kittrell, the Democratic candidate for 
Attorney General, made a s]ieech in Virginia Cily, 
in which he handled without gloves the ''Bonanza" 
firm, and made many unnecessary personal remarks 
that so angered Mackey and Fair, the jirincipal 
owners of the " Bonanza Mines," that they, that 



96 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



nif^ht, determined to throw their entire influence 
and streniTth in the direction that would consign 
General Kiltrell and Governor Bradley to their 
political graves. "1 went to Carson," paid Mr. 
Ilobart, "and the next day told my friends that 
the danger had passed, and the Republican ticket 
■would bo elected. From that time forward there 
was no lack of funds on the llepublican side of the 
house;" and, as before stated, with two exceptions, 
their ticket was successful. 

The following are the names of and the votes 
that were received by the successful ones at that 
election: — 

Congress, Rollin M. Daggett, 9,811 votes; two can- 
didates; total vote, 18,959. 

Governor, John II. Kinkead, 9,747 votes; two can- 
didates; total vote, 18,999. 

Lieutenant Governor, J. W. Adams, 9,877 votes; 
two candidates; total vote. 18,898. 

Secretary of State, Jasper Babcock, 10,139 votes, 
two candidates; total vote, 18,961. 

Controller, J. F. Hallock, 10,193 votes; two candi- 
dates; total vote, 19,022. 

Treasurer, L. L. Crockett, 9,813 votes; two candi- 
dates; total vote, 18,981. 

Superintendent Public Instruction, D. R. Sessions, 
9,742 votes; two candidates; total vote, 18.933. 

Surveyor General, Andrew J. Hatch, 9,799 votes; 
two candidates; total vote, 19,008. 

Supreme Judge, Thomas P. Ilawley, 10,447 votes; 
two candidates; total vote, lS,99t}. 

Attorney General, M. A. Murphy, 9,993 votes; two 
candidates; total vote, 18,952. 

Clerk Supreme Court, Charles F. BicknoU, 9,823 
votes; two candidates; total vote, 18,988. 

Constitutional Amendment, Article IS: Yes, 5,073 
votes; ^o, 337 votes. 

Constitutional Amendment, Article 11, Section 10: 
Yes, 3,357 votes; No, 91 votes. 

Constitutional Araondmont, Article 9: Yes, 2,429 
votes; No, 22 votes. 

The singling out of Jlr. Mighels for defeat was 
an unexpected misfortune to the party. There was 
no name on the ticket more entitled to receive the 
full party vote than his whose pen for j-ears had 
been a wand of fire in the State, wielded in the 
interests of Ilopublicanism. Ho was defeated by 
the Virginia and Truckee Railroad Company influ- 
ence, that desired to place S. II. Wright on the 
Bench in the Second District. Mr. Mighels refused 
to support them in the move, and the candidacy 
of Mr. Wright was withdrawn. This independent 
jininialist was then notified that ho, for his temerity 
in standing between them and their interests, would 
be defeated in his political aspirations. The fiat 
bad gone forili, and the Juggernautal c.ir rolled 
over him. 

Two years before the vote for the Lesri^-laturo had 
stood in Ormsliy County: II. R. Mighels, 840; M. 
B. Elbtner, 590; Mighels' majority, 244. 



At this election ho had led his ticket by 66 votes. 
At the election of 1878, when defeated by the rail- 
road influence, the vote stood as between him and 
Mr. Adams in Ornish}' Count}" : Jewett W. Adams, 
Democrat. 532; II. R. Mighels, Republican. 499: 
majority for Adams, 33. 

Governor Kinkead had received 140 ballots more 
than Mighels in the hitter's home county of Ormsby, 
where two years before he was the most popular 
candidate in the field. 

In Storey County the vote for him was 334 less 
than for Kinkead, which, added to the falling off in 
Ormsbj" County — where the railroad machine shops 
are — gives 474 votes, which is 47 more than was 
required to have elected him; and still the railroad 
car of Juggernaut rolls on. 

The unkindest cut of all came from the fact, that 
editorials in the Appeal, favoring the railroad com- 
pany in their issue with the Cornishmon when 
attempting to work Chinamen in 1S7G, were used 
against Mr. Mighels, thus rendering it possible for 
that company to defeat him; and the coincidence 
makes us admire that sweet singer in Israel who 
remarked: '• Put not your trust in princes." 

POLITICS OF THE LEGISLATURE OP 1878. 

SES.*TK. AS.SEMBLT. 

COCTNTIES. Rep. Dem. Rep. Dem. 

Churchill 10 10 

Douglas 10 11 

Elko .1 1 3 

Esmeralda 10 11 

Eureka 114 

Humboldt . 1 1 3 

Lander 10 3 

Lincoln 2 2 I 

Lyon *2 3 

Nye 111 

Ormsby *2 *2 1 

Storey 2 2 14 

Washoe 2 3 

White Pine 2 3 1 

Totals - 19 G 41 9 

Of the eleven hold-over Senators, five were Repub- 
lican, one Independent, and five were Democratic. 

VOTE FOR UNITED STATES SENATOR. 

There was virtually no contest for United States 
Senator, J. P. Jones having no opponent in the 
Republican party, which had been successful in 
electing a majority of both branches of the Legis- 
lature. Ho had achieved, during the six 5-ears that 
ho had represented Nevada in the Senate a national 
reputation as a monetary statesman, excelled by 
none of his com]>eers in that bodj-, and his re-elec- 
tion was a foregone conclu>ion. The candidate for 
the empty honor of the Democratic vote was Hon. 
A. M. Ildlhouse, of Eureka, a distinguished and able 
lawyer. 

On the fourteenth of January, 1879, the Senate 

* Uue uf t^cli of thcau was luilcpeudcut; aiid voted for J. P. 
Jouca. 




Ht.SIDENCE^'>'bUoli^JLob dLUuK"' M^.^M.E. RINCKEL. 

CARSON CT, NEV. 



TH.BifirroN»i(ir,s r. 



STATE ORGANIZATION. 



o: 



and Assembly went throuy;h the formality of a vote 
that resulted as follows: J. P. Jones, 60; A. M. Ilill- 
house, 14. 

PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION OP ISSO. 

The nominations were, on the Republican side. 
James A. (Jarfieldj of Ohio, for President; and Ches- 
ter C. Arthur, of New York, for Vice-President; 
and on tho Democratic side, General W. S. Hancock, 
of Ponnsylvunia. for President; and William G. 
English, of Indiana, for Vice-President. 

The oloction campaign of 1880 was contested in 
Nevada without funds u])on the part of the Repub- 
licans. Mr. Sharon came out as a candidate for re- 
election to tho United States Senate, and Mr. James 
(t. Fair entered the list for that position as his Dem- 
ocratic opponent. Mr. Sharon would not furnish 
money to defray the legitimate expenses of the cam- 
paign, and many of the leadii>g Republicans felt as 
though a i)arty defeat was preferable to a continuance 
of his Senatorial career, his personal affairs having 
demanded his attention, and preventing his attend- 
ance to his duties at Washington. His speeches 
during the canvass demonstrated the necessitj^ of 
making a change, and money from the Democratic 
side of the house served the purpose of intensifying 
the growing sentiment. 

The people felt that a change could be onlj- for 
the better, and election day saw tho Republican ship 
scuttled and sunk beneath the jjolitical waves. 

ELECTION RETURNS. 

For Democratic Electors 9,611 

For Republican Electors 8,732 

Democratic majority 879 

For Congress, George W. Cassidy 9,815 

For Congress, Rollin M. Daggett : 8,578 

Democratic candidate's majority 1,237 

Judge Supreme Court, Charles IL Belknap.. -10,110 

Judge Supremo Court, W. H. Boatty 8,251 

Democratic candidate's majority 1,865 

A.MENDMENTS TO CONSTITUTION. 

Elimination of tho word "white" from Section 1 of 
Article 2: Yes, 14,215; No, 353. 

Add Article 18, granting rights of suffrage and 
office-holding, notwitlislanding coloror previous con- 
dition of servitude: Yes, 14,215; No, 672. 

To add Section 10 to Article 11, forbidding the uso 
of public funds for sectarian pur|)Oses: Yes, 14,848; 
No, 560. 

CHINESE m.MIOUATION. 

Against immigration, 17,259; favor of immigra- 
tion, 183. 

It will bo observed that Mr. Daggett — who had 
accomplished more for his constituents than all his 
predecessors — received loss votes than was cast for 
the Republican President. Ho had offended the 
railroad |)owers in the State. It will also bo noted 
that lion. W. II. Beatly, one of the ablest jurists 
and purest men that ever filled tho position of 



Supreme Judge in Nevada was the worst defeated 
of all. He had failed in his ruling to please either 
the railroad or "Bonanza" interests, and was sacri- 
ficed. 

In tho State Legislature, of the sixty-one mem- 
bers elected to tho two branches, but nine were 
Republicans, of whom two were Senators, viz.: W. 
W. Ilobart, of Eureka, and J. I). Ilanunoiid. of 
Ormsby. 

POLITICS OF THE LEGISLATURE OP 1880. 

SENATE. A.S.SF.^rBLY. 

coiTNTiF.s. Rep. Dcm. Uep. Uem. 

Churchill 1 1 

Douglas 1 2 

Elko .0 2 3 

Esmeralda 10 2 

Eureka .2 3 1 

Humboldt 1 1 3 

Lander 1 1 2 

Lincoln 1 1 3 

Lyon 1 1 3 

Nye 1 2 

Ormsby ..,*2 3 

Storey 2 2 14 

Washoe 1 1 3 

White Pine 1 1 4 

Totals 15 10 7 43 

After tho Legislature assembled a now disturbing 
element uncxpoctedlj' appeared upon the scene, 
knocking at the door for Senatorial preferment. 
Tho new aspirant was the world-renowned Adoljth 
Sutro, to whom was given the sobriquet of ''Assyrian 
bore"-er, who perforated the bowels of Mount 
Davidson with a tunnel that boars his name. It 
had come to be understood, at large in the country, 
that the coveted position was to go to the highest 
bidder for cash; and tho Ass3-rian came with the 
silver notes of discord, to wither, like Dead Sea fruit, 
tho apple of ambition that James G. Fair was in 
the act of jiressing to his lips. Tho attempt was a 
failure, as the following vote will show. 

The dissatisfaction respecting Mr. Sharon, and his 
conduct of tho cam])aign, resulted in dropping him 
from tho list of available camlidates and substitut- 
ing that of Hon. Thomas Wren. 

James G. Fair — Senate, 10; Assembly, 42; total, 52. 

Thomas Wren— Senate, 13; Assomblj', 7; total, 20. 

Rollin M. Daggett — Senate, 1. 

Of James G. Fair, who succeeded William Sharon 
as Uriited States Senator, much has been i)ublislu'il 
for and against, in the volume of which lurks but 
little truth. Tho following from tho Gold Ilill Xews, 
a Republican paper, edited by Alf Doten, may be 
regarded as an impartial and truthful statement in 
regard to him: — 

COLONEL .lAME.S (I. FAIR. 

(i>uite a jiopular error regarding (Jolonel J. (J. Fair, 
which outsiders and those not i)ersonally acquainted 
with him naturally fall into, is that he is second to 

* Olio (if tho«! WHS ;iii Iiiilrpi'iicli'iit. Of llif fourteen .Seiiatnra 
who liild liver twelve were llepublieuus, one .in Inilepumleut, and 
ono a Demuurat. 



98 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



none as miner, mine manafjer, and minintjj engineer, 
but that bej'ond that he knows comparatively little. 
Never was a greater mistake. Colonel Fair never 
graduated from any university of learning, and his 
education has been obtained principallj' in the great 
school of the world; but he is not by any means 
deficient in many of the higher branches of learning. 
He is an extensive reader, and pretty well versed in 
historical, political, and other practical acquirements 
and requirements; he has a well-stored, evenly-bal- 
anced mind; is possessed of sound judgment, an emi- 
nent degree of discretion ; and although he may not 
make a brilliant mark as an eloquent member of 
the United States Senate, yet he will attend to his 
duty, and vote intelligently on all questions. As 
member of any Congressional committee, be he on 
mines and mining, or anj-thing else, he will be 
among the best and most studiously intelligent, for 
whatever he docs not know he alwaj^s studies into 
until he does. 

As a smooth diplomatist he has no superior. * * * 
He can write a ]jretty good newspaper article when 
he cares to, but seldom tries to distinguish himself 
in that line. He takes great interest in the arts 
and sciences, and has spared no expense to give 
his children the best education obtainable. Always 
having a strong desii-e to see the strange countries 
he has read so much about, he took a trip around 
the world, returning only recentlj' — ^just in time to 
bo nominated for United States Senator. For prac- 
tical ability, intelligence, general information, good 
judgment, and sound common sense. Col. James G. 
Fair will average well with his fellow-Senators and 
Congressmen at Washington. 

The Legislature of 1881 re-apportioned the Slate 
reducing the number of Legislators from sovonty- 
five to sixty. This reduces the expense of that 
body about glO,000 per term. The following is the 
new apportionment: — 

Asaembly- 
COUNTIES. Senators. men. 

Churchill... 1 1 

Douglas 1 .. 2 

Elko 2 3 

Esmeralda 1 2 

Eureka 2 3 

Humboldt 1 2 

Lander 1 3 

Lincoln 1 2 

Lyon 1 2 

Nye 1 2 

Ormsby 2 3 

Storey 3 10 

Washoe 2 3 

White Pine 1 2 

Total 20 40 

Senator W. W. Ilobart, of Eureka, introduced a 
bill that, becoming a law, to take effect in 1883, will 
make a further reduction of the expense of a State 
Government — in mileage about $',i,(H)(), and in sal- 
aries, 823,400; making a total reduction of 826,400 
per year. 

SALARY IlEDUCTIONS BV UOBART's BILL. 

Present New 
Salary. Salary. 

Supreme Court Justices (throe) 87,000 85,000 

Governor 6,000 6,000 



Secretary of State 3,600 3,000 

Controller 3,600 3,000 

Treasurer 3,600 3,000 

Surveyor General 1,000 1,000 

Superintendent Public Instruction,. 2,000 2,000 

Lieutenant Governor 3,600 

Ex officio Eegister 2,400 2,000 

Clerk Supreme Court ..:.. 3,600 2,400 

Ex officio Curator and Secretary 

Orphan's Home 800 400 

Governor's Private Secretary 3,300 2,000 

Deputy Secretary of State 3,300 2,000 

Deputy Controller 3,300 2,000 

Deputy in Surveyor General's office. 3,000 2,000 

Deputy Treasurer 3,300 2.0(i0 

Clerk State Library. 1,800 1.000 

Warden Prison.. 3,000 2,000 

Mileage, Members Legislature 40c. 25c. 

Superintendent and Matron Orphan's 

Home 3,000 2,000 

Superintendent Printing. 2,400 2,000 

Totals 877,600 $53,800 

JUDICIAL ELECTIONS — 1861 TO 1878. 

The office of Probate Judge was created in 1861, 
the jurisdiction of that official being about the same 
as now belongs to a District Judge. Each county 
had a Probate Judge — appointed by the Governor, 
with the approval of the Legislature — whose term 
of office was for two years; but there was no Attor- 
ney either elected or appointed. 

In 1862 this law was changed, making the office 
elective; at the same time the office of Prosecuting 
Attorney was created for each county, except in 
Churchill and Lyon, where one was to serve for both. 

In 1S04 there occurred another change that was 
engrafted upon the Constitution, in which the State 
was apportioned into districts, over which District 
Judges were to preside, who were to be chosen at 
the ensuing general election. 

In 1865 the office of District Attorney was added 
to the county offices, to supersede that of Prosecut- 
ing Attornej', the first of those officers being chosen 
at the election of November 6, 1866. 

Each of these judicial officers, except the District 
Judges, were, strictly speaking, county officials; and 
election returns reganling them will bo found with 
the county election histories; but as there were often 
two, and even more than two, counties embraced in 
a judicial district, wo have thought it best to place 
the returns, for the Judges elected in them, in sep- 
arate tables. 

ELECTION OP DISTRICT JUDGES, 1864. 

First District, Storey County, C. B. Burbank, 
3,416 votes; R. S. Messick, 3,443 votes; E. Rising, 
3,418 votes; six candidates. 

Second District, Ormsby County, S. II. Wright, 
687 votes; two candidates; total vote, 1,276. 

Third District, I/yon County, William Haydon, 
964 votes; two candidates; total vote, 1,262. 

Fourth District, Washoo and l?oop Counties, C. C. 
Goodwin, 1,063 votes; two candidates; total vote, 
1,852. 



STATE ORGANIZATION. 



Oi) 



Fillh District, Nye and Churchill Counlios, S. L. 
Baker, 247 votes; two candidates; total vote, 442. 

Sixth District, Humboldt County, E. F. Dunne, 
44.) votes; two candidates; total vote, 81G. 

Seventh District, Lander County, \V. H. Beatty, 
1,278 votes; two candidates; total vote, 2.512. 

Eighth District, Douglas County, D. W. Virgin, 
4G2 votes; two candidates; total vote, 037. 

Ninth District, Esmeralda County, S. II. Chase, 
590 votes; two candidates; total vote, 1,030. 

The State having been redistrictcd, the 

ELECTION OF NOVE.MBER G. 1866 

was as follows: — 

First District, Storey County, Richard Rising, 1,811 
votes; two candidates; total vote. 3,280. 

Second District, Ormsby and Douglas Counties, 
S. H. Wright, 683 votes; two candidates; total vote, 
1,058. 

Third District, Washoe County, C. N. Harris, 603 
votes; two candidates; total vote, 1,169. 

Fourth District. Lyon County, William Uaydon, 
465 votes; two candidates; total vote, 762. 

Fifth District. Humboldt County, G. G. Berry, 
153 votes; two candidates; total vote, 305. 

Sixth District,* Lander County, W. H. Beatty, 
795 votes; one candidate; total vote. 797. 

Seventh District, Nye and Churchill Counties, 
Benjamin Curler, 369 votes; two candidates; total 
vote, 671. 

Jlighlh District, t Esmeralda County, S. H. Chase, 
324 votes; one candidate; total vote, 324. 

ELECTION OP 1868. 
Ninth District.^ Lincoln County, Charles A. Leake, 
58 votes; three candidates; total vote, 105. 

The State having been redistrictcd again the 

ELECTION OF 1870 

was as follows: — 

First District, Storey County, Richard Rising, 1,698 
votes; two candidates; total vote, 3,300. 

Second District, Douglas, Ormsby and Washoe 
Counties, C. N. Harris, 1,169 votes; two candidates; 
total vote, 2,266. 

Third District. Esmeralda and Lyon ('ounties, 
William M.Seawell, 620 votes; two candidates; total 
vote, 1,067. 

Fourth District, § Humboldt County, George G. 
Berry. 378 votes; two candidates; total vote, 731. 

Fifth District, Churchill and Nj'o Counties, Ben- 
jamin tUirler. 399 votes; two candidates; total vote. 
753. 

Sixth District, Lander County, D. C. Konnoy,Mc 
781 votes; two candidates; total vote, 1,445. 

*■ W. H. Beatty re.sigiieil M.iy 17, 18G9, to Ix; installed Judge 
of District No. Kiglit, the uumljcr of tlie newly-created one. 
consisting of White I'ino County. 

+ S. H. Chase ilied October 2S, 18G!). 

t Charles A. Leake dieil in August, 1870. 

§ At the election of November 5, 1872, O. R. Ijcon.ird was 
elected to till the vacancy caused l)y the resignation of Judge 
Berry, March 3, 1871. 



Seventh District, Lincoln County, M. Fuller, 465 
votes; two candidates; total vote, 800. 

Eighth District. White Pine County, W. II. Beatty, 
914 votes; two candidates; total vote, 1,719. 

Ninth District, Elko County, J. II. Flack, 642 
votes; two candidates; total vote, 1,211. 

Still further changes having been made in the 
various districts, the 

ELECTION OF 1874 

was as follows: — 

First District, Storey County, Richard Rising, 
3,758 votes; two candidates; total vole. 5,962. 

Second District, Douglas, Ormsby and Washoe 
Counties, S. H. Wright, 1,584 votes; two candidates; 
total vote, 2,751. 

Third District, Lyon County, William M. Soawell, 
766 votes; one candidate; total vote, 766. 

Fourth District, Humboldt County, W. S. Bonni- 
fiold, 503 voles; two candidates; total vote, 879. 

Fiilh District, Churchill, Lander and Nj'e Coun- 
ties, D. C. McKenney, 1,065 votes; two candidates; 
total vote, 1,831. 

Sixth District, Eureka and White Pine Counties, 
F. W. Cole, 1,290 votes; two candidates; total vote, 
2,555. 

Seventh District, Lincoln County, Henrj' Rives, 
655 votes; three candidates; total vote, 1,354. 

Eighth District, Esmeralda County, James S. Jami- 
son, 248 votes; three candidates; total vote, 555. 

Ninth District, Elko Countj', J. H. Flack, 772 votes; 
one candidate; total vote, 772. 

As the result of changes made by the Legislature 
the districts now stand as follows: — 

ELECTION OF 1878. 

First District, Storey County, Richard Rising, 
3,510 votes; two candidates; total vote, 5,708. 

Second District, Douglas, Ormsbj' and Washoe 
Counties, S. D. King, 1,663 votes; two candidates; 
total vote, 2,922. 

Third District, Esmeralda and Lj-on Counties, 
William M. Seawall, 967 votes; two candidates; total 
vote, l,.'i89. 

Fourth District, Humboldt Count}-. W. S. Bonni- 
field, 533 votes; two candidates; total vote, 914. 

Fifth District, Churchill, Lander and Nye Coun- 
ties, D. C. McKennej', 1,039 votes; two candidates; 
total vote, 2,051. 

Sixth District, Eureka, Lincoln and White Pino 
Counties; Henry Kives, 2,104 votes; two candidates; 
total vote, 3,862. 

Seventh District, KIko County, J. II. Klack, 1,011 
votes; two candidates; total vote, 1,852. 



100 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



CHAPTEE XIV. 

BOUNDARIES OF NEVADA. 

The Boundary Line War — Peace Meeting — Message of Governor 
t'lemens — Line Agreed Upou — Square Miles in Nevada — 
A County of Two States. 

By the Act of Congress, approved March 2, ISCl, 
the boundaries of Nevada were established as fol- 
lows : — 

Beginning at the point of intersection of the forty- 
second degree of north latitude with the thirty- 
ninth degree of longitude west from Washington. 

Thence, running south on the line of said thirty- 
ninth degree of west longitude, until it intersects the 
northern boundary line of the Territory of New 
Mexico — later Arizona. 

Thence due west to the dividing ridge separating 
the waters of Carson Valley from those that flow 
into the Pacific. 

Thence on said dividing ridge northwardlj', to the 
forty-first degree of north latitude. 

Thence due north, to the southern boundary line 
of the State of Oregon. 

Thence due east to the place of beginning. 

The law, by a proviso, excepted from the area 
covered by this descriiHion anj- portion of California 
that might be included, unless that State should 
assent to such segregation. 

THE BOUNDARY LINE WAR. 

This became a fruitful source of trouble later, as 
the west line of California had not been established 
b}- survey, and the question of where Nevada began, 
and the Golden State left off, was a matter of serious 
doubt. 

October 25, 18G1, Governor Nye advised the 
aiijiointmcnt, by the Legislature of Nevada, of a 
commission to confer with California and obtain, if 
possible, the running of the Sierra Nevada mount- 
ain line of division between the two sections. By a 
joint resolution of the two bodies, ])as8ed November 
9, 1861, such a commission was to be named in a 
joint convention of both Houses* l)Ut they failed to 
meet and make the appointments. 

In the meantime, Deput}- United States Surveyor, 
John F. Kidder, surveyed the line as designated b}- 
Congress, from Lake Tahoe. northerly to Honey 
Lake, for which he was paid SoaO.t 

The same Legislature appro))riated SI, 000, con- 
ditionally, to be expended b^- the (Jovernor in esfab- 
lishitig the west boundary line from Lake Tahoe, 
southerly to or bej-ond I'^smeralda County. | 

Ah that county extended to the south line of the 
Territory, it is hard to tell in what sort of a fog the 
Legislators had become enveloped at that time in 
regard to the geography of Nevada. 

Jn 1S(;2 the line was run by J. F. Kiilder and 
Buller Ives, that left Aurora, in Nevada, but the sur- 
vey was not recognized by California. 



* Statutes of 1861, page 512. 
i Statut<a of 1861, p.ige 132. 
t Statutes of 1801, page 209. 



The Legislature of 18G2 passed a joint resolution 
asking the California Legislature to cede to Nevada 
such territory as had been included in the original 
boundary description by Act of Congress.* 

On the fourteenth of Julj-, 18G2, the bill introduced 
by Judge Cradlebaugh became a law by approval of 
the President, that added to the east line of Nevada 
one degree, or about sixtj* miles in width of territory 
lying between longitude thirty-eight and thirty- 
nine degrees west from Washington. 

Matters regarding the western boundary remained 
in this unsettled condition all along the line, until 
1803, when open war broke out along the border in 
Eoop County. 

The immediate cause of the trouble was a conflict 
of authority. The officials of Plumas Count}', Cali- 
fornia, claiming the right to exercise jurisdiction over 
the territorj- embraced within the limits of what the 
Nevada Legislature had organized into the county 
of Eoop. First a Justice of the Peace was enjoined 
by the Plumas County Judge from holding court in 
Eoop Count}', and failing to obey, was fined 8100 for 
contempt of court. Then the Sheriff and County 
J udge of J{oop County were ordered by the courts of 
Plumas County to cease exercising authority in Eoop 
County, and upon failure to obey, the Sheriff of 
Plumas and his Deputy came over and arrested these 
two officials. The citizens then arose and took the 
prisoners from custody before they had been taken 
over the mountains. The Plumas County Sheriff, 
whose name wasE. il. Pierce, returned in a few days 
with a large posse of Plumas citizens, stated to number 
from one hundred to one hundred and eighty persons, 
and one j)iece of artillery, and attempted to enforce 
the arrest of William H. Naileigh, Sheriff, and John 
S. Ward, Probate Judge of Eoop County. The arrest 
was made but a rescue ensued, and open hostilities 
had commenced in the streets of vSusanville. The 
Eoop County forces fortified in a log house, and Pierce 
advancing took possession of a largo barn in the 
immediate neigiiborhood, on the morning of the 
filleenth of February, 1803. The Eoop County men 
fired upon their assailants, and seriously wouncied 
one of them, when the fighting became general, 
resulting in the wounding of two of the log house 
party. An armistice was at length agreed to with 
a view to compromise, and the following is a copy of 
the same: — 

PEACE MEETING. 

A stale of war existing between the authorities of 
Plumas County, California, and the authorities and 
<-ilizon8 of Eoop County, Nevada Territory, a com- 
mittee of citizens of Honey Lake Valley and the 
leaders of the belligerent ])arlies convened at Susan- 
ville, for the ]iurpose of making some arrangements 
for the establishment of jieace. and to stop the fur- 
ther shedding of blood. Frank Drake was appointed 
President, and H. U. Ji'nnings, Secretary. Mr. 
Pierce, Sheriff" of Plumas County, made the Ibllowing 
proposition, /o «>eV.: "Both parties to suspend hos- 

* Statutes of 1862, page 1<)5. 





(JCCyiyVCj >^,//- 



C 



E B. Harris, M. D. 



Dr. Harris comes of an old New England, or rather 
of an old England family, for the Harris family 
were quite prominent several centuries ago, and 
brought with them when they came to this country 
in ltJ32 their coat of arms, and probably also, in com- 
mon with all the older ]S"ew England families, expect- 
ations of inheriting much wealth. The immense 
fecundity of the Harris family (E. B. is one of thir- 
teen) would have so divided the largest estate of 
England that but a few millions would have fiillen to 
the share of each Harris, and the tradition has long 
since ceased to be valued by any member of the 
family, the custom of each one's looking out for him- 
self and making his own fortune being well estab- 
lished among the descendants. Elias Braman Harris 
was born September 13, 1827, at Eichfield Springs, 
Otsego County, New York. At the age of eighteen 
he entered Fairfield Academy, Herkimer County, 
remaining until the age of twenty, when he entered 
Geneva College, where he completed his literary 
course. While in the last institution he commenced 
the study of medicine and surgery under Professor 
Frank Hamilton. The following year he entered 
the office of Dr. \Vm. .M. Spencer, of Otsego County, 
as a medical student, and also read a few books on 
common law at the same time, under the instruction 
of Judge Pomeroy of Cooperstown, New York, with 
the expectation of fitting himself for the profession 
of criminal jurisprudence, the profession involving a 
thorough knowledge of medicine as well as law. 

This design, however, was soon abandoned and hence- 
forth he gave his force to the medical sciences. 

In 1845 he entered the New York Medical Univer- 
sity, and completed his studies under the instruction 
of that world-renowned authority in surgery, Br. 
Valentine Mott, graduating in 1847; also in 1848 ! 
at the College of Surgeons. During the following ; 
year he commenced the practice of medicine in i 
Waterville, in Oneida County. At the beginning of ! 
1850 he took passage for Valparaiso. Not liking the | 
place he left for Panama, where he took passage on I 
a California-bound steamer, arriving in San Francisco 
in December, 1850, where he remained but a few 
months, going to Jackson, then in Calaveras County, 
by way of Stockton and Mokelumne Hill. The spec- 
tacle of a man hanging on the famous tree, executed 
by the court of Judge Lynch, determined him to con- 
tinue his journey to lone, then a little hamlet at the 
head of the valley bearing that name. He 8oor> 
found business in running a hotel, selling goods and 
practicing medicine at the same time in company 
with Dr. Jabez Newton. The following extract from 



a recently published history of Amador County will 
give an idea of his career there. 

I Doctor Harris acted quite a prominent part in the 
! early settlement of Amador County. He was a suc- 
; cessful physician as well as minor. He built and ran 
; forsorae time the Harris cV Newton Hotel; was largely 
I instrumental in the organization of Amador County- 
found time to help build up the State Agriculturai 
Society; mingled in politics; taught singing, and did 
I many things to help build up society. He was among 
the foremost who went to the Washoe mines, put up 
a custom mill, and made thirty thousand' dollars 
before other men had time to look around. When 
the civil war broke out. he joined the Union army 
and was made full Surgeon, with the rank of Major 
where Ins known skill as a surgeon, his great execu- 
tive ability and energy, were invaluable. Though 
genial and social in his habits, he never, either by his 
presence or conversation, promoted or countenanced 
gambling, drinking, and other vices, that swept into 
the vortex of ruin so many brilliant and talented 
young men in carl>- days. 

He was one of the first officers elected after 
1 he organization of the new county of Amador. The 
above remarks were made regarding the numbers of 
able men who at that time resided in the limits of 
the county. 

In the history of the mines of Amador County, 
we find the following in regard to the Oneida Mine! 

The mill and mine were leased, in 1.854, to Dr. E 
B. Harris for a nominal rent, for the purj)ose of hav- 
ingitdeveloped. He was endowed with great physical 
strength and indomitable energy, as wellas good'jud.r- 
raent, and by .selecting good rock, and acting as fire- 
man, engineer, amalgamator, machinist, miner, and 
supenntendont, hy turns, making about a dozen men 
of one and that one himself, he made the mine iiay 
ior that year, about thirty thousand dollars over 
expenses. At that time machinery was generally 
taken to Sacramento for repairs, necessitating long 
delays and much expense. One day a cam-seat or 
groove, on the shaft which holds the key gave way 
and the cam was dangling like a broken leg. To 
take out the shaft and send it to Sacramento was 
expensive, both in time and money, and it was 
resolved to drill a hole through both cam and shaft 
and put a largo pin through them to hold the cam 
By superhuman exertion this was done in about 
three hours, the order to -fire up ' ringing simul- 
taneously with the coming through of the point of 
''"'" and in half an hour the mill was pounding 



the dril 



mi 
away. A year or two afterward the mine was 
rented to Swam Sc Scgar, of lone, who in one year 
lost as much as Harris made. 

After the termination of his lease of the Oneida 
Mill and Mine, he took a trip to the East, with the 
design of remaining, hut he had too long been in 
California to live contentedly in the East, and in 



1855 he returned and invested in the Volcano Canal 
Company, becoming Superintendent. An unusually 
dry season followed, and even his energy could not 
make it a success, and it made a grave of nearly all 
the money he had saved in mining, and he returned 
to the practice of medicine at lone in Amador 
County, which he followed with success until the 
opening of the Washoe mines. 

With his usual great energy he plunged into the 
exciting business of mining, and erected the first 
stamp quartz mill in the Territory. There have 
been several claimants to the honor of having started 
the first mill, but Dr. Harris is most emi)halie in the 
assertion that his was thejirst, starling the machinery 
with his own hand, on the eleventh of August, 1860, 
at 2 p. M. of that daj', in the presence of 500 people. 
At this time the mill, which was a nine-stamp rotary 
battery, ran about an hour, when it was stopped on 
account of a difficulty with the pans. The njxt day 
Mr. Ki»ox was engaged to remedy the defect, and 
again started the mill, but he was unable to manage 
the pans, when Dr. Harris' engineer undertook the 
work and made it a success. From that date the I 



mill was run with great profit, being the most popu- 
lar one in the district, which was soon supplied with 
many works of the kind. [See page 68.] 

On the breaking out of the war of the Rebellion 
he left for the East, and joining the army remained 
until the close of the war. December 21, 1865, he 
married Miss Anna Isabella Stevens, youngest daugh- 
ter of the Hon. James A. Stevens, of Hoboken, New 
Jersey. Not even the changed condition of his 
domestic affairs could induce him to remain in the 
Eastern States, and on the twenty-first of March, 
following, he left for the Pacific Coast, which he has 
since made his home, practicing medicine in Sacra- 
mento and Virginia City. He has a family of three 
children — daughters — and his domestic relations are 
all pleasant. 

As a man, he is social, cheerful, hopeful, possessed 
of a splendid physique, indomitable energy, with 
excellent intellectual developments. The fault of 
his character, if he has any, is a tendency to attempt 
too many things at once, instead of concentrating 
his forces on one object. 



I 



I 



BOUNDARIES OF NEVADA. 



101 



tilitics and disband tlioir forces, he takini; his men 
home with him and report tiie ease to tlie Governor 
orCalilbrnia, re(iuestinii him to eonfer with the (lOv- 
ernor of Nevada Territorj-, that the question of 
jurisdiction may hi- settled |ieaceably— ])endinff such 
settlement neitiier ]>artj- to chiim jurisdiction, also 
that tiie citizens of the valley shall draw U]i a full 
statement of the case and forward the same to the 
(Jovernors of California and Nevada Territorj-, 
requestiiiiT them to settle the ditliculties jjeaceablj' 
and as soon as jiossible." 

Mr. Elliott thought the jiroposition a fair and 
honorable one, and that it would lead to a s]>eedy 
settlement of our present diHieulties. He was lliere- 
foro in favor of Mr. I'ierco's jiroposition. 

Mr. I'ieree (Sherifl) moved tlie appointment of a 
committee of four citizens (two of each ))arly), 
to make the statement to each of the (Jovernors. 
Carried. 

Mr. KUiott moved that we adojit Mr. Pierce's 
proposition for a settlement of our difticultics. 
Carried, unanimously. 

The Chairman api)ointod upon the committee of 
corres[(ondence, Messrs. Itoop, .Murray, .lones, and 
Young. On motion, meetini^ adjourned. 

Fk.vnk buAKK, Chairman. 

H. U. Jennings, Secretary-. 

The above jiroeeedint^s is an agreement of settle- 
ment between the contending parlies of itoop and 
Plumas Counties. 

(Signed) E. II. Pikkce, 

Wm. IliLi, Naileioii. 

The above is a true and correct copy of tiie ])ro- 
ceedings of the ])eace meelini; lielil in Susanville, 
February 1(). l.*>0:!. W.m. Hii.l Nailekjii, 

.Sheriff of Poop County, Nevada Territory. 

MESSAtiE OF liOVEUNOR CLEMENS. 

Orion Clemens, the Territorial Secretary, was 
Acting Governor at the time when the difficulties 
occurred, and also on January 14, 1864, when he 
made the following rei)ort to the Legislature of 
Nevada: Hostilities ceased upon an agreement to 
refer the subject to the (iovernors of California and 
Nevada Teri-itory, for settlement; b\it yet excite- 
ment was great, and began to extend be3'ond the 
immediate locality of the disturbance; serious con- 
secjuencos might ensue. 

I telegra])hed in relation to the afVair to His 
Excellencj- Leland Slanforil, (Jovernor of California, 
and sent Hon. J. K. Lovejo3- to Susanville, to inves- 
tigato the facts. Upon his return ho submitted a 
written report, which, with aceom])anyiiig jiapers, 
is herewith transmitted to your Honorable bodj-. 

Subsequentlj-, a special messenger, William K. 
Parkinson. Esf|., arrived, beai'ing an official state- 
ment from William Hill Naileigh, who had been 
appointed Slieritf of Uoop (^)anty, bj- (Jovernor Nye. 
Mr. Naileigh staled the facts, asked nij- advice, and 
promised to obej' mj- direction in the matter, a 
])romise he faithfully ke])t. 

Accompanying this is .Mr. Naileigh's letter, with 
a copy of my answer, in which are quoted my dis- 
patch to (loveriior Stanford and his reply. 

Judge Itobert Pobinson, of Sacramento, was 
appointe<i b^- tiovernor Stanford, to confer with me 
in relation to the boundary. Alter ascertaining 
that the summit boundary would not be conceded 
by the California authorities, we drew u|) an instru- 
ment, ])roviding as the best that could be done. 
13 



First — That the tlovernor of the Territory will 
appoint a commissioner to meet a commissioner 
appointed bj- the State of tJalifornia, to run and per- 
manently establish the boundarj- line between the 
State of California and the Territory of Nevada, dur- 
ing the ])rcsent j'ear, ISU^. 

The second clause, ]iroviding that the line shoidd 
be tem|)oraril}' regarded as nnming north through 
the eastern eml of Honey Lake, was ]iro])osed by 
Judge Pobinson, and was agi-eed to by myself on 
condition that the line south of Lake Pigler, as run 
by Kidilcr and Ives, in ISdjl, placing Aurora within 
this Territory, should be i-egarded temporarilj- as the 
true line, and Jurisdiction be accordingly so assumed 
b}' Nevada Territory. To this Judge Pobinson did 
not feel authoriy.ed to consent, and the writing was 
leit without signatures, u|)()n a verbal undei-standing 
that if apjiroved by the (Jovernor oi' California, the 
dujilicate should be signed by the Governor of that 
State, and of Nevada Territory, and exchanged. It 
was not so approved, but submitted by (Jovernor 
Stanford to the Jjcgislature of ('alilbrnia then in ses- 
sion, and a law was enacted ))roviding that the Sur- 
veyor (Jeiieral ot' California should I'liii. measure, and 
mai'k the entire eastern boundary of that State, and 
leqnesting the (Jovernor of Nevada Territory to 
ap]>oint a commisr-ionei- to accom])anj- and act in 
conjunction with said Surveyor Genei'al, "])rovided 
that Nevada Territory shall ])ay all expenses of such 
])erson or ])ersons so apjwinted." 1 send you a cer- 
tified cojiy of that Act, together with the ])a])er show- 
ing Judge Pobinson's authority to act as agent nl' (be 
Stale of Calilornia, and a duplicate of the allenipled 
agreement between him and myself. 

There was no law of this Territory authorizing a 
surve}', or the appoiillnieni of a coniinissioner or the 
pa3-nieMt of money, or the making of any contract 
for payment for detiiung and establishing the bound- 
ary. The calling of an extra session of the Legisla- 
tive Assembly was urged Instead of that, I trusted 
this Legislative Assembly. On the sixteenth of .Mmj-, 
18(53, I ajipointed Butler Ives, Esq., one of the most 
competent surveyors on the Pacific Coast, commis- 
sioner for and on behalf of Nevada Terrilorj-, " to 
accom])any and act in conjunction with the Surveyor 
General of the State of California, in definini^ and 
establishing the bouiidar}- line between the Terri- 
tory of Nevada and the Slate of California," and 
made a contract with said Ives by which he jjroin- 
iscd and agreed " to diligently, faithrully and fullj- 
perform all the duties devolving upon him as such 
commissioner," and ])re]iare and file in the otlice of 
the Secretary of the Territory, three copies of the 
maps andfielil notcsof such survey within sixtj- daj-s 
after the completion of the survej-, and make to this 
Legislative Assembly '-a full ami detailed report of 
the manner in which the survey has been made." 
Said agreement also contains the following clause: 
"And as consideration for said services to bo per- 
formed b}- said Puller Ives, said Orion Clemens, Act- 
ing Governor of the Territory of Nevada, in the 
name of the ])eo|)le of said Territory ])leilges the 
faith of Ihe Teri'ilorv of Nevada, to pay as comjien- 
sation to said Puller Ives the sum of (83,0(1(1) three 
thousand dollars in gold and silver coin, of the cur- 
rent money of the United Slates, said sum of money 
to bo so paid to said Butler Ives, thirty daj's after 
the adjournment of the next (this) session of the 
Legislative Assembly of the Teri'itory of Nevada." 

It was slijiulaled" that this S3.()(H) should be ])ay- 
ment in full of all expenses as well as services of him- 
self and assistants. The detailed statement rofeiTed 



102 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



to will doubtless be made by Mr. Ives during your 
session. 

In conjunction with Mr. Kidder, who was appointed 
by the Surveyor General ot Culifornia, .Mr. Ives ran 
the line from the initial point in Lake Bigler, north ^ 
to the southern boundary of Oregon, and south to 
within about a degree of the southern boundarj- of 
the Territory, when the severe cold and other difficul- 
ties compelled a suspension of the labors of the com- 
mission, but the important points were gained by 
showing the true location of the boundary line in the 
Honey Lake region, and thus preventing further 
difficulties, while, in the south, upon the running of 
the line under this commission the State of California 
immediately jielded a jurisdiction long maintained 
over the rich Esmeralda mining region, and the 
position of the line and respective jurisdiction of Cali- 
fornia and Nevada, arc now clearlj- known wherever 
there arc settlements along our western border. i 

Accompanjing this is a copy of my appointment i 
of Mr. Ives, as commissioner, together with a dupli- 
cate of our agreement, and his bond for arms fur- 
nished for protection in going through the Indian 
countr}-, and the inv(/ice and voucher fur the arms. 

All of which is respectfully submitted b}- your 
obedient servant, Ouion Cle.mens, 

Secretary of the Territory. 

THE LINE AGREED UPON. 

February 7, 1SC5, an Act was approved making 
the line between California and Nevada, the same as 
had been decided upon by the former State, by a 
Legislative Act in April, 18U3, consequently there only 
remained necessary a survey to establish the line 
where it had not already been done. The Act above 
referred to of 1803 provided for such sarvej-. 

May 3, 186G, the Congressional Act was approved 
which ceded to Nevada a strip of territorj- sixty miles 
wide, extending from Oregon to the Colorado River, 
and all of Arizona lying between that river and 
Nevada's south line. This acquisition included 
11,000 square miles from Arizona and i;0,850 square 
miles from Utah, and January 18, 1867, the Nevada 
Legislature by Act accepted the gift. 

March 5, 18f)0, the Legislature ajipropriated 84,000 
to bo expended in surveying the east line of the 
State, that by the above Congressional Act, had been 
made on the thirty-seventh degree of longitude west 
from Washington. 

A joint resolution was passed bj- the Nevada Leg- 
islature in 1871, asking Congress to give to Nevada, 
all of Idaho that lay south of the Owyhee River, but 
the proi>o.-ition was not favorably entertained by 
that body. The same year the Nevada Legislature 
memorialized the Legislature of California asking the 
latter body to make the line of division between the 
two States the same as had been named in Nevada's 
organic Act. But this attempt to open the old ques- 
tion met with no favor across the Sierra. 

The boundary lines of Nevada as they now exist, 
commence in the center of the Colorado River where 
the thirty-filth parallel of north latitude crosses that 
stream (near Fort Mojave); from thence in a direct 
north-westerly line to the point where the thirty- 
ninth parallel of north latitude iutertfccls the forty- 



third degree of longitude west from Washington 
(near the center of Lake Tahoe); thence north 
on said degree to the forty-second parallel of lati- 
tude (which is the south line of Oregon); thence 
east on said parallel of latitude to the thirty-seventh 
degree; thence south on said degree to the center 
of the Colorado River; thence down said river to the 
place of beginning. Area 120,000 square miles. 

A COUNTY OF TWO STATES. 

Resulting from a want of knowledge of where the 
west line of Nevada really was, were manj- serious 
incidents, some of them involving litigation as lato 
even as 1881, others tragic in their workings, while 
one at least was phenomenal in the history of poli- 
tics. It was not determined whether the town of 
Aurora was in California or Nevada until in 1863. 
Aurora was claimed by both States, and became the 
county seat of two counties; that of Esmeralda for 
Nevada, and Mono County for California. In 1863, 
Thomas N. Machin, of Aurora, was elected to the 
California Assembly, where hit was selected as their 
presiding officer, and later became Lieut. Governor 
of that State. At the same time, Br. John W. Pugh, 
also a resident of Aurora, was elected by the same 
constituency to the Legislature of Nevada, and he, 
too. was chosen as presiding officer for the bodj* of 
which he had become a member. Thus we have 
the singular coincidence, or political phenomenon, 
of a Legislative branch in two separate common- 
wealths at the same time, being presided over by 
men elected from the same town, b}' mostlj- the 
same votes, neither of whom, probablj*. were entitled 
to their positions because of their having been 
chosen by non-resident voters. 



CHAPTER XV. 

MAILS, STAGES AND EXPRESS. 

Mail anil I'iisstu^'er Ti'aiisport.ition — Snow-shoe Thompson — 
Pony Express— Ovurlaml Mail Stagu Cmniiaiiy — Overland 
Stai-e Fiirm — Telegraph Lines — I'reseut -M.iil U"Utea — Wells, 
Far"0 & Co. s Express — I'ioneer Stage Line — Uverlauil Mail. 

The history- of the transi)ortation of the United 
States mails into and through the Territory of Nevada 
prior to the era of railroads and telegraph lines, is 
similar, in most respects, to that of other new Terri- 
tories. First the pack-mule and the covered wagon, 
followed by the pony express and the stage-coach. 
Although several exi)loring parties and numerous 
emigrant companies had, previous to 1850, passed 
over that ))orlion of the Great Basin that is now 
embraced within the limits of the State of Nevada, 
yet, there had, up to that time, been no ])ermanent 
settlements within the Territory. It was not till 
the 5'ear 1851 that regular mail facilities were 
secured to this section of the country; and even 
then the mail line extended no farther east than the 
Groat Salt Lake. 



MAILS, STAGES, AND EXPRESS. 



103 



Colonel A. Woodiird :iiul Mr. Chorpcninij had 
associated themselves tot^ether, and under the firm 
name of A. Woodard & Co., made a contract with 
the United States in 1851 to carrj- the mail from 
Sacramento, in California, to Salt Lake City. This 
route, commencina; at Sacramento, ran ma Folsom 
to Placcrville. in El Dorado Cuunty; thence over 
the Sierra by the old emi<,'i-ant road, through 
Strawberry and Hope Valleys into Carson Valley, 
throuijh Genoa, Carson City, Dayton, Rai^town, and 
thence across the Forty-Mile Desert to the Humboldt 
Eiver, near the Humboldt Sink; then following the 
old emigrant route east along the Humboldt IJiver 
to what is now Stone-house Station, on the Central 
Pacific Railroad, near which it left the river and, 
turning to the southeast, took the " Hasting's Cut- 
ott'" to Salt Lake Citj-. The entire length of this 
route was 750 miles. The mail was packed on the 
back of a mule, and the trip was made once a month 
each way. 

The actujil difficulties to be surmounted, and the 
dangers, real and fancied, that beset the whole line, 
are too numerous to recount, and beyond the powei-s 
of imagination to correctly paint. Hi the winter, 
upon that portion of the route which passes over the 
Sierra, the snow fell I'rom fifteen to twenty feet on a 
level, and in the canons and mountain gorges drifted 
to the depth of forty or fifty feet. In the spring the 
Carson and Humboldt Vallej's were sometimes flooded, 
and swimming was the onlj- means of passage, 
as there were no bridges. From Stone-house Sta- 
tion, east, the whole country was infested by bands 
of hostile Lidians. The Shoshone tribes were the 
worst, and gave the most trouble. They would skulk 
behind the rocks and watch day and night for the 
mail or emigrant train, lying in wait to kill and 
plunder. So great were the dangers from this 
source that it was found necessary to employ men to 
travel with and guard the mail. In the fall of 1851, 
Colonel Woodard, while in charge of the mail, and 
two young men, John Hawthorn and Oscar Fitzer, 
who were employed as guards, encountered a band 
of these hostile tribes at Gravel Point, near Stone- 
house Station, and were all three killed. Chorpen- 
ing, the surviving partner, continued to carry the 
mail till the fall of 1853, when this contract expired. 
He was then Joined by Ben. Hollidaj", and thej- 
obtained permission to carry the same with a four- 
mule team and covered wagons, which they con- 
tinued till Jinie, 1857, when the establishment of a 
tri-weekly lino of stages from Placcrville to Genoa, 
by J. B. Crandall, left them with the line only 
between Genoa and Salt Lake. Li 1857 a station 
keeper on their line b}- the name of Brown, while 
in the discharge of his duties as Station Agent, near 
Gravelly Ford, was killed by the Lidians. These 
hostile demonstrations on the jiart of straggling bands 
of Shoshones and Gosh-Utes continued till 18(J;], when 
more vigorous measures adoi)ted by General Connor 
put a stop to them. 



SNOW-SIIOK THOMPSON. 

The difficulty of passing over the Sierra, occasioned 
by the deep snows of winter, was partly overcome by 
the use of snow-shoes. The mail was first carried 
across by this means in the sjiring of 1853, by Fred 
Bishop and a man named Drift, who alternated with 
each other in making the trips. They used what 
was called the basket form-, or Canadian jiattern of 
snow-shoe. George Pierce succeeded Bishop and 
Dritt, who in turn gave .way to John A. Thompson, 
better known as "Snow-shoe Thompson." He was a 
Norwegian by birth, and the first to introduce a 
Norwegian pattern of snow-shoo. A pair of them 
can be seen at the present time at the Orinsby House, 
in Carson City. They are ten feet long, turn u]) at the 
front end like skates, or runners, are about five or 
six inches wide and one and a half inches thick in 
the thickest part, and are made from the fir tree. 
They are the identical shoes upon which Thompson 
carried the mail between Genoa and Placcrville. 
The most wonderful stories are related of this man 
and his exploits on snow-shoes. 

This noted mountaineer was born at Upper Tins, 
Prestjrjold, Norway, in 1827. He came with his 
iiither to the United Slates in 1837, and settled in 
Illinois. In 1851 he crossed the plains to California, 
where he worked in different jjlaces for several years, 
sometimes mining, sonietimes farming. Hearing of 
the difficulties attending the transportation of mail 
across the Sierra on account of the great de])th of 
snovv, he determined one day to make a pair of snow- 
shoes such as he remembered to have seen when a 
boy in Norway. Having made the shoes, he went to 
Placcrville, near which jilace he could practice using 
them and test their utility. Finding that they 
worked to his entire satisfaction, he undertook to 
carry the mail across the Sierra on them, making his 
first trip in January, 185G. The distance, ninety 
miles from Placei'ville to Carson Valley, was passed 
over in three days, the return taking one less because 
of the down grade. Having made the e.xiieriniental 
journey successfully, Thompson continued to carry 
the mail between the two points all that winter. The 
weight of the mail bags was often from sixty to eighty 
pounds. When traveling across the mountains he 
never carried blankets or wore an overcoat. He 
traveled b}- night as well as by day when necessary. 
If he canii)ed for the night, he hunted the stump of 
a dead pine tree and having sot fire to it, he built 
him a bed of spruce boughs, on the snow, and lying 
down with his feet to the fiiv rested and slept 
soundly. Ho was never lost in the woods or the 
mountains. By observing the apjiearance of the 
trees and rocks he could tell which way was north 
and which south and direct his course accordingly. 
He helped to bring the material over the Sierra 
Nevada mountains on which the A'tifer/n-ise was first 
jirinted at Genoa in 1858. He was in the battle with 
the Pah-Utcs in Maj', IStiO, at I'yramid Lake, when 
the whites were routed with great slaughter. 



104 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



llo was a man of great physical slreiigth and 
endurance, and of such fortitude of mind and spirit, 
that he courted, rather than feared, the perils of 
the mountains when visited by their fiercest storms; 
and the wild rage of a midnight tempest could not 
disconcert or drive him from his path. But under 
the strain of the exhausting labors ho forced upon 
himself, his great strengtli gave out, and in the 
prime of life he was compelled to surrender to 
Nature's last summons. After a brief illness, at his 
residence in Diamond Valley, he dietl May 15, 1S7G. 
His remains were taken to Genoa I'or burial, lie 
left a wife and one child. 

PtONEER STAGE LINE. 

In the summer of IS'il, Col. J. B. Crandall estab- 
lished a tri-weekly line of stages between Placerville 
and Genoa, ami carried the " Carson Valley express,' 
which was mauagc<l by Theodore F. Tracy. E. \V. 
Tracy was agent at I'lacerville, and Smith and Major 
Ormsby were agents at Genoa. In June of that 
year, T. F. Tracy, accompanied bj- J. B. Crandall, 
Mark Hopkins, J. 11. Neviit, \Vm. M. Cary, John 
M. Doi-sey, Theron Foster, C A. Sumner, ana M. I). 
Keiser, passed over the route, and established the 
following stations between Placerville and Genoa, 
viz.: Sportman's llali, Brockliss Bridge, Silver Creek, 
and Cary's Mill. This was called the •• Pioneer 
Stage Line," and connected at Genoa with the Chor- 
pening wagons to Salt fjake. 

OVERI,.\.ND M.\It,. 

The summer of 1858 marked a new era in mail 
and stage facilities. Crandall transferred the Pio- 
neer Stage Line to Lewis Brad}- & Co., who estab- 
lished a semi-weekly stage between Sacramento and 
Genoa. Major George Chorpening, brother of the 
enterprising and indomitable stage proprietor, had 
secured the United States mail contract from Placer- 
ville to Salt Lake City, which was to connect at that 
point with the regular overland mail to St. Joseph, 
Missouri. This ])ut new life into the route from Cur- 
son to Salt Lake, and raised Iresh hopes for the 
future of the region of country along its lino. The 
first coach under this arrangement left Placerville 
Juno 5, 1858. The tirst Overland mail stage, bring- 
ing letters and passengers from the East, arrived in 
Placerville, Monday-, July IDth of that year, at ten 
o'clock in the evening. The event CLiused universal 
rejoicing, and was celebrated with bonfires, speeches 
and other demonstrations of joy and gladness. W. 
M. Cary's new, and lor those days elegant, hotel was 
illuminated, and the assembled multitudes were 
addressed by G. D. Hall, 1). K. Newell and S. W. 
Sanderson. Dr. Pettit sent up a beautiful balloon in 
honor of the occasion. The Overland mail and stage 
lino was now considered permanently established, 
and in the hands of thoroughl}- reliable and com- 
petent men. Yet the many dillicullies and dangers 
attending its passage made it necessary to send 
special messengers a portion of the way to guard 



the mail and passengers. Messrs. Hightmire and 
Lindsay, most worthy and etficient gentlemen, 
were emploj'od to accompany the mail-coaches 
as far as the Big Meadows, near the Sink of the 
Humboldt, and return with the westward bound 
stage. On their return, July 13, 1858, they reported 
having met, on the third of July, five emigrants who 
came through trom Iowa that season, at the Sink of 
the Humboldt, who took the Truckee route for Cali- 
fornia. They had crossed the country on pack mules, 
and according to a rc|)orl published in the Mounfain 
Democrat of Placerville, at that date, they overlook 
General Harney and troo])S on the Sweetwater in 
the Hock}' Mountains, en route for Salt Lake Citj", 
who gave them perenitory orders notto])ass through 
ihe Mormon countrj", which they had complied with 
by going to the norlh of the City of the Saints. They 
further stated that in Hot Spring Valley they over- 
took a train consisting of sixteen Mormon families 
(most of whom were women), hastening on to Carson 
Valley. These families were, they said, in perpetual 
dread of being pursued and massacred by the Salt 
Lake Mormons, and were making almost super- 
human eft'orts to widen the distance between them- 
selves and the sanguinar}- saints. 

On the fifth of September, of the same year, Mr. 
Lindsay returned with the overland mail-coach, 
having a portion of the Salt Lake mail of August 
llJlh, also the mail which left there August 23d. Ho 
reported an attack upon the mail party, August 20th, 
by the Shoshone Indians, and the destruction of 
their wagon and part of the tnail matter. It appeal's, 
from the account given at the time by the Jfoantain 
Denwrat. that on the night of August 20th, while 
encamped eight miles below the tirst crossing of the 
Humboldt, the mail party of August IGth wore sur- 
rounded by a largo body of Shoshone Indians, who, 
by }-elling and hooting, succeeded in stampeding 
and driving oft' the stage animals. May field, tho 
conductor, and his assistants, remained during tho 
night to guard the wagon, but in the morning, find- 
ing that the Indians had gathered in great numbers, 
they determined to abandon everything except their 
arms and ammunition, and take to the mountains for 
personal safet}-. The mail-coach was afterwards 
found, literally torn to atoms; and the mail-bags 
were ripped open, and tho letters scattered in every 
direction. These were i)icked u|) and taken to 
Placerville, by Mr. Lindsay. About this time it 
was reported that General Hunt lia<l Icit Salt Lake 
City to explore a new stage route, west of trooso 
Creek, which was thought to be 150 miles shorter 
than the one then traveled. The overland stage, 
which arrived September 20, 1858, with mail and 
passengers I'rom Salt Lake and St. Joseph, Missouri, 
brought tho welcome intelligence that the United 
States troops had been ordered forward from Utah, 
to protect the mail and emigrants. October 13th, the 
overland mail reached tho west end of the route on 
horseback, in advance of the stage, which bad been 



MAILS, STAGES. AND EXPRESS. 



10c 



delayed. It brought tho news tliat ( Ji'iieral limit 
and Dr. Forney, tho Indian Agoiit in Utah, had 
rouc-heil (Jravell}- Ford, and were snjourning there 
with tho Sboshonos. 

A settlement having been effected, for tho time 
being, with tho hostiles of that tribe, the mails were 
more regular and made better time, and tho business 
■was greatly inereased. In January, 1S50, the over- 
lan<l stage brought the President's message from Salt 
Lako in seventeen days. Letters sent by the over- 
land mail reached their destination in tho East ten 
days in advance of tho ocean steamer, and as a stage 
left once a week this line began to be the more 
po|iular and more generally ]>atronized by the 
public. 

April 2:i, IS.')!), there were .")(!() jiouiids of mail 
8bi|)|>ed by the East bound stage, the largest amount 
ever before taken at one time. In June of this year, [ 
Captain Simpson, of the United States To])ograiih- 
ical Engitieers, surveyed a new route from (^anip 
Floyd to Genoa, which it was claimed would shorten 
the distance about :!l)(l miles. Tho distance from 
Camp Floyd, by the oM Humboldt route to Crenoa, 
was reported to be 8.")4 miles, lly'the Chorpening 
route through Ruby Valley about TilO miles, and by 
the .Simpson survey .")(i.") miles. 

In September the companj- cut hay ami made the 
necessary pre]iarations to move down on to (he ('en- 
tral or Simpson route, which ihey did the winter 
following. In O(^tober, 18.")9, Chorpening's agents 
having failed to call for the overland mail at Placer- j 
ville, it was handed over to Ijcwis Brady & Co., 
proprietors of the Pioneer Stage, who carried it till 
March, IStiO, when it was returned to the charge of 
Chorpening, ho being required to carry it with four- 
horse teams. In October, 18.j9, J. A. Thompson and- 
Judge Child started a now stage lino to run tri- 
weekly botweon Placervilio and tionoa. They run 
with coaches from Placervilio to Strawberry Vallej', 
and from there to ('arson Vallo}^ they used sleighs, 
and thus kej)! the line ojien all winter. For this 
purpose they built two tine sleighs, with three seals 
each, in December, 'ii<')'.), which were the first sleighs 
ever used on this mountain road. In the spring of 
1860 Louis JIcLane purchased the "Pioneer Stage 
Line" between Placervilio and Cienoa, which ho 
transferred in tho year 18G1 to Wells, Fargo & Co., 
who then run the entire route to .Salt Lake. In the 
summer of ]8(;o A. J. Phodos started an o]>posilion 
stage line between Placervilio and Carson City via 
Genoa. He used six-horse coaches, made daily trips 
in from ton to twelve hours and reduced the fare 
from fortj- dollars to twenty dollars. In the sum- 
mer of 18(J2 he sold out to McLano, binding himself 
not to start another opposition lino. 

PONY KXPUESS. 

In the spring of 18(;() the celebrated Pony E.vpresa 
was established by Jones, Pussel & Co. W. W. Finney 
as agent, organized tho line between Sacramento and 



Salt Lake. Tho express came from San Francisco 
by steamer to Sacramento, and was there immedi- 
ately taken by a man on horseback. Tho old emi- 
grant route was followed across tho Sierra till tho 
valley of the Carson was reached, when the Simpson 
route was adopted. This led to the east, through 
tho desert in Churchill County, crossing the Peoso 
River at Jacobsville; thence northeast to I'liliy Valley 
and thence southeast, passing out through Deep 
Crock and around the south end of Great Salt Lake 
to Salt Ijako City. The time between Sacramento 
and Salt Lake by tho Pony Ex])ros8 was three and 
one-half da3's — relay stations every twenty-five 
miles. One rider covered sovonty-fivo miles, and ho 
was given but two minutes at each station passed. 
Tho average I'ate of travel was nine miles ]ier hour. 
Tho schedule time from New York to San Francisco 
was thirteen days, via St. Joseph, Missouri. The first 
express left Sacramento April l. 1S()II, at 2: 4.") p. m., 
and carried fiftv-six letters from San Francisco, 
thirtetn from Sacramento, and one from Placervilio 
at five dollars jicr letter. Tho first express from 
New York arrived A])ril l.'i. lS(i(l, bringing eigh( let- 
ters. The time from St. .losejih was ten days. The 
third trip of the ox])rcss brought news of the result 
of the prize fight in London between lloenan and 
Sayers. Also of tho adjournment of the Democratic 
National Convonti'in at Charleston, South Carolina, 
to meet in Baltimore tho eighteenth of June follow- 
ing, as there had been no agreement upon a Presi- 
dential candidate. The quickest time on record 
made by tho Pony Express was with President Lin- 
coln's first message. The time taken in bringing it 
from St. Joseph, Missouri, to. Carson City, a distance 
of 1,780 miles, was five days and eighteen hours. It 
was done with double sets of horses, /. e., with fresh 
horses between stations. 

OVERLAND MAIL STAGE COMPANV. 

The year following the establishment of the Pony 
Express, the Southern Daily Overland Mail, which 
had been established in 185!! through northern Texas 
to California was transferred to tho Central or Simpson 
route, its regular trips commencing on the first of 
July, 18(11. The reason of this transfer was the 
anticipated disturbances along the southern line, 
C0iise(iuent u])on the war of the JJebellion. The 
trans-continental telegra])h was also built along this 
line. Tho work of constructing it was commenced 
in 1850, jiushed rapidlj- forward in 1S(!0 and 18(!1, 
and com]iloted tho twenty-second of Se])tembcr of 
tho latter year. Previous (o the establishment of 
the whole line, that portion between Placervilio and 
Virginia City was built and operated by the '• Pla- 
cervilio and Humboldt Tolcgra[)h Company," and was 
known as " Bee's (Jrapcvino Line," having been jtro- 
jected and built by Col. F. A. Bee. (3ver the Sierra 
the wire was attached to the trees, and their sway- 
ing b}- the wind, caused tho wire to stretch, until, in 
many places, it lay along the ground between the 



106 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



points of Bui)|)ort. It is Haid that teamsters would 
sometimes cut out jiiccos of the line and use it in 
repairing the wheels of their wagons. One teamster 
being remonstrated with for this, said ho supposed 
the wire had been ]>laced there by the Toll-road Com- 
pany to be used for that purpose. In consequence 
of these breaks, messages were often delayed. If 
there were important messages |)assing ihrougli and 
the line was broken the message would bo transferred 
to the Pony Express, and in this way the telegraph 
was often beaten into Sacraniento by tiio ))OTiy rider. 
Tills was the case with President Lincoln's tirsl mes- 
sage and the news of his first election. 

From the date of the removal of the Southern Over- 
land -Mail to the Central route, and the establishment 
of the Daily Stage line, the mail facilities and means 
of transportation into and through the Territory be- 
gan to improve rapidly. New roads were constructed 
and the old ones were improved, so that heavj^ 
loads of merchandise could be transported and faster 
time made over them. Two toll-roads were built 
across the Sierra ; one called the Placerville, and llie 
other the Dutch Flat, or Donner Lake route. These 
were wide enough so that teams could pass in the 
narrowest places. The overland stage run with great 
regularity, and its business was conducted with 
promptness and dispatch. 

The discovery of silver and the development of 
the mines at Virginia City, gave rise to a raj)id in- 
crease of trade, and other and competing lines of 
stages were started. Quick trips from Virginia City 
were often required to be made by parties on special 
business to Sacramento, and they were sometimes 
made in an incredibly short time. On the twentieth 
of Februar}-, 1864, the Pioneer line is reported to 
have made the trip in five minutes less than twenty- 
four hours. The fastest time recorded was on Juno 
20, 1804, when the Larue lino is reported to have 
made the trip over the mountains, from Virginia City 
to Sacramento, in twelve hours and twenty-three 
minutes, canying the mail and William M. Lent, 
John Skac, and S. Cook, as passengers, they having 
chartered the coach. 

So great and so regular was the inci'oase of busi- 
ness and travel by the Overland stage, that the com- 
pany was eomi)ellod, from time to time, to add new 
stations, and increase the number of horses and 
coaches, till, in the spring of 18()5, thej' had, between 
Virginia City and Austin, a distance of one hundred 
and eighty miles, thirteen stations, eight drivers, sev- 
enty-eight horses, and fifteen mud-wagons and 
coaches. Between Austin and Salt Lake, there were 
thirty-six stations, si.xty wagons, one hiindi'ed and 
ninety horses, and twenty-two drivers — distance from 
Virginia City five hundred and fifty miles. This was 
called the Western Division, and was owned by the 
Overland Mail and Stage Company. The distance 
from Salt Lake to the eastern terminus on tlie Mis- 
souri Kiver was 1,220 miles, termed the Eastern Di- 



vision, was owned by a New York company, and 
managed by Ben Holladay. 

OVEIIL.VND STAOE F.VRM. 

In consequence of the exorbitant prices demanded 
by the Mormons for hay, grain, and all kinds of pro- 
visions, together with the groat expense of trans])or- 
tation, the Overland Stage Company determined to 
make the experiment of raising their own fodder, 
and selected IJuby Vallej' as the best place for this 
purpose. The success of the enterprise had so far 
developed its advantages, that in the spring of 1865 
thej' emj)lo3-ed one hundred men, thirty plows, 
ninety yoke of oxen, and sowed 90,000 pounds of 
grain. 

As a result they harvested 8,.")75 bushels of barley, 
8,745 bushels of oats, 1,655 bushels of potatoes, 1.854 
bushels of turnips, 1,000 bushels of carrots, and sev- 
enty-eight bushels of beets. Theirs was the first 
experiment and the beginning of farming in eastern 
Nevada. 

TELEORAPII LINES. 

The first movement towards an Overland Tele- 
graph line was made at Placerville in 1S5S, by the 
organization of the Placerville and Humboldt Tele- 
graph Company. Tho first pole was erected at 
Placerville Julj- 4, 1858, and tho line built to Oonoa 
that fall, and extended to Carson City in the spring 
of 1859, and to Virginia City in 1860. It was not 
completed to Salt Lake till tho fall of ISGl. Tho 
line to Virginia City had been constructed ijj- private 
means, and frequent attempts had been made to 
secure Slate and National aid to extend it, but with- 
out avail. However, in Juno, 1860, Congress passed 
an Act, directing tho Secretary of the Treasury to 
advertise for sealed proposals for the " use by the 
Government " of a lino or linos of tolograi)h, to be 
constructed within two years from July 31, 1860, 
from some point on the west lino of Missouri to San 
Francisco, for a jjoriod of ton j^cars, and to award 
the contract to the lowest bidder, provided ho did 
not require more than §40,0(10 per j-ear. By a con- 
cert of action between all tlie Pacific Coast companies, 
they availed themselves of this proffered assistance, 
and ajiplied it to the construction of one through line. 
For this purpose tho Overland Telegraph Company 
was organized, with a capital of Sl,2,")0,000. The 
eastern end of the line, from Salt Lake to Omaha, 
was constructed under tho supervision of Mr. Edward 
Creighton ; from Salt Lake to IJuby Valley, under 
tho su))orvision of James Street ; from Jiuljy Valley 
to Carson, by J. M. Hubbard. The General Super- 
intendent from Placerville to Salt Lake, was Horace 
W. Carpontior, and Mr. James CJamble liad general 
supervision of tho whole line. Thus arranged and 
divided up, tho work of construction commenced. 
On the twenty-seventh day of May, 1861, operations 
were inaugurated by Mr. Gamble, who started the 
construction outfit, consisting of a train of thirty 
wagons, from Sacramento, loaded with wire, insula- 



MAILS, STAGES, AND EXPRESS. 



107 



^ 



tors, provisions, etc. — also eeveral luindrod head of 
oxoii, horses, and mules. Although late in the season, 
there was no stoppage for storms or bad roads, and 
on the twenty-second daj- of September, a few daj's 
less than four months from its commencement, this 
great enterprise was completed, and connection at 
Salt Lake was made with the eastern lino. Upon 
that day was transmitted over the wires the news of 
the Union defeat at Ball's Bluff, Viri^inia, and the 
death of Col. E. D. Baker, the United .Stales Senator 
from Oregon, This line was built along the Central 
route through Nevada, and was operated in connec- 
tion with the Overland Stage and .Mail line till the 
completion of the Overland Railroad, May 13, 1869, 
when they were both drawn off and that route aban- 
doned. 

PRESENT .MAIL ROUTES. 

The great Overland Mail and Stage line was with- 
drawn from its route upon the comi)lelion of the Over- 
land Railroad, still there were numerous lines in the 
interior, generally well equipped and conducted with 
great spirit, enter]>rise and energy, and by reason of 
the growth and gradual development of the State, 
many of like character have been added since. All 
the towns and mining camps of importance in the 
State, not on railroa<l lines, and now sup])lied with 
good mail facilities, are herewith enumerated, to- 
gether with their distances from each other and from 
the nearest railroad station. 

Commencing with lieno, on the Central Pacific 
Railroad, near the west line of the State, there are 
at present two dailj' stage lines (t'xcei)t Sunday-) run- 
ning from that station to the north anil northwest. 
One leads back northwesterly into California ilii-ough 
Phimas and Lassen Counties toSusanville, anil is used 
most of tiie year in distributing the mails to those 
counties, on account of the deep snows that fall upon 
the mountains to the west. To Pocville or Peavine Dis- 
trict, Nevada, is ten miles, and to Junction in Cali- 
fornia is ten more. The other line extends north- 
erljr through Roop County to Fort Bidwell, in Modoc 
County, California, ISt miles, passing through Pyra- 
mid, thirty miles from Reno; thence thirty-five miles 
to Sheephead; thence twenty-seven miles to Ikitlalo 
Meadow; thence to the northwest into Calif'oi'uia by 
Eaglesville, Cedarville, and Jjake City to Fort Bid- 
well; thence across to Willow Ranch, thirteen miles 
to the west. 

From Hye Patch on the CJentral Pacific Railroad 
Kouthwest to Vanderwater fourteen miles, and thence 
ten miles to Unionvillo, is a tri-wooklj'^ mail, and 
twice a week from Mill City to Dun (ilen, nine miles. 

From Winnemucca iioilli there are two daily lines 
(except Sunday), One an important lino carrying 
the Idaho mail, runs to Willow Creek, fiCty-four 
miles; thence twenty-five miles to Fort McDerniitt, 
and thence on to Boise City in Idaho. The other 
runs to Willow Point, twenty-five miles; thence to 
Paradise Valley, twenty-one miles; aud thence to 
Spring City, twelve miles. 



From Battle Mountain on the Central Pacific Rail- 
road, a daily line (except Sun<lay) runs to Tuscarora, 
sixtj'-eight miles; thence to Cornucopia, twentj--five 
miles; thence to White Ro.'k, eighteen miles, thence 
to Mountain City, twenty-eight miles. From Cornu- 
copia to Columbia, twenty miles, is a tri-weekly line. 
South from Battle Mountain is a tri-wcekly line to 
Lewis, twelve miles. 

From KIko to Tuscarora, fifty-nine miles, there is a 
daily mail and stage line, connecting with the Battle 
Mountain lino to Mountain City. 

From Palisade on the Central Pacific Railroad, to 
Bullion, fourteen miles, is a tri-weekly. 

From Elko south to Eureka, a weekly- line runs 

! through Mound Valky and Dry Creek, thirty-two 

miles; thence twenty miles to Huntington; thence 

twenty -six miles to Cold Creek; thence via Diamond 

to Eureka, thirty-seven miles. 

From Eureka to Belmont is a daily stage (except 
Sundaj-) running to More}-, eight}' miles; thence to 
Hot Ci'cek, sixteen miles; thence to Tybo, twelve 
and one-half miles; and thence thirtj'-five miles to 
Belmont. From Morcy to Duckwater, forty-four 
miles, the stage runs once a week. 

From Al]iha, on the Eureka and Palisade railroad 
to Mineral Ilill, eight miles, is a daily stage. 

Between Eureka and Pioche is a tri-weckl}- line, 
running fii'st to Pinto, seven and one-half miles; thence 
to Hamilton, thirty-five and one-half miles; thence 
to Ely, forty-five miles; thence to Ward, seventeen 
miles; thence to Bristol, eightj'-five miles; thence to 
Royal Cit}', ten miles, and to Pioche, fitleen miles, 
making the whole line 215 miles. 

There is a tri-weekly mailf'rom Hamilton to Ebcr- 
hardt, five miles distant, and to Treasure City, three 
miles. 

From Wells to Hamilton is a tri-weekly lino, run- 
ning through Elaine, twentj'-eight miles; thence to 
Spruce Mountain, thirty miles; thence to Cherry 
Creek, fifty-two miles; thence to .Schcllbourne, sixteen 
miles; thence to Hamilton, ninety miles, making the 
whole line 2IG miles. 

From Spruce Mountain to Arthur, twenty-five 
miles, and thence to Ruby Vallc}-, seven miles, is a 
weeklj- mail. 

From Pioche to Mineral Park in Arizona, 22'J miles, 
is a tri-weekly line, running first to St. Josei>h, 117 
miles; thence to .St. Thomas, twelve miles; and thence 
100 miles to Mineral Park, The line at Mineral Park 
is connected with a line Irom there along the Colo- 
rado River to Yuma IJ.'U! miles. 

A daily stage runs from Piorlie to Bullionville, 
twelve miles; thence to Panaca, twn miles; thence to 
Clover Valley, iwenly-eight miles, and thence east to 
connect with the Utah Southern Railroad. 

From Pioche to lliko, sixt^'-six miles, the stage 
runs twice a week. 

A tri-weekly mail runs from Osceola east and con- 
nects with the Utah Southern at Frisco. 



108 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



From Austin, the southern terminua of the Nevada 
Central Railroad, a tri-woekly mail goes southwest 
to lone Cily, til'ly-fis-e miles; thence to Grantville, ten 
miles, and to Candalaria, seventy miles. Also, from 
Austin southwest to Junction, thirtj' miles, thence to 
Pine Creek, forty-two miles, and to Belmont, eighteen 
miles, is a tri-weekly mail. • 

From Wadsworth,on the Central Pacific Eailroad, 
a tri-wcekl}- mail goes southeasterly to Saint Clair, 
thirt3--two miles; thence to Stillwater, twent3--two 
miles; thence to Ellsworth, seventy-five miles; thence 
to Downej-vilie, eleven miles; thence to (frantville, 
twenty-eight miles; thence to San Antonio, forty- 
seven and one-half miles, and to Belmont, thirty-two 
and one-half miles, making the whole line 248 miles. 

From Daj-ton a tri weekly mail runs to Welling- 
ton, through Fort Churchill, twenty-two miles; thence 
to Wabuska, twenty miles; thence to Mason Valley, 
si.xtoen miles; thonce to Wellington, fourteen miles. 

From Mason \'alley to Aurora a tri-weekly mail 
goes via Cambridge, twenty-five miles; thence to 
Wai'hington, fourteen miles, and thence to Aurora, 
twent3'-one miles. 

From Aurora a daily mail (except Sundaj-) goes 
southeasterl}' to Columbus, passing througli Marietta, 
fiftj' miles; thence to Belleville, ten miles; thence to i 
Candalaria; eightmiles; to Metallic, one and a quarter 
miles, and to Columbus seven miles be^-ond. Thence 
a stage goes twice a week to .Silver Peak, thirty-six 
and one-half miles; thence to Lida*, twenty-three and 
one-half miles, and turning north to Montezuma, 
twenty-five miles. 

From Aurora a daily mail goes to Bodie, in Cali- 
fornia, twelve miles. Also, a daily mail goes from 
Aurora south into California, through Mono and 
Jnyo Counties, su))]i!ying numerous ])ost-ntfices and 
connecting with the Southern Pacific Jiuilroad at 
Caliente. 

From Carson City a daily stage runs to Glenbrook, 
fourteen miles. Also, from Carson a daily stage 
runs to Aurora, jiassing through Genoa, thirteen 
miles; thence to Sjii'ague, twent^'-two miles; thence to 
Walker liiver, seventeen miles; thence to Welling- 
ton, five miles; thence to Pino Grove, twenty-five 
miles; thence to JJockland, five miles; thence to 
Sweetwater, twenty miles; thence to Elbow, ten miles, 
and to Aurora, seventeen miles. 

From Walker River to Coleville, twenty miles, is 
a weekl}' mail. 

From Genoa to Monitor and Silver Mountain in 
California, is a triweekly mail, going to Sheridan, 
eight miles; thence to Woodford, ten miles; thence to 
Markleeville, seven miles, and to Monitor and Silver 
Mountain, six miles. Between several points the 
mail is carried by a special supply line. This is the 
ease iietween Lovelock and .Salinas, forty-five miles; 
between K\\n> and liamoile, eighteen miles; between 
Battle Mountain and J$ailey, twenty-two miles; 
between Schellbourne and Annini, twentj- miles; 
between Fair Play and Buby Valley, twenty-five 



miles; between Junction and Twin River, thirty-one 
miles; and between Lida and Gold Mountain, twelve 
miles. 

Such is the condition of the mail and stage ser- 
vice in 1881; changing as mining towns grow into 
importance or decline, and as railroads are extended. 

The Carson and Colorado Railroad will undoubt- 
edly produce the most immediate change in the lines 
running southeasterlj- from Car.son, making Haw- 
thorne, or other towns as the road is extended, the 
distributing, or initial point of routes. 

In the historj- of Nevada, the mail and express 
lines have borne an important part. Penetrating the 
wilderness they have followed close upon the foot- 
ste])s of the prospector, rendering aid and comfort in 
the development of the country. Wherever the 
miners made a camp the stage was quick to go. In 
the excitement of new discoveries of mines a rush of 
]ieople would follow, a stage line would be put on, a 
mail route petitioned for, and post-oftices established. 
The National Government was generous in granting 
subsidies oi- letting contracts for carrj-ing the mail, 
and thus aided materially in maintaining lines where 
the income was small and the necessity for such 
accommodation to important enterprises was great. 
This generosity led to great abuses, and soon lines 
were conducted disgraceful Ij' to enterprise, but gen- 
erally Ibej- were an honor to their proprietors. 

WKLLS, FARliO ,«. CO.'s KXPRKSS. 

Ill the rapid growth and suililcii collapse of some 
mining towns, apjilicatioiis for ))ost-otfices have been 
made, which going through the "circumlocution 
office " of the de[)arlments at Washington would bo 
granted about the time the last tent had been folded 
and removed. There was another jiower, however, 
an institution peculiar to the Pacific Coast, which 
has no such "office"' but stood ever read\' on the 
frontier, and wherever the miner pitched his tent, 
however broad the tlesert or rugged the cafion, if 
letters were to be sent or bullion carried, there went 
the messenger with his pouch and strong box. This 
institution was Wells, Fargo & Co.'s express, always 
in the van of pioneers, readj- with the rush to go, 
serving its ])urposo and reaping its reward, then 
retiring as business declined, its facilities and accom- 
modation always corresponding with the times. This 
com))any rendered the pioneers needed service, for 
which it is held in grateful remembrance. So prompt 
and faithful were its messengers in the deliver}' of 
letters, that for several years the express did the 
princi])al carrying business, charging but two to 
seven cents in addition to the Unitetl .States postage. 
In addition the company transjjorted all the bullion 
of the country, keeping such a record of its produc- 
tion that its statistics have become authority suj)er- 
seding all others. 




■^, 








George Thomas Marye. 



GEoK(iE TiKiMAs Marve, OF, 118 he usnuUy signs his 
name, (reo. T. Maiye.was born on the twenty-seventh 
of November 1817, near the little town of Luray, 
Pago County, Virginia. This is one of the most 
lovelj^ sections of the Shenandoah ^'alleJ% and has 
become famous for its romantic scenery and wonder- 
ful caverns. 

The familj- of the Maryes is of Huguenot origin, ! 
and is one of the oldest in the State of Virginia. 
The first of the name, and the founder of the family 
in America, was James Marye, a clergyman of the 
Reformed Church of France, in the Province of Nor- 
mandy, lie, like most of bis co-religionists, was 
driven from France by the persecutions following the ; 
revocation of the Edict of Nantes in 1C8."). His 
departure from his native country was attended 
with many dangers and narrow escapes, and his 
adventures, and those of other Huguenots who 
subsequently eanie with him to this country, form 
the basis of a very interesting story called " The ! 
Huguenot's Sword," published in the April number of 
Harper's Magazine for 1857. He was fortunate in 
avoiding arrest, and found refuge in London, where 
he remained for several years. While there he mar- 
ried Miss Letitia Staige, an English, lady, who was 
his faithful companion throughout life, and who ac- 
companied him on his voj^ago to his new homo in 
what was then the distant Colony of Virginia. 

In IGIU or l(i02 the British Crown made a grant 
of lands on the James lliver to a number of French 
Huguenot refugees who had fled to England. One of 
the grantees was James Marye, and among them 
were the Meanx, the Fontaines, the Fiournoys, the 
Maurys, the d'Aubignes (or, as the name is now 
written, the Dabnoys), and others whoso descendants 
are still among the prominent citizens of Virginia. 
They came to this country in a body and founded the 
town, or settlement, of Monacan in Powhatan County. 
James Marye came with them as the minister of the 
band of colonists, and continued to reside at Mona- 
can in that capacity for manj^ years. Hishoj) Meade 
in his work on the "Old Families and Cluirches of 
Virginia" gives an interesting account of the estab- 
lishment of the church at Monacan, and of James 
Marye's ministry there, and also of the subsequent 
ministry- of himself and son, also called James, at 
Fredericksburg in Spottsylvania. James the elder, 
as we read in the Rev. Philip Slaughter's full and 
complete historj- of St. George's Parish, removed 
from Monacan to Fredericksburg in 1709, at the call 
of the vestry of St. George's Parish, which at that 



time embraced all of Spottsj-lvania County. He con- 
tinued to reside at Fredericksburg as Rector of St. 
George's until his death, which occurred in 1730 at 
the old family homestead in the outskirts of the 
town, on one of the hills overlooking it and the 
neighboring river. The hill, with the house that 
crowns it, is called Marye's Heights, and was the 
scene of some of the bloodiest engagements of the 
war of secession, when the National forces under 
Burnside and Hooker, undertook to capture Fred- 
ericksburg. It still belongs to the Fredericksburg 
branch of the Slarye familj-. One of the sons of tho 
younger James, who succeeded his father as Rector 
of St. George's, named Pierre, left Fredericksburg, and 
settled at Culpeper Court House, where he mar- 
ried Miss Eleanor (ireen, daughter of Col. William 
Green, of Culpeper, on the ^ixth of December, 
177.'>. Ho had several children, and among them 
William Staige, the father of tho subject of this 
sketch. 

William Staige Marj'c was born on the fifteenth 
of February, 1775, and while still a youth left his 
father's home and crossed the Blue Ridge Mount- 
ains into that portion of the Shenandoah Valley 
which has since been made Page County, and bo- 
came one of tho early pioneers of that portion of 
the country. On tho sixth, of May, 1802, ho mar- 
ried Maiy Kuffner, the daughter of Peter Ruffner, 
whose family were the original grantees from the 
Colonial Government of all tho lands along tho 
Hawksbill, between the Massanettan range of 
mountains and the Blue Ridge. Some time after 
his marriage, William Staige Marye founded and 
laid out the town of Luray, at a point on the Hawks- 
bill, which is a small tributar}- of the Shenandoah 
River, on the direct road from the gap through 
the Massanettan Mountains to the gap through tho 
Blue Ridge. Here he established himself with his 
family and engaged in a general merchaniiise busi- 
ness, for a long time being tho only merchant, and 
afterwards the |>riiu-i|>al one in that jiortion of tho 
country. He was a man of broad and progressive 
views, and was the recognized leader among his 
neighbors in all matters of public concern: and 
when in the course of time, tho vallej- became some- 
what more populous, and Luray had grown to tho 
dimensions of a repectablo little village, he procured 
the |)assage of an Act of tho Legislature of the State 
segregating the valley between tho Massenattan 
and Blue Ridge from tho remainder of Shenandoah 
County, to which it had previously belonged and 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



from which it had always been divided by natural 
barriers, and creating a new countj', which, in 
honor of his friend Mr. Page, then Governor of 
the State, he called Page County; and ho also 
had Luray made the county seat, the Federal Gov- 
ernment having, some time before, at his solici- 
tation, established a post-office there. After accumu- 
lating a competencj', Mr. Marye withdrew from 
active business and resided altogether on his farm, 
called the Hillside Farm, on the banks of the Hawks- 
bill in the neighborhood of Luray. 

Here the subject of this sketch and most of his 
other children, of whom he had fifteen, were born, 
and here he spent the last years of his life in the midst 
of literary pleasures and in the enjoyment of the 
respect of his fcUow-citizcns, for. although he never 
held or sought for political office, his influence in 
shaping the course of public events in his county 
was paramount, and his memory is held in affection- 
ate esteem by his neighbors of I'age Valley, and their 
children down to this day. From here, too, he car- 
ried on a correspondence with his son George after 
the latter had gone to Baltimore, which, while it could 
not fail to be of the utmost benefit in the intellectual 
and moral development of his son, does honor to his 
own qualities of head and heart, and is an evidence 
of his rare and extensive attainments as a scholar and 
philosopher. 

Mr. Marye attended the school of Mr. Thomas at 
Luray until the age of fourteen or fifteen j'ears, 
when, at his own request, his father placed him in 
the store of Messrs. Thomas AUmand & Co., who 
were his successors in his former business at Luray. 
Here Mr. Marye received a thorough business train- 
ing, and he attributes much of his success in after 
life to the habits of industry and sobrietj- that he 
acquired during this period. He remained with 
Allmand & Co., several years, but approaching man- 
hood brought with it a desire for a wider field, and 
leaving his native valley, he went to Baltimore which 
was then, as now, a great place for ambitious young 
Virginians. 

Mr. Marye's eminently legal cast of mind, his clear, 
sound judgment and powers of close, logical reason- 
ing, would have admirably fitted him for the |)ractico 
of the law, and it has often been a subject of com- 
ment and surprise among his friends that he did not 
adopt that profession. But his father's numerous 
family made it difficult for him to give his son any 
pecuniarj' assistance, and his own disinclination to 
receive any aid and his energetic disposition led him 
to prefer the more active pursuits of commercial life. 

Ho first found emploj-ment in Baltimore as clerk 
in the dry goods house of Hart & Co., Itcginniiig as 
junior, but his industry and business ca])acity soon 
caused his promotion, and at the time of his marriage 
and before leaving his om])loyors he had the respon- 
sible position of head clerk in the house. On the thir- 
teenth of July, 1839, he married Miss Helen Tucker, 
daughter of William A. Tucker, Esq., President of the 



Baltimore Fire Insurance Company, a Director in sev- 
eral of the banks of the citj-, and one of the original 
stockholders of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad. 
After his marriage he formed a co-partnership with 
Messrs. Marriot and Hardestj-, and under the firm 
name of Marriot, Hardesty & Marye, he carried on a 
large dry goods business, having an extensive con- 
nection in the South and West. 

In 1849, Marshall's famous discovery was attract- 
ing the attention of the world to the fai'-off shores 
of the Pacific, and Mr. Marye, who had inherited, in 
an increased degree, the pioneer energy of his father, 
was one of the first to join the adventurous band 
who were everj'where starting out from the older 
States in quest of the riches of the new El Dorado. 
He left Baltimore in the early summer, and arrived 
in San Francisco on the steamer Panama, in 
August, 1849. 

Bather an amusing incident is told as occurring 
on the way out. It was at a time when the first 
vigorous attacks were beginning to be made on the 
institution of negro slavery in the South, and the 
discussion of the subject aroused the strongest pas- 
sions and prejudices of men. Jlr. Marye, not un- 
naturally, entertained the same feelings as were well 
nigh universal throughout the Southern States, and 
they were shared by nearly all the passengers on 
the steamer, but not hy all. Among the few who 
held opposite opinions, and perhaps the onlj' one 
who bad the hardihood to express them freely, was 
William Sherman, who has since become a prom- 
inent citizen of San Francisco. At that time he was 
quite a young man, fresh from the New England 
States, and had not yet learned the necessity of 
keeping a guard upon himself in discussing this ex- 
citing topic. The ardor of his convictions, and the 
freedom with which he gave expression to them, 
led to frequent discussions, and the boldness of his 
utterances gave grave offense to some of the more 
extreme and intolerant of the pro-slavery men, and 
some of them even muttered threats of personal 
violence against the Abolitionist. Mr. Marye, be- 
tween Avhom and Mr. Sherman a warm friendship 
had sprung up, and who had heard some of these 
angry exj)ressions, drew Mr. .Sherman aside and told 
him that it would bo well to use greater moderation 
in discussing the slavery question, as man}' of the 
passengers had never heard such sentiments before, 
and were much exasperated by them. 'Why," said 
he, "some of those fellows may throw you over- 
board." 

Mr. Sherman thanked him, and recognized the 
soundness of the advice, and the voyage came to an 
end without any further incident. 

But a number of j'oars afterwards, when the war 
had broken out between the Slates, and Mr. Marye, 
although always a true patriot and lover of his 
country, was inclined to think that the attempt to 
coerce the South was unconstitutional and wrong, 
he several times gave expression to his views in his 



GEORGE THOMAS MARYE, 



asual vigorous and unequivocal manner. On one 
such occasion, .Mr. Sberinan, who hajipenod to be 
present, took him aside, and said: ''Marye, whatever 
you maj- thinl<, it would be prudent to use greater 
moderation in the exjiression of your sentiments or 
some of these fellows maj' hang you to a lamp post." 

Mr. Maryo, who has a good memory', recognized 
the advice, and roadilj' acknowledged its point. 

After his arrival in San Francisco, ^Ir. ilarye at 
once engaged in a variety of j)ioneer work. lie 
dealt largely in real estate, and built the first house 
to the east of Davis Street. It was built at the 
southeast corner of J)avi8 and Sacramento Streets, 
on piles, in twenty feet of water. It was occupied 
as a ship chandler's, and the ships used to come 
right up alongside of the building for their supplies. 

When Mr. Marye arrived in San Francisco there 
were no wharves in the eitj', and the steamer that 
he was on cast anchor in the bay ofl' Clark's Point, 
and the passengers went ashore in boats. His 
attention, therefore, was carlj' drawn to the neces- 
sity of wharf accommodations for the shipping in 
the harbor, and, during the year of 1850, he built 
the Sacramento Street wharf, which ran from the 
intersection of Davis and Sacramento Streets, fol- 
lowing in the line of Sacramento Street, a distance 
of 800 feet, into the deep waters of the bay. This 
was for a long time one of the principal wharves of 
the city, and was a very lucrative piece of property; 
but after the sale of the citj- slip property its utility 
as a wharf was destroyed, and with it its value; and 
now, where the largest sea-going vessels used to 
come and load and unload, it is all dry land, covered 
with well paved streets and large brick and iron 
structures. 

After he had built the Sacramento Street Wharf, 
Mr. Marye went to Stockton, and built the first 
wharf in that city. It was built under contract 
with the munici))al authorities, that he should pay 
himself out of the first tolls to be collected, and then 
turn it over to the city. The arrangement was 
mutually satisfactory- and profitable, and after he 
had received paj-ment he delivered it to the munici- 
pal Government, who still hold it. 

When he first started for California he sent at the 
same time, around the Horn, a number of articles, 
in the selection of which he displayed much good 
judgment of the wants of a new country-, and, sev- 
eral of which, among them a circular saw, were the 
first of their kind to be brought to the I'acific Coast. 
The profits of the venture were of course propor- 
tionate to the sagacity shown in the selection of the 
articles, and the saw and a]ipurtenanees, which had 
cost him some 82,500, were sold l'>jr upwards of 
$13,000. The other things were disposed of to 
almost equal advantage. 

During all this time he took an active part in the 
life and progress of San Francisco. Though never 
in any sense a politician, he took much interest in 
public affairs, and was very influential as a strong 
and consistent Democrat. Ills partner in business, 
Caleb Smith, was the first Judge of the Superior 
Court of San Francisco, and his brother, S. ]}olivar 
Marye, was the first Judge of the County Court. 



In 185(5 he made a trip to the Atlantic States, partly 
to enjoy a perioii of well-earned rest and recreation, 
but mainly for the purjioso of putting his eldest son, 
for whom he had received an ajipointment from his 
friend, (Jeneral Denver, Member of Congress at that 
time from California, at the Military Academj- at 
West Point. After his return to San Francisco the 
following year he was urged by many of his friends 
to become a candidate for the United States Senate, 
but his partner in business had died in the mean- 
while, and the necessity of giving his entire atten- 
tion to his own private atl'airs im])elled him to de- 
cline. About this time he built the house at the 
northwest corner of East and Alarket Streets, and in 
front of the house a large wharf running out into 
the bay. The house still stands as he built it, but 
the wharf has long since disajjpaared, and its site is 
now occu)>ied by a portion of East Street, the sea- 
wall and the ferry slips at the foot of Market Street. 
In 1859 ho again went East, leaving a power of at- 
torney with the brother of his former partner, who 
was at that time Xavj' Agent of the port of San 
Francisco, and who also represented the heirs-at-law 
of his deceased brother. Mr. Marj-e, after staying 
some time in the Atlantic States, went with his fam- 
ily to iMirope. He traveled through England, Franc© 
and Italy, and then, leaving his family abroad, re- 
turned to America and arrived in California in 1860. 
On his return he found that his agent had seriously 
compromised all his interests and had gravely in- 
volved his entire estate. The situation was one to 
try the nerves and the fortitude of anj- man. and if 
there had been a weak spot in his armor so unex- 
pected and heavy a blow would have reached it. 
But he showed no signs of discouragement. What- 
ever may have been his feelings, he gave expression 
to few words of complaint, lie fully recognized 
th.it the fault was largolj- his own in leaving his 
business and in trusting too much to the hands 
of another, and he at once set about with redoubled 
energy and vigor to repair what had been done, to 
extricate his property from its incumbrances and 
to unravel the legal meshes that had been woven 
around it. The work was a long and tedious one, 
but he never paused or stayed his hand until he had 
brought it to a successful end. 

When he came back from Eui-ope in IStiO, Mr. 
Mar}-e wrote an oloiiuent letter to the Legislature 
then in session at Sacramento, urging the jiurchase 
by the Slate of Hiram Powers' beautiful statue of 
"California," which he had seen in the sculi)lor'8 
studio at Florence. 'J'he suggestion was well received 
and would probably have been acted upon, but it was 
made at a time when the shadow of the great strug- 
gle imjjending between the States was already rest- 
ing upon the land, and in the hush that precedes the 
battle, as in the clash of arms, the art* of ])eace are 
forgotten. The statue was afterwards bought by a 
citizen of California, was taken to the State, and is 
believed to be still there. 

After Mr. Mar3-o had restored order to his affairs 
and j)laced himself again securely in the possession 
of his own, ho made another trij) to lOurope to join 
his family. Ho traveled extensively with his wife 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



and daughter during the years 18C:i-G4, and returned 
to California at the close of the latter year, after 
leaving his younger son at the University of Cam- 
bridge, in England. For the next few years he was 
principally engaged in settling old matters connected 
with his former business, and in the accomplishment 
of this he made several trips to the Atlantic States. 

In 18G9 he went to Virginia City, Nevada, to 
engage in banking and the brokerage business, and 
the step proved to have been well-timed, for not very 
long afterward came the great excitement in the 
stock market attendant upon the Crown Point and 
Belcher discovery, and still later the unprecedented 
upheaval of the bonanza period. The story of those 
great discoveries has been too often told to need to 
be repeated here, but, as maj' bo readilj' supposed, 
they were like the floods of Pactolus to those whose 
business it was to handle the stocks of the Washoe 
mines. Mr. JIarye's business, which had been very 
large during the Crown Point and Belcher excite- 
ment, became enormous during the era of wild specu- 
lation following upon the Consolidated Virginia and 
California development. The rush was so great that 
his office in Virginia was never closed day or night. 
It used to be kept open for customers from eight 
o'clock in the morning to eight in the evening, then 
the day clerks left and a night shift, as the^- say in 
Virginia, went to work, that is, a set of clerks who 
wrote up the books during the night. The mental 
and nervous strain of such a business was very con- 
siderable, but .Mr. Marj-c kept it well in hand, and it 
is worthy of remark as ilhistralivc of the independ- 
ence of his character and his strength of will, that 
during this whole period while he was right in the 
midst of the excitement, and living, as one might 
say, in an atmosphere of stocks, in constant inter- 
course with men who were dealing largely and grow- 
ing rich through their ventures, he never bought or 
sold a single share of stock on his own account. He 
was wont to say that the profits of his business, if 
he would keep them, were enough for him. 

In November, IStJa, he opened his own office in 
San Francisco, his younger son, George T. .Mar^-e, Jr., 
who some time before had given up the practice of 
the law to join him in business, taking charge of it. 
Before this time -Mr. Marye had carried on such por- 
tions of his business as re(iuired to be executed in 
San Francisco through corres])ondents. but his ti-ans- 
actions had now assumed such jiroportions that it 
became necessary for him to have his own otiice 
there. This arrangement, too, was desirable as a 
means of saving monej-, for during the last two years 
that he did business through others, he paid his San 
Francisco correspondent over a hundred and eleven 
thousand dollars commissions. (The exact sum was 
8111,474.41.) Since the establishment of the house 
in San Francisco the tendciic}' has been to make it 
the main olfice, and it has now become so, Mr. .Marye 
giving it much of his own time and attention. Dur- 
ing the Sierra Nevada and I'liion excitement in 
1878, the two offices, cspeciall3' the one in San 
Francisco, did as much business as in bonanza 
times, but the profits were not so great, as the 
prices of stocks were not so hiL,li. In 1879, ho gave 
his nephew, Orrick VV. Marye, an interest in the 
business in Virginia, so that now he is able to devote 
his time to the two offices without finding it neces- 
sary to give his personal attention as closely as for- 
merly to the details of either. 

Since his residence in Virginia he has been hardly 
less of a builder than in early days in California. 
One of the most noticeable buildings in Virginia was 
built by him in 1874. It is called Marye's Building, 



and still belongs to him. He is, it is believed, the 
largest individual owner of real estate in the town, 
and although it is not now a verj' desirable class of 
property, he has no cause to complain, for it paid 
him for a number of years two and three and even 
four per cent, a month. 

Mr. Marye, since he became a citizen of Nevada, 
has continued to show the same interest in public 
affairs that he has always displaj-ed. Though neither 
holding nor caring for office he has furnished a shin- 
ing example to that numerous body of good citizens 
who, because thej- are engaged in the active pur- 
suits of an engrossing business, think that they are 
relieved from the duty of giving any attention to 
public matters. He has been prominentlj- connected 
with the Democratic party in his State and has 
worked hard to promote its interests and those of 
good government. To the combined efibrts of him- 
self and those of the gentlemen of the State Cen- 
tral Committee is due in no small measure the 
brilliant success of the Democracy in carrying the 
State in the Garfield- Hancock campaign. 

Mr. Marj'e, as may be seen from the engraving 
accompanj-ing this sketch, is a man of striking ap- 
pearance. In stature he is above the medium heighth, 
with a well proportioned muscular frame. He has 
gray hair (formcrlj- auburn), a broad, massive fore- 
head, bright, searching eyes, an a<iuiline nose, and a 
firm, positive mouth, with well-shaped regular teeth. 
His face is a correct oval and clean shaven, excepting 
the mustache. His hand is small and well-shaped, 
white as a woman's and strong as a vice. The gen- 
eral expression of the face is that of decison and 
energy. If family mottoes are any indication of 
their dominant traits, the motto of the Marye's, 
that "persistent effort overcomes all obstacles'' (om- 
nia vincil per/ina.i- virfus) is singularly appropriate, at 
least to the member of the family who forms the sub- 
ject of this sketch. He is constitutionallj- unable to 
give up what he has undertaken, or to abandon what 
he has once set his mind upon. Persistent endeavor is 
no efi'ort to him, it is his nature. A good master of 
human nature, and endowed with a sound, cool 
judgment, he is able to make up his mind promptly, 
without much fear of mistake, and these qualities, 
which are supplemented by an easy, graceful hand- 
writing, a power of rapid calculation, and a com- 
plete knowledge of book-keeping, make him a thor- 
ough business man, and give him great facilities in 
the dispatch of business. Ho is a fast friend, and 
benefits and injuries seem to bo alike indcliblj- im- 
pressed upon his memory. Incidents of his boyhood, 
of his early manhood, and of his riper years aro 
apparently as vivid in his recollection as if they 
had occurred but j'csterday. He is generous and 
liberal to a sur]irising degree, and it is a good ])roof 
of the strength of his character, that the impulses 
of his heart are just as warm when he is exposed 
to the chilling blasts of adversity as when enjoying 
the genial glow of prosperity. During a long career 
he has been often tried but never found wanting. 

Mr. JIaryc has three children, two sons and a 
daughter. His eldest son, William A. .Maiyo, holds 
the commission of Major in the United States Army, 
and is now in command of the Arsenal at Augusta, 
Georgia; hisdaughlor .Vda is married to Dr. Joseph C. 
Bail}', Surgeon in the rnited States Army, and now 
stationed at the Presidio of San Francisco; and his 
second son, George T. Marye, Jr., is his ])artner 
in business, and President of the Stock Exchange, 
and Chairman of the Democratic County Committee 
of San Francisco. 



LAKES AND RIVERS. 



109 



niAi'TKU XVI. 
RIVERS AND LAKES- 

The Humboiat River— The South Fork— The Truckee River— 
Wiilkfr River — Carson Kivor — The Amarfjioa — The Veg.is — 
The Rio Virgeii — Qiiiii RiviT — The Lakes of Nevaila — 
UuiiibuKlt — Carson — Walker — ryraniid — \\';ishoe — Tahoe 
— Ruby — Franklin — Marlette. 

The rivers of Nevada are few in mimbcr and 
small in size. There is jirobaMy no other country 
of equal extent of territory, within the jurisdiction 
of the United States, so j)oorly su]ii)lied with run- 
nini; streams as the State of Nevada. 

With over 1(1(1,000 square miles of territory, 
stretcliini^ across tlie western half of the Groat 
Basin, from the (Jreat American Desert on the east, 
to the summit of the Sierra Nevada on the west, a 
distance of over 300 miles, and from the thirty- 
fifth to the fortj-'second parallel of north latitude, 
being ncarlj* SOO hundred miles in length, it does 
not contain, within its borders, one navigable sti-eam, 
the Colorado forming for a short distance its south- 
eastern boundary' being indirt'ercntlj' navigable. 

With the exception of the Owyhee lliver, which 
rises in the northeastern portion of the State, and 
flows with a long sweep to the west, thence north 
into the Snake, and thence through the Columbia 
River into the ocean, and a few small streams in the 
southeast which flow into the Colorado, it contains 
no streams whose waters reach the ocean. All those 
immense bodies of water that gather upon the east- 
ern slope of the Sierra Nevada, and upon the numer- 
ous ranges of mountains that divide and subdivide 
the State and flow down to their base, are absorbed 
by the soil, either immediately upon reaching the 
plains, or are discharged into lakes and reservoirs 
somewhere within the borders of the State itself. 

The rivers ai"e formed from s])nngs and the melted 
snows of the mountains, and until heated by the sun 
or corrupted by the soil over which they pass, or 
through which they run after reaching the plains 
below, their waters arc pure and cold. Some of the 
smaller rivers, more properly called creeks, come 
abruptly to the surface, having no visible source. 
Their waters, pure as crystal, flow briskly along the 
])laiiis for many miles, and then disai)pear, leaving 
the bed of the stream dry for long distances, when 
the water again comes to the surface and resumes 
its onward flow. 

This gives a broken appearance to them, and like 
tlie mountain ranges, they seldom have connected 
or continuous courses. 

Many of the streams have rapid currents when 
they first leave the base of the mountains, and with 
large volumes of water flow with great strength for 
many miles, and then suddenly weaken and give 
out, and, as though weary with the struggle for 
existence, they retire ]K'rmanentlj- beneath the sur- 
face of the earth and never apjiear again. While 
the rivers of Nevada are useless for navigation pur- 
poses, they are of great value i'or irrigation. The 
14 



rains u])on the plains and over the whole State are 
very meagov; by no means suflicient to furnish the 
necessary moisture for growing cro])s. This lack is 
supplied by the waters of these streams; and largo 
tracts of land, which would otherwise be barren and 
utterly worthless, have become productive, and in 
many instances, very valuable. 

HUMBOI-DT RIVER 

Is the largest and most important stream in the 
State; and is the only one flowing from cast to west 
through the Great Basin. Its valley formed the 
ordinary emigrant route i'rom the Great Salt fjake 
to California; and the Central Pacific Railroad now 
follows its banks through nearly its whole course. 
It rises in the tiooso f'reek Kange, in the northeast 
corner of the State, 7,000 feet above the level of the 
sea, and runs in a southwesterly direction over 300 
miles, emi)tying into Ilnmboldl Luke on the bordei-s 
of Churchill and Humboldt Counties, 4,100 feet 
above the level of the sea, giving a descent to the 
stream of near 3.000 feel from its source to its mouth. 
Most of the way it flows through a region of country 
consisting of sandj- plains, destitute of vegetation or 
trees, except immediately along the stream, and 
during the summer months its banks swarm with 
flies, mosquitoes, gnats, and other insects. These 
are most numerous along the lower portion of the 
river and about the lake. On either side ol' the 
Humboldt Valley and in places long distant from 
the river are numerous mountain gorges, down 
which ambitious streams leap, and strive to reach 
the main channel, but, though promising well at 
first, except in seasons of more than usual snow and 
rain, they fail; and gradually sinking away, disap- 
pear in the sand. The Ivittle Humboldt on the 
north and the Reese on the south are noted exam- 
ples. The former rises in Cotton Range, about 100 
miles to the north, and flows to the south through 
Paradise Valley, with much force of current, but 
long before the main stream is reached it sinks in 
the sand and disai>iiears. The Reese rises 200 miles 
to the south, in the Toiyabe IJange, and for nearly 
100 miles is a stream of considerable magnitude and 
im])ortance. Before reaching Jacobsvillo, in Ijander 
County, the volume of its waters is materially dimin- 
ished, and forty miles beyond they disappear 
entirely. It is said that in seasons of an unusual 
fall of snow and rain, this stream flows to the Hum- 
boldt, but this does not often happen, if ever. This 
portion of the valley is barren and almost wholly 
worthless — with scant vegetation and no timber, 
there being for over sixtj- miles not a stick of timber 
largo enough for a fence rail. The upper portion of 
' the valley is much better. Years ago, at the time of 
I the early settlement of what are now Nye and Ijan- 
der Counties, the valley of the Reese was quickly 
i occupied by farmers and herdsmen and was made 
wonderfully rich and jiroduclive by irrigating the 
soil from this stream and the creeks and rivulets 



110 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



tributary thereto. The silver mines in the Toiyabe 
Range of mountains were first discovered in 1862. 
The overland stages crossed the vallej- i-i<> Jacobs- 
ville and Austin; now the Nevada Central Railway 
threads the valley from Battle Mountain to Austin, & 
distance of ninety-three miles, from which stages 
continue southerly up the valley crossing the Sho- 
shone Range, its western border, to Grantsville in 
Nye County. The river was named in 1859 by Cap- 
tain -Simpson of the U. S. Army in honor of John 
Reese who first explored the route crossing it from 
Salt Lake to Carson Yallej'. 

In Elko County, the north and south forks of the 
Humboldt join the main stream, each rising about 
one hundred miles away, in opposite directions. The 
North Fork is a stream of considerable strength, ris- 
ing in the northwest section of the Goose Creek 
range, flowing southerly and receiving manj' small 
creeks and rivulets in its course. The valley of this 
fork is from five to seven miles wide, is covered with 
a heavy growth of grass, and bj- means of irrigation 
is susceptible of a high state of cultivation. The 
length of the seasons and the early and late frosts, 
due to its high altitude, however, give no guarantee 
of a matured crop. The Goose Creek Mountains, 
where the main stream of the Humboldt River rises, 
form a rough and broken range; but the sides and 
gulches afford an abundance of water and pasture. 
It was upon this range, a little to the northwest of 
Cedar Pass, that the weary and travel-worn emi- 
grant first found water and food for himself and 
beasts of burden, after passing the parched and life- 
less desert lying immediately to the east. 

The South Fork rises in the Diamond Range of 
mountains, flows nearly due north through Hunt- 
ington Valley, a fair agricultural country, and enter.s 
the Humboldt from ten to twelve miles west of Elko. 
There are numerous unimportant creeks and rivulets 
that flow into the vallej^ of the Humboldt from the 
various mountain ranges that skirt its borders. 
Some succeed in reaching the river, but for the 
most part they sink away and disappear in the 
sands far back in the valley. The main stream is 
about one hundred feet wide, and from four to six 
feet deep. Towards its mouth the waters are brack- 
ish, and so great is the waste from evaporation and 
absorption that more water is lost from these causes 
than is gained from the tributaries; and it is not so 
large at its mouth as it is 200 miles above. The 
same is true of most of the rivers of the State. The 
name was given it in honor of the groat German 
scientist and traveler, IJaron Von Humboldt, by 
Fremont. 

THE TRUCKEE RIVER 

Is not so long as the Humboldt, but being a more 
rapid stream, dL-^charges a much greater volume of 
water during the year. It receives its supplj' 
directly from Eake Tahoe, at an elevation of G,1G7 
feet above the level of the sea, running north twelve 
miles, when it is joined by the Little Ti'uckco, flow- 



ing from Donner Lake. The accumulated waters 
then turn and run east sixty -nine miles, when, turn- 
ing to the north again and running sixteen miles, 
discharge into Pyramid Lake, at an elevation ol 
4,890 feet above the level of the sea, making a 
descent of over 1,277 feet in ninety -seven miles. 
The water is cold and pure throughout its entire 
course, and flows with a rapid current. The upper 
portions of the Truckee Valley are excellent farm- 
ing lands. The banks for nearly fifty miles are 
covered with heavy forests of spruce and pine, 
which are being manufactured into lumber and 
shingles by mills chiefly propelled by the power of 
its falling waters. The Truckee is distinguished for 
the quantity and quality of its fish, a variety usually 
denominated " Lake Bigler trout," and from this 
pleasant characteristic received from Fremont the 
name of Salmon Trout River. In accordance with 
the provisions of the Legislature, the waters of the 
Truckee were stocked with McCloud River salmon 
in 187!), and as a result, good and profitable fishing 
maj- be had at the present time. By State author- 
ity, the Carson, Walker, Humboldt, and other rivers 
of the State are to be stocked with fish. A name- 
less savage had been given the appellation of 
Truckee by some emigrants, and afterwards guid- 
ing another l)arty of travelers up the valley of the 
river, was complimented by giving his name to the 
stream. 

WALKER RIVER, 

In point of size, ranks next to the Truckee. It is 
formed by the union of two forks which rise in the 
Sierra Nevada Mountains, that unite about thirty 
miles from their source. Thence the main stream 
runs northerly about twenty miles, and taking a 
turn to the east and south stretches away about 
thirty miles, when it empties into Walker Lake, 
about forty miles south of Carson Lake. In its 
tortuous course it traverses about 100 miles. In the 
valleys along this river is some of the best agricul- 
tural land in the State, and on which now resides 
some of its most prosperous farmers, as will be seen 
by reference to some of the illustrations in this work, 
i-epresenting some of the homes in Mason's Valle3^ 
The Walker was named by Fremont in honor of 
Capt. .lose])h Walker, a noted mountaineer, trapper, 
and guide. 

CARSON RIVER, 

Ivike the Walker and Humboldt, is formed by the 
confluence of two streams, and has no other tribu- 
taries of any magnitude. 

The East Carson is the main branch, rising in 
Alpine County, California, having its source in the 
Blue Lakes on the very summit of the Sierra Nevada, 
from which also flows the Mokelumne, running west- 
ward. After following a sinuous course through the 
deep cafions and heavy pine forests of the eastern 
slope it enters Carson Valley, flowing northward, 
and is joined by the West Carson a few miles south 
of Genoa, in Douglas County. Thence the main 



LAKES AND RIVERS. 



Ill 



stream pasties to the norlheai^t through Ormsbj*, 
Store}', and Lyon Counties, and discharges its waters 
into Careon Lake. From its source to its mouth it 
is less than 200 miles by the river's course, including 
the two forks. It has an average width of about 
sixty feet, and a depth of three or four feet. How- 
ever, as it is fed from the melting snows of the 
Sierra, it is subject to great variations in this respect. 
The land, aggregating a large area bordering on 
the river, is very productive where irrigable, j-ield- 
ing largely in haj', grain and vegetables. 

Genoa, the county seat of Douglas County, is 
situated in the valley of the Carson, and is sur- 
rounded by a numerous and thrifty agricultural 
population. 

The Carson may be called the only navigable 
river in the State. Many thousands of cords of 
wood are yearly floated down it, to supply the 
demands for fuel at Virginia, Carson, and other 
towns, and for the numerous quartz-mills in Storej' 
and Lyon Counties. The quartz-mill owners along 
the Carson River, from Empire to Dayton, have suc- 
ceeded, to a large extent, in securing by some means 
(the farmers claim by foul, and the mill men assert 
by fair) the use of the Carson waters. When this 
stream is low and the mills in operation, the ranchers 
are, to a large extent, prevented from using it for 
irrigation, and this seriously interferes with the 
agricultural industries in Carson Valley. Fremont 
also has the honor of giving a name to this river, 
calling it after his favorite guide, Kit Carson. 

THE AMARGOSA 

Is a singular river of the desert, rising in the Mount- 
ain Spring range of the Amargosa Mountains, in the 
southwest corner of Nye County, and running in a 
southeasterly course about 150 miles, sometimes on 
the surface and sometimes underground, it tui-ns 
around the southern end of the range, and returning 
to the northwest, it disappears in Death "\'^alley, a 
depression on the borders ©f the State of California, 
175 feet below the level of the sea. Before sinking, 
the water becomes so saturated with the salts, alkalies, 
and other ingredients of the soil through which it 
flows, that it becomes bitter and unpleasant to the 
taste, hence the Spanish name of Amargosa. 

The Vegas and the Rio Virgen are small streams 
in the southeast corner of the State, which rise in 
the broken mountains of that region, and flow 
into the Colorado River. At Las Vega (The 
Meadows), where the first is encountered on the 
" Old Spanish Trail," is a large area of fertile soil, as 
its name implies. •' Rio Virgen " is a name the 
Spanish explorei-s delighted to give in gratitude for 
finding a pure running stream in so desolate a wil- 
derness. 

In the northwestern part of the State, Quin 
River rises in the Santa Rosa Ilills of the Owyhee 
Range. Its general course is south for nearly 
eighty miles, when it turns west and runs towards 



and sometimes into Mud Sink. Quin Valley, for 
sixtj- or seventy miles along this river, is from three 
to seven miles wide, and has rich grazing land its 
whole length. 

THE LAKES OF NEVADA. 

As delineated on the maps, a great portion of 
western Nevada appears covered by vast sheets of 
water; but this is deceptive, as much of the area so 
represented are mere mud-flats, occasionally inun- 
dated. There arc, however, several large lakes of 
permanent and deep water, Ij'ing in the greatest 
depression of the basin, these being Pyramid, Hum- 
boldt, Carson, and Walker Lakes, although two of 
these, Humboldt and Carson, vary greatly in area, 
and are too shallow for navigation. These four 
lakes receive the waters of as many rivers, and in 
seasons of excessive rain-fall spread over the adja- 
cent country and make other lakes. Having no 
outlets, their waters consequently being absorbed 
by evaporation are, at a short distance from the 
mouths of the streams feeding them, salt and bitter. 
The theory, at one time entertained, that these lakes 
had a subterranean outlet, or percolated through 
the rocks to the ocean, is no longer regarded, evap- 
oration from so extended surfaces being sufficient to 
exhaust the inflow. 

HUMBOLDT LAKE. 

This lake is 4,100 feet above the level of the sea. 
It is situated on the line between Humboldt and 
Churchill Counties, and receives the watei-s of the 
Humboldt River. It is thirty miles long and ten 
miles wide. In reality it is merely a widening of 
the river at this point, for in years of extreme high 
water the stream flows through this basin to an out- 
let in the lake, and passes on to what is known as 
the liower Carson Sink, a few miles to the south. 

CARSON LAKE 

Is directlj'' south of Humboldt, and is twenty-five 
miles long and ten miles wide, receiving the 
largo volume of water discharged from the Carson 
River. In wet seasons, when the streams from the 
east and west have overflowed the lowlands about 
these lakes, they continue tlieir course towards each 
o.ther, and form what is known as the Lower Carson 
Sink or Lake, thus creating an inland sea that grad- 
ually increasing its dimensions from its double supply 
eventually covers the intervening country and the 
two Carson Lakes become one, stretching north to 
near the Humboldt Sink or Lake, a distance of 
eighty miles or more. These lakes have no visible 
outlets, but so powerful are the sun's rays over this 
region that their waters disappear, and in dry sea- 
sons the lakes themselves are materially diminished 
in size and the countr}' around is left parched and 
dry. 

WALKKR LAKE, 

Lying in Esmeralda County, about forty miles south 
of Carson Lake, is forty miles long from north to 
south, and with a varying width of from five to fif- 



112 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



teen miles, and is fed by the waters of the Walker 
Eiver. The lake is navis^'uble, small steamboats plyinji 
on its surface, and is flanked on either side by high 
mountains and rugged hills, which are dry and barren 
being almost destitute of wood or water. The princi 
pal of these is Mount Corey, which with its spurs 
shields the water from the sudden and severe gusts of 
wind which prevail along the eastern base of the 
Sierra. The shores are irregular and indented with 
small bays and inlets. The lake and river abound in 
salmon trout, but not so numerous or so well flavored 
as those in the Pyramid and Tahoe. Near the em- 
houchure of the river spreads a large area of fertile 
soil, and on the eastern shore runs the Carson and 
Colorado Railroad. 

PyRAMID LAKE, 

The largest bodj' of water whoU}' within the limits 
of the State, is thirty-five miles long and twelve 
miles wide, and is situated in Hoop County, near the 
western line of the State. It takes its name from a 
rock rising from its center COO feet above its surface, 
and having the shape of a pyramid. It has consid- 
erable depth of water, and the scenery about it is 
grand and picturesque — precipitous mountains from 
2,000 to 3,000 feet high walling it in on either side. 
It receives the flow from the Truckee liiver which 
discharges an immense volume of pure, cold water 
into it. In the summer when the melting snows 
swell the Truckee, an overflow of its banks occurs 
near its mouth, and the escaping water running 
through a channel to the northeast forms a twin 
lake to the ryramid that has been given the name 
of Winnemueca. In the mountains along the 
Truckee are numerous saw-mills which discharge 
their sawdust into the stream which is carried to 
the lake and has created a shoal. This shoal dam 
ming the outlet to the river has caused a greater 
quantity of water than formerly to flow into Winne- 
mueca Lake, thus largely increasing its depth and 
area, some five feet having been added to its depth. 

WASHOE LAKE, 

In the eastern part of the valley of that name, in the 
southern part of Washoe County, embraces about 
six square miles, with shallow and alkaline waters, 
fed by small sireams which flow from the Sierra on 
the west into the valley, where they sink and then 
rise again in the lake. 

LAKE TAllOK, 

By far tlie most noted lake on the Pacific Coast, 
is situated on the Sierra Neva<la Mountains, at an 
elevation of over 0,000 feet above the level of the sea, 
and fourteen miles west of Carson City, lying one- 
third in the State of Nevada, occupj-ing the westerly 
portions of Douglas, Ormsby and Washoe Counties, 
and two-thirds in the Slate of California. The bound- 
ary lino of the two States jiasses from the north to 
the center of the lake, to the intersevlion of the 
thirty-ninth parallel of north latitude, when it diverges 



to the southeast. The lake is twenty-two miles long, 
ten miles wide anU 1,700 feet deep, the waters being 
cold and clear as crystal, and noted for their want 
of bouyancy. From this quality and the great depth 
to which they sink, persons drowned in the lake never 
rise to the surface. The main body of the waters 
maintain a nearly equal temperature at all seasons, 
ice forming only near the shore, where also the 
warmth of summer renders bathing pleasant. 

It abounds in trout of a large size and fine flavor. 
The coast is indented with beautiful bays and inlets, 
and small villages are built along its shores. Steam- 
boats cross from shore to shore daily, and sailing 
j-achts are kept for the accommodation of the 
pleasure-seeking public. There are good hotels, and 
it is a pleasant summer resort for tourists. At its 
north end are the celebrated hot springs, lying near 
the Nevada line and within the State; and not far 
distant from them is a beautiful spring of clear, cold 
water, entirely free from mineral taste. On the west 
side, about six miles from Tahoe City, is a spur of 
mountains covered with a dense forest of sugar- 
pine, the most valuable timber for lumber on the 
Pacific Coast. On each side of this spur are fine 
streams of water running into the lake. Not far dis- 
tant to the south is Emerald Bay, a beautiful inlet 
about four hundred yards wide at its mouth and 
widening as it extends inland for nearly two miles, 
forming one of the most beautiful inland harbors in 
the world. Lake Creek, which comes from the hills 
far to the south, and is fed by their springs and 
snows, enters Lake Tahoe at its south end. The 
valley of this creek is adorned with green meadows 
and growing fields from the mountain slype to the 
lake, and is one of the loveliest to be found in the 
Sierra. To the north of the entrance of Lake Creek, 
and on either side of the lake, peaks of the Sierra 
rise from three to four thousand feet above the sur- 
face, and are covered with snow nearly two-thirds 
of the year. The waters of this wonderful reservoir 
are derived whollj' from the springs and snows of the 
surrounding mountains, and the Truckee Uivor on 
the northwest is its outlet. This celebrated resort 
is reached by stage, either from Truckee or Carson 
Cities; it being about twelve miles from the former 
and fourteen from the latter place. 

Ruby and Franklin are two small lakes situated 
in the valleys along the east base of the Humboldt 
or Rub}' range of mountains, in the southwestern 
portion of Elko County. In high water thej' become 
united, and form a sheet of brackish water about 
fifteen miles long, and seven miles wide. They 
have no outlet, and are merely reservoirs, where the 
surplus waters of the surrounding mountains accu- 
mulate, and are absorbed in the land and evaporated 
in the dry summer. About twenty miles east is 
Gosh-Ule Lake or pond, and to the northeast, about 
the same distance, is Snow Lake. These are smaller, 
but possess the same characteristics as the othera. 



GEOLOGY OF NEVADA. 



113 



DONNEll LAKE. 

Donner, iloiic}'. Mono, and Owens Lakes, tliouijli 
not within the State, yet forminj^ a ])arl of that 
series of reservoirs lyinijj aloiii; the rim of the 
Great Basin, and near the line of Nevada, are j)er- 
haps entitled to a passing notice here. Donner 
Lake lies two and a half miles northwest of Truckeo. 
It is about three miles long, one mile wide, and 200 
feet deep. This, and Lake Tahoe, are thought by 
some to be craters of extinct volcanoes, the mount- 
ains around them presenting evidence of volcanic 
formation. The waters are cold, and clear as crystal. 
It is surrounded on three sides with towering mount- 
ains, which are covered with a heavy growth of fir, 
8]iruce, and pine. Its watei-s are discharged into 
the Truckee liiver. 

HONEY L.\KE 

Is a circular sheet of water, about ten miles across, 
and lies fitly miles north of Truckee City. Willow 
and Susan Creeks from the north, and Lone \^allcj- 
Creek from the south, supply its waters. It has no 
outlet and its waters are shallow and strongly alka- 
line, and in extremely dry summers they disappear 
entirely. 

MONO LAIvE 

Is situated in Mono County, California, about ten 
miles from the Xevada State line; is fourteen miles 
long and nine wide, and has been sounded to the 
depth of 300 feet and no bottom found. The waters 
are so acrid as to render them unfit for drinking, and 
even bathers, while delighted with the first immer- 
sion cannot long continue the pleasure with safety 
to their epidermis. Leather immersed in i'. is soon 
destroj'ed by its corrosive properties, and no animal, 
not even fish or frogs, can exist within it for anj^ 
great length of time. The peaks of the Sierra in 
this region reach their greatest altitude, and the 
scenery aliout Lake Mono is varied and majestic. It 
is fed by streams from the surrounding mountains, 
and, although it has no outlet, the dr^mess of the 
atmosphere keejjs it at about the same level by the 
process of rapid evaporation. 

OWENS LAKE, 

Lying to the south of Mono, in Inyo County, is a 
large and deep body of water, eighteen miles in 
length by twelve in width, and is navigable for 
steamers which have been used in the transportation 
of ores and sup|)lies to mines on its eastern border. 
The qualities of its waters are similar to those of 
Mono, but notsostronglj- alkaline. The Sierra Nevada 
Mountains form the background on the west, and 
supply its waters. Like the other lakes of the 
basin it has no outlet, evaporation exhausting the 
water poured into it b}- Owens River, a stream of 
150 miles in length. 

.MAKLETTE LAKE 

Is a small body of pure, cold water, situate on the 
mountains forming the northeast portion of the rim 
of fiake Taboo, covering about ."iOO acres of ground 



and is from thirty to forty feet deep in the center. 
Virginia City is supplied with water from th-s lake. 
It is claimed that Jlarlette Lake has an altitude of 
1,500 feet above C street, Virginia, which places 
it about 1,G00 feet above the surface of Lake Taboo, 
or about 7.7(10 feet above the level of the sea. This 
is probably the highest lake in the world whose 
waters have been used to supply cities having large 
populations. 

CHAPTEIl XVII. 
GEOLOGY OF NEVADA. 

Baron Itichthofeu on the Comstock — General Structure of Corn- 
stock Veins — Inclosing Rock — Outcroppiugs — Vein M.itter — 
Clay anil Clayey Matters — (^)nartz, Character of — Variety of 
Ores — lleniarks on (Jeiieral (ieology, taken from Clarence 
King's Ueports — The Glacial Epoch— Living Glaciers — Local 
Characteristics — The Mountain .Syatem — Origin of Mineral 
Veins — l''uture Mining Prospects. 

Some account of the geology of the State is neces- 
sary' to make constantly recurring references to the 
mines intelligible. The larger part of our readers 
have, perhaps, carefully read the published works of 
Baron Eichthofen, ]{a3-mond, Clarence King, and 
others, on the geology of the Comstock Lode, and 
incidentally of the mines of other parts of the State. 
This article is not intended for them, but for those 
who have been denied the ))rivilege of reading tliose 
works, or observing more than a limited area of the 
State. 

The basin like character of much of the State has 
been referred to in another part of the work. Some 
time in past ages an upheaval of mountains took 
place, so peculiarly arranged as to inclose within 
their embraces several hundred thousand square 
miles of deep sea with all the minerals held in solu- 
tion in the waters, such as soda, magnesia, silex 
arsenic, antimony, iron, sulphur, as well as gold and 
silver. North and south of Nevada the seas found 
an outlet through the great rivers of the Columbia 
and Colorado. In the great Utah basin they were 
retained, and essentiall}' modified the whole charac- 
ter of the land as well as the deposit of minerals 
which took ])lace during man}' stages of the geolog- 
ical eras. The vast beds of salt, borax, soda and 
sulphur, with the thousand resulting compounds, are 
the relics of that sea. If only the Sierra with the 
accom]ianyiiig transverse mountains forming the 
boundaries of the basins had boon elevated, we 
should liave had a vast desert five or six hundred 
miles across, a waste of alkali and soda flat, destitute 
of animal and vegetable life, impassable for man or 
beast; but the same forces which elevated the JJocky 
Mountains, and subseiiuently the Sierra, also ele- 
vated parallel but shorter ridges of mountains 
between the two main ranges, some of whoso to])s 
rise 10,000 feet above the sea level. In most 
instances these U])lieavals were mainl}- in line with 
great ranges of the Ilocky .Mountains and Sierra 
Nevada, but often there wore transverse axes of 
elevatioti which considerably modified the main lines 



114 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



of upheaval. To these interior longitudinal and 
cross elevations we owe tlie fact of having mines 
away from the Comstock series and the Colorado 
deposits. Here we wish to caution our unscientific 
readers against falling into the usual mistake of sup- 
posing that these elevations were marked by any sud- 
den elevations or catastrophes of any kind whatever, 
though undoubtedly mother earth might have shaken 
and groaned at times when all these mighty mount- 
ain ranges were being evolved out of her bosom. 
Time, an element of such prime importance, is one 
of the infinite, inexhaustible quantities in nature's 
laboratory, and the largest results may be wrought 
out with the gentlest means. Foundations for con- 
tinents 20,000 feet deep may be laid so slowly that a 
hundred years may mark no sensible addition. In 
this way the auriferous slates of California were 
laid down ere the Sierra was raised from the bosom 
of the deep. So the great valley of the Mississippi 
was formed; so was the Great Basin, the future 
treasure-house of the world. If we could have seen 
an east and west section of Nevada during this era, 
it would have presented something of the following 
appearance: — 




Though by no means so regular, some of the ele- 
vations being much farther apart than others, some 
being perhaps twenty, others a hundred miles 
apart, and some of the elevations being thou- 
sands of feet, others only hundreds. For the purpose 
of illustrating the further changes of the strata and 
fixing an ideal locality of llie mineral or ore bearing 
portion, let the dark lines inclose the supposed min- 
erals forming the future veins, for the valuable 
minerals do not come out of the depths of the earth 
like the floods of lava, but are the result of deposit 
like the stratified rocks, perhaps having been held 
in solution in the sea water. Other forces are intro- 
duced. Along these lines of elevation volcanoes 
broke out and sent floods of lava, the future propylites, 
trachj-tes, and other forms of rocks, other than the 
ordinary stratified rocks, associated with the min- 
eral veins. With the elevation of the mountain 
ranges came denudation of the upper portions, and a 
deposit of tertiary matter in the retreating seas. 
Some portions of these folded strata were 'so far 
down into the earth as to become, or rather remain, 
subject to a heat well known to increase on an 
average one degree for each fifty feet, reaching per- 
haps a higher than the boiling point, while the 
upper portions were exposed to the lower tempera- 
ture of the surface of the earth. The rents 



and fissures, as well as the openings of natural 
cleavage, would also be permeated by the heated 
waters circulating through these fissures, all of 
which would hold more or less minerals in solution. 
If we could have seen an east and west section of 
Nevada, it would have presented something of the 
following appearance: — 




Though the illustration is imperfect, as some of 
the axes of elevation, like Mount Davidson, by this 
time were several thousand feet above the surround- 
ing country, and the strata of trachytes, propylites, 
and other igneous rocks have become highly inclined, 
following down the slopes of the newly-formed and 
perhaps still rising mountains, the portions sur- 
mounting the axes of elevation having been denuded 
according to the second diagram in this article. 
Before the upheaval or folding of the strata the dif- 
ferent rocks would have had about the following po- 
sition with respect to each other: — 



Tnclyle. 



Syenite, E 

UR 

Graaiuc Mt- 



Authorities differ as to tlic plane of elevation at the 
time of the deposit. Baron Hichthof'en, Clarence 
King and Hossiter \V. ilaymond, were inclined to 
give quite an inclination to the slopes at the time of 
the outpour of proi>ylito and trachyte. John A. 
Church, a later authoritj-, fixes the plane nearer a 
horizontal. If Mount Davidson is the axis of eleva- 
tion, which seems probable, it would look reasonable 
that the elevation and eruption were contempora- 
neous. The reader can elevate the diagram to suit 
his theory. According to some writers on geology 
(John A. Church, for one), sufficient time elajised 
between the deposit of the propylite and the over- 
flow of the trachyte for the surface of the former to 
have been converted into soil, as charred and silici- 
fied remains of timber and vegetable impressions are 
plentiful in some places in the upturned strata. 



GEOLOGY OF NEVADA. 



115 



After the foldinj; or upheaval of the strata and sub- 
sequent denudation of the portion over the axis of 
elevation, a section would pi'esont the following ap- 



pearance, with the exception, however, that as the 
elevation was always in unuiiiial <iuantities, the 
strata would bo rumpled and irregular: — 




Syenite. 



Main Lode. Propylite. 



Trachyte. 



The portion worn away by rains and other causes 
is supposed to have been carried to the unrepre- 
sented portion below the line of denudation, which 
maj- be as many thousands of feet or more below 
the level as the summit is above it, which, if we apply 
the diagram to the Comstoek Lode, would be Mount 
Davidson. 

So far there is no appearance of mineral. Accord- 
ing to Clarence King, the upheaval caused numerous 
rents and fissures, even through the solid synitic 
rock, and more especially along the line of junction 
of the dift'ercnt rocks. Through the latter cleavages 
or fissures poured out a third kind of lava called by 
some andesite, on account of peculiar cr^-stallizations 
found in it. It was of a dark color, and was known 
by different names among the miners. It is known 
to have been erupted subsequent to the upheaval of 
the mountains, for it was spread out in horizontal 
layers or strata over the inclined propylites and 
trachytes, which formed the body of the mountain, 
or elevation. Durinij this dinturh/mce the <jre<it Corn- 
stock Lode was formed, the eruption of the veins 
seeming to bo intimately connected with the deposit 
of mineral. These rocks are frequently known as 
porphyrj', a term rather descriptive than technical, 
generally- meaning any kind of rock that has been 
so far altered by heat, pressure or exchange of min- 
eral bases as to have cr3'stals of feldspar, bearing 
dift'erent names, scattered through the body of the 
rock. Whenever in any of the dynamic disturb- 
ances a portion of the overhanging wall broke off 
and fell in the chasm, it subsequently became what 
the miners called a poi-pkyry horse. Having made 
those few preliminar3' explanations a description of 
the Comstoek Ijodc, by Ferdinand Baron Ifichthofen, 
than by whom no better authority can bo given, will 
be read with interest. The description of the Corn- 
stock Lode will to some extent atlbrd a key to the 
geology of other parts of Nevada, and is there- 
fore used in this portion of the work. 



BARON RICHTHOPEN ON THE COMSTOCK. 

The range of the Washoe iLountains, on which 
the Comstoek vein is situated, is separated from the 
steep eastern slope of the iSierra Nevada by a con- 
tinuous meridional depression, marked by the deep 
basins of Truckee. Washoe and Carson Valleys. 
Its shape is irregular, though in general a direction 
from south to north may be traced in the Summit 
Range. South, it slojios gradually down to a smooth 
table-land, traversed from west to east by the Carson 
River flowing in a narrow crevice, beyond which the 
Washoe Range continues in the more elevated Pino 
Nut Mountains. Some i)eaks in the latter have an 
altitude of probably more than !t,OU0 feet. To the 
west the Washoe Mountains sink rapidly beneath 
the detrital beds of Washoe and Truckee Valleys, 
but are connected with the Sierra Nevada by two low 
granite ridges, stretching at right angles with its 
general course across the northern and southern ends 
of Washoe Vallej-, and thus isolating the basin. To 
the north and east the Washoe Range passes into a 
very extensive mountainous region, which has been 
but little explored; while to the southeast it disap- 
pears abru])tly below one of the middle basins of 
Carson River. The width of the entire range is not 
more than fourteen miles, while its length from 
north to south is not determinable on account of the 
scanty knowledge wo possess about the northern 
parts of tho country.* 

The culminating point of the range is Mount 
Davidson, tho elevation of which was determined by 
J. D. Whitney, 7,827 feet. The altitude of the other 
places are: Virginia City, (J.2(l5 feet; Devil's Gate, 
5,105 feet; while the basins to the west and south have 
the following elevations: Washoe Lake 5,(1(1(1 feet; 
Carson City 4,G15 foot; Dayton, 4,4!)() feet; all accord- 
ing to barometrical measurement bj- Professor 
Whitney. 

Mount ])avi<lson, the prominent central point, con- 
sists of syenite, a granitic^ rock, wh'ch is hero com- 
posed of two kinds of feldspar (orthoclase and oli- 
goclase), hornblende in laminated ]irisms of greenish 
black color, some mica, and occasionallj- epidate, Imt 
no quartz. It is probably a continuation of the gran- 
itic axis of the Pine Nut Mountains, and forms with 
the metainiirphic rocks, which accomjyan}- it, the 
backbone of the Washoe .Mountains. The latter 

"This was writtun in I8ti(i. 



116 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



rocks join tho syenite to the north and south and 
are intersected by dj-kes of that roek, thereby prov- 
ing its later origin. Lithi)logically, they exhibit a 
great variety; but they may be sui)divi(led into three 
distinct gri)Uj)8, one of which is of fria^isic age, and 
was discovered by Professor J. 1). Whitney in El 
Dorado t'afion, near Dayton; this is the most recent 
group, and its rocks are ordinarily but little metamor- 
phosed. The}' are immediatelj- preceded in age by 
a series of micaceous and f|uarlzose slates, which 
usuallj^ contain some beds of limestone. Both these 
grou])s occur onlj' at some distance from the Com- 
stock vein. Of more importance, for the latter is a 
third series of hornblendic ( uralitic) rocks with inter- 
stratified layers of ([Uartzile, gray slate and crystal- 
line laj'ers of limestoiie. which is often aecom])anied 
by extensive deposits of crystalline limestone, with 
extensive dejiosits of ])ure specular iron. These rocks 
form the hills which flank the American I'^lat to the 
west, as well as those between Silver City and Car- 
son. They are capped b}' an overflow of quartzosc 
])orphj-ry, an eruptive rock, which, however, is of no 
importance, except as forming the footwall of the 
Justice vein. 

Those rocks form the ancient series. They partly 
preceded and partly were contcmjioraneous with the 
eniei'gence of the Sierra Nevada and the Great Basin, 
and the entire range of the Cordilleras, from the 
ancient sea, whose traces are left in the saline incrus- 
tations and salt pools at the bottom of the numerous 
basins between the Sierra and the Rocky Mountains, 
which had formerly remained filled with tho water 
of the retiring sea. The Waslioe .Mountains undoubt- 
edly formed an elevated range during the long period 
which elapsed till the commencement of the formation 
of the recent series of rocks, which bear still closer rela- 
tion to the Comstock vein than the former. Those 
rocks are eruptive and volcanic, and belong to the 
latter part of the tertiary and to the post-tertiary 
periods. 

To the first of them in age we apply the recently 
introduced term, ))ropylite. In Washoe the names 
'• f'elds])atliic ]>or|ihyry "and "hornblendic porjihj-ry" 
are conimonl)- used to designate two jiromincnt vari- 
eties of it. Tliej'are very approiuiate miner's terms; 
but scicntificallj- a])iilie(l, would be capable of very 
differing interpretations. In other countries the term 
" Diorite," '• Doritic jjorphj-iy," "greenstone," '• por- 
))h3'ritic greenstone" have been applied, which con- 
i'usion of names best shows the indistinctness of the 
external characters of tho rock. Pro|ivlite has this 
remarkable ])eculiarity, namelj-. that it resembles 
many ancient rocks exactly in a])pearance, and yet 
is among the most recent in origin. It is ])rominent 
among the inclosing rocks of the ("omstock vein, and, 
besides, hicfosen seve.nd, jxt/ih/is niunt, of' fhe ltiriie.it anil 
nio.it pr(i</n-/!re Ki/ner vniim in the iror/i/, as those in the 
('ar|)athian .Mountains, of Zacatecas and other ])laceB 
in Mexico, and probabl}' several veins in Bolivia. 
Mineralogicallj', it consists of a fine grained paste of 
ordinarily greenish, but sometimes gray, red and 
brown color, with imbedded ciystals of feldsjiar (oli- 
goclase)and columns of<lark green and fibrous. sehiom 
of black, hornblende, which is also the coloring mat- 
ter of the base. A peculiarity of the rock is its fer- 
ruginous character wh(!n decomposed. ProbabI}' it 
contains other metals besides iron. (leologicall}- 
it is an erM|itive rock; but it is acconi))anied b}- vast 
accumulations of breccia, which is sometimes regularlv 
stratified. The flats of Virginia City. (Jold Jlill. 
American Cit}' and Silver City, consist of ])ro)>ylite; 
it lies, in general, east of the mountains consisting of 



; the ancient formations, and contains several minei'al 
i veins besides the Comstock Lode. Its distribution 
! in other countries of tho world is not ver}' general. 
Several different kinds of eruptive and volcanic 
rocks followed the outbreaks of prop^-lito ; but 
only to one of them have wo to direct the atten- 
tion in reference to tho Comstock vein, as it prob- 
ably caused its formation, besides taking a promi- 
nent part in tho structure of the countr}-. It is 
known in Petrology by the name of Sanidin- 
trachyte ; for convenience sake we simply use 
the name trachyte. Its essential character is " a 
predominance of a s]iccios of feldspar, called glassy 
feldspar or sanidin, which, along with hornblende 
and mica, is imbedded in a base or paste of pecu- 
liarly rough texture, caused hy microseo])ical vesi- 
cles which fill tho rock. It has a beautiful aj)- 
pearance and presents very different colors. It is 
an easj' blasting rock. * * * 

There is no doubt about the eruptive character 
of the lava, and this term has been ajtplied to it 
in Washoe. The mode of occurrence shows that 
it has been ejected through long fissures in a vis- 
cous or liquid state and at a high temiicrature. 
In some places the eruptions wore subaqueous, as 
at Dayton. The entire table-land around that ])laco 
is built up of trachytic tufa. The solid trachyte 
rises from it in rugged mountains, which form an 
elevated and verj- conspicuous range, ])assing east of 
the (iould and Curry Mill, across Seven-mile Canon 
(where, for instance, the Sugar Ijoaf Peak consists 
of it), and bending in a semicircle round to 
Washoe Ijako. Pleasant Valley is entirely sur- 
rounded b}' trachj'tic hills ; arid farther north this 
rock covers the country to a great extent. Sanidin- 
trachyte has never been found to contain silver- 
bearing veins, and in Washoe none occur in it, and 
yet it has evidently been maiidy instrumental in tho 
formation of the Comstock Lode and other veins 
in that region. # * * Volcanic and eruptive 
activity gradually died away, and we now behold 
their last stages in the action of the thermal 
springs, such as Steamboat S]>rings. The surface 
underwent but slow and gradual denudation, and 
tho events of the volcanic period are recorded so per- 
fectly and distinctly in the nature and association of 
the rocks, as to aid us groatlj- in explaining the mode 
of formation of the Comstock vein. 

OENEIIAI. STRUCTUKE OP COJISTOCIv VEIN. 

The Comstock runs nearlj- in tho direction of tho 
magnetic meridian (the variation being sixteen and 
a rpiarter degrees oast) along the slope of the .Mount 
Davidson range, which descends at a stee|) grade 
until it abuts against the gentle slope of tho three 
flats, on which, at an altitude of from ."),.S(MI to (1.2(10 
foot, are situated the towns of Virginia, Gold Hill 
and American City. The out-crop|)ings of the vein 
extend in a broad belt along the foot of the steep 
grade, and immediately above the three towns. Tho 
course of the vein as far as yet ex|)lored is somewhat 
de])endent on the shape of tho slo])o, as it partakes 
of all its irregularities, passing tho ravines in con- 
cave bends, and inclosing tho foot of the dillbrent 
ridges in concave curves; tlie greatest convexity 
being around the broad, uninterrii|ited base of Mount 
Davidson itself. These irregularities are ini]iorlant 
as they influeneo the ore-lieai'ing character of tho 
vein. * * * 

The Comstock vein, at a do])th of from 4(1(1 to (KKI 
foot beneath its lowest outcrops, tills a fissure of 
from 100 to i;iO, and even 20(» feet iu width, but 





-^y ^CytytyU^C^CO^^ 



^IQ HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



A. K. P. Harmon. 



The pioneers who came to California brought lit- 
tle or no capital with them. They came with clear 
heads, i-esoliite wills and strong arms, Considering 
the obstacles they encountered, a large percentage 
became successful men. but hardly one of them had 
unvarying good fortune. The tomporar}' disasters 
which they encountered did not dishearten them. 
Genuine men neither lost energy, pluck nor resolu- 
tion because this or that venture did not turn out 
well. There is not a pioneer in the eountrj- whose 
range of experience during the last twenty years, has 
not been greater than men elsewhere encounter in a 
long life. Their losses have been greater and their 
fortunes have been much more rapidly acquired. They 
haveseen a country with a floating population of a few 
thousands become a prosperous State, with nearly a 
million inhabitants. They arc a part of its history. 

A. K. P. Harmon was born at Scarborough, Cum- 
berland County, Maine, in the year 1821. He was 
named after the popular Governor of his own State. 
His ancestors were of English origin; the earliest in 
the line who settled in this country, coming over 
about the year 1G:^2. The name as it then appeared 
in the records was written tiarman. The father of 
Mr. Harmon served in the war of 1812, and the 
widow, who deceased during the present year, drew 
regularly the pension accruing to the widows of sol- 
diers of that war. Young Harmon received his 
early education in the common schools, the people's 
college, where so many of the strongest and bright- 
est men of the countr}- have been trained. He is a 
staunch friend of the public school system, and nat- 
urally has little patience with those who arraj' their 
influence against that beneficent institution. 

After leaving the public school it became neces- 
sary to do something for a livelihood. The young 
man went to Portland, where he served as a clerk in 
a mercantile house for about three j-ears. lie then 
went to Georgia, where he served as clerk in a 
mercantile establishment for three years; returning, 
he served for two j'oars or more as clerk in a busi- 
ness house in Portland, and afterwards became a 
partner in the same. The news of gold discoveries in 
California was received and discussed in nearly every 
household in the Eastern States in the year 1848. 
Young'men were leaving for the Pacific Coast bj' 
thousands. They came in all ways and by all routes. 
Some started [across the continent with ox-teams, 
others'embarked in sailing vessels around t?ape Horn. 
Mr. Harmon loft Portland for California in Decem- 
ber, 1848, 'taking a 'steamship passage from New 
York to Chagres, and trusting to chance, as many 



others did, for a passage from Panama to San Fran- 
cisco, as no line had been so permanently established 
that through tickets could be bought. From Chagres 
he walked across the Isthmus to Panama, where ho 
remained for about six weeks, and then took passage 
on the steamship Oreyon for San Francisco. The Ore- 
yon was full of passengers, and the two forward 
deck-boats were assigned to Mr. Harmon and his 
companions as sleeping quarters. It was an odd 
place to sleep, but the quarters were really more 
comfortable than manj- a poor fellow had who was 
glad to stretch himself on the hard deck. Large pre- 
miums were paid on those first steamers for standing 
room. Those who had been detained on the Isthmus 
for many weeks were tired of that embargo and 
were willing to pay large sums for a chance to reach 
California. The prices paid for some of these pas- 
sages would now take the traveler to Europe and 
back very comfortably. 

Mr. Harmon arrived in San Francisco on the sec- 
ond day of April, 1840. and camped at a point now 
intersected by Kearny Street, or about one block 
from what was then the landing for small boats. 
Everj-body was pushing out for the mines, and he 
soon took passage on a small schooner for Sacra- 
mento, the voyagers paying thirty dollars each for 
the passage, boarding themselves and sleeping on 
deck, arriving at Sacramento after an eight days' 
passage. An ox-team was secured, a square meal 
was obtained at Sutt;>r's Fort, and the partj- struck 
out for Coloma. There Mr. Harmon wrought his first 
daj- as a miner with a pan; the result of that da5-'8 
labor was an ounce of gold-dust. Remaining at this 
point for a few weeks, ho next went to Old Spanish 
Bar, where he worked for some months, getting very 
good returns. With this first money made from the 
mines, he soon went to New York, bought a stock of 
goods, returned to San Francisco and engaged in 
mercantile business with good prospects. The fire 
a few months afterwards swept his stock away. Dr. 
Samuel Merritt relates this incident: He had just 
reached the Coast with a small brig, which among 
other articles of lading, brought a number of ready- 
made houses. One of tlicm was sold to Mr. Harmon 
to bo used as a store. In sotting it up it was found 
that one or two pieces were missing. Notice was 
given of the deficiency, but the fire on the following 
night swept the store away, literally licking up the 
town, and the doctor was never called upon to make 
good the missing part of that building. 

Mr. Harmon commenced mercantile business again 
on or near the site of his burned premises. In the 



fall of 1850 he closed out his business in San | 
Francisco and removed to Racramento, where he 
was engaged in merchandise until the year 1864. He 
was gradually becoming interested in mining enter- 
prises. His ventures about this time in the Com- 
stock mines were fortunate. He bought largely, 
especially in the Chollar, of which mining company, | 
and also of the Ophir. Imperial, Empire, Bacon, Sil- | 
vcr Hill, Caledonia and others, he has been Presi- 
dent for manj- years. He also holds interests in many 
undeveloped mines which may turn out to be good 
ventures at some future daj-. He is not a dealer in 
stocks from daj- to day, but believes in mining for 
dividends; and for that reason does not let go of a 
mining enterprise because there is nothing in sight. 
TheComstock group of mines has been the richest in 
the known world. From no other area of equal 
extent has there ever been such an output of bullion. 
Those who have carefully watched all the phases of 
silver mining for the last twenty years are reluctant 
to believe that there are not still vast reserves of 
ore in some of these mines, which patient labor will 
yet reach; hence, the gigantic preparations for deep 
mining. The pump just now erected on the Chol- 
lar-Fotosi group of mines is the largest ever set up 
at any mine. When a Mexican mine began to fill 
with water, the natives abandoned it. When a mine 
on the Comstock shows water, a pump capable of 
delivering a thousand tons of water an hour is the 
remedy. That is legitimate mining; mines which 
have yielded millions may yield other millions; they 
cannot be aiiaiidoned so long as there is a reasonable 
prospect of finding paying bodies of ore. Mr. Har- 
mon has little to do with the mining speculations of 
the day. lie is considerate and cautious to a degree, j 
In business he is methodical, clear-headed, prompt 
and accurate. He knows how to say yes and no. 
He has a high sense of business honor, and his ver- ; 
bal promise would be accepted wherever he is known. 
He is square built and square in his transactions, and 
his record as an honorable business man is without a | 
blemish. In the j^ear 1872 Mr. Harmon, having 
acquired a handsome fortune, removed to Oakland, 
where he has since resided. Selecting a tract of about 
six acres noar the head of Lake Merritt, with a front- 
age on Webster Street, ho erected a large dwelling 
and made other costly improvements, which have I 



always been in excellent taste. His greenhouse con- 
tains one of the most extensive collections of rare 
plants on the Pacific Coast. The grounds are hand- 
somely laid out, and, with the improvements, com- 
prise one of the most attractive homesteads in Ala- 
meda Countj'. He is a liberal patron of art, and has 
already a choice collection of pictures which may 
serve as the foundation of a separate picture gallery 
at no distant day. 

Mr. Harmon has served for many years as one of 
the Trustees of the Mountain View Cemeterj- of Oak- 
land, and is also a Trustee of the Deaf, Dumb and 
Blind Asylum. He is averse to holding public oflSce, 
and onlj- consents to hold such as have no emolu- 
ments, giving his sers'ices freely to institutions of a 
benevolent character. 

Mr. Harmon has alwaj's taken a deep interest in the 
welfare of the State University, looking upon it as 
the crown of the public school system. Two years 
ago or more, he erected the Gymnasium building on 
the grounds of the University at his own expense, 
and gave it to that institution. Before that time 
there was no adequate assembly room or place of 
meeting on Commencement and other occasions. 
The Gymnasium was planned to afford students the 
best means of physical exercise, and to furnish also 
a complete audience room for 1,500 people. It is ad- 
mirably arranged for both these purposes. The cost 
was not less than S12,000. It bears the name of this 
citizen in just recognition of the noble gift. Mr. 
Harmon is a benevolent citizen, never withholding his 
contributions for any reallj' worthy object, but giv- 
ing without ostentation, and often so secretly that 
his most intimate friends never know the extent of 
his benefactions. He is a life member of the Art 
Association and of the Pioneer Association, and a 
member of the Union Club, of San Francisco. 

In 1846, Mr. Harmon married Miss Marietta Ran- 
dall, daughter of Job Randall, Esq., of Portland, 
Maine. This estimable ladj- was distinguished for 
works of charity, and especially as an unfailing 
friend and promoter of that excellent institution, 
The Ladies' Relief Society of Oakland. This lady 
having deceased a few years ago, Mr. Harmon mar- 
ried in 1879, Miss Sarah S. Johnson, of Portland, who, 
with a son and daughter grown up, constitute one 
of the most agreeable families of Oakland. 



GEOLOGY OF NEVADA. 



117 



contracting in places so as to allow both walls to 
conio in close contact. Both of the latter, at that 
depth, descend easterly at an angle varying from 
fortj'-two to sixtj' degrees. l'|)\vards from the 
average de])th of 500 feet, the western wall rises to 
the surface with the same inclination, which, how- 
ever, occasionally diminishes at the ii])per levels to 
forty and thirty-eight degrees, while the eastern 
wall soon bends to the vertical, and gradually turns 
to a western di|), which, at i)laces, is forty-tive 
degrees. Its general position to the depth men- 
tioned is, therefore, about vertical, with an inflation 
to the west. The vein, conseciuentlj', expatids 
towards the surface, in the shape of a funnel. The 
increase in volume is especially produced by the 
intervention, between the vein matter, of large frag- 
ments of country rock, broken from the walls, but 
usual!}' moved only a little vr&y downward, by slid- 
ing from their original ])lace. The liulk and num- 
ber of these fragments, or '• horses," increase towards 
the surface, where some of them have a length of 
1,000 feet, and a width of fifty to upwards of one 
hundred feet. 

Vein matter branching oft' from below fills the 
spaces between the fragments, but is generallj', near 
the surfiice, far inferior in bulk as compared with 
the country rock.* The width of the belt in which 
these branches come to the surface, and there form 
scattered outcroppings, is generally more than .500 
feet. 

On the western side (west of the Virginia and El 
Ilorado cro])pings) the Conistock vein is accom]>a- 
nied b}' a number of smaller veins, the outcrop])ings 
of which are visible on Cedar Hill, Central Hill, 
Ophir Hill, and Mount Davidson, and are in some 
places of considerable size. Thej' are nearlj- ])ar- 
allel to the main vein, anil di|i to the east. Prob- 
ably they will unite in depth with the Comstock 
vein, which by its relation to them may be consid- 
ered as the main vein of what German miners call 
a -'gangzug." The western boundary of this main 
vein is exceedingly well defined by a continuous claj' 
selvage (gouge) lying on the smooth foot wall, and 
separating the vein matter verj' distinctly from the 
country rock; but it is ditterent on the eastern side, 
where the adjoining country rock, as is often the 
case with true fissure veins, is impregnated with 
matter similar to that which fills the fissure. It 
is fre(|uently concentrated in channels running par- 
allel to, or ascending from, the vein, but, in fact, 
forming parts of it. The well-defined east wall of 
its main body has, therefore, not often the same 
position relatively to the entire vein, and with the 
growing depth gained by successive explorations 
the development of vein matter, east of what was 
formerly considered the east wall, increases. 

INCLOSING ROCK. 

The rocks which accompanj' the Comstock vein, 
change in its course. Tliey are different varieties 
of ])ro])j-lite on the eastern side, throughout its 
whole extent. In some places the frei|uent and 
large crystals of feldspar give it a por])hjritic char- 
acter, which in certain varieties is rendered more 
striking by green columns of hornblende; at others 
the rock has a very fine grain, and the inclosed 
crystals are of minute size; again, the rock is either 
compact and homogeneous, or it has a brecciated 
' appearance from the inclosure of numerous angular 
fragmentfl. Also, the color changes, though it is 

* In other wnnls, tlie horscH or foreign substances constitute 
the larger portion of the fissure matter. — Kd. 
15 



predominantly green, and the difTerent varieties of 
docomj)osition create finallj- an endless variet}-. We 
will presently have occasion to consider the causes 
to which it is due. 

The western country offers more differences. 
Along the slope of .Mount Davidson and Mount 
Butler, from the Best k Belcher mine to (!old llill, 
it is formed bj' sj-enito, which, at some places, is 
separated from the vein by a crystalline rock of 
black color, having the nature of a]>hanite, but alto- 
gether obscure as to the mode of its occurrence. 
It is from three to fifty feet thick, and the elucida- 
tion of its real nature maj- be expected from further 
developments.* As syenite to the west, and propjMite 
to the east, occur just in that portion of the Com- 
stock vein which has been most explored, and where 
works, more than anj-where else, extend in both 
directions into the countrj', it has been generally 
assumed in Virginia that the lode follows the plane 
of contact between two different kinds of rocks, and 
is therefore a contact deposit. ]5ut immediately 
north of Mount Davidson, where ]iropylite extends 
high up on the western hills, this rock forms the 
western countr}' as well as the eastern — as at the 
(California and Ophir mines — -though at the latter 
metamorphic rocks and syenite are associated with 
propylite on the western side. On Cedar Hill syenite 
again jn-edominates; but further north propj'lite 
forms the country rock on both sides. South of 
Gold Hill the sj-enite disappears from the western 
wall, and its place is taken to some extent by pro- 
pylite, but in greater part by metamorphic rocks of 
the third of the before-mentioned classes, )irinci|ially 
quartzite and uralitic rocks. * * Nowhere have 
sj-enite and metamorphic rocks been found on the 
eastern side. 

OUTCROPPINGS. 

The outcroppings of the Comstock Lode do not 
form a continuous line, but consists rather of small 
and detached fragments of ((uarlz, ordinarilj- jiro- 
truding from the surrounding ground, and sometimes 
forming bold crests, which, in the aggregate, form 
a broad uninterrupted belt. The horizontal <lis- 
tance across the vein of the outcro|)s of the differ- 
ent branches, amounts to upwards of (>(I0 feet. Those 
of the western branches wbich retain the eastern 
dip of the western wall of the vein, carrj' principally 
crystallized quartz of a verj' glassy- appearance, 
ordinaril}- of white, or at least of light color, and 
comparatively of pure i|uality. Angular fragments 
of the country rock are imbedded in the quartz, and 
form the center of its crystallization; they usually 
occur in large pieces and in tini'ly disseminated par- 
ticles. 

Metalliferous minerals are scarce, though not 
entirel}- wanting. Nothing indicates underground 
wealth, nor, indeed, has such been found by subse- 
quent mining. The only exception is Cedar Hill, 
where native gold was found abundantly in places; 
but its scarce dispersion never justified great expec- 
tations. Of this nature are the Sacramento, ^'■irginia, 
and HI Doi-ailo outcrops, and others on Mounts 
Davidson and Butler. Tbey have in several places 
a width of 120 feet, besides other branches which 
form ])art of them. 

In the eastern outcrops, jiarticles of the country 

* This rock was afterwards termed "andcsito," and is said to 
liave been of volcanic origin, sulwetjuent to the upheaval or 
elevation of the accompanying strata; and is also thought liy 
Clarence King and others to W' contemporaneous witli, and to 
some extent mstrumental in, the deposit of the mineral matter 
forming the Comstock I-odc. It will Ik; referre<l to again. — Ed. 



118 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



rock, together with othei-s of clayey matter and 
metallic substances, occur, finely dis.seminated through 
the quartz, causing thereby a marked dift'erence 
from the character of the western outcrops. A cer- 
tain porous structure of the quartz, evidently origi- 
nating from the removal of tino particles of ore, and 
the brown and red coloring caused by metallic 
oxides, indicate the ore-bearing character of large 
portions in depth; and the dissemination of native 
gold and silver in small pores and larger cavities, 
gives evidence of the presence of ores of the precious 
metals. Also the chloride and simple sulphuret of 
silver, occur in the eastern outcrops. These differ- 
ent characters of the "Facos" and "Colorados" of 
the Mexican, and the " iron hat " of the German 
miner, continue downward to varying depths.* 

VEIN MATTER. 

The vein matter of the Comstock Lode is of a 
highly varied character, if we consider every sub- 
stance which enters into the compo^tion of the body 
of the vein between its two walls as belonging to 
it. Its chief component pai'ts are fragments of 
country rock, clay, and clayej' matter, quartz and 
ores. 

PRAG.MENTS OP COUNTRY ROCKS. 

Near the surface, about five-sixths of the mass of 
the Comstock vein consists of fragments of country 
rock — "horses," as the Cornish miner calls them. 
They are often of large size, and then terminate 
below in a sharp edge. Their shape and size vary 
somewhat with the nature of the rock of which they 
consist. Those of projij-lite, which along the whole 
range occur on the eastern side, and onl3- occasion- 
all3- extend throughout the whole vein where the 
country is of the same character on both sides, are 
ordinarilj- ver}- much elongated in the direction of 
the vein, frequently to 1.00(1 feet or more, while 
their breadth is far inferior, and their height is 
intermediate between both. At their ends they 
thin out gradually. Those of syenite terminate 
more abruptly, and their dimensions are more equal, 
though they are always in the direction of the 
strike of the vein. From the large "horses" every 
variety of size occurs down to the smallest frag- 
ments. The quartz is often so thickly filled with 
angular ])ieces as to have a breccialed a])]ioarance. 
Propylite is more common among them than sj-en- 
ite, and brecciated vein matter is therefore ])rev- 
alent in those parts of the lode where ))ro])ylite 
incloses the same on both sides, or where, at least, 
it furnished the larger part of the material for the 
"horses." It is for this reason abundant in the Cal- 
iiornia. Central, and (Jphir mines, and in the south- 
ern part of the Gold Uill mines. 

CLAY AND CLAYEY MATTERS. 

Few largo veins are so abundant in these sub- 
stances as the ('omstock vein. Clay forms the east- 
ern selvage from north to south in continuous sheets, 
sometimes of ten to twenty feet in tliickness. Other 
sheets of clay divide "horses" from (juartz or differ- 
ent bodies of the latter; and where the two walls 
come in close contact they have in ]ilaces a united 
width of twenty to sixty feet. This clay is ordi- 
nariij- tough and i)Utt3--like, and contains rounded 
])el)l)les of the adjoining rock; only where quartz is 
on both sides it i)artakes of its nature, and is more 
earthy and dry. liut, besides, clayey matter occurs 

'These surface rncks arc also called "gossan," "calico rock," 
"mundic," "iron cap," etc. — Ed. 



in the body of the vein to a great extent, and in 
places takes a prominent part in filling the fissure. 
Most "horses" terminate at their lower end in a 
clayey substance, and continue downward as well 
as in the direction of the vein as sheets of clay. 
Out of the vein the same matter occurs to a great 
extent in the eastern country, but scarcely, if ever, 
in the western, thereby giving another evidence of 
the indistinctness of the eastern boundary of the 
vein. 

QUARTZ — CHARACTER OP. 

The differences mentioned before as prevailing in 
the quartz of the outcrops continue downward, but are 
not so conspicuous in depth on account of the gen- 
eral white color of the quartz. But even then the 
finely disseminated particles of the wall rock are 
more peculiar to the eastern then the western por- 
tions, and are alwaj-s abundant where the quartz 
contains ore. At the upper levels, some bodies of 
quartz are of a reddish color ; this is where the 
"Colorados" continue downward. Frequeiitl\% how- 
ever, this color is only due to the red clay filling the 
fissures of the fractured quartz. In this case it is 
probably produced by the percolation of the vein 
matter bj- water, while in the former it is likelj- that 
it is connected with the original formation of the 
vein, as are all the phenomena presented bj' the " iron 
hat." The ijuartz in the Comstock vein is rarelj' 
solid, and blasting is a|)plied for its removal in but 
few instances. Generally it is fractured, and in nu- 
merous places the effects of dj-namical action on it 
are such as to give it the appearance of crushed 
sugar. It occurs in this condition when inclosed in 
claj'ey matter, and then frequently reminds one of the 
waving lines of damask.* J?ut then, also large and 
continuous bodies, consisting entirely of " crushed 
quartz," as we maj' call it, are occasionallj- met 
with. Such was the ease throughout the larger part 
of the gi'eat bonanza of the Ophir mine. 

VARIETY OP ORES. 

The principal ores of the Comstock lode are 
stephanite, vitreous silver ore, native silver, and 
ver}' rich galena; also small quantities of pj^rargy- 
rite or ruby silver, horn silver, and poiybasite. 
Besides these are found native gold, iron ))yrites, cop- 
per ])3'rites, zincblende. carbonate of lead and 
pyromorphite, the last two being very scarce. 

Having quoted extensivelj-from Baron Ilichthofen, 
a few extracts from Clarence King's exhaustive 
report will be in order: — 

UE.MAHKS ON GENERAL GEOLOGY. 

Both the Sierra and I)e8ert ranges are composed 
first of crumpled and uplifted strata, from the azoic 
period to the late Jurassic; secondly-, of ancient 
erupted rocks which accompanj- the Jurassic up- 
heaval; and thirdl)-, of modern eruptive rocks belong- 
ing to the volcanic familj', ranging in date ])rc)bably 
from as early as the late miocene to the glacial 

'Great value is attached U> the timliiig of a large ainouiit of 
clay, gouge, or selvage on the walls of a vein. By many miners 
it is consiilered as the result of tl)e shiw grinding of the walls 
together, thus indicating a deep tissure, as no shallow crevice in 
the surface of tiic e;irth woidd 1k' snhject to such displacement. 
Other miners consider tlie clay .as resulting fn>m the dccomjiosi- 
tion of mineral waters acting on the walls of the lo<le, thus indi-* 
eating an extensive ore chauncl. It is likely that it may be 
produced by cither or both acting together. In any case it is, 
next to firm and consistent wall rocks, considered the best evi- 
dence of an ore deposit or ore channel. — Ed. 



GEOLOGY OF NEVADA. 



no 



period. Folds of more or less comploxity, twisted 
and warped by longitudinal forces, often comiJressed 
into a series of zigzags, sometimes masked by out- 
bursts of granite, syenitic granite, or syenite, and 
last!}-, built upon bj' or freciuently buried beneath 
immense accumulations of volcanic material; these 
are the characteristic features of the mountain 
chains. They are usually meridional and parallel, 
and separated by valleys \vhi(jh are filled to a gen- 
eral level by quarternarj- detritus, the result of 
erosion from the early cretaceous period down to 
the present time. The east slope of the Sierra, 
directlj' facing the Washoe region, is. in brief, a 
relic of metamorphic schists and slates, skirting the 
foot-hills and resting at high east and west angles 
against the great granite bod}% which, for many 
miles to the southward, forms not only the summit 
but the main mass of the range. Eising through 
the granite, and forming an eastern summit is a 
lofty mass of sanidin-trach3"te, of a dull chncolate 
color, and onl^- remarkable for the beautifully regu- 
lar prisms of black mica which intersect it. The 
ridge known as the Washoe .Mountains is of this 
trachyte. Its culmiiiating height, Washoe Peak, 
lies directlj' east and west across the vallcj' from 
Mount l)avidson, the center and summit of the 
Virginia mining region. 

Little can be learned of the ancient structure of the 
Virginia range, for eight-tenths of its mass are made 
up of volcanic rocks. Only at rare intervals, where 
deep erosion lays bare the original range, or whei-e 
its hard summits have been lifted above the volcanic 
flows, is there any clue to the materials or position of 
the ancient chain. Mount Davidson is one of these 
relics, being composed of syenite. Lidined against 
the base of this mass, and in the bottoms of ravines 
eroded in the volcanic materials occur considerable 
hills of metamorphic rocks, schists, limestones, graph- 
itic shales and slates. Southward in the canon of 
the Carson, and in the ravines of the Pine .Nut hills, 
are uplifted slates and carbonaceous shales, associated 
with irregular limestone beds, the whole surrounded 
and limited by volcanic (andesite) rocks. Still further 
southward, the crest ridge of the Pine Nut region, 
which is a continuation of the Virginia range, is 
syenitic granite, forming high, rugged crags, of an 
extremely ]>icturesque asjiect. Hvery analogy would 
point to the belief that these aqueous rocks and the 
granitic masses accompanj'in;, them, are identical 
with the similar njcks, which predominate in the 
majorit}' of Cordillera ranges; but we have positive 
proof of this in the fact that in El Dorado Canon, one 
of the ravines of the Pine Nut hills, Professor Whit- 
ney has found triassic fossils. 

In resume, it may be said that this range is one of 
the old Jurassic folds of stratified rocks, through 
whose fissures granite and syenite have obtruded; 
that after a verj' long period of comparative repose 
from the early cretaceous to the late tertiary the 
old range was riven in innumerable crevices, and 
deluged by floods of volcanic rocks which have 
buried nearly all its older mass, and entirelj- changed 
its topograph}'. l»uring this ])eriod of vulcanism 
the present vallej's were in great part filled with 
fresh water lakes; and near the base of the A'ir- 
ginia rango we have evidence, in the tufa deposits, 
that a considerable quantity of volcanic material 
.was both ejected under water and flowed down 
into it. Water penetrating the fissured range and 
meeting melted rock gave rise to the solfataras and 
hot springs, whose traces are everj'wherc ajiparent. 
Following this age of lava and steam eruptions 



came the glacial epoch, with its sequel of torrents 
and floods, and finally a great desiccating ]>eriod, 
introducing our present condition. 

THE OL.\CIAL EPOCH. 

A sketch of the geology of Nevada which should 
leave this out would bo very imperfect indeed. 
Although the great ice ago had little to do in 
forming the deposits of ores, it had much to do with 
fixing the to])ography of the countrj-, and exposing 
the mineral deposits. 

In common with all the northern part of North 
America, Nevada was covered with a deluge of ice. 
Although it was, geologically speaking, a modern 
affair, many centuries — perhaps thousands — have 
elapsed since that period, and it requires a great 
stretch of the imagination, while toiling over the 
dreary alkali or salt plains to realize the fact that 
at one time the ice overspread the whole country 
from 5,000 to 20,000 feet in depth. But the proofs 
seem incontrovertible. From California on the west 
to Nova Scotia in the east can be found the track 
of the glaciers, unmistakable in their character as 
are the ancient roads in Kurope, constructed by the 
Roman legions. The causes which led to these vast 
deposits of ice, which changed the almost tropic 
sun into an arctic one, and permitted the accumu- 
lated snows to remain for unknown ages, is as much 
beyond our comprehension as are the upheavals of 
the Eocky Mountains or Sierra Nevada. The small 
snow-banks left in the mountains seem about as in- 
significant compared to the original masses as the 
few hot springs compared with the great solfataras 
that deposited the rich lodes of the Comstock. It is 
one of the peculiarities of these great ice-fields that 
they have a regular flow towards the greatest de- 
pression. The movement is slow, sometimes not 
more than a few feet in a j'car, but it moves with 
a mightj' force. Great masses of rock held in the 
ice as in a vise are dragged along the earth, cutting 
away the hardest rocks, leveling everything to a 
certain plane. In this waj' Carson, Truckee, Para- 
dise, and all the larger valleys of the State were 
eroded. At the lower end of those valleys may 
generally be found the reef of rocks, the worn out 
or abandoned tools of the defunct glacier left us; 
under the influence of the changing climate it 
slowly retreated up the mountain sides, these trans- 
verso, also lateral piles of rock (jnoraines') indicating 
the places where an obstinate and prolonged resist- 
ance was made. The western slope of the Sierra 
Nevada was the site of the most active work, bo- 
cause the elevation was from tide water, or a molt- 
ing point, to a region of perpetual frost. 

LIVINU OLACIEKS. 

The glaciers are now in full action in some parts 
of Alaska, moving in columns of a hundred miles in 
length so slowly that a j'ear is required to make any 
perceptible movement ; but from under the glacier 
tho waters pour out laden with clay and fine 



120 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



sand, the shavings and chips of the mighty ma- 
chine that was, and still is, engaged in leveling 
continents. In the southern part of California, 
around the cluster of mountains containing Mount 
Whitney, the glacier is still a powerful element in 
shaping the earth. A few small ones, not often 
exceeding a mile in their greatest dimensions, may 
be seen in the vicinity of the Carson Eiver. The 
number within the limits of that State may exceed 
a hundred, though the period of their greatest ac- 
tivity has long since passed away. 

LOCAL CHARACTERISTICS. 

Returning to the consideration of the general 
geology, a few remarks concerning other jjortions 
of the State will finish the subject, promising that 
the particular description given of the Comstock 
Lode will furnish a key to that of most parts of 
the Great Basin, though it would seem that the 
deposit of ores occurred in widely ditteront eras, 
as also under different dynamical and metalliferous 
conditions. 

The portions of the Slate occupied by the last 
of the reti-eating seas are marked by extensive 
bodies of soda, borax, sulphur, alum and salt. 
Those deposits are more particularly described in 
the sketches of the different counties. Humboldt, 
Churchill and Ksmoraldu counties are of this charac- 
ter, being distinguished by the presence of numerous 
saliniferous minerals. They occupy the lowest po- 
sition of the Groat Basin, the largest rivers, such as 
Carson, Humboldt, Walker, Truckce, all having their 
sinks in, or near, those counties. In other portions 
the beds of limestone, the remains of the coral 
reefs of a former age, become the associates of the 
gold and silver veins, and seem to have been ac- 
tive in producing the precipitation, or deposit. 
This condition seems to obtain in Elko, Nye, Kureka, 
and White Pine. In other portions of the State the 
deposits were in many instances in granite, in nar- 
row fissures, with little indications of deep or exten- 
sive fissures, as in Esmeralda and Lander counties, 
as well as the mines on the eastern slope of the Sierra 
Nevada, in the counties of Esmeralda, Ormsby, 
Washoe, etc. The northwestern ])art of the State 
in many places seems to be overlaid with the lava 
from the great overflow which formed the famous 
Modoc lava beds. 

The first fossils belonging to the lower silurian 
period, found west of the one hundred and twelfth 
meridian, to which ])ublic attention was called, wore 
discovered in lS(i(i, at Silver Peak, I'^sineralda County, 
by I'rofessor Joshua E. Clayton. They were found 
on the border of a large valle}', whoso depressed cen- 
tral portion of several hundred acres in extent, is 
covered with saline incrustations from the dej)th of 
several inches to a foot or more. At that time Pro- 
fessor Clayton was 8ui)erintending the construction 
of reduction works there, as well as exploiting the 
mines that were to su])ply the ore to be worked. 



The valley has since then been known as Clayton 
Valley. A hard, compact, finegrained calcareous 
rock, which was susceptible of a high degree of 
polish, proved to have been formed by the organic 
remains of the earliest existing corallites known; 
while an arenacious bed of yellowish, thinly laminated 
sandstone in immediate proximity contained innu- 
merable trilobites — the eai-liest living creatures on 
the globe — which were plainly imprinted upon each 
sheet of the rock as the layers were separated. 
Thermal saline springs of large dimensions flow near 
the point at which this discovery was made; and on 
the hills that skirt the valley are found ledges con- 
taining gold, silver, copper, lead and iron, besides 
other metals less useful. 

Manj- of the most prominent mines of central and 
eastern Nevada arc found in limestone. Immense 
reefs of quartzite are almost invariably found accom- 
panj-ing these limestone belts, and running parallel 
thereto. The Pilot Mountains, a short distance 
southeast of Walker Lake, are mostly composed of 
limestone, which contains numerous large fossils of a 
recent geological period. Erosion has loosened and 
exposed manj^ of these, and they can there be pro- 
cured in great quantities, and of perfect form. In 
the Diamond Jlange, on many of the most prom- 
inent ])caks, which have suffered denudation by snow 
and ice, can also be found fossils of Jike character. 
At Hot Creek and Tybo limestone is the predom- 
inating rock along the metalliferous zone. At 
Mineral Hill, where the ore is found, the rock is 
calcareous slate at the base of the hill, while over- 
lying this higher up is limestone. Spruce Mount- 
ain is composed of stratified limestone, or dolomite, 
with an outcrop of porph3"r3' on the western slope at 
its base. 

The rocks of Humboldt County are syenite, 
granite, porph3'ry and slate, though quartzite pre- 
vails in some of the mountain ranges, accompanied 
with limestone mingled with calcareous spar, which 
either rests upon or alternates with hard, compact 
grits and quartzile. In maii^' of the canons are 
found boulders of ser])entine, conglomerate, talcoso 
slate, fine grey granite, coarse rod, crystalline white 
and metamorphic sandstones, gypsum, pebbles of 
alabaster, and marble of variable textures. In some 
localities volcanic action is indicated bj- the presence 
of scoria, obsidian, lava and sulphur. 

In Nye County there is a vein of silicious material 
which contains much beautiful lui'quoise, useful to 
the lapidary. Also boaiitifull}' silicifiod wood — largo 
trees having been petrified — from which fine spec- 
imens can be procured. The sandy ])laina of south- 
ern Nevada frequcntlj' show upon their surface 
many pebbles, rough-looking on the outside, about the 
size of a hen's egg, which, u|)on being broken, arc 
found to be agate, hollow — geodes, containing innu- 
merable, iioautiful, tiny crystals. Calcedony, obsidian 
etc., are frcijuently found in their company. 



^:^ 



V. 








JOINT SHAFT OF THE "CHOLLAR^t'OTOSirHALE A 

VIRGINI/I 




f) NORCROSS" AND "SAVAGE'MINING COMPANIES. 
WEVADA. 



GEOLOGY OF NEVADA. 



121 



TllK MOUNTAIN SYSTEM. • 

The general trend of the interior elevations is 
parallel to that of the Uocky Mountains and Sierra 
Nevada, though instances are not wanting of trans- 
verse elevations, and even of mineral veins to cor- 
respond. In places these elevations rival the parent 
Rocky Mountains in height. The United States 
geological cxjiloration of the fortieth parallel gives 
the altitude of Pogonip Peak, in White Pine Count}', 
as 10,792 feet above the level of the sea; Tel 
egraph Peak and Treasure Hill, 9,228; Treasure 
City, S,!1S(I; and other places nL'urly the same. It 
is remarkable that on those high elevations some 
of the richest mines in the State have been found 
in a horizontal po.sition, the minerals seemingly 
owing their capture or precipitation to beds of lime- 
stone, over which flowed the waters of solfiilaras, 
holding silver in solution. 

The Washoe range of mountains is 100 miles or 
more in length, ending, on the south, in the Pine 
Nut Mountains, which are even higher than Mount 
Davidson, without its fortunate and unexampled 
deposits, however. In the north it is lost or .sinks 
under the great lava flow before referred to. 

As illustrated in Figure No. 1, the surfjice of the 
great intermediate basin appears to have been com- 
pressed between the flanking ranges, the Sierra Ne- 
vada on the west and the Rocky Mountains on the 
east, the whole constituting a portion of the Cor- 
dillerian system, which stretches from Central Amer- 
ica to the Arctic. The regular recurrence of the 
mountain ranges and the parallelism of their trend 
impress the casual observer with the conviction of 
lateral pressure as their cause. While there is a 
general regularity in the physical features of all 
the different ranges, the trend of all being northerly 
and southerly, there appears great irregularity in 
their lithological formation, offering to the geologist 
and mineralogist the most interesting of all possible 
fields for his studies. Within the limits of the State 
are near 100 distinct mountain ranges, nearly everj^ 
one of which are worth}' the close attention and full 
description that IJichthofen and King have given 
of the Washoe Range, including Mount Davidson. 
Among the jirincipal ranges are, commencing in the 
northwest, the Black Rock, Pine Forest, Antelope, 
Trinity, Cottonwood or Santa Rosa, Hot Spring, 
Independence, Goose (^"reek, and othersmaller mount- 
ains, buttes and spurs north of the Humboldt River; 
and south of that river and north of the central 
parallel are the West Humboldt, East Range, Sonoma, 
Battle Mountain, l''ish ('reek, Cortez, Pifion, Hast 
Humboldt, Pequop and Toano. Along the central 
belt are the Carson Sink l^ange, Augusta, New Pass. 
Desatoya, Shoshone, Toiyabe, To<iuima, Monitor. 
Hot Creek. Diamond, Pancake, White Pine, Egan, 
Long Valley Range, Schell Creek, and Snake, In 
the southwest and south are the Walker River or 
Wassuch, Excelsior, Pilot, Monte Christo, Red Mount- 



ain, Kawitch, Reveille, Pahranagat, Mount Irish, 
Hiko, Ely, Highland, S|)ring Mountain, Cedar, Mor- 
mon, Virgin, Grapevine, Belted, Desert, Buckskin, 
j Vegas, and Muddy. There are many other ranges 
of considerable importance, to some of which the 
geographer has as yet neglected to give an appella- 
tion; and there arc also many i.solated ]ieaks and 
hills that have become famous for their mineral 
wealth. Of these latter are the Potosi, with its 
stores of galena; and the Salt Mountain, with its 
great veins of rock salt in the extreme south; Sil- 
ver Peak in the southwest; Ruby Hill and Prospect 
Mountain in the Diamond Range; Treasure Hill and 
Pogonip Peak in the White Pine Range; Mount 
Tenabo, and its giant ledge, in the Cortez Mountains; 
Jeff. Davis Peak and Wheeler Peak in the Snake 
Range. Some of the ranges, as the Toiyabe, Dia- 
mond, Schell Creek, Egan, and East Humboldt, ex- 
tend unbroken for 100 or more miles in length, send- 
ing their highest peaks 10.000 and 12,000 feet into 
the sky. While the surface appears so mountainous, 
there are broad valleys corresponding, seldom less 
than five or six miles in width, some with fertile 
soil, and some widely spread with salt, soda, borates, 
nitre, suli)hur, etc, forbidding to the eye, but valua- 
ble to commerce. Through all the mountain ranges 
arc fretpient passes, and open ])lains surround their 
termini, affording easy routes of travel; and in 
nearly every range, whether the body bo of granite, 
limestone, porphyry, or (piartzite, are veins of the 
precious or useful metals. 

ORKHN OK MINERAL VEINS. 

If the minerals now sought for by the general- 
ity of mankind had their .origin in the center of 
tbe earth, or in the Plutonic regions, as so often 
said, it is quite certain that they were ejected at such 
an ancient period that they have been, and still are, 
handled over and over by the superficial forces or 
agencies. When superficial is spoken of it must bo 
given sufficient latitude to embrace all that portion 
of the earth which has been subject to deposit, 
erosion, or denudation, which in many places is not 
less than twenty thousand feet. In one of the illus- 
trations used at the beginning of this article atten- 
tion is called to the dark lities as inclosing the sup- 
posed mineral stratum. That such a condition may 
exist, and even does exist, may bo easily demon- 
strated. The granite mountains tower far above 
the stratified rocks at their bases, with which 
they once were overlaid. This stripping process 
has gone on until far down on the side of the 
mountains we find the edges of the strata which 
on the western slope go down under the great Sacra- 
mento Valley, and on the eastern side un<ler the Great 
Basin of Utah. We find the remains of mineral veins 
whose tops, and ]ierhaps richest ])arts, have been 
swept away with all tbe gold, silver and other min- 
erals contained in them. We have seen the surface 
of the Comstock Lode enrich Gold Cafion. The 



122 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



gold which was found in tho canon was \>re- 
sumablj- not one per cent, of what was ori,i;inallj- in 
tho vein, and the silver was all swept away, lodging 
somewhere, below or perhaps, carried to tho lake at 
the foot of Carson River. This condition prevails 
all over the State. According to the reports of the 
Assessors the mineral veins have been richest on the 
surface, and these have for ages been exposed to the 
wash and destruction incident to rains, frost and 
sunshine. There is no destruction of metals, and 
they must be in existence somewhere in the newly- 
formed or ]josl pliocene strata. In the course of our 
history mention is made of the use of immense quan- 
tities of quicksilver used by the miners everywhere. 
It all goes down the stream, enriching tho valleys. 
Thousands of tons arc deposited in some shape below 
the mines. Supposing that in course of natural 
events, propylitc and trachyte should again cover 
the earth, or at least the portion of it under consid- 
eration, and bury it so deep that the present ranches, 
alkali and salt beds, should become subject to the 
internal heat of the earth, amounting to one degree 
for each fifty feet of depth, the minerals would be- 
come redissolved and perhaps be redepositod by the, 
hot springs, or solfataras. which would result fi-om an 
upheaval of new mountain ranges. The slightest 
consideration of this subject will enable any one to 
see that the 8:500, 0(1(1, (100 taken from tho mines of 
Nevada have made no perceptible impression on the 
total amount of tho original quantity. 

The minerals lying in tho flats and mud lakes 
may bo of ver\' little value to tho present race of hu- 
manity, and are referred to as a possible solution of 
tho question as to tho origin of mineral veins. 

FUTURE .MININd I'llOSPECTS. 

Whatever the fluctuations in the mining interests 
of any one locality, Nevada will undoubtedly remain 
tho groat silver-producing State for many years. 
While it is verj' doubtful whether, as a rule, the 
mines will grow richer as greater depths are attained, 
yet there is such an immense tract of metalliferous 
country with large ((uantities of low-grade ores, 
which under favorable circumstances will pay for 
reduction, that it is (juito certain thousands will mine 
with ])rofit for hundreds of years. When we look at 
tho extravagant rates of labor, timber, machinery 
etc., extravagant compared with ])rices in Kurope — 
where mining has boon carried on I'di- hundreds of 
years on a basis of less than one-fourth of the 
Nevada prices — and considei- that according to the 
inevitable laws of exchange tho rates must approx- 
imate each other, it leaves an immense margin for 
develo|)ment in Nevada. 

Vor}' little profit of the rich mines inures to the 
State where the mines are situated. Tho profits go 
to stockholders, who ])erliaps reside in I'aris or 
Jjondon. The works are managed by agents, who 
deem it their duty and interest to extort the utmost 
profits ))ossible; they cheapen everything, wood. 



labor and material to the greatest extent. Though 
bonanzas enrich the world, or at least the owners 
thereof, they bring no more profit to the country 
than the poorer mines, which pay but a small profit 
over the cost of working. In nearlj- every countj' 
are found bodies of low-grade ores of all kinds, 
where bonanzas are possible. In addition to the 
mines of silver and gold there are immense beds of 
borax, salt, sulphur, antimony and copper, all valu- 
able in the arts, that alone would form the basis of 
prosperity. When the systems of railways now 
contemplated and under way shall have been com- 
pleted, so that the prices of transportation shall not 
be such an effectual bar to development, Nevada will 
gradually assume among tho States tho position 
which her immense resources entitle her. 



CHAPTETt XVII I. 

MINING .4.ND POLITICS. 

Mining Inlliience Upou I'olitics — Why ami flow tlic L.iw Was 
t'liangcd — Wliy the Law Was t'l\anged in 1S7I — Bullion 
lucreasu in 1N71 Over 1870 — Table Showing Chtinge in 
Asseasments anil Taxation, etc. — The Law of 1875, Its 
Pecuniary and Political I'jli'ects — The Members Ignore Their 
Pledges — An Outside Pressure Brought to Bear — The Two 
Horns of the Dileninia — The llesult — Senators Voting Kor 
and Against — The Veto and Its I'^ifects — Bonanza Move 
Number Three — Attempt to Compromise — Compromise Ef- 
fected — EBbrts to Avoid Paying the Penalties. 

The search for tho royal metals first led to the 
settlement of the whites in tho country now known 
as Nevada. The discovery of the Comstock was the 
first lodestone that attracted any considerable num- 
ber into tho Territory. It is the mineral resources 
of Nevada that have created a demand for other 
branches of industry, and they languish or prosper 
in response to the mineral developments of the 
country. With the mining industrj- closed ilown, 
even at this day, there would result such an exodus 
from the State as would leave those who remained 
more tenants at will of the Indians. ISecause of the 
importance of this branch of Nevada's resources, it 
has from the first boon the touchstone, or ruling 
factor, in ultimatclj' determining her govermontal 
policy. 

In 18G3, when the first legally authorized effort 
was made to adopt a State Constitution, tho question 
that agitated the framers more than any other, was 
that of taxing the mines. A section was inserted in 
that instrument authorizing taxation of property 
which ])laeed unproductive, and all mines, u])on the 
same basis for being taxed as other projierty. A 
strong opposition was developed in the Convention 
against this clause in the section which authorized a 
levy upon a mining claim on account of value given 
to the location because of tho present hope or belief 
that it would lead to vdlii-e at nomoyu/ure time. Wm. 
M. Stewart was the most able and tenacious of all 
tho members in his opposition to tho section as it 
was introduced, and he projiosod an amendment 
that authorized a levy only upon the net proceeds of 



MINING AND POLITICS. 



123 



that class of iiro])erty, but it was defeated. Ho 
made a number of speeches upon the (piestion, in all 
of which he reminded hia associates that he was 
"Opposed to taxintj the hopes of poor miners; his 
shafts, and drifts, and i)ed-rock tunnels." 

Mark Twain, in his inimitable way, in a communi- 
cation to the Territoi-wl Enterprise, gives the proceed- 
ings of a burlesque body known as the Third House, 
of which he was President. His report of the 
meeting leaves a forcible impression upon tho mind 
of the tenacity evinced by Mr. S., his proneness to 
recur to tho hojjc deferred «f the poor miners, as 
well as the importance attached at the time to that 
subject by tho Convention generallJ^ This article 
will be fount! in full in Cliaptov XII. of this book. 

On the nineteenth of tho following January tho 
Constitution was overwhelmingly rejected by the 
peo])le, on the grounds, mainly, of its not contain- 
ing the Stewart amendment. Another Convention 
was called to frame a State Constitution, that met 
at Carson, in Jul}-, 18(14, and the rejected instrument, 
with slight changes, including the Stewart idea of 
mining taxation, was again j)laced before the people. 
Tho vote was taken at the general State election 
that year, on the seventh of September, resulting in 
adopting it by a vote of 10,378 to 1,284. The first 
Legislature that met under tho Now Constitution 
enacted a revenue law that was a])provod March tt, 
ISd."). 

This Act* authorized a tax levy of 81 ••")'• for tho 
county, and 81.25 for tho State on each one hundred 
dollars of valuation; but Section !t!l limited the levy 
on ])roceeds of mines to one dollar on the hundred, 
one- half for county, the other for State purposes. 
This was a discrimination in favor of mining pro- 
ducts of 81.75 on the 8100 over other kinds of prop- 
erty.! 

The law further ])rovided that twenty dollars 
should be deducted for expense of working the ore, 
and that only three-fourths of tho remainder should 
bo taxed. I This would result in obtaining sixty 
cents tax from a ton of ore that worked 8100. 

WHY AND now THE J,.VW WAS CHAN(iEIJ. 

Tho question of the constitutionality of the ninety- 
ninth section of that law had been mooted from tho 
time of its passage, but no case had boon brought 
before tho courts to settle the matter until Feb- 
ruary 8, 1877, when an af^tion for that purpose was 
brought before Judge S. II. Wright, of tho Second 
District. Both friends and enemies of the law knew 
that the matter would be taken before the Supreme 
Court of the State, as soon as Judge Wright ren- 
dered his decision, by appeal of the unsuccessful 

• .Statues of 18U4 and 1865, pages 271-300. 

t State of Nevada vs. Kstabrook. New Reports, volume 3, 
page 173. 

tNcva<la Reports, volume 3, p.ige 179. "The closing sen- 
tence of Section '.10 dincts ;i tax to be levied on tliree-fourtlia of 
tlic value ]irevi(iu»ly a.seertaineil of llie procecda of the mine. 
This is clearly unccin8tituti::n.il. The value being once ascer- 
tained the whole value is taxable at the same rate a.s other prop- 
erty. 



litigant. The question was a very important one; 
and if the section in question was finally declared 
to be antagonistic to the State Constitution such 
decision would increase materially tho amount of tax 
that producers would bo re(iuired to pay upon their 
bullion. 

Some idea of the strength of motive that influenced 
men to provide against the conseiiuences of an 
adverse decision will be gained from the following: — 

In 18()G tho Storey County Assessor had rej)ortod 
811,951,876 as the gross amount of their bullion 
produced, and a tax of 817,772.54 only had boon 
paid on the same. If tho revenue had been col- 
lected in accordance with only that portion of the law 
which the Supremo Court finally decided to be con- 
stitutional, the tax would have boon increased from 
the amount as above — of less than 818,000 — to 
8123,776.20 in Storey County alone. The Could & 
Curry, Savage, Halo & Norcross, Yellow Jacket, 
Kentuck, Imperial, Crown Point, Belcher, and other 
mines of the Comstock were ^-ielding an aggregate 
of from 815,000,000 to 817,000,000 in bullion per year. 
This present income, and foreshadowing of such 
vast andrapidlj^ accumulating wealth ibr the future, 
made slight variations in the per cent, of tax, repre- 
senting large sums of money. Therefore it was 
doomed important that no uncertainty should lie 
at the door of wealth, like tho menace contained in 
the undecided suit; and the danger resulted in bring- 
ing tho sensitive receivers of fabulous incomes into 
the shadows directly behind the Legislative throne. 

A special session of the Tjcgislature having been 
called, convened on the fifteenth of March succeed- 
ing the commencement of tho suit, and two rev- 
enue bills were introduced before that body that 
materially changed the provisions of tho law in 
question. One of them provided for a further ex- 
emption in the amount of bullion to bo assessed, 
allowing eighteen dollars per ton on free ores, and 
forty dollars per ton on such as had to bo worked 
by the Freiburg (roasting), or smelting jiroccss, to 
bo deducted from the gross yield.* The other was 
introduced into the Senate by D. W. Welty, of Lan- 
der County, on tho twenty-second of March, 1S67, 
looking to tho relief of tho tax-op])rc88ed bullion. 
It passed tho Senate by a vote of ten to five, and 
tho Assembly by a vote of twenty-three to five, 
almost without discussion; becoming a law by ap- 
proval April 2(1, on tho same day of its passage. 
Tho ninety-ninth section of the old law was on tho 
sixth of June following declared unconstitutional, 
because it made taxation unequal; but in this respect 
the new law out-lleroded Herod liiinself.t It lim- 
ite<l the liullinn tax in Storey < 'outit}' to twenty-five 
cents on the one hundreil dollars, for countj- pur- 
poses, at tho same lime authorizing therefor the 
levy of 81.50 on the same amount of any other 
species of property. Tho State tax was loil uniform; 

* Statues of 1807, page 100. 
+ Statutes of 1807, page 103. 



124 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



(iiBcrimination only heinfj allowed in taxation for 
county pur]ioses, and in Store}- County; productive 
mines in other parts of the State being nhut out 
from the beneficiary limitation. Under this new 
regime, thj owner of a horse vaUv^d at 8100 paid 
to Storey Countj- §1.5(1 in tax, while the owner of 
a ton of ore yielding SlOO, first deducted eighteen 
dollars out of it, if the same was free milling ore, 
and then )) lid twenty and a half cents tax on what 
remained; but if the ore had to be either roasted or 
smelted to reduce it, then forty dollars was fiist 
deducted, leaving sixty dollars to be assessed that 
was taxed only fifteen cents.* 

WHY THE LAW WAS CHANGED IN 1871. 

It needs but a glance at the following exhibit to 
enable a j)crson to understand the influences that 
produced a change in the existing law creating 
farther exemption in the tax on bullion. 

INCllEASE OK BULLION IN 1871 

Over the product of 1870, as exhibited by rolls of 
County Assessors: — 

Ksmeralda County, bullion assesKed in 1871, •SK>7,- 
07!»; in 1870, $92,'.llil. Increase, .?44,l(i0. 

Elko County, bullion assessed in 1871, SG14,04C; 
in 1870, S210,l(;0. Increase, .«.'i0r),777. 

Humboldt Count}-, bullion assessed in 1871, 8400,- 
458; in 1870, 8378,840. Increase, 8120,618. 

Lyon County, bullion assessed in 1871, 8.")70,279. 
1 ncreaso, 8.")70,270. 

Lander Count}-, bullion assessed in 1871,82,090,01.3; 
in 1870, Sl,104,.')00. Increase, 8004,423. 

Lincoln County, bullion assessed in 1871,83,604,- 
802; in 1870, 81,602,016. Increase, 81,041,886. 

Nye County, bullion assessed in 1871, 8474,108; in 
1870, 8191,061. Increase, 8283,047. 

White Pine County, bullion assessed in 1871, 
§1,347,528; in 1870. 81,177,670. Increase, 8169,849. 

Storey County, bullion assessed in 1871, 810,644,702; 
in 1S70, 86,(153,040. Increase, 84,500,753. 

Total increased bullion assessment of 1871 over 
1870, 88,119,801. 

In November, 1870, tlio Crown Point and Rclcher 
'■bonanzas" were discovered, those mines being the 
property of William Sharon, of the California Pank, 
and his friends. The nni)recc(k'iitc(l j)ros])crily of 
mines all over the Slate combined to help give own- 
ers an overshadowing influence upon legislation; 
and they sought, as |)rc)i<>ndci-ating ca]iital always 
seeks, to shift the burden of taxation as much as 
possible on to the properties and industries less for- 
tunate and able to bear it. In addition to the above, 
another strong incentive was thrown into the scale 
for exemj)tion of mining products, because of the 
following facts: — 

The Legislature of 1869 had, in February, author- 

* Statutes of 1867, pages 160 and 163. 



ized Storey County to issue 8300,000 in bonds, to bo 
given to the Virginia and Truckco Pailroad Com- 
pany.* A levy of one-half of one per cent, was to 
be made yearly upon the property of the county to 
pay interest upon those bonds, and to create a sink- 
ing fund for accumulating moneys, out of which to 
jiay them oft' eventually. 

The Crown Point, Belcher, Savage, in fact nearly 
all the mines on the Comstock, were under the con- 
trol of the California Bank stockholders at that time. 
They consequently had a strong incentive for freeing, 
as far as lay in their power, this class of property 
from the burden of that debt. An additional motive 
was added, in the fact, that the same parties to 
whom the bonds were given and who owned the rail- 
road, also controlled those best paying mines; and 
they objected to having their bullion taxed into this 
county sinking and interest fund, out of which they 
were to be paid. The result of these influences, 
brought to bear, was the approval of an Act of the 
Legislature, on the twenty-eighth of February, 1871, 
that further'changed the law concerning the assess- 
ment of bullion, t This time it allowed a deduction 
from the product of mines, of such an amount per 
ton, as it cost to extract the ore and convert the 
same into bullion. A limit, however, was placed to 
the amount allowable for such expenses. The deduc- 
tion on ores going twelve dollars or less per ton, could 
not exceed ninety per cent, of their value. If they 
yielded anywhere between twelve and thirty dollars, 
a deduction of eighty per cent, might be made; and 
a sixty per cent, deduction was admissible if they 
produced between thirty and one hundred dollars. 
If over 8100, fifty per cent, might be claimed by the 
owner as exempt from taxation, provided it could bo 
shown that such was the actual expense. A further 
and additional deduction of fil'teen dollars per ton 
was allowable upon any ores worked by the dry, or 
Frieburg, ])roccss. The eft'ect of this change was to 
very materially increase the amount of bullion that 
escaped taxation. As an example: Under the law 
of 1S(')7. forty-dollar ore escaped tax, if worked by 
Frieburg or smelting process, and was assessed 
twenty-two dollars if reduced in any other way. 
Under the new law, the owners of the above grade 
of ores that escaped ta.xation, might figure expenses 
so high as to leave but one dollar per ton liable to 
assessment, while upon • the free ores that were 
assessed, as above twenty-two dollars per ton, the 
assessment might be reduced to sixteen dollars. 

The following table exhibits the eft'ect of the 
changes in the laws, by showing what the tax was — 
under each of the Acts, and the Supremo Court 
decision— upon 812, 830 to 899, and 810(1 ores. The 
remarks accompanying it, gives the authority for tho 
figures as they are given: — 

* Statutes (if I8G!>, page 49, Sections 1 imd 4. 
i Statutes of 1871, page 87. 



AA/'alter E. Dean. 



The young men who came to California as late as 
1860 do not call themselves pioneers. Yet in relation 
to business, they have had a pretty large range of 
pioneer expei-ience. \V. E. Dean was born in 
Eoehester, New York, December 25, 1838. His 
ancestors on his mother's side were of Maryland 
stock. His grandfather was present from that State 
at the first inauguration of George Washington as 
Pi-esident of the United States. On the paternal 
side, his immediate ancestors were from Kew York. 
Mr. Dean's early education was in the common 
schools of Eoehester and in the High School of the 
same city. This was supplemented by a good 
elementary business education in a banking house- 
In 1860, having attained his majority, he was ready 
for any business venture which had a reasonable 
prospect of succesB. He left Eoehester that year for 
China, by way of San Francisco. But on reaching 
the latter place, the accounts from China wore not 
assuring. The treatment of Europeans at that time, 
and the new hazards of business, with the prospect 
of a war between China and one or more European 
Powers, were considerations which changed Mr. 
Dean's determination, and he concluded to try his 
fortune in California. His business training stood him 
in good stead. lie very soon became Secretarj^ of 
some of the most important mines on the Pacific 
Coast. Among them were the Chollar Mining Com- 
pany, and afterwards the Potosi, Imperial, and oth- 
ers. He acquired in these positions the reputation of 
a prompt, accurate and faithful officer, with a large 
capacity for the dispatch of business. Courteous and 
obliging in his intercourse with those who had busi- 
ness to transact with him, he could hardly fail of 
being a popular business man. 

Mr. Dean made business ventures in mines, some- 
times with fortunate results, and sometimes with 
losses. Probably an instance is not known of unvary- 
ing good fortune on the part of any individual long 
engaged in mining pursuits. The purchase of an 
undeveloped mine is always a venture, where there 
may be ten chances against making anything to one 
for making a fortune. Yet a groat mine is such a 
fortune, and there is so much fascination in the ven- 
ture, that it is not a matter of wonder that enter- 
prising men should be willing to take the risks. A 
great mine can only be developed and placed on a 
paying basis by a large expenditure, and often bj' 
years of patient labor. Even when nothing is 
returned there is this one essential benefit, that many 



hundred thousand dollars may have been spent for 
labor and supplies, and this money goes into a 
thousand small channels, and helps the country just as 
much as the same amount which the farmer pays for 
the labor on his farm, and for the supplies which he 
buys from time to time. Mr. Dean at last found the 
balance from his ventures on the right side. He was 
set down as a fortunate man. It was rather the good 
fortune which came from experience, education and 
a clear business head. He did not place all his eggs 
in one basket, but at a later day, made several judi- 
cious investments in real estate in San Francisco, 
which ho has since improved, rightly judging that 
the future growth and prosperity of that city were 
well assured. 

In the year 1878, Mr. Dean turned his attention 
somewhat to raining interests in Arizona Territory. 
Encouraging accounts were given of some of the 
undeveloped mines in that region. The country was 
remote. The railroad had progressed hardly beyond 
the Colorado Elver. The cost of erecting mills and 
transporting supplies was enormous. It was certain 
that none but the richest mines in that condition of 
things would return any profit to the owners. Many 
cautious mining men were averse to touching any- 
thing in Arizona. ^Ir. Dean bought for himself and 
his associates what was then known as the Conten- 
tion Mine, in the Tombstone District. The consid- 
eration was only a few thousand dollars. But the 
mine was only partially developed. Indeed, it had 
never been opened far enough to show forth what 
might be in it; the surface indications were promis- 
ing enough. But surlaco indications have often 
promised vastly more than was ever realized, as 
most mining men know to their cost. The new pur- 
chaser had not seen the mine, and did not see it for 
nearly a year afterwards. It was, however, in 
charge of one of the most competent superintendents 
in the country. At the expiration of a year or more 
he and his associates were able to demonstrate that 
the Contention was a good mine. 

Mr. Dean was not onl3- fortunate in his mining 
investment, but also in his associates. When the 
purchasers were able to demonstrate its great re- 
sources, a mill was erected at a point about nine 
miles distant, whore water could be procured. In a 
few weeks the mill had produced bullion equal in 
value to the entire cost of the establishment. Since 
that time regular monthly dividends have been 
made of 875,000 each, besides an extra one of the 



same amount last ChristmaB. The name of the mine 
was changed to that of Western, and it is now 
known as one of the great mines of the country. 
The stock of this mine has never been placed on 
the market. The owners are satisfied with safe re- 
turns, and with conservative mining for regular 
dividends. The mine is developed in an orderly and 
systematic way, and it promises for many years to 
come to be one of the best mining properties in the 
country. Mr. Bean was married in 1863 to Miss 
Helen C. MacDonough, of Philadelphia, and has one 
son just coming to manhood. He is a member of the 



California Commandery of Knights Templar, and is 
also a member of several prominent clubs and 
Associations. He has a large social nature, gives 
liberally when his sympathies are enlisted, is a tried 
and trusted friend, high-spirited and firm in his 
views of public policy and duty. He has no taste 
for politics, votes quietly, but never conceals his 
opinions. He reads extensively, _has a taste for 
art and refined amusements, and has the capacity 
to enjoy in a rational way the fortune which he has 
attained in the prime of his years. 



MINING AND POLITICS. 



126 






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126 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



THE LAW OF 1875, ITS PECUNIARY AND POLITICAL 
EFFECTS. 

The people of Storey County became somewhat 
restive under the discrimination, and in 1874 elected 
John Piper of Viriiinia City to the State Senate, who 
introduced a bill that became a law,* by an almost 
unanimous vote in both Houses,t and was approved 
February 20, 1875. The change made by Piper's 
bill was a radical one. It repealed that portion of 
the law of 1SG7 which limited the tax on bullion in 
Storey County to twentj--five cents on the SlOO, and 
placed the limit at one dollar and a half, the same as 
with any other kind of projierty. 

This was a revolution in the policy regarding 
mines, and the unanimity of sentiment prevailing in 
both Houses in regard to it, was due to the absence 
of any outside influence in opposition to the measure. 
William Sharon and associates had practically 
exhausted the known ore bodies in their mines, and 
no longer cared to exempt that class of property. 
In fact, their interests now demanded a change in 
their jiolicy. A heavier tax on mines would draw 
but little money from them, and would increase the 
Storey County sinking fund out of which their rail- 
road bonds were to be paid. Consequently, that 
firm allowed the bill to pass, neither favoring nor 
opposing it. They were well enough pleased to 
rea]) the benefits that came to them unsought; but 
with those favors also came a political conflict upon 
which they liad not counted. 

As the Sharon mines had began to show signs of 
being worked out, another bonanza, the largest yet 
found, was opened by the firm of John W. Mackey, 
James G. Fair, and Flood and O'Brien, in the Consol- 
idated Virginia and California mines. The yield of 
bullion from the Consolidated Virginia was: — 

In 1873, 8(;45,587.17; 1874, 84,981,484.05; 1875, 
?1G,717,394.76; 1876, §16,057,049.47. Total §39,002,- 
110.45. 

It will be readily seen, that the change in 1875, 
from a tax of twenty-five cents to possibly SI. 50 
upon the §100, in Storey County, was throwing upon 
the above firm, a volume of taxation that the Cali- 
fornia Bank mines had escaped. This was not the 
feature, however, which aggravated most; but the 
fact that it forced these two mines to pay such a 
large proportion of the Vii'ginia and Truckee Kail- 
road bonds, was a hair that broke the camel's back. 
The owners of the newly discovered bonanzas de- 
elai'ed war against William Sharon, the bank man- 
ager, bullion tax manipulator, princijial owner of the 
Virginia and Truckee Railroad, and United States 
Senator, who they supposed was resjionsible for the 
existing state of things. The proposition was how 
to avoid the increased taxation, and at the same time 
])unish their enemy. At that time the members of 
the "Bonanza" firm were not politicians, their first 

•Statutes of 1875, pages 74 and 75. 

+In the .Senate, the vote was unanimous. In tlie Assembly, 
only one vote was opposed to it. 



niove demonstrated this fact; but they soon became 
such, and their second effort showed them to be apt 
scholars, in the arena where " Ways * * are dark and 
* * tricks * * not vain." 

Their first move as previously suggested, proved 
their incipient condition as jK)lilicians, being no less 
an eiTor than the refusal to pay any tax, either to 
the countj' or State; believing the law to be uncon- 
stitutional under which the tax-gatherer was acting. 
The case was decided against them in the United 
States Circuit Court and was appealed to the 
Supreme Court of the United States, where it lay 
undecided during the ensuing contest. This refusal 
to pay occurred in June, 187G, and was a direct 
demand upon the pockets of every property owner 
in the State, who would be called upon to make up 
all deficiencies to both State and county resulting 
from the act. It came just at the eve of an election, 
a fresh political question; and the two jiarties in the 
State vied with each other in their outspoken hos- 
tility to any action, by State officials or Legislators, 
that looked towards a modification of the law under 
which bidlion was taxed. The Republican State 
Convention Resolved, "That the Republican party is 
opposed to any repeal or change of the present law 
providing for the taxation of the net proceeds of the 
mines, looking to any different method of arriving at 
values for the purpose of taxation." The Democratic 
State Convention Resolced, "That all property, includ- 
ing the net proceeds of mines, shall bear its equal 
burden of taxation, and we are opposed to any Leg- 
islation in anywise exempting such proceeds from 
taxation." All candidates for the State Legislature 
were under necessity of pledging themselves as anti- 
compromise and anti-change on the bullion tax ques- 
tion before they were accepted by either ])arty — 
except in White Pine County. Apparently there was 
but one opinion in the State, and that was for no 
change. Judge O. R. Leonard was elected to the 
Supreme Bench, aiid Thomas Wren to Congress, the 
State going Republican on the Presidential issue. 
The new Legislative members were divided upon 
national politics, both Democrats and Republicans 
being elected, but they were a unit upon the one issue 
of the hour, and such was the political result of bo- 
nanza move number one. 

THE MEMBERS IGNORE THEIR PLEDGES. 

The State Controller's report, at the assembling of 
the Legislature, made the following exhibit of the 
Slate debt up to the beginning of 1S77: — 

Bonds payable after 1880. .§540,400 00 
Accrued interest on same 

Jan. 1, 1877 17,236 m 

Outstanding warrants 57,441 87 

Total outstanding State debt §G1.'),078 53 

On hand to pay the same in 

cash or Us e(juivalont 506,648 82 

Balance of State debt not pro- 
vided for 108,429 71 



MINING AND POLITICS. 



127 



Deduct amount not duo until 
after 1881 33,751 18 

Jjeavinjj Jan. 1, 1877, to bo 

pioviiled for 74,678 53 

To this add Controller's esti- 
mated expense of running 
the Stale Government for 
the ensuing two years.* 894,250 85 

This gives a total expense 
that this Legislature was to 
provide for of 968,929 38 

The necessities, therefore, lying at the threshold 
of the Slate Govornmenl was to provide for the 
payment, within the next two years, of 8968,929.38 
by borrowing money, taxation, or both. The 
Controller estimated the jirobablo revenues of the 
State, for the ensuing two years, not inclmJing tax on 
mines, at S7U,21(l.t Add to this 864,464J as the 
income from mines in the State, 7iol including tfie 
" Bo7wnziis" and the State would have S775,674 to 
meet its expense obligation of §968,929 with. 
There would thus remain a deficiency of $193,255 to 
be provided for bj- borrowing monej-, providing no 
tax was received from the '-Bonanza" mines. This 
was an over-estimate as to what the State 
necessities would bo, tho results showing that the 
deficiency would have been less than SlOU,O0(); 
but this fact c<iuld not be known at that time. 
Practically the (juestion ])resented was to provide 
for a deficit of, say §200,000, or collect the tax from 
the belligerent firm. 

AN OUTSIDE PRESSURE BROUOHT TO BEAR. 

The financial coixlition of Storey County was a 
question that ju'esented itself in a strong light be- 
fore tho now mombors. Tho County Treasurer had, 
on tho close of 1866, reported that county as having 
no floating debt, its only reported obligations being 
those Virginia and Truckee bonds, of which there 
remained un])aid 8218,000, bearing interest at seven 
per cent. The shutting off of the "Bonanza" tax 
was causing a deficiency in the county revenues that 
presented the necessity of borrowing 8100,000 to pay 
fortheirnew Court House, and maintain their schools, 
unless tho disputed tax was paid. 

THE TWO HORNS OF THE DILEMMA. 

The amount of money involved in tho issue was 
$290, 27.'). 72 due the State and county of Storey by 
that mining corporation, as levied under existing 
laws. To this had accrued, in tho form of penalties 
for not paying the amount when due, the sum of 
877,578.22, making a total of 367,853.94. 

Tho whole question apparently presented to tho 
Legislature resolved itself into one of a necessity for 
borrowing 8200.000 tor the State; of forcing Storey 
County to borrow 8100,000 to maintain her credit; 

'This .imoiint was $12,643.47 more than was expended. 

tThere was ^SI.'l.G'iii.'JO more paid into the treasury in 1877 and 
1878 than the estimate. 

JFigureil from the siippositinn that mines would continue to 
produce as much bullion e.ich year .is they had yiehUd in 1876. 



or go back on their party instructions as well as 
personal pledges, and compromise with tho "Bonanza" 
firm. 

THE RESULTS. 

On tho seventeenth of February, 1877, bill No. 126 
was introduced before the Senate, that embodied tho 
results of a compromise entered into between the 
"Bonanza" managers on the ono side, and the county 
officials of Storey County — joined by tho State Con- 
troller and Treasurer — on the other, to which Gov- 
ernor Bradley acquiesced.* The existing law said, 
Assess tho value of what bullion remains, after de- 
ducting tho actiial cost — nuil no more — of ])roducing 
it, and placed a limit to tho amount per ton, beyond 
which owners were not allowed to bring in bills of 
expenses. The proposed compromise law made 
those limits a little more favorable to mine owners; 
and allowed a deduction for expenses equal to the 
limits named, regardless of whether the actual cost had 
reached those figures or not. The difl'erences amounted 
to a reduction in tho tax on the bullion product in 
tho State of thirty-one and a half per cent., as ad- 
mitted by the friends of the compromise. t This 
was equal to twenty per cent, of the entire taxable 
property of tho State. By its enemies, the claim 
was that it relieved from taxation between forty- 
seven and fiftj' per cent, of mining products, assessa- 
ble under the existing law of 1871. The "Bonanza" 
firm said, pass this law, relieving us in I'uture from 
the necessity of paying taxes U|)on thirty -one and a 
half per cent, of our bullion profits, and we will ])ay 
both State and county all that we owe, under exist- 
ing laws. 

On the twenty-fourth of February the bill passed 
the Senate, by a vote of fourteen to eleven, as fol- 
lows: — 



SENATORS VOTING .\OAINST 
n-S PA.SS.\(JK. 

Goo. W. Baker, 
W. M. Boardman, 
11. T. Cresswell, 
K. 15. Dickinson, 
A. Garrard, 
Wm, C. Grimes, 
<^has. McConnoll. 
W. L. Ross, 
G. H. Shepard, 
VV. F. Stewart, 
N. Woscoatt. 



SENATORS VOTtNO FOR ITS 

PAHSAr.E. 

A. J. Blair, 

Geo. \V. Cassidj', 

S. W. Chubbuck, 

H. A. Comins, 

Gen. T. 1). Edwards, 

M. J. Farrell, 

AV. Ji. King, 

W. O. IL Martin, 

John Piper, 

T. B. Rickey, 

E. A. Schultz, 

O. K. Stampley, 

T. N. Stone, 

W.J. Westerfiold. 
Total vote for bill, 14. Total ojjposing vote, 11. 
On tlie twcntj'-sevcnth of February tho bill passed 
tho Assembly, by a vote of twenty-seven to twentj-- 
threo. On the first of March (tov. L. II. Bradley 
vetoed it; and such was tho result, for the time 
being, of "Bonanza" move number two. 

* These officials were elected prior to the time when the ques- 
tion of a compromise had been raised, consequently were not 
pledged in the matter, aiul acted upon the question from a stand- 
point of mere present policy. 

t See (Governor's veto, Senate Journal, Eighth .Session, page 
315 and 316. 



128 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



THE VETO AND ITS IMMEDIATE EFFECTS. 

The Governor's veto message contained the follow- 
ing remarks upon the political bearing of the acts of 
those who hail taken part in the contest, and the 
reward that might be looked for, in the near future, 
as the natural result incident to those acts. Its 
expression sounds strangely out of place and absurd 
in the light of what has since transpired; much as 
the reading of a prayer would at a prize-fight, 
although the utterances are those only of principles 
and sentiments that underlie the only hope of per- 
petuating a free government: •' We are sent here," 
said the Governor, " as the servants of the people, to 
execute and carry out their will. There is no power 
on earth to release us from the pledges exacted of us 
by our constituents, except themselves. The success 
or failure of our Government depends upon the 
honesty of the representative in carrj-ing out his 
instructions. The whole people, in their State Con- 
ventions and in their County Conventions, have 
instructed us as to our duty in relation to the assess- 
ment of the proceeds of the mines. On no other 
subject were the people of this State ever so out- 
spoken, so unanimous. No member of this Legisla- 
ture came here in doubt as to the wishes of those 
who sent him. We all will have an accounting 
with our respective constituencies upon our return 
home for the proper execution of the trust confided 
to us. While some may return covered with the 
wreck of broken pledges, others, I am happy to say, 
will meet their people and receive the reward of 
' well done, good and faithful servants.' Many will 
go forth from this feast of the vultures with pledges 
kept sacred, with manhood unsullied, and the people 
will learn whom to truest hi thi: falare." 

" And the people will learn o'honi to tra»t in the 
futwe." What good has it done tliem to learn whom 
to trust ? What advantage has it pi-oved to those 
"Well done, good and faithful servants?" Of the 
eleven .Senators who kept their faith with the people, 
but two have since received preferment at the hands 
of their constituents, namely G. Jl. Shopard, of Elko, 
and Charles McConnell, of Humboldt. George W. 
Cassidy, of Kureka, was one of the Senators who, 
being pledged to oppose a change, ignored the fact 
and became one of the strongest advocates of the 
compromise. In 1S80 the ])eople elected him to Con- 
gress as a reward for iiot keeping faith with them, 
and defeated R. M, Daggett for that position, who 
had ably served them in Washington, where ho had 
acted consistcntl3', in following in the line of his anti- 
railroad, and all other pledges. 

The strangest part of this political anomaly, how- 
ever, has been the way in which the voters after- 
wards showed tlieii- aiipreciation of what the chief 
actor had done for them, by defeating him for Gov- 
ernor, because he had followed their instructions, 
and giving the United States Sonatorship to the 
party against whom they had instructed him to act 
in maintaining their rights. We have no fault to 



find with Mr. Fair, neither have we with Mr. Cassidy, 
for these gentlemen are much better representatives 
at Washington, than those deserve who reward their 
friends with defeat, and enemies with preferment. 

BON.\NZA MOVE .NUMBER THREE. 

There was an extensive disjilay of enthusiasm 
throughout the State when the news spread that the 
Governor had vetoed the bill. Congratulatory meet- 
ings and pledges from influential members of both 
parties was the order of the day, naming L. R Brad- 
ley for Governor for the remainder of his life, regard- 
less of politics. Yet from a small minority in the 
State, emanated the mutterings that portended a com- 
ing storm. The press of Storey County came out in 
such a raid of abuse as it never before had turned 
loose upon a State official in Nevada. The Virginia 
Evening Chronicle said, under the heading of, " Our 
Boss Lunatic": " Governor Bradley has written him- 
self down an ass in letters as large as the State of 
Nevada. We move for a commission de lunatico en- 
quirendo in his ease, and that pending the inquiry 
pen and paper be carefully kept out of his way. In 
his hands they are as dangerous as a razor in the 
hands of a maniac." 

The Gold Hill N'ews headed a caustic editorial, 
"A I)is.\strous Veto," and satirically remarked that 
" * * Truly this is a brilliant piece of statesmanship 
on the part of Governor Bradley — one of which he 
and his party may justly be proud ! * * He has 
rung the death-knell of his party." 

The Territorial Enterprise boiled over in bitterness 
in the following strain: "Yesterday was one of the 
saddest days ever seen in Virginia, The shadow of 
a great calamity was felt everj'wherc; and over all 
was the feeling that the people had been spat upon 
and betrayed by the old imbecile whose only claim 
for respect among men has been his reputation for 
honesty, * * » \ye trust that it will cause the 
people of Storey County to realize at last that the 
most dangerous man to put in office at any time is 
an old fool. A man who through a long life has 
followed so narrow a groove that the suspicion of 
dishonesty is always awakened in his breast if a man 
with a clean shirt on approaches him. * * * 
Ho is old and <lecrc|iit, and it would be cowardice 
to abuse or insult him. * * * ]5ut would to 
God that he was a young man that we might pub- 
lish how much we wish that he was dead." 

We give an extract from the opposite side of the 
question as a sample of the opinions entertained 
bv a large majority of the people of the State. 
The Kureka Nejuilihcdn was politicallj- o|>posed to 
the Governor, but said: "Governor Bradley deserves 
well of the people of this State. Wo are alwaj's 
glad to do justice to a political opponent, and on 
this occasion we tender the Governor our hearty 
thanks for his action. He has, wo believe, saved 
the already overburdened tax-payers of the State 
IVom the imposition of additional and unjust bur- 
dens." 



MINING AND POLITICS. 



129 



ATTEMPT TO COMPROMISE. 

Tho veto of Jlareh Iftt left the whole question 
where the instructions of the people had indicated 
that they desired it to be, dependent upon the 
action of the Supreme Court. Seventeen days later 
a proposition was made by tho "Bonanza" firm to 
Storej- t'ounty. through its Commissioners, to loan 
that county 880.00(1, and follow tho accommodation 
by a further advance quarterly for four quarters 
of an amount equal to a half of one per cent, on 
their bullion j'ield, after deducting cost of produc- 
ing it. 

There were three conditions to be complied with 
on the part of the county as a consideration for this 
advance, as follows: — 

First — The money was to bo used for no other 
purpose than to replenish the general and school 
funds, which left tho railroad bonds and other mat- 
ter out in the cold. 

Second — These advances to cease when the suit 
was finally decided. 

Third — That these advances were to be ci-edited 
against the amount of taxes due the county and 
State, provided suit terminated adverse to that firm, 
otherwise not. 

Fourth — If suit was decided against the ''Bonanza" 
representatives then the County Commissioners wore 
'•b}- official action, so far as they had tho power to 
do the same, remit and release all penalties and per- 
centages for which either of said companies shall 
heretofore have been liable, by reason of a failure 
on its part to have paid the taxes assessed against 
it at the time when they became due." 

This proposition for compromise met with suf- 
ficient op]iosiiion to prevent its being adopted, and 
was withdrawn on the twenty-seventh of the same 
month. 

COMPROMISE EFFECTED. 

The next effort of these mine representatives, 
looking towards relief from a portion of tho conso- 
•luenccs of the error on their ])art of refusing to 
pay their taxes, resulte<l more favorably, simply be- 
cause they offered more and exacted less. This 
time the proposition was made. May 3d, to pay all 
they owed, both State and county, including costs 
of suit, less peivdlies and jier cents that had accrued 
for non-payment. Tho condition attached for doing 
this was, that if the pending case in tho United 
States Supreme Court terminated favorably to the 
State then the District Court of Storey County was 
to issue a viandamvs, staying execution for satisfac- 
tion of so much of tho judgment as included penal- 
ties and per cents, until the first of April, IST'J. This 
would carry the same beyond the next session of 
the State Legislature, thus giving an opportunity 
for relief from tho necessity of l>aying lliom bj- an 
Act of that body. The proposition was accepted 
by the District Attorney and ('ountj- (^)mniissioner 
of Storey County, atid the money, S2!M),27r).72, was 
paid on tho fifth. Un tho seventh the question was 



decided in the LTnited States Supreme Court in favor 
of the State,* the fact being ]jublish(;d in the Vir- 
ginia City papers the next day. 

The appearance of this transaction would indicate 
that tho attornej' of the "Bonanza" firm at Wash- 
ington had advised them of the probable result of 
their suit, and this final arrangement was a little 
sharp practice to save as much as possible from 
the wreck; but thoi-o is no positive evidence to this 
effect. 

EFFORTS TO AVOID PAVIN(! THESE PENALTIES. 

On the ninth of February, 18V9, a bill was intro- 
duced into the Senate, that had it been constitu- 
tional would have removed the necessity for paying 
the amount that had become duo the State and 
county in the form of penalties from this firm. It 
passed that body by a vote of fourteen to ten, and 
the Assembly- by a vote of thirty-one to eighteen, 
and was aj^jroved by the (iovornor, March 17, 187J).t 

Immediately after the adjournment of tho Legis- 
lature, Attorney tiencral Murphy asked of the 
Supreme Court that the cases of tho California and 
Consolidated Virginia Mining Companies, might bo 
again placed upon the Calendar, for the purpose of 
ro-argunient; to test the constitutionality of tho Act 
dismissing the suits, and releasing the companies 
from tho payment of the penalties. This request 
was granted, and after re-argument, the Su])rcmo 
Court held the law to be unconstitutional, for the 
following reasons : — 

First— That the District Attorney had no right, or 
power, to consent to the entiy of a judgment, or to 
receive less than tho full amount of taxes due and 
penalties accrued, to the State and County. 

Second — That the Act was in plain violation of 
Sections twenty and twenty-one, of Article four, of 
the Constitution of this State, in this, that it was a 
special Act. It was therefore ordered that the judg- 
ment of tho District Court be reversed, the demurrers 
overruled, and the tlofcndants permitted to answer. 

On tho receipt of the remitter in the District 
Court, tho State, by J. H. Harris, District Attorney 
of Storey County, filed an amended complain! on the 
ninth day of July, ISSO; and on the sixth day of llie 
ensuing ^'ovomber the Court rendered judgment in 
favor of the State, and against each of tho com- 
panies, for tho sum ])rayed for in the complaints and 
the penalties amounting to S77,.")78.2U. 

On tho 80vof!teenth day of November, 188(1, tho 
California and Consolidated Virginia Mining Com- 
panies filed their notices of appeal to tho Supreme 
Court, where the cases are now pending. 

The plan has been again adopted, of operating 
with tho Legislature, to avoid the unavoidable result 
of leaving tho issue for settlement in tho courts. In 
pursuance of this plan. Senator llaines of Douglas 
County, on tho twenty-seventh of January, 1881, 
introduced Senate Bill No. 68, that is so framed as, 

* 04 United .Stati'S Kqiorts, 4 Otto, page 702. 
t .Statutes of IS"'.*, pagu 143. 



130 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



if possible by the use of phraseology of a general 
form, to avoid the objection found in Section twenty, 
Article four of the Constitution, that proved dis- 
astrous to the former Act on the same subject. 

Upon the final passage of this bill the Senatorial 
vote stood eight Republicans aye, and five no; five 
Democrats aye and four no; one Democrat favor- 
able to its passage being absent. 

The Senators voting aj'e were R. P. Dayton, Wm. 
Doolin, J. B. Gallagher, W. D. C. Gibson, J. W. 
Haines, D. W. Perlcy, M. S. Thompson, J. A. Brum- 
sey, L. T. Fox, Chas. McConnell, J. B. ToUey, W. 
R. King and W. J. Westerfield. 

Senators voting no — J. D. Hammond, W. W. 
Hobart, Chas. Kaiser, C. C. Powning, J. P. Wheeler, 
B. H. Meder, \V. H. Henderson, Thos. Rockhill, G. 
H. Shepherd, J. T. Williams; absent, J. Schooling. 

In the Assemblj^ those voting yea were Messrs. 
Bailey, Ballinger, Barrett, Copeland, Drcxler, Duffj^ 
Englis, Fallon, Ford, Gignoux, Havenor, Kelly, 
Knight, Longley, Mallon, Masel, May, McBurney, 
McGowan, McKenzie, Mooney, Moriartj', Organ, 
Parker, Penoyer, Penton, Tuska, Waldorf — twenty- 
eight. Nay, Messrs. Adams, Bell, Blair, Bradshaw, 
Coffin, Corbett, Ernst, Green, Irvine, Johnson, 
Lewers, Newell, Plank, Richards, Shier, Smyth, 
Soule, the Speaker — eighteen. 

On the third of March Governor Kinkead vetoed 
the bill. The Daily Index, in commenting ujjon the 
unexpected event, said: — 

There was a murmur of delight which grew into 
actual demonstrations of applause in the Senate 
Chamber, last evening, as the message of Governor 
Kinkead was received announcing his veto of Senate 
Bill No. (JS, commoTily known ;is the "bullion tax 
penalties bill." That the veto was not generallj' 
expected ailded wonilerfully to the zest of the occa- 
sion. The ([Uestion was jiut by President Adams, 
"Shall the bill ])ass notwithstanding the objections 
of the (Jovcrnor?" and amid almost breathless silence 
it received onl}- eleven votes as the tally closed. 
Thus the bill was finally lost. The commotion 
again commenced and many faces beamed with 
smiles. The feeling of relief was to be marked on 
nearly every countenance, including even those who 
had sustained the measure liy their votes. 

(iovernor Kinkead has done himself great credit 
by this veto, and by none will this be acknowledged 
more gladly than liy the DdUij lu'lcx. Through 
this message the I{e])nblican ])arty has had a heai"- 
ing, and the recreancy of the [{epublican Senators 
to the will of the i)arty has been severely and 
righteously rebuked. The people can now "thank 
God and take courage," and so can the Governor 
himself He has in this instance "crossed the Ru- 
bicon." and there is no reason why he may not lor 
constitutional reasons veto the " Lottery Hill." As 
said elsewhere, we hope he will do so. 

The Virginia (Jity Ghronick editoriallj' remarks 
upon the same subject: — 

The bill vetoed by Governor Kinkead last night 
was substantially the same as that approved by him 
two j'ears ago, the only dilference being that this 



was drawn as a general law, to avoid the constitu- 
tional objections indicated bj- the Supreme Court. 
The veto of this bill took ever3-bodj' by surprise. 
Had the Legislature, in defiance of the /ilitf/onus of 
both jmrties, jxissed any bill repealing or modi/yinij the 
existiiu) law in reijard to taxing proceeds of mines, it 
would, vje think, have been the duty of Governor Kinkead 
to veto it, as upon that ])oint the door had been closed 
upon all argument. But this bill had no reference 
whatever to the matter upon which the people had 
exacted pledges. It was merely an effort to carry 
out in good faith the terms of a business agreement. 

The platforms of both parties at the time when 
Mr. Kinkead was elected Governor, contained just 
such clauses, pledging candidates to oppose any 
modification of the law under which mines were 
taxed. But this language reaches farther than the 
veto by Kinkead; it moves backwards in its logic, 
and justifies Governor Bradlej- in that act, for which 
the Chronicle so bitterly condemned him at the time; 
and, ])roves that after all, those letters were not so 
large as they appeared to be at the time. 



CHAPTER XIX. 
AGRICULTURE. 



Early Cultivation of Carson Valley — Cultivation in Humboldt 
— Reports of Large Crops — The Climate of Neva'la — Monthly 
anil Annual Meteornlogical Ilec<»r(l for ISSO — Table .SliowiiiL; 
Number (if Trees and Vines in the .St,ite — Kain-fall — Cloud 
Bursts — Irrig,iting Ditches and Acres Irrigated — Water 
Catchment — Ayrieultural Products in li>7:^-74 — Progress of 
Fruit Culture — Stock — Washoe Valley — Prospects in 1S81 
— Tabulated Statement of the Increase of Stock from lS(i5 
to ISSl — Tabulated Statement Showing Area Cultivatiil 
and (irain Raised From l.S()5 to ISSl — Table of licailing 
Products for 1880 — Cattle Raising — The Ilodeo — The Stam- 
pede — The Cricket — Rocky Mountain Locust. 

NEv.\nA is ranked as a mineral State. Although 
capable in places of producing nearly all the cereals 
and fruits of the temperate zone, the peculiar geo- 
logical and climatic character will always militate 
against anything more than a limited cultivation of 
the soil. The greater portion of it lies at an eleva- 
tion of more than 8, .500 feet; some of the vallej's are 
0,000, and the mountains 10,000 to 14,000 feet above 
the sea, subjecting it to unseasonable frosts. For 
reasons not well imderstood the rain-fall over a great 
part is insufficient to mature crojts, being, in some 
instances, as low as four inches per annum. On the 
higher mountain ranges snow falls to a great depth, 
occasionally twenty feet or more. This melts on 
the approach of summer, and forms strong streams 
which flow, some into the Columbia, some into the 
Colorado, and some into the Great Basin, which 
constitutes such a remarkable feature in the topog- 
raph}- of the American (Continent. Along these 
limited water-courses are fertile valleys, and, where 
exempt from summer frosts, producing fruits and 
grains in abundance. The waters flowing into the 
large rivers generally run in a deep channel, or 
cafion, with precijjitous walls from one thousand to 
several thousand feet high. There are not suflicie^lt 
rains to round these channels into valleys as on tho 



AGRICULTURE. 



131 



oastern side of the Rocky Mountains, and century 
ailor century the channels are worn farther into tlio 
earth, the little rain fallini^ bein<; absoriied by tiie 
earth and carried otl' by the Ueep gorges, and never 
reappearing as springs or surface moisture. No 
vegetation of any amount can grow in a country so 
drained; and, accordingly, in the southern part of 
Iho State are immense deserts of mem, table-lands, 
and canons. Farther away from these rivers the 
streams flow into the interior basin, where the 
waters are soon evaporated by the desiccating 
atmosphere, leaving dry flats impregnated with the 
alkaline matters, or salts, brought down by cen- 
turies of destruction and wash of the mineral veins 
of the mountains. Soon after the building of the 
Central racitic Railroad, samples of the soil were 
forwarded to the Agricultural Department at Wash- 
ington for analysis. It was found that the soils 
were not deficient in the elements necessary to 
mature good cro[)s of grain, and that water alone 
was wanting to convert the apparent deserts into 
blooming gardens. This does not, of course, apply 
to the salt and alkaline plains, which are sometimes 
covered several feet thick with the impure salts and 
alkalies, and some only saturated to the extent of 
making it useless. These alkali flats constitute ])er- 
haps one-fourth part of the area of the valley lands 
of the State. If the old, worn-oul soils of the East- 
ern States could have some of the excess of potash 
and soda present in the Nevada soil, both would be 
much improved by the arrangement. 

THE FIRST AGRICULTURE 

In the State of Nevada was undoubtcdij' by the pre- 
historic cave dwellers of the (Colorado Canons. There 
is much evidence to show that by means of canals 
and contrivances for raising water the art of culti- 
vating the ground was carried to the highest extent, 
else they could not have sustained the immense num- 
bers of people which, according to late explorers, 
inhabited the ancient cities. Among all the millions 
who formerly occupied Arizona and vicinity, a few 
hundred only (the Mocjuis and Zufiis) remain, as of yore 
still cultivating the earth, and still perched in stone 
houses on the lofty, almost inaccessible wems, or cling- 
ing to the sides of the precipitious clitls. Whether 
they employed manual labor alone or had trained 
domestic animals to turn the furrow; whether they 
raised grains, roots or fruits; whether they had 
machinery or used sharpened, fire-hardened sticks, 
like the eastern aborigines, we have no means of 
knowing. It is to be hoj)ed that further exploration 
may reveal some hieroglyphic or sign writing which 
shall throw light on the subject. Whether they occu- 
pied any of the valleys of northern Nevada is a ques- 
tion to bo proved. 

When the white settlers first went into the Walker 
Valley they fouiKl the Indians irrigating portions of it 
to promote the growth of an edible rout which formed 
a groat portion of their living. As far as known this 



was the only cultivation of the soil previous to tho 
operations of the Mormons in Carson Valley subse- 
quent to 1850. 

The character of the possible productions of tho 
country may bo learned from its natural growths. 
In California the wild gra]ie-vine, fruits, and wild oats 
and annual grasses forshadowc<l the immense grain 
and wine crops which have since rendered the Slate 
so famous. The esculent roots of the valleys of 
Nevada and the perennial bunch grass indicate the 
sources of future agricultural wealth. The presence 
of the leek or wild onion, and the esculent (inw/r or 
ground-nut, growing in such abundance on Walker's 
River indicate tho capacity of potatoes and the hardy 
esculent roots which have succeeded so well in every 
part of the State. 

Tho well-known serviceberry grows in abundance 
and is utilized as food, as is the manzanita berry, 
called by some of the assessors buttalo berry. A kind 
of wild currant grows on the ui)])er Humboldt, again 
indicating the capacity of the soil for the hardy 
berries. Tho nuts of the pinus monopfiyUus were also 
used by the Indians as food, as well as the seeds of 
the wild peach, which is supposed to belong to the 
peach family, though destitute of any of tho agreeable 
pulp, the kernel alone being used as food. In the 
spring of tho year the Indians feasted on the young 
clover as well as many other grasses, eating it both 
in a raw state as well as cooked. When tho grasses 
were ripe tho squaws gathered the seed by beating it 
into a basket, winnowing it in the old Hebrew fashion 
by tossing it in the wind. They made no attempt to 
raise any domestic animals, though they utilized the 
grasshopper when he came in their way, but as this 
insect hardlj' comes in the catcgor}' of useful articles 
he will be treated under another head. 

A kind of dwarf sugar-cane grows along the banks 
of the lower Humboldt, which jjcrhaps furnishes a 
valuable hint to the farmers of that viciiiit3\ It is 
veritable eane, though on a small scale, growing 
usually one-quarter to one-half an inch in diameter 
and three to twelve foot in height. The sugar is 
found in minute crystals on the stock, probably the 
result of the evaporation of the juices of the plant, 
which ooze out through holes jiunctured by the 
insects. The Indians obtain the sugar by threshing 
the stalks and detaching tho small crystals, which 
they catch in a basket as they do seeds of plants. 
The sugar harvest is considered a festival, and anti- 
cipated with much pleasure by the natives. 

EARLY CULTIVATION OP CAUSON VALl.EV. 

Some of the Mormons brought butter, eggs, and 
other things, as well as fat cattle for beef, to Carson 
Valley in 1850, and the following j'oar, induced by 
the green waving grass and clear running water, 
made a regular settlement and commenced farming 
with the intention of supi)lying the emigration with 
vegetables, eggs and butter. Carson Valley butter 
soon became noted, and many wagons loaded with it 



1:^2 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



passed over the mountains into California. Some 
grain wa« also raised, and as early as 1854 a thresh- 
ing machine was constructed by J. & E. Reese & Co. 
The larger part of the agricultural productions were 
disposed of to the California emigration at remunera- 
tive prices. It was not until the discovery j^of the 
rich silver mines of the Comstock Lode that the pro- 
ducing ]iower of any part of the State was tested. 
When (Joid Hill, Virginia, Dayton, and other towns, 
sprang into existence with their inevitable extrav- 
acant as well as necessary wants, fruits, vegetables, 
and all kinds of perishable produce, were worth 
mints of money. The counties of Sacramento, El 
Dorado, Amador and Calaveras were taxed to their 
utmost to su])])ly these wants. Apples, peaches and 
pears, and all other kinds of fruit, often sold as high 
as a dollar a pound. Hundreds of wagons took the 
roads, and night and day kept moving on. The 
long trill — four to six days — rendered the marketing 
of these articles in good order next to impossible, and 
supplying the wants by the productions of the 
Nevada soil was earnestly considered. The high 
price of freight even in the summer season — sixty to 
one hundred dollars per ton — also sent up the prices 
of grain to an enormous figure, and within a short 
lime extensive preparations were made for farming 
in all its branches. Very little record of the general 
farming has been kept. We find that as earlj- as 
December l!i, 1862, the Washoe Agricultural, Mining 
and Mechanical Society was incorporated, the first 
fair being held October 12th the following year, con- 
tinuing five days. Although unequal in its displaj-s 
in any department to what has since been attained, 
it had the effect of calling attention to the boundless 
possibilities. 

CULTIVATION IN UL'MBOLDT. 

The Humboldt River land, the "bad lands" of 
Nevada, came in with both grain and vegetables, as did 
the valleys north and south, and it became evident 
that the State or Territory could become self-sup- 
j)orting. The discovery of the Paradise Valley with 
its 150,00(1 acres of tillable land turned attention in 
that direction, though in consequence of the Indian 
difficulties that valley did not get fully settled until 
some years later. 'J he emigrants of earl}- days now 
recalled the Thousand Spring an<l other valleys in 
the eastern part of the State, and remembered that 
the Moi-nions had raised enormous crops of wheat 
on that kind of soil, and some of them jiushcd out 
and located in these valleys. As usual in a new 
country the stock-raisers were the ))ioneers. Jt is a 
kind of produce that will transport itself and goes in 
advance of railroads. During the drj' winter of 
18C2-G:} in California, many herds were driven into 
Nevada to crop the scattered bunch-grass. Jack 
Sutherland, whose ranch is on Kings Iliver, in 
Tulare County, California, drove over 20,000 head 
and safely summered them in the northern part of 
the State, and was thus able to make a fine start 
when the feed grow again on his place. These pio- 



neers first occupied the tillable valleys, and made 
known their resources. 

The discover}' of the Comstock Mines and others 
farther cast induced agriculture on an extended scale. 
Men pushed out on the Humboldt and up its vari- 
ous branches, and in a few years began to be known 
in the markets, but not until after the admission of 
Nevada as a State was there anj' organized effort to 
systematize the agricultural reports, so that we are 
to some extent unable to give a reliable and full 
history of the earlj' farming. Prices were high 
until a full sup])ly for home consumption could be 
raised. Hay from the beginning was produced in 
Nevada, but barley was imported from California; 
the price of freight — SOO a ton to Virginia, and 
from that to S150 to points further east and south 
— being added to the California quotations. Thus 
we find at Austin that while haj' was worth S30 per 
ton, barley from California was worth 8120. Pota- 
toes which were raised in the vicinity were worth 
two to three cents per pound. 

Closer attention began to be paid to the weather 
as connected with agriculture, and though frosty 
nights with sunny days were a common occurrence, 
it was found that in IRtU there were seventy-five 
consecutive days without frost, and in 18C5, eightj'- 
seven. This was better than was expected. That 
was as good as many of the northern States. In 
New Hampshire, Maine, and Vermont, the jjcriod 
exempt from frost was even loss than that, and in 
those States corn, melons, beans, and potatoes, as 
well as the hardy fruits such as apples, jiears, cher- 
ries, and plums, grew to perfection. In addition to 
this, no deep snows prevented getting around, or 
sjtells of extreme cold weather endangered life, as in 
those States, for the lowest point marked only 14° 
below zero, the thermometer in the Eastern States 
sometimes going as low as 50° below zero. It was 
justlj- believed that the State could be made self-sus- 
taining. 

November 16, 18GG, the Humboldt Keyister con- 
tained the following: — 

Humboldt County alone is ca|)ablc of jtroducing 
all the hay, grain, and vegetables needed by the 
present jio|)ulation of the State. (Jarden vegetables 
are hero in superabundance. They are a positive 
drug in the market. Wheat, corn, barley, oats, 
rj-e, and sorghum grow luxuriantly and ripen 
tlioroughlj'. When the raili-oad comes to carry off 
the surplus of the farms, look out for farming hero 
on an Illinois scale. 

Carson Vallej- being nearer the center of the min- 
ing region developed faster. A flour-mill was 
erected at the foot of the Kingsburj' Grade as early 
as 18(55; one of light capacity, having been built in 
1859. 

The Humboldt 7fe^t»/cr, June 13, 1807, again called 
attention to the agriculture of that county: "This 
branch of industry (farming) in Humboldt County 
promises to become of great importance in our 



AGRICULTUIIE. 



133 



future. The barley crop this season is estimated at 
1,000,000 pounds. The value of wheat, barley, and 
potatoes at a low estimate will not be less than 
§150,000, not a twentieth part of the arable land 
being under cultivation." The crops in lluby Valley 
were also pronounced marvelous. 

UEPORTS OF LARGE CROPS. 

The crops of Douglas County were something 
extraordinary: 20,000 tons of hay. 20,000 bushels of 
wheat, 10, ()()(» bushels of barley, 1."),0(HI bushels of 
oats, ],000 bushels of corn, 5,000 bushels of potatoes. 

In ISGS a full report of the agriculture was 
received from Humboldt County. The reported 
grain was: 2,500 acres of barley, averaging forty 
bushels, worth S2.50; 1,200 acres of wheat, averaging 
forty bushels per ton, worth S3. 00; 3,000 tons of 
hay, worth §20. 

Lincoln County is situated at the extreme south 
end of the State, near the Colorado River, and has 
some peculiar features worth recording. The largest 
part of the farming was done at Panaca \'alley by 
the Mormons, but they would not report to the 
Assessor, even running him oft' ri cf (irmin. In 18()7 
the report for the i)ruduct of three farms, amounting 
to ninety-five acres, was: — 

150 bushels of barley .: .-$4 00 per bushel. 

loO " " oats 2 80 " " 

600 " " corn 3 50 " " 

10 tons of beets, worth 06 " ])ound. 

2 " " parsnips, worth 07 " " 

10 " " squashes, '• 04 " " 

15 " " cabbage, - 121 " " 

40 " " potatoes, " 05-1 " " 

8,000 melons (prices not given). 

From the above it will be seen that the climate is 
probably warmer than at Carson City. There is 
considerable ditfcreiice also in the price of grain in 
favor of the seller. 

In Ormsby Countj- the value of hay, grain, and 
vegetables was estimated at SlOO,500. 

The lines were established the following year, and 
the belligerent Mormons gathered into the Nevada 
fold. The places included were lOagleville, I'anaca 
City, West Point, St. Thomas, and St. Joseph. The 
Assessor reports 10,000 acres of hay land, producing 
2,200 tons of hay, cvidentl}' an error; otherwise no 
new industries were rejiorted. 

A prominent feature of the agriculture of 1871-72 
was the attempt, or the beginning of planting and 
raising shade, ornamental and forest trees. The 
most prominent man in connection with this was G. 
W. G. Ferris, who imported a great number of east- 
ern forest trees, such as hickory, black walnut, but- 
ter-nut, chestnut, liard and soft maple, and many 
other varieties. 

tteorge W. t'hcdic, (.'ountj- Assessor, 1872, reports 
as follows of fruit trees for the county of Ormsby:— 

The estimated number of fiuit and shade trees 
trans])lanted in this county is about 1.'),(hI(), the 
former kind predominating in number. Many of | 
17 



the fruit trees have alrea<l3' borne fruif, but owing 
to the late frosts we usually experience the crop is 
uncertain, and will not average more than one in 
three years; and until some method is adopted to 
protect these trees from the frost in the blooming 
season wo cannot expect to reap an annual crop of 
fruit. 

The Surveyor General, Mr. Day, calls attention to 
the importancoof systematizing the irrigation ditches 
or canals. It scorns that dilKculty often occurred 
between the mining community and the farmers, 
the latter generally getting the worst in the strife; 
an experience that the California farmers have had 
for thirty years. Mr. Daj' reports as follows: — 

The proper methods of construction, looking to 
durabilit}-, efficiency, minimum cost, economj' in use, 
and distribution of su])]j|y, together with careful 
estimates of water flowing through the channels, to 
bo diverted to useful purposes, are, particularly in 
large agricultural districts, subjects of interest. At 
present no good system of construction has been 
adopted in this character of improvements. Large 
bodies of agricultural lands, containing thousands 
of acri's, lying contiguous, are irrigated bj' means of 
ill-conl rived ditches. Means are not generally taken 
for saving the water in reservoirs wliere the supply 
is scant; the lines of artificial channels are neces- 
sarily extended, and frequently in such directions 
as to cause great inconvenience to adjoining lands, 
and loss of cultivation. In large bodies of agricul- 
tural lands, such as some of our ))i'iiicipal valleys 
po.ssess, a sj'stem of irrigation should be adopted 
comprising the whole vallej-. The ditches, so far as 
possible, should be kept on the dividing line be- 
tween pro])erty; and when so ])hiccd their margins 
i-an be ])lanted with ti'ees. which, nourished by the 
moisture of the ditches, will thrive, forming a pleas- 
ing feature in the view, and greatly assist in fenc- 
ing. Sufficient care is not taken when ditches cross 
I ho jiublic highwaj-s to provide suitable crossings, 
i^oaded vehicles are drawn with difficulty- across 
ditches containing water; and in many instances, 
from the nature of the soil, roads near ditches are 
rendered almo.st useless from saturation. Some of 
our alluvial valleys, during the time of irrigation, 
arc almost im|)assable from this cause. 

Good reports came in from Esmeralda County, the 
productions being, in 1872, 20,000 tons of hay, 1,000 
tons of |)otatocs, 2,000 tons of grain. 

Much of the land that was sup|)osed to be worth- 
loss has, under the influence of water and cultiva- 
tion, become extremely i)roductivc. 

TIIK CLIJIATE OF NEVADA 

Is sui (jenerts, if such a thing can be. Whether the 
visitor comes from the land of summer rains along 
the Alleghany Mountains or great lakes, from the 
sunny valleys of California, the arid plains of New 
Mexico, or the interminable plains of British America, 
the climate of Nevada will ])uzzle him. Though 
a])pareiitly shut in by a high mountain range on tho 
west which should ward ofl' fierce winds from that 
i|Uarter. the wind will come pouring down tho ravines 
forty or fifty miles an hour with force enough to 
s\vee|) everything less in size than bullets into clouds, 
pelting one exposed to it as if with shot, and sending 



134 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



clouds of dust high into the air or through the closest 
weather-boarding into the farthest closet or pantry 
in the house. The thermometer will stand at 31° in 
the morning and reach 97° at noon, a condition that 
is said to prevail on the great desert of Sahara in 
Africa. Indeed the two places have manj- things 
alike. According to the reports of travelers the hot- 
test days were often followed by frosty nights. 
The reports of Eollins, who was cast away on the 
coast of Africa by the wrecking of the ship Commerce 
in 1816, taken prisoner and carried into the interior, 
were discredited until confirmed by recent travels; 
but the same climatic phenomena which he de- 
scribed as peculiar to the African deserts occur in 
Nevada. 

The foregoing table may be consulted with interest 
and ])rofit. 

This peculiar condition seems to prevail along the 
foot of the Sierra Nevada, and becomes rather inten- 
sified as we go east; modified of course by the ditt'or- 
ences in latitude and altitude. The cold, it will be 
observed, never exceeded one and a half degrees below 
zero. On the head of the Humboldt, where an eleva- 
tion of 6,500 feet is attained, frosts are of almost 
nightly occurrence. Pjjko County is of this character, 
precluding the raising of anything but grain and the 
most hardy vegetables. In the southern portions of 
the State, bordering on the Colorado Canon, a 
different condition ])revails. The difference in lati- 
tude and altitude produces warm nights as well as 
days, and here we find the melon growing to perfec- 
tion, and the semi-tropical fruits ripening with cer- 
tainty. Humboldt County has perhaps the most 
desirable climate in the State, being far enough away 
from the lofty mountains to avoid the frostj^ nights 
incident to the vicinity of snow-banks, yet near 
enough to be benefited by the consequent rain-fall. 
Carson Valley is liable to damaging frosts as late as 
the first of Juno. Thej' are usually preceded b}' 
several days of warm weather which brings the fruit 
buds out, subjecting them to the danger of being 
destroyed. The June frosts are usnallj' preceded by 
a strong southeast wind, which blows so hard as to 
move coarse sand and even gravel. Much of the early 
sown grain is injured bj' the flying sand as well as 
killed by the succeeding frosts. Late sown grain 
escapes these dangers. 

IRUKiATINCJ DITCHES AND ACRES IRRIGATED. 

Irrigatif)n is beautiful in theory. It seemingly 
places the husbandman in comparative indepen- 
dence. He is not compelled to look quietly on while 
a midsummer's sun, darting his scorching rays from 
a cloudless sky, wilts and burns to death the tender 
plants, the object of his care. He need not turn 
his anxious gaze from the parching ground, where 
the grain is drooping fi-om voiy thirst, to ])ray for 
rain, as of old. At the first indications of drought he 
can hoist the gates and send tiny, meandering rivu- 
lets to the thirsty roots which will revive with life. 
The reality dis])els much of the beauty of this 



MONTHLY AND ANNUAL METEOROLOGICAL RECORD FOR 

1880. 

Carson City, Nevada — Latitude, 39 degrees 10 minutes ; longi- 
tude, 119 degrees 40 minutes from (Jreenwich; 
altitude above sea level, 4,US0 feet. 

Chas. W. Fbienu. 



< 









£ S ^ ">^ ^ 
£■0 cuSt^ 



'■J 


1- ri ic i^ Tf 1-1 -t i-T '.2 '>\ 


CO 


a 


i-HCONi-ct-'^OIMl-lOCON 


•* 


a 


t-i CO rc cc in CI ro iM M GO ci o>i 


CO 


a 

■A 


IM CO M CO (M ^ CC M M i-i r-i 


CO 


X 


-t-tcoMNOoocsirscOt-io 
^ '>^ o\ '>\ ^ ri 1-1 e-i 


CO 


Is 


■.0 O' ^ t-^ CO m t- c .-■ lO ^ m 

C>1 .-1 CO CO C-l r-. (M rl CO 


00 


ts 


in 00 m I- C-. -t I- ift I- I- c-i 

r- 1 rH t— ( i-H C'J C'l I— * t-H 


1-^ 


iz; 


^Oioooc;oOT-i(Mt-eoot- 


CO 



::zi |=^S 



CO©^tOTj<l~rHO«OCOO"* 



|C0 



;zi 


Total No. of miles 
traveled 


.-^ -f .-< !M 00 c c in is I- i- 
-ft-(MOOocoincocoe'iox 

t- t- CO -^i t- OC I- ~. -t <T. -* Ir- 

CO C^l -f -}• "t C^l '—<»-' »-• *— 1 CI 




CI 

CO 
CO 
CO 


Maximum velocity 
in miles |)er hour 


-f in in Ci 05 ci -M I- c-i c; «c ti; 

CO CO ^^ Cl Cl Cl 1— * r-H ,— f-« CI 




3 


►J 


No. of daj'S on wliicli 
0.01 or more rain 
or 8UOW fell 


1- C-. ~ r-i CI C-l C CO Cl 


in 
in 


No. (lays on wliich 
cloudiness aver- 
aged 8 or more ou 
a scale of 10 


1- CO C- C5 C-. CI K .-1 Tj. C-. X - 

T-H ^^ ^^ t—" r-^ 


C-. 



Raiu and melted snow, 
in inches 



C ^ W Cl -t o 
C CO o c o 

,-H f— I ,— t in w — 



CO o < 

o d 



ci ■ 

- ~f o 



o 

I— t 
CO 



Relative humidity per 
cent 



CO -f 00 •— '— w — -t -t C: -t -1 

o in = X in c: •-< ci i-' o ^6 ■y. 

-- -.o -.r — -t -f -* -t ■* in in 1^ 



10 



a 

o 

Oh 

a 

a 

H 



.3 



CO ^ -^ c". t— w o 't o I— in in 

CO -+ in = Ti ci CO CO cc 1-- CO CO 

ci c co' CO -t -t '-' i^ — ~r ci ■-;; 

CO CO CO -* i-o '.^ I- '-T '-; -t CO CO 



If) lA in in in 



in in 



_.^irio-tci-*o^C5t-'-i-t 

Cl CI CO CO CO CI i-i <-i 



ininin inininin in 

o CO in 1-- 1-- I-' CO 1-' CO -f ■-< Ci 

5D in cs I- X o c". C5 C5 cc b- m 






CI 

1— » 

00 



10 

t- 

00 



K 



B 



PQ 



•3 
a 






•S 



-+coo;cicicoi:o05coooooo 
4< 12 c: ci ci ^ in o GO CO m 00 

CO c; CI Cl CO CO CO CO CO "^ ■# CI 

in iri in in in in in in in in in in 

Cl Cl CI CI CI CI CI CI CI CI CI CI 



ca 00 CI m -t o in o CI cc cc o 
Jt S i^ — = I- Cl Cl -t" I- - oo 

cc X c: cc c r-. .-. — Cj o -^ I- 

-* -^ -t "t in in in in in in in -t* 

Cl Cl Cl CI Cl Cl Cl Cl Cl Cl Cl Cl 



CO 
in 

Cl 



in 
o 
i.n 

Cl 



to in in =•- CI X .- Cl x gj Cl o 
-~ I— o — I.n ,— « in »— ' "1" — I'" -I 
t~ i_ '- in in in in in in i- x 1- 
in in in in in iri in in in in in in 

(M Cl Cl Cl Cl Cl Cl CI Cl Cl Cl Cl 






2 c p 






5 « 






m 

a 



CQ 

<*3 

ID 

a 

at 
O 

9 

a 
s 
< 



AGRICULTURE. 



135 



theory. Irritcation is slow ami o.\])unsive; ditches 
must be conslrucled which, unless the iiuid has the 
proper inclination, must meander according to the 
surface to give the water the ]iroper motion. W too 
steep it sweeps away the soil ; if too flat the water 
accumulates and saturates the ground, converting it 
into mortar that bakes and cracks in the sun. The 
water must be taken from the ditches in quantities 
nicely regulated to the nature and requiremenJs of 
the soil, and constantly watched. Only sand}' soil 
will stand saturation without damage; even on that 
a little excess of water will wash the sand away and 
lay bare the roots of the ])lants. The constant care 
and attention required make the cultivation of the 
soil by irrigation in large (juantities nearly impossi- 
ble. Grazing land with sod may be saturated with- 
out serious damage. 

The following table, giving the number of trees 
and vines in the several counties, will give a better 
idea of the climate than any partial description. 





» 


COUNTIES. 




V *- ; *» ; © 
to'v © ^- • c© 10 . --O 

©~lC50tOO. ©©*-. ©© 
©C-. ^-OCO' ©04-. 0© 





Gooseberry. 




10,000 

"26 

1,000 

" 1,266 

26 

20,323 

400 




Raspberry. 



c 
g 

2 
r 

H 

a 

i 

CO 


"0 lo i "C • "0 • (X "0 "0 • • "0 

00. ■ • =: = ■ • = 




Strawbeny. 




H-» ... . • 

4- ... 1 . 
. 4. . . W I-- . • 
Ui H-» t;i t— • . > .— * . CJ' 
UiO©. 10. ■ OOD. ■ 




Grapevine. 




H^ • . . . I . 1 . ■ . 



— • OJ 




Fig- 






"to ' ■ '' 

tCl . K-l ■ . ■ . 10 . . . 01 

. I.S ' ' ■ ' CJi ■ • . 




Walnut. 






•"*!.'! 1 I ! I I I I i 

Ig: ::::::;:: ; 

<o 




Alrtiond. 


H 
SI 




mm©. ' ■ • O'-'' ■ © 




Apricot. 


> 
TO 




w 1 1 ! 

C-, 10 • . 1 rf^ 

04-00-J' ©©<o. . 'XiCS 


Cherry. 







-^ I I I 

"CJ Ci . -^ 10 ' ■ 
tn © m -1 to w -■ — ' • • -^ 

*-cc©©to ©©©• ■ Ol»i 


Plum. 




"m -I ^ ■ 4. ... en 

t* CO «T C-. U' • CO ■ ■ . *- 

m M — GO ' OO- ■ ' 00 


Peach. 


00 

p 


"h-- "0 ■ 10 '-' • I-' 4^ 
i-'Coa5Uic;'cs. i^-csu'. ow 

WlntOOlOtO' ©OW' OW«> 


Pear. 


' 


380 

2,468 

500 

V.258 

5,000 

300 

390 

2,008 

5,700 

212 

293,053 

145 


Apple. 





The first full report of the Assessors on the subject 
ol' irrigation was made in 1874. The following is 
taken from the report of the Surveyor General for 
that year: — 



Couuties. 



Irrigating Ditches. 



Acres Irrigated. 

Churchill 1,425 

Douglas 35 18,953 

Elko 50 18,000 

Esmeralda 25 850 

Eureka 12 1,886 

Humboldt 120 14,000 

Lander 3 2,400 

Lincoln 50 675 

Lyon 10 5,260 

N)'e 10 3,000 

Ormsby 5 . 1,100 

Storey 1 150 

Washoe 180 30,000 

White Pine 60 3,000 



Total .561 



.100,099 



AGRICULTURE IN 1874. 

The years of 1873 and 1874 marked an era in agri- 
cultural as well as other interests. There was a gen- 
eral settling down to steady work, and an absence of 
the restless fever which was characteristic of the 
early mining excitement. The County Governments 
were in healthy operation, and full i-eports were re- 
ceived. The Surveyor General's estimates of agri- 
cultural products for 1874 were as follows : — 

Kind. Acres sown. 



VIclil in hush- 
els per acre. 



T..t.->1 yield In 
bu..fhel9. 



W^heat 4,346 17 70,300 

Barley 26,651 20 506,790 

Oats 5,372 14 74,695 

Rye.. 100 10 1,000 

Corn 493 28 13,690 

Buckwheat 12 17 200 

Peas - 326 lOi 3,450 

Beans 53 11 593 

Potatoes 4,136 70 290,458 

Sweet Potatoes. i 96 24 

Onions 76 55i 4,210 

Hay 72,101 11-12 72,101 

Hops - 1 1251b8 

Beets (tons) 314 

Turnips " 320 

Pumpkins & Squashes " 5,350 

Butter (lbs) 227,240 

Cheese 



22,200 
W^ood " 668,738 



Honey. 



7,400 



PROGRESS OF FRUIT CULTURE. 

The traditional orchard was not forgotten. 
Whether from the land of the orange or the apple, 
the first thing after building a shelter, the farmer 
sets out an orchard. What is home without fruit 
trees — apple, pear or orange, or grapevines, as the 
case may be ? flo who plants fruit trees is intending 
to stay. In Ormsby County were 125 walnut trees, 
125 elms, 300 box-older, 1,000 white maples, pre- 
sumably the property of G. W. G. Ferris, who had 
manifested a commendable enterprise in the planting. 



No returns. 



136 



HISTORY OF^THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



The following table shows by counties the fruit 
trees in 1874: — 



COUNTY. 


■3. 
s. 

< 


2 

H 
1 

c2 


00 


2 

H 

S 
s 


u 




00 

c 

s 


03 

H 

§ 

a 
'3 

C 


S 

2 

H 
t 
'u 

0. 
< 


a 
a 

g 


Churchill.. 


40 

3001) 

100 

8500 


2 
300 
I'lO 


4 
200 


4 

400 


2 
200 










Douglas 


10 








Elko 






900 


Esmeralda. 


100 


1000 


1050 


250 








500 


Eureka . . _ 


20 


20 


20 


20 










, . 


Humboldt . 


;iooo 3000 


400 


400 


200 


250 


230 


100 


500 


Lander.- . . 


430 

118 


482 


4 


120 
18 












Lincoln.. .. 


6 




20 


25 


31000 


Lyon 

Nye 


4Ei 


?:^ 


8 


7 










18 


300 


50 


20 


10 


10 






10 




Ormsby . . . 


5000 


100 


550 


400 


400 


20 


70 


10 




Storey 


240 40 


88 


35 


38 


1 


6 


3 


8 


Washoe . . 


GOdO 700 


600 


900!400 


5 


10 


10 


300 


White Pine 


50 100 

























Lincoln County leads strongly in grapevines; 
Humboldt in a general variety of fruits. The latter 
county is evidently on the high road to prosperity. 

STOCK. 

The stock business also looked remarkably encour- 
aging. The product of mines, even when it amounts 
to millions a 3'ear, is no evidence of permanent 
wealth; tlie i-ichest veins have an end, but the jiro- 
ducts of the soil ma}' continue for centuries without 
diminution. The fields in the Roman Campagna, 
which (."incinnatus plowed near 2,000 years ago, ai-e 
still yielding golden grain, while the silver mines of 
Tarshish arc scenes of desolation. In 1874, there 
were 22,131 horses, 4,043 mules, 181,891 head of 
cattle, 1S5,48G sheep, 0,7G8 hogs, GO, 000 chickens, 
2,500 turkeys, besides much other stock that might 
be enumerated. The annual increase is not less 
than twenty-five per cent. A ))ortion must be 
consumed, of course, but the residue goes into the 
accumulations or investment as the source of future 
wealth. The northern and eastern portion of the 
State are most fitted foi- grazing ])ur|ioses. and many 
thousand head of beeves are annually shipjjed by 
rail, or driven on foot, to California and the eastei-n 
markets. The bunch-grass of the hills is exceed- 
ingly nutritious, and in many valleys grows a species 
of sage, which, after being frozen, constitutes an 
excellent herbage, receiving the name of " winter 
fat" from the grateful herdsman. The beei" and 
mutton of Nevada are highly prized by epicures. 

UAIN FALL. 

In the valleys extending into the Sierra Nevada 
the anninil rain-fall may I'each fifty or sixty inches 
in a year, as the snow sometimes falls twenty feet in 
depth. As the lower end of the vallej-s is reached, 
the rain-fall is less, and in some seasons amounts to 
but four or five inches, and on the deserts and 
interior plains even the last-named (juantity is (juite 



uncertain. The valleys at the foot of the Ruby, 
Santa Rosa, and other ranges of mountains in the 
interior of the State get a quantity of rain approxi- 
mating the rains of the Sierra Nevada. At Car- 
son Valley the rain-fall for the year of 1880 was 
13.1 inches. This may be taken as an average 
of rain-fall in the northern and western part of 
tho^ State. But it is evident, though no record 
has been kept from Walker Lake south, that the 
annual rain-fall gets less until a minimum is reached 
at the Colorado River, where the high mcsri lamisaro 
rained upon so little that the sharp angles of cen- 
turies remain the same, never becoming rounded into 
the graceful forms incident to plentiful rain fall. 

There is evidence in the difterent levels of the 
lakes of the State of periods when the rain-fall was 
much greater that at present. The Great Salt Lake 
in Utah is said to be pcrceptibl}' rising from year to 
year, being several feet higher than when first visited 
by the whites. This may be the case with the val- 
leys and plains of the State of Nevada, which are 
subject to about the same climatic laws. But the 
ancient water-marks on the hills indicate a much 
higher stage of water at one time, and, though the 
water, in consequence of a period of unusual fall of 
rain may rise a few feet, the evidence is incontro- 
vertible that the country is gradually drying. The 
great changes of elevation or de])i'ession that have 
bi'ought about this result is a proper subject for the 
consideration of the geologist; how to remedy the 
matter, either bj' introducing or diverting some of 
the waters of the Colorado or Columbia into the 
de])ression; saving the annual rains bj- means of a 
general sj'stcm of reservoirs, and distributing the 
rain-fall whore and when it is most needed, are 
matters for the consideration of the statesman and 
civil engineer. That much might be done to amel- 
iorate the ])erpetual drought, and make the State a 
desirable and jirofitable home for many times its 
present po])ulalion, is bej-ond a doubt. The mount- 
ains might be clothed with trees. This would j)ro- 
duce a greater rain-fall, as has been demonstrated 
many time.? in the Old World. The pi'osent water 
could be economized anil distributed to greater 
advantage. To do this the riparian water rights 
would have to be recognized, and the (jrah lnw, by 
which the fii-st-comer takes the water for all time, 
abrogated. The subject is so vast in its bearings 
and HO immense in its consequences as to be prop- 
erly a subject of National legislation. 

The ancMcnt Peruvians inhabited a much higher 
plateau than the Great Basin. It was nearly- rainless, 
but by means of extensive canals, in some instances 
three hundred miles long and carried over precipi- 
tous canons and through gi-anite mountains, the}' 
were enabled to sustain an immense population, and 
attain a high degree of civilization. 

CLOUD-Bl'RSTS. 

As in all countries destitute of timber the rain is 
liable to fall in unequal ijuantities. The clouds sat- 



AGRICULTURE. 



137 



urated to the point of precipitation will pass over the 
treeless j)laiiis and bills without i)artini^ with their 
moisture. So well was this understood in Greece 
that the most earnest efforts were made to protect 
the timber on the mountains and elevated places. 
The term trce-kilkr, the most o])probrious eiiithet pos- 
sible, was applied to those who wantonly- destroyed 
timber. The j^reatcst calamity that could befall a 
nation, a'^^cordint; to the old Greeks, was the destruc- 
tion of their woodlands, bringing drought and famine 
ill its train. The people were taught to revere the 
trees as the homes of the gods; that it was sacrilege 
to wantonly destroy them. Our American, with 
little regard for the next generation, will sti-i]) mile 
after mile of timber away without planting a single 
tree to take its place. The western slope of the 
Sierra, as well as the eastern, is being denuded, and, 
in consequence, the cloud-burst, unknown to the early 
comers of California, is becoming a frenuent visitor. 
What is a cloud-burst > The name is suggestive 
enough, but, unfortunately, convoj-s a wrong imjires- 
sion. It is as if a cloud was a great sack or bag of 
water which could be ruptured and the whole con- 
tents let out by having a hole torn in it by coming in 
contact with a mountain-top, or even bj' the branches 
of a dry tree, a sort of Cesarian operation, an unpleas- 
ant ])roce8s for the cloud, certainly! We get the 
following description from one who has witnessed 
the phenomenon, which is of more frequent occur- 
rence in Nevada and Arizona than elsewhere in our 
country: "The clouds had been gathering in a great 
black bank on the west for some hours. Thick 
masses piled up on the already accumulated clouds 
until they seemed miles thick, dark and threatening. 
On the ojjposite side from the northeast was a similar 
gathering of clouds, giving the impression that a 
storm was gathering there also. As the hours rolled 
on the dense masses approached each other. At first 
only the advanced clouds met and seemed rolled back 
on the main masses; there was no rain yet. We 
could see a long line forming at right angles with 
the course of the clouds. It was of a lighter color 
than the bank of clouds on either side and reminded 
one of the changing shades when steel is being 
tempered. Still towards each other the great masses 
moved; the small, scurrying clouds, like outriders, 
would roll back on the main mass, or even sweep 
partly to the rear. The winds, which at first had 
blown strongly from the west, had ceased, but high 
up among the clouds we could hear a sullen, sub- 
dued roar, as if from a thousand brazen throats afar 
ofl'. The fall of a leaf could be heard; the birds and 
wild animals were aware of the war and ai)peared 
terror-stricken and mindless of human presence. 
The roar became deo])er and seemed mingled with 
the rustle of leaves and branches. At first a few 
drops fell, large as bullets and some feet apart. 
Soon they came faster until the}- fell so thickly as 
to render it impossible to see fifty feet away. The 
ground was soon running an inch deep with water 



every little ravine that was a hundred j-ards long 
was running waist deep and still the rain kept fall- 
ing. Thtt water, that should have been drawn away 
from the clouds by miles of woodland, was being jire- 
cipitated in a small territory. Now amid the roar 
of the falling rain and rushing water we heard a still 
greater roaring. Down the channel of the brook, 
which an hour before contained scarcely water 
enough for an ox to drink, came a breast of water 
four or five feet high antl a hundred feet wide, held 
back to some extent by timber, leaves and other 
trash, but sweeping everj-thing in its course. This, 
uniting with other streams, formed a flood big enough 
to wipe out a city if it was in its way. In this man- 
ner Eureka was destroyed, and in this waj", a coach, 
horses and passengers wore overtaken by a flood in 
one of the ravines or cafions of the eastern Sierra a 
few years since. A cloud-burst is simply a point of 
condensation between two opposing currents of air, 
both saturated with moisture, suspended for some 
considerable time over a small space. A timbered 
point in a countrj^ otherwise generally destitute of 
trees, will frequently determine the localitj' of the 
phenomenon. Such a cloud-burst occurred on 
Smart's Mountain in Lynn, New Hampshire, some 
forty years since. The high point, inaccessible to 
teams, and consequently safe from the woodman's 
ax, was the place of precipitation. Acres of forests 
were leveled by the flood which buried farms, bore 
away mills, or eroded new channels, which left the 
mills high and drj', and played havoc generally. 

From the very nature of the circumstances this 
excessive rain-fall can extend over but a small space, 
otherwise the most devastating floods would occur. 
Happily in most countries these affairs are, j)erha])s, 
less frequent than eartlK^uakes. People wonder at 
the destruction, and, for awhile, fear a return, but 
hundreds of years may elapse before such a peculiar 
combination of winds and clouds may bring about 
another catastrophe, but in the great interior of the 
continent, particularly in that region lying between 
the Sierra Nevada and the Rocky Mountains, 
embracing southeastern California, Nevada, Utah, 
Colorado, Arizona, and New Mexico, their destruc- 
tive force is often seen. In 1807, and again in 1870, 
the city of Austin was visited by a cloud-burst, caus- 
ing great damage to property. A more serious flood 
from like cause occurred at Eureka in 1874, washing 
away a great many substantiallj- constructed build- 
ings and involving the loss of several lives. Similar 
floods have visited the same city on several occasions, 
but preparations having been made for them, the 
destruction of property was loss. The catchment 
area of either of these localities barely exceeds one 
square mile, yet the amount of water falling in tlie 
short period of an hour is one of the most wonderful 
features of the power of the elements that men ever 
behold, and that such a sea can be borne through 
the air in fleecy clouds is a phenomenon inconceiv- 
ably grand and terrifying. The volume of water 



138 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



f'alliiig in the brief moments is almost beyond fompii- 
tation, Justilying the term '• cloud-burd.," although 
it is a misnomer. The incline of the ravines, or val- 
leys, in which the towns of Austin and Eui'cka arc 
situated, is about ten feet in a hundred, average, and 
through these the current rushes from five to ten 
feet in depth and a hundred feet in width, continu- 
ing near an hour, an irresistible, destructive torrent. 
In other localities far greater volumes have fallen, 
the flood marks showing a depth of fifteen feet and 
a width of a quarter of a mile, with the incline nearly 
as precipitous. 

The Los Angeles News, California, of August 23, 
1802, describing a water-spout occurring on the six- 
teenth of that month in San Francisco Canon, says : — 

It appears that on that day, about 1 o'clock p. m. 
a heavy rain-cloud, which had been hovering over 
the canon, burst with a noise like thunder, discharg- 
ing a huge volume of water, instantly filling up the 
canon with a roaring stream, canying everything in 
its resistless course. A family with wagon and o.x-team, 
traveling in the canon, wore caught and overwhelmed 
in the flood, the di-iver alone, Mr. C. J. Chevalier, 
escaping with his life. The water in the eauon 
when the party entered it was less than three inches, 
and when the torrent came it was over fifteen feet 
deep, and it was past daylight next morning ere the 
flood subsided. 

The Carson Jpi>eal of January 13, 1878, gives some 
incidents '■ to our purpose quite," of avalanches and 
cloud-bursts occurring in that (jiiarter: — 

This beautiful weather is so seductive and sjiring- 
like that one forgets, as he sees groups of children 
sitting quietly ujjoii the ground in the mellow sun- 
shine, that il is .laiiuarj' and not June which is so 
sunny and so full of light and cheer. * * * 

We fell in with oui- old ]iioMcer friend Spurgeon, 
j^eslerday, and after the customary weather-wise salu- 
tations, we fell into the inevitable train of reminis- 
cences. It was as if two gentlemen of Herculaneum 
were to meet and gossi]> of their experiences in the 
eruption remittances from the Vesuvian crater. 

The readers of the A/ijituil will call to mind an ava- 
lanche which took ])lace in the winter of 18()5-G6, by 
whose icy current and pro])ulsive course a cabin and 
two men on the Bigler graiie wci-e swejit down into 
the <le))thH below. One of the men, liobinson bj- 
nanu'. survived, his partner, Chadwick, lies there 
under a hundred feet of gravel, granite, chips and 
loam. Robinson stayed all night in his bare legs in 
the snow, and was rescued in the morning by some 
Canadians hard by. 

In the spring of 1S()2 Mr. Spurgeon and a travel- 
ing companion were overtaken b}' a cloud-burst near 
Genoa. Spurgeon was complelel}' enveloped in dirt 
and debris, but escajicd with a sti'n and some bruises, 
Ilis companion has never since been seen. Says the 
Hook, " two women shall be standing together; and 
one shall be taken and the other left." 

On the tenth ol" April, 1S()2, the mountain which 
lies west of north, as one stands in Carson street 
looking towards Washoe Vallej-, was the scene of 
the verj- evident land slide or avalanche which is 
so much a feature of that jiromontor}-. There had 
fallen, after a long dr^^ winter, like the present, a 
very heavy fall of snow, and it was the sudden melt 



ing of this snow that caused the avalanche which 
buried Spurgeon and his companion, and caused that 
Washoe mountain to break in two." 

In 1874 another cloud-burst occun-ed near the 
same locality. 

WATER CATCn.MENT. 

The future agricultural wealth of the State 
depends upon its means of irrigation, and as the 
prosjject of turning any of the streams of the Colum- 
bia and Colorado into the Great Basin is remote, 
even if practicable, the system of impounding the 
waste waters of the winter season will eventually be 
considered and adopted. In all of the lofty ranges 
of mountains snow falls to a considerable depth. 
Most of this goes to the alkaline flats or the brackish 
lakes to be evaporated in the hot sun of the summer, 
and is mostlj' a dead loss to the State, the exception 
being the remote and insignificant benefit in the 
slightly moistened condition of the air resulting 
therefrom. In the mountains are many flats and 
depressions which could be converted into reservoirs 
and become of vast utility. The matters of climate, 
rain-fall, water-rights, and irrigation are subjects for 
the consideration of the wisest heads. The greatest 
populations of the world have existed where irriga-- 
tion was the reliance. Egj-pt, with its ruined cities 
of Karnac, Memphis, and Thebes; Hindoostan, with 
its canals a thousand miles in length, tapping the 
streams running from the loftiest mountains in the 
world; Ancient Peru, and in fact nearly all the 
ancient seats of population were enriched by arti- 
ficial water distribution. The lands of seasonable 
showers are the exceptions. What has been may be 
again. 

Pertinent to this subject maj- be quoted the follow- 
ing from the report of the Assessor of Ormsby County, 
Mr. H. H. Benee, to the Surveyor General, dated 
November 30, 1880:— 

The approximate area of agricultural land in this 
county is 8,000 acres; but owing to a scarcity of 
natural supplj- of water for irrigation, only about 
l.KU acres are actually under cultivation, and the 
question arises how water is to be obtained for irri- 
gating ])urposes. 

Numerous attempts have been made to su])ply it 
by means of artesian wells, but all efl'orts in that 
direction have failed; and, in my opinion, the only 
solution of this question is that carried out by 
Charles M. Scbultz, on his ranch near the mouth of 
Clear Creek. 

Some three years ago, Mr. Schultz constructed a 
reservoir covering a surface area of about twenty 
acres, about ten feet deep at the deojiest itoint, and 
an average depth of about three feet. This reser- 
voir is filled from Clear Creek in the s])ring of the 
year, when there is an abundance of water running 
to waste, and the water is thus stored up for use 
when most needed. When tapped for use, it fur- 
nishes a nice clear stream of water for irrigation 
from four to six weeks at a time. 

By means of this reservoir Mr, Schultz has been 
enabled to cultivate about sixty acres more of land 
than could have been successfully cultivated with 



AGRICULTURE. 



139 



the natural siip]>lies of water at hand; and his succ-csr 
in this ]ianioular lias been such that lie contem|ilate8 
not only iiu-reasing the ca]>acity of the present res- 
ervoir, hut the construction of others immediately 
below it, thus comitlclin-; a system of reservoirs, one 
below the other, that will undoubtedly reward his 
enterprise with a largo increase in agricultural 
])roduets. 

There are many other suitable sites for reservoirs, 
and by a reasonable outlay in their construction the 



agricultural resourceB of the county might be more 
than doubled. 

Statistics have shown that the rain-fali along the 
western border of the State, also in the mountains 
of the north and cast, is about thirteen inches ])cr 
annum, which, if gathered in reservoirs, would be 
sulHcieut to irrigate all, or nearly all, the land of the 
valleys, redeeming the State from its present barren- 
ness. 





Ta 


bnlate 


1 State 


meut, 


iitlOWl 


ngby 


COllUll 


estue 


Kearl 


y liicr 


3ase ot 


Stock 


Since 


1865 to 1880.* 




Coun- 
ties. 




18(35 


isGt; 


ISG7 


1868 


1869 


1870 


1871 j 1872 


1873 


1874 


1875 


1876 


1877 


1878 


1879 


1880 


3 J 
-= 1 


Horses . . . 

Mules 

Cattle 

Sheep 


360 

"lioo 






610 

20:i 

1,511 










64i: 

4.^ 

4,48! 

8,509 

8!)5 

205 

5,801 

4,000 

1,620 

383 

9,001) 

21,382 

3,303 

437 

49,287 

45,610 

2,620 

523 

13, .354 

31,592 

958 

1!»0 

11,618 

400 

1,590 
833 


7o; 

260 
6,914 
5,42-- 

800 

200 

1,,")!10 

3,300 

1,500 

.300 

1 1 ,425 

7,700 

3,565 

404 

3!),6S3 

43,985 

2,545 

478 

14,355 

28,050 

1,029 
140 

10,832 
2,500 

2,017 
!)36 

9,579 


811 

14C 

6,805 

5,537 

1,183 

14-. 

4, GOO 

1,900 

1,368 

201 

10,027 

12,435 

3,423 

.368 
35,5()3 
30,031 

1,575 
380 

25;732 

2,760 

382 

22,400 

4,372 

2,137 
893 




1,07' 

9 

> 6,8".K, 


2,50(. 

5t 

1 9,12(1 

12,00c 

1,4.37 
12h 

3,7G( 
4,860 
















5S 
!),G6( 
6,31-. 

1,27- 

7! 
G,4!i; 
3,500 

1,476 

450 

9,874 

6,900 

4,021 

42G 

37,81!) 

36,038 

1,537 

230 

20.142 

28,000 

3,500 

350 

21,650 

8,120 

1,482 

GIG 

7,789 

8,940 

5,052 

79 

36,780 

5,987 

620 

198 

1,460 

5,600 

2,5(>5 

283 

16,!)48 

17,040 

600 

200 

4,762 

4,000 


1 21 
8,2 K 


75 










9,635 
12,000 


J f 






800 


1,00(1 

200 

2,700 


1,000 

200 

2, 700 


1,009 
164 

2,472 
443 


1,121 
193 






1,271 

14! 

■ .3,852 


1,151 

12a 

3,06C 


-Mules. 








1,550 


3 \ 


Cattle 




1,800 


2,79! 
525 






81 
4,076 
4,860 

1,303 
590 


Sheep . . 




2 1 


Horses. . . . 

-Mulrs. . . . 






396 

49 

634 


396 
49 


I.Olii 




1,5.30 

4O0 

7,G12 


I,OS0 

400 

8,380 








11(1 
5,9,37 




,0 


Cattle 






634 






Sheep 








3,506 

5,212 

383 

38,438 

26,741 

2,100 

400 

5,3.30 

23,000 

2,000 
400 

'l0,()66 


2 ( 

■^ J 
5 f 


Horses. . . . 

.Mules 

Cattle 

Sheep 

Horses . . . 

.Mules 

Cattle 

Sheep 

Horses. . . . 


250 

1, 000 
1,000 

G(V.) 

1(>5 

3,7iK5 

1, 0*3 




600 

GO 

1,850 

1,500 

1.224 

203 

5,788 

1.159 


600 

GO 

1,8.50 


1,.383 
1,2.30 
2 292 
1,'020 


1,000 

200 

10,900 

15,000 


1,375 

235 

14,640 

26,375 

()40 

400 

4,050 

3,000 


3,386 

284 
29,851 
47,427 


4,570 

405 

39,644 




4,861 

395 

51,76!) 

41,480 

2,000 

320 

6,332 

32,000 

3,000 
475 

" V.'oi) 


i f 

s -\ 


2,200 

2.50 

21,240 

3,650 

325 

23,007 

1,934 
650 


2, 100 

300 

20,500 

3, .562 

353 

23,494 

1. 885 

605 

13,365 


Mules 










9 -{ 
^ 1 


Cattle 

Sheep 










Mules 


















1,903 2,084 

615 48!) 

12,!)48 7,8.30 


Cattle 


















Sheep 


















1.3,600 

4,000 

1,200 

54,000 

17,000 

5.54 

14G 

2,227 

1,055 

2,300 

231 

25,457 

18,154 

588 

213 

1,803 

45 

401 

55 

1,023 

72 

690 

30 

1,023 

125 

1,6.50 

149 

12,761 

lt,9liO 


1.3,719 

4,000 

1,220 

40,200 

.30,000 

665 

lOG 

2,4!M 

7,810 

2,229 
343 

23,848 
23,000 

472 

152 

2,368 

440 

62 

1,128 

794 

5!) 

1,128 

150 

1,900 

70 

17,000 

23.0l)0i 


6,225 

5,733 
142 

I2,2i(j 

548 

183 

1,851 

871 

3,211 

32-: 

18," 102 
12,580 

726 

289 

5,046 

9,56^ 


o 1 


Horses. . , . 
















2,164 

816 

18,507 

14,082 

578 

123 

1,575 

3,600 


4,8.30 

435 

.38,170 

625 
53 

1,751 


7,702 

4,443 

39,200 

663 

5l! 

1,588 


18,676 
5,381 


17,200 
4,150 


Mules 
















Cattle 
















Sheep . ... 




















Horses. . . . 
.Mules. . . . 


I.-JOO 




1,000 

800 

1,200 






550 
127 
999 


557 
17.-; 

1,9.35 
7,082 


514 
156 


lU.UUU 

636 


i ) 






^} 


Cattle 

Sheep 


1,000 




176 










1,400 
2,518 


s J 


Horses. . . . 

Mules 

Cattle 

Sheep 

Horses. . . . 


250 

' 2,6o6 

1,0« 


300 

100 

K.-iOO 


823 

125 

1,285 

!l()0 






1,319 

.371 

8,110 

6,000 

722 

.309 

2,216 

1,674 

563 

92 

553 


2,613 
316 

I7,848l 

(>oo! 

190! 
2,790 




2,208 

20!) 

14,365 

14,137 


«1 




441 

190 
1,051 
1,189 


11,76) 
8,401 








C 1 

C 1 

3 1 






Mules 

Cattle 

Sheep 

Horses. . . . 




310 

im 

COS 
250 


620 

212 
610 
100 


815 
343 
650 







2(X)i 

3.000' 

1 




•^i 


4.'>0 

77 
6s:i 


360 

70 
5G0 


531 

82 

2,164 

» 

1,524 

76 

1,064 


4&4 
99 

" 07 '( 


626 
76 


623 


.Males 




10A r.ikl 


Cattle 




460 
600 

836 

84 

31740 

2,625 

281 
1S,!1G7 
25,I!I5 


610 

700 

1,374 

72 

823 

250 

2,600 

2(M) 

lG,.'-.75 

22,000| 


180 


Sheep 




1,470 

65 

1,0.38 


2,075 

1,.340 
35 


1,875 

1,2^) 
32 


£ ) 


riorses. . . . 

Mules 

Cattle 


300 
300 


























O '\ 

m 9 
















Sheep 






















Horses. . . . 

Mules 

Cattle. ... 
Sheep 


170 
2,2411 
l.SiJu 










1,665 
38j 

4,G.''.7 
1,005 






2,800 
425 

17,728 


2,500 

l!IO 

14,3(55 

1 


2,825 

395 

15,!)21 

51,990 


2,650 

.390 

14,0: 1 

51.0.->.. 











*Iu some iustonces no returns were found; this accounts for the blank spaces. 



uo 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



TaMlatei Statefflent, Showing tk Area Cnltivatefl, aM Grain Raised from 1865 to IS 



Coun- 
tit-s. 




1865 


18GG 


18G7 


1868 


1869 


1870 


1871 


1872 


1873 


1874 


1875 


1876 


1877 


1878 


1879 


1880 


11 




















1,000 

20 

110 

620 

18,503 

506 

!)0 

8,000 

5,725 
470 

859 
4,826 

10,000 

196 

3,611 

7,000 

1,840 
192 
438 

4,815 

2,600 

2()7 

I,. 500 

4,000 

718 


633 

61 
1,080 

19,553 

406 

1,716 

9,000 

7,500 

500 

1,012 

3,500 

10,000 

310 

5,2.50 

14,000 

2,400 
213 
360 

5,500 

.3,000 

333 

1,750 

6,000 

1,886 

18 

212 

1,508 

18,000 
267 
625 

1.5,000 

500 


1,200 

30 

200 

2,000 

3,760 
206 

.528 
9,041 

3,025 

217 

3,599 

4,236 

11,000 
1,080 
3,750 

16,000 

2,136 

54 

1,887 

18,000 

3,000 

180 

1,500 

4,000 

7.35 

15 

.375 

24,000 

8,152 

173 

3,559 

10,833 

344 

31 

IS 

1,949 

8,400 

262 

1,035 

2,000 

1,095 

57 

400 

SHK) 

1,050 

36 

75 

600 

250 
4 


1,500 

24 

225 

1,800 

3,953 

282 

662 

8,330 

3,115 

281 
3,833 
.3,403 

12,000 
1,080 
3,750 

16,000 

1,512 

22 

794 

7,500 

3,081) 

200 

1,211 

3,960 

8.50 

9 

7.50 

1,000 

12,590 

164 

3,833 

342 

58 

94 

1,979 

9,000 

300 

1,025 

2, .500 

1,200 
60 
50 

1,000 

1,200 

18 

75 

800 

300 
3 


3,726 

10 

182 

2,079 

15,254 

90 

636 

9,829 

4,600 
254 
937 

5,700 

10,000 
1,9.50 
3,250 

16,000 

2,000 

20 

75 

1.3,000 

2.890 

200 

1,203 

4,145 

475 

15 

75 

4,500 

15,2.54 

1.53 

4,741 

18,441 

740 
30 

SO 
938 

2,700 
150 
800 

3,000 

1,705 
72 
18 

1,200 

796 
59 
19 

770 

350 


3,414 

4 

185 

.3,155 

16,140 
117 
212 

11,460 

7,240 

165 

1,862 

6,900 

3,000 

21 

75 

13,000 

2,680 

165 

1,030 

3,975 

500 

15 

75 

4,500 

16,140 

676 

3,855 

20,000 

740 

30 

120 

1,000 

2,000 

90 

500 

900 

1,232 

40 

221 

375 


3,600 

17 

455 

5,000 

16,284 

1.50 

1,241 

9,487 

8,807 

2 292 

2,'T05 

10,160 

2,800 

32 

1,100 

12,000 

1,810 

54 

449 


3,5:0 

27 

500 


Wheat.... 




71 
















200 
2,000 

5,000 

666 

1,000 

20,000 

4,096 

330 

1,0.50 

1,100 

3,750 
l,:i40 
2,500 
3,000 

1,800 










Hay 


2,000 


7,000 

70 

350 

15,000 


5,000 

6I>() 

1,000 

20,000 

4,096 

330 

1.050 

1,100 

3,750 
1,340 
2,500 
3,000 










3,000 
1.5,624 


l\ 


' ' '4.3s 

932 

7,096 


492 
1,041 
6,875 






Wheat 




•)f>5 










133 


Hay 

\rea 


15,000 






I" 040 








7,782 
120 


Wlieat . . . 










2,000 


20,606 














1,063 
8,666 

8,900 
•' '>62 


Hay ...... 








Area 

Wlieat . . . 

Barley 

Hav 


355 

1.50 

12,000 










1,666 
1,716 
3,000 








3 1 








2 075 








10,000 
2,7.30 


t: i 


Area. . . . 
Wlieat 


8,227 




1,800 












44 




.30 


■3 1 


Barley 






1,800 








900 


Hav 












700 

800 

60 

150 

4,000 




9,500 
2,175 




Area 














Wheat 














118 


Barley. . . . 














1,003 


Hav 


















Area 














4,355 

27 

400 

2,953 

16, .557 

900 

3,750 

50,984 

750 

30 

125 

1,000 

2,129 
130 
830 

3,168 


4,947 


Wheat 


















45 


Barley .... 


















1.50 
5,450 

1.5,000 


50 


Hay 


















4,224 






















16,124 


Wlieat . . 
















880 

2,500 

18,000 


27 

.5,475 

1.5,000 

410 


900 


i - 


















3 750 


Hay 
















50,000 


J 

J3' 1 


Area 

Wheat 


fiOO 














1,670 




:j 






3 
.500 


3 

4 

952 


8 

U 

1,226 


30 








10 
250 

5,000 










125 


Hay 

Area 

Wheat . . . 


2,100 
2,000 








915 

5,163 
27 
38 

2,500 

.300 


2,245 

9,000 
36 
52 

2,073 

675 

19 

94 

1,750 

1,200 

45 

87 

300 

1.50 
3 


1,000 








2,.300 






22 
69 






ISO 


l-'l 






100 
1,250 


250 
1,050 






804 


Hay 

Area 


1,000 


2,200 






2,900 


o 1 


95 

Corn. 18 
4 










Wheat 










274 

84 

1,420 










2 -{ 


Barley. . . . 






5 
350 






' ' ' '75 
1,000 

1,0.38 

45 

87 

250 

100 






Hay . . 














i- f 


Area 








2,241 


"55 
144 
250 


■■"79 

1,650 

250 


1,100 
117 
30- 
609 

385 



1,164 


Wheat . . . 
Barley . . . 




25 
105 


150 


150 


101 


o ( 


172 
380 




231 


Hay . . 




200 


1.50 




457 


ll 


Area . 




390 


VVheat 















































Hav 


















60 

3,462 

197 

196 

11,874 


70 

2,7(K) 

225 

182 

15,600 


100 

2,9.50 
117 


125 

2,9.50 
177 


125 

2,890 

135 

215 

26,(KX) 


150 

2,680 

210 

198 

23,000 


125 

13,800 
269 
187 


125 


^ f 


Area 

Wheat . . 
Barley. . . . 
Hay 


10,450 

7.50 

4,000 

7,-588 
















13,800 
















289 


3 1 
is (^ 
















178 










11,1.55 






21,000 


22,000 





*Ia some iustances uo returns were found; this accounts for the lilank spaces. 



CATTLE-RAISINQ. 

The bunch grass is the main relianeo for the herds 
of cattle raiij^ing through the State. It is hard}-, 
nutritious, and acceptable to the wandering stock, 
but has not met all the expectations of those who 
undertook to raise herds U])()n it. When the cattle 
were Been to paw away the snow to get it, and 



thrive and even get fat upon it in winter, the oxjiec- 
tations of stockmen were boundless, but it was 
found that the closely cropped bunches required 
years for their renewal, and that one season's pas- 
turage nearly worked oaf a range, and the cattle had 
to subsist upon the wild sage, which has some of the 
qualities of the domestic herb, communicating the 




"■•Xi^i ^ r-^,„J^ J^i^- 





^Z-t^ 




:£^ 



Manuel San Pedro. 

In the northwestern extreme of the Spanish Peninsula, where the Atlantic's boisterous 
waves beat against the projecting buttresses of the Pyrenean chain, is the mountainous 
Province of Galicia, and therein, forty-one years ago, the suhjcclof this sketch, Manuel 
San Pedro, first saw the light. Ihiliive the coast of Spain generally, here &torni.s and 
sea and mountains combined, have formed bold headlands, deep bays and projecting 
islands, giving Galicia some of the best harbors of the kingdom. Good harbors are the 
schools of sailors, and there young San Pedro took his lessons. At the age of fourteen 
he left his native land for a voyage to Brazil, South America, and for several years his 
life was on the ocean wave. With that skill and ambition which has marked his later 
years, he soon rose to the rank of Captain, and as such liad coumiand of several ships in 
the commercial marine. But the life of a merchant .sailor did not offer the opportu- 
nities to which h^aspired. His tastes, talents and inclinations led him to mining. In 
his native land mining had been the high and lionorable occupation of the people for 
more than a tliousand years before he was born, and in his days of early manhood, the 
world was resounding witli the success of mining enterprises. In view of acquiring a 
knowledge of mineralogical .science, and familiarizing himself with the practical operations 
of the business, he visited all the great mines of South America, Central America and 
Mexico, spending several years in his studies. 

While engaged in these explorations, the news of the wonderful silver mines of Nevada 
was spreading over the world and Senor San Pedro .saw that there was the proper field 
for his future operations. In 18G1, he came to Virginia City, bringing with him most 
valuable knowledge of mines and mining. With the experience of a year in the mines 
of the Comstock, he plunged forward into the wilderness, being one of the pioneers in 
tile mines of Humboldt County. The Sheba and other mines of that region were then 
attracting the attention of miners, and cau.sing a great sensation. But San Pedro did 
not rest satisfied with the prospects of that region, and he went exploring the new 
discoveries of Reese River, which carried him into Nye County, examining all the country 
of the Toiyabe and the Shoshone ranges of mountains, becoming particularly interested 
in the mines of Union District, which he hflped to organize, and, at a later date, to 
found the town of Grantsville. 

The White Pine excitement of 18G9 called him to new fields, and since then his 
operations have been varie<l and extensive throughout this State as well as in California. 
Always observing, always learning, he has become an authority on mining matters, and 
his opinions are sought, and his sound and well-matured judgment relied upon by those 
seeking information in mining matters: for the development of mining property, or 
intending to invest in the same. With his twenty ^-ears' experience in the mines of 
Nevada, together with the exact knowledge obtained by his studies in the Spanish- 
American States, he has risen to the front rank as a mining expert, and his judgment is 
regarded as infallible. The proof of this is given in his faith in the mines of Grantsville, 
which among his earliest discoveries are now among the most valuable of the State, 
returning large profits for capital invested in them and a promise of being inexhaustible 
in their resources. He has seen grow up around him, greatly the result.'* of his sagacity 
and enterprise, the thriving town of Grantsville, and with it he has thrived and jnos- 
pered. Some seven or eight yeai-s ago he became associated in his mining operations 
with James B. Cooper, Es(p,a gentleman of great businessj ability, and in 1S77. organ- 
ized the Alexander Mining Company with Mr. Cooper as President and Don Manuel 
San Pedro as Superintendent. The mines of this Company are in and around Grants- 
ville, and with one of the best mills of the coast, using fifty stamps and all the modern 
improvements, employs (juite a colony of men. So successful have the operations been 
that extensive additions are expected to be made to the mill, quadrupling its capacity. 

This sketch is necessarily brief; the full history of the gentleman's life, with all its 
incidents, adventures, explorations and successes being suthcient to fill a volume. He is 
still in the prime of life, with the port of vigorous manhood, and many more triumphs in 
fortune's battles are in store for him. 



AGRICULTURE. 



141 



peculiar, though not objectionable, flavor to the beef. 
N. H. A. Mason, who is the largest land owner and 
perhaps cattle owner in the State — owning 1,800 
square miles on Quin River, also several other 
ranges — expresses the opinion that 160 acres of land 
to the head is required to carry a herd through the 
season. This is a low estimate on the abilitj- of the 
land, but it may be correct. Undoubtedly mueh of 
the land is much better than this, and some is so bad 
that an animal might starve while traveling from 
one bunch of grass to another. 

The Central Pacific Railroad has made the exten- 
sive raising of cattle in Nevada possible, by furnish- 
ing a speedy and economical trans])ortation to 
market. A drive of 300 miles will take fifty pounds 
of flesh off the average steer. A drive of 600 or a 
1,000 is, of course, out of the question. The cattle 
ranges of the State are all within 300 miles, and 
cattle are driven to the line of the raih'oad, and in 
a few days are transferred, with little loss, to the 
market in San Francisco or St. Louis. Over one- 
half of the beef supply of the former place comes from 
Nevada, amounting to nearly 80.000 head ]ier year. 
Large herds onlj- are profitable. The best judgment 
is necessarj' in handling cattle. The feed designed 
for winter use must be preserved. The summer and 
winter pastures are sometimes 100 miles ajiart. To 
remain on the suiiuner range during the winter 
would result in great loss, if not destruction of the 
herd. A deep snow would bury up the closely 
cropped grass, so that starvation would necessarily 
ensue. Where the bunches are uncropped. the cattle 
will paw away the snow, finding the grass by some 
kind of instinct, and feast on the compact head of 
grass, and perhaps improve in flesh during the 
winter. 

Winter feeding is found to be detrimental. Cattle 
fed, though ever so little, lose their enterprise and 
hang around the hay -stack, refusing to exert them- 
selves at all, in this respect, at least, illustrating the 
ordinary results of charity to a street beggar. 

The migration of cattle was taught bj' the buffalo 
that moves from Texas to the grassy |)lains of the 
Red River of the north and back again the same sea- 
son. The cattle become half wild, as do their con- 
stant com])anions, the herders, who are a unique 
race, with a code of morals and almost a language of 
their own. Tliej- are not much above the Indian, 
whom they have dis])laced in their civilization, and 
in time may form a pojjulation as troublesome to 
control as the native Indian. The cow-boys of 
Texas are not a whit more amenable to the laws of 
ethics than Cachise's Indians were. A rifle, knife, 
saddle and horse are his e<|uipments. With these 
he will have the best the country aflTords. Some- 
body has to suffer. 

LIABILITIES TO LOSS. 

A drj' season may cut short the feed, in which 
case thousands may starve. A deep snow or an 
unusual low temperature may decimate a herd. It 
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142 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



is estimated that one-third of all the cattle in Nevada 
died in the winter of 1879-80. Ten years previous 
the winter was very destructive also. On the Car- 
son River the snow commenced fallini^ in Novem- 
ber, covering the ground two feet and a half deep. 
In Pine Nut Valley the Allcorn Brothers lost 360 
out of 4(10 head. Thej- had come in during the fall 
across the plains and were not used to the range. 
Walter Cosser lost seventy -five head; Israel Mott, 
300 head. Two-thirds of all the cattle in Carson 
Valley died. Among the farmers hay was worth 
$100 per ton ; if taken to Virginia City, 8300 to 
S500. Flour was worth 8100 per barrel. 

Cattle that were in good condition and accustomed 
to the range escaped. The " big melt," " big jaw," 
and "black leg" are diseases, mysterious, and fre- 
quently fatal; the latter, especially, is rapidly fatal, 
no cure or preventive having been found. The vic- 
tims are generally the finest calves, the poorer ones 
escaping. The disease prevails in July and August, 
these being the most dreaded months in the year. 
The hind legs commence swelling and getting stiff, 
the disease soon passing to the loins, when the animal 
dies. The disease usually runs its course in three or 
four hours. Some have supposed it to be a kind of 
gout, engendered by excessive nutrition of the blood, 
producing paralysis and stagnation, the blood being 
found in clotted masses around the kidneys. The 
losses by severe cold, snow and starvation are the 
most serious, however. 

Every season, in May and Juno, the owners have 
what they call a 

RODEO. 

The cattle scatter over immense tracts of country, 
being left pretty much to their own keeping and 
straying ten, twenty, or even fifty miles from home. 
An cxteiisivo cattle owner will travel from one rodeo 
to another branding all the calves with his mark that 
follow his cows. He may not see his stock again 
until the rodeo of the following j'ear, or until he 
searches out the fat ones for a drive. A cattle farmer 
will brand annually from five hundred to five thou- 
sand calves. The rodeo is the cattle herders' delight. 
Here they may be seen in all their glory of riata or 
rawhide, jingling spurs, and revolver. They run 
races, throw the lasso over each other's heads, or 
riding upon an unsuspecting greenhorn (gringo) and 
catching his horse by the tail, tumble horse and rider 
into the sand. 

A DRIVE 

Is the jxirtion of the herd set off for beef or for sale, 
and is the increase, or profit of the herd. In a suc- 
cessful scries of years the annual drive will approxi- 
mate (he number of calves branded, which one year 
with another will nearly equal one-quarter of the 
herd. It will readily be seen that the stock business, 
when successfully conducted soon brings a fortune. 
Dr. Glenn once sent to market 13,000 at a single 
drive. 



Among the cattle kings in Nevada are : Dr. 
Glenn & Co. with 30,000 ; Todhunter, with 25,000 ; 
Lux & Miller, with 10,000; and N, H. A. Mason, 
number unknown. 

The total number of cattle in Nevada is estimated 
at upwards of 200,000. It is extremely difficult to 
arrive at anything like correct figures, as the owners 
do not always know their own numbers, and the 
Assessor is not paid for hunting up the beasts. If 
there is an}' doubt the cattle owner is sure to have 
the benefit of it. 

BREEDS OP CATTLE. 

The fine Durham or Jerse%' stock would find them- 
selves out of place in the sage-brush. Cattle are 
wanted that can either fight or run away as the case 
demands. The Texas steer or cow can do all this. 
Uis long slender horns and light heels make him 
formidable either in fight or flight. They are less 
prone to wander alone and are more readily massed 
than American cattle. 

A STAMPEDE 

Is one of the things that are past all comprehension. 
As this book may fall into the hands of some who 
have never seen one, a description may be ]>ermitted. 
Whether the atmosphere of the '-Great West," the 
altered disposition of the cattle (horses and mules as 
well), or a half indistinct recollection of danger in 
past ages causes it, none can tell. The stubborn fact 
remains unaccounted for. The emigrants of 1849- 
50 often learned to the sorrow what a stampede was. 
An eye-witness thus describes it: — 

' Twas bout three days this side Chimblej' Rock. 
We'd been pokin along sort of easy as the cattle had 
got kinder thin and the road was right sandy. 
'Twas near middle the arternoon, an I was thinking 
'o ridin' ahead fur a campin' ground. I'd got off to 
s]iell my mar a bit and was leadin' her with the 
bridle on my arm, my old woman walkin' with me. 
The}"'s four wagon on us all and Riah's was behind, 
his wife and children had jist climbed in over the tail- 
board. The old mar was alius a blamed thing ter 
lead; morn half asleej) less somebodj''s on her back. 
The mar made a stumble and slapped her foot on 
the ground like. 'Twant notliin'; you couldn't a 
hcerd it twenty j'ards, but Riah's critters heerd it 
though. The}' give a blow "n a heller 'n started 
with their eyes as big as saucers, as if old Satan his- 
self was prod'n 'em with his forked tail. The children 
spilled out fust thing and Kiah's wife next; how she 
rolled. "What's the matter dad?" says she. "Is't 
Injuns?" "Blamed if I know," says I. "1 reckon it's a 
stampede." The other critters started. You couldn't 
stop 'em more'n you could a horrycane. The boys was 
walkin' ahead. They heerd 'em a tearin along, but 
tliiy- couldn't do nothin 'cept turn the skeered crit- 
ters towards the blulVs. My mar had bruck away 
and we's all afoot, hut set after 'em as fast as we 
could. We cud see tar buckets, 'n blankets, 'n fry 
ing ])ans, 'n crackers jist a flyin, 'ii the cattle's tails a 
switchin'. Riah's rifle was tied ter the wag(m bows. 
That fell down 'n went oft' 'n ke])t u]) the skeer, 
though 't didn't hit nothin. We kim up two miles or 
more towards the blurt's, it mout a been three, 'n 
found 'em all snarled up. The forud ones 'ad turned 



AGRICULTURE. 



143 



'n upset the waijon, makitiica bii; scattcrmeiit. Tliey 
dni<; it on the side awiiile til tother erilter.s i-im into 
'em 'n we found 'em bellerin 'n i)lo\vin 'n all beat 
out, piled one top or tother. The old mar stood 
lookin on 's it' she hadn't done notliin'. We i^athercd 
up the |)lunder 'n i;ot back to the road arter dark. 
'■What made 'om run'?" J)ogond if I know, less 
kays they's 's fur from home." The critters was 
mitjhty little 'count arter that." 

In 1849, sixty teams of cattle, five yoke to a team, 
all drawini; emigrant wagons, stampeded on the 
Sweetwater and run seven or eight miles before they 
came to a liult. Horses and even the sedate, stolid 
mule, who ought to be proof against any sudden 
emotion, will join in the scare. The biggest fool in 
the crowd is the solemn-looking mule. In early 
days a cavalcade would be picketed out with ropes, 
fifty feet long fastened to an iron pin eighteen inches 
in length. Sometimes a herd of a hundred horses 
would break awaj^ and run twenty miles, the iron 
pins flying and prodding them every step. A more 
terror-stricken crowd of animals never was seen. In 
18G4, McCosh,a Missourian, started with six hundred 
mules for California. They stampeded on the Platte 
River and two hundred and fifty were lost beyond 
recovery. In the past winter, 1880-81, a band of 
thirteen hundred fat cattle, confined in a corral in 
Paradise City, took a panic, broke out and started. 
Some were killed in the ravines, or by falling over 
precipices; man3- were lost, and those that were 
recovered were greatly injured. The loss to the 
owners was something like 810,(MI(). Months are 
required to repair the nervous exhaustion produced 
by a stampede. The danger is always present, and 
the rush comes when least looked for. It is head- 
long and irresistible, and can only be controlled by 
fallhig in and running with the crowd, becoming in fact 
a leader. 

Is it not true also with regard to a human panic'? 

THE CRICKET 

Has his habitation west of the Rockj' Mountains. 
He is a distant relative of the cricket on the hearth, 
with many of his tastes and habits, but having 
adapted himself to sage-brush and sand plains ho 
has changed considerably in appearance, being much 
larger and more clumsy than his domestic relative. 
He is two inches or more in length, of a reddish 
brown color, with only rudimentary wings, and a 
stomach that will digest cactus or sago-brush equally 
well, though ho will, when hard pressed for food, 
live upon lettuce, cabbage, and other garden truck, 
or even growing grain ; in fact, many farmers believe 
that he seeks the civilized product rather than the 
wild plants, and have experienced considerable dif- 
ficultj- in kee])ing them out of their cultivated fields. 
They overran the fields of the Mormons at Salt 
Lake in 1849-50; luit in answer to the prayers 
of the Saints for deliverance — according to the Mor- 
mon records — the Lord sent innumerable gulls that 
devoured the crickets. At any rate the fields in the 



vicinity of Salt Lake were saved from the crickets 
by the gulls that appeared in immense numbers. 
Like the grasshopjier, the cricket has his favorite 
breeding-place, and when grown emigrates in search 
of better pasture, though, having little use of his 
wings, he cannot carry his heavy body far away 
from the homo of his youth. 

They move in swarms, covering a space from half 
a mile to five miles in width. They do not, cannot 
mass, like the grasshopper, and, consequently, can- 
not commit such wido-spread havoc, though they 
are a great annoyance. Ditches will turn them or 
catch them so they can be destroyed. One farmer 
in the northeastern part of the State allowed ho 
had headed them off eff'ectually from his garden by 
building a sheet-iron and tin fence, four feet high, 
which thoy could neither climb nor jump over. The 
crickets were bad in places in 1869-70-71. but are 
not considered a serious objection to settling in 
Nevada. Probably they are not as destructive nor 
as difficult to exterminate as squirrels in some parts 
of California. 

THE ROCKY .MOUNTAIN LOCUST 

Or grasshopper is, perhaps, more of a menace to 
the Pacific Coast than the "Heathen Chinee." He 
seems as much a native of the high table-lands of 
the interior as are the wandering hordes of Tartars 
of Central Asia. Their range is enormous, occa- 
sionally visiting one-half of the United States. We 
may commence within fifty miles of Galveston, and 
go northeast towards St. Louis, leaving that city, 
say a hundred miles to the east; thence through 
St. Paul to Winnipeg Lake — this line being nearly 
direct, covering twenty-five degrees, or near 2,000 
miles on the eastern side; then-ce west to the Colum- 
bia River, taking in the larger part of its territory; 
thence to the Sierra Nevada Mountains, taking all 
of Nevada and part of (California (though so far 
they have never crossed the Sierra), all of Arizona 
north of the Big Cafion (that boats them) to Santa 
Fe, following the Pecos River to the Rio Grande; 
thence, as the jiotaries say, to Galveston, the place 
of beginning, (containing 2,500,000 scjuare miles, be 
the same more or less. This includes his extreme 
range; his permanent breeding-place being the high 
and dry lands in the northern ])art of the United 
States, on both slopes of the l{ocky Mountains, to 
the fiftj'-fiilh parallel; though his breeding-places 
on the west side are confined to a few dry regions, 
such as the head-waters of Snake l{iver, a portion 
of Salt Lake Vallej', and parts of the eastern slope 
of the Sierra Nevada. In places his range is near 
1,000 miles from the breeding-place; he scarcely 
ever breeds south of Pike's Peak, but will sometimes 
extend his flight near to the (Julf of Mexico. 

It chooses for its breeding-place rather dry, grav- 
elly soil, and lays its eggs, some twenty-five or thirty 
in number, about one inch below the surface, in a 
cavity half an inch in length, and less than a quar- 
ter in diameter, where they remain until the heat 



144 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



of the following spring hatches them, and brings 
up the grass that shall nourish the young until they 
are able to fly, which, with favorable weather, will 
be in six or seven weeks. During this period they 
loiter along, hiding under the decayed vegetation at 
night, and traveling only in the warmer part of the 
day. They frequently destroy gi-ain fields in this 
stage, but may he turned by ditches, or destroyed 
by various means. It is not until after they have 
grown their wings that they show their formidable 
nature. Having exhausted the herbage in the vicin- 
ity of their breeding-place they apparentlj', by a con- 
certed movement, rise in immense swarms, in num- 
bers almost incredible, darkening the air for miles — 
millions, perhaps millions of millions would not num- 
ber them. They have been known to fall into Salt 
Lake, so that the beach was covered several feet 
thick with their dead bodies. They will stop a rail- 
road train, or convert the roads vvhoi-e wagons are 
passing into mud by sheer force of numbers. When 
in their flight they mass and prepare to alight the 
farmer is filled with terror. Karely can he turn 
them aside. In some instances it has been done by 
dense smoke, fire, noise, the preparations for them 
having been ample. Usually the effort is vain. 
Some morning he sees the skirmishing line appear- 
ing like silver spots glistening in the air, and they 
commence falling like the rain, until the air is dark 
with their bodies. It seems as if the air for miles 
in height is full of them. The rijiciiing grain begins 
to fall. The first comers select the choice morsels 
near the ground, cutting the stock off to get it. 
They next seize the straw like saw-logs, and running 
them through their mandibles, take otf another por- 
tion; a third devours the balance, and in two or three 
hours the harvest is ended, leaving a blackened, 
dirty, filthy mass instead of the waving grain. 
Sometimes they spread over a great extent of coun- 
tr}', and remain several days before the work is 
completed; but whether coming in swarms that 
cover the ground, or in scattered numbers, they do 
not leave until all is destroj-ed; and, thus they con- 
tinue their flight until the season for incubation 
arrives, when they settle for the purpose of leaving, 
their eggs and winding up business. 

In view of the ti'cmondous territory which is sub- 
ject to their de)>redalions the United States Govern- 
ment, in 187ti. ajjpointed a commission to examine 
and report U])on the matter, which they did in a full 
re])ort occu])ying some fitly jiages of tine print. The 
habits of the insect, from the hatching to the laying 
of the eggs, the character of the soil and temperature 
favorable for their development, were cai'efuljy ob- 
served; also their natural enemies and the means 
which had been tried to destroy them or turn aside 
the swarms. The result ma}' be found in the reports 
for 1877, and will give one a better idea of the possi- 
ble disasters than any ordinary report. It seems 
that like all other insects, it has its natural enemies. 
There is a small, red louse, or silky mile as it is 



called, that will sometimes exterminate the whole 
race of grasshoppers over a large territory. It 
seems a fatal enemy, whether attaching itself to the 
full grown grasshopper or burrowing in the egg 
nest. In the first instance it attaches itself to the 
sides of the insect, and never lets go while life lasts, 
the grasshopper never arriving to the depositing the 
ova. The appearance of these silky mites is hailed 
with joy, as they not only destroy the swarm but 
the egg deposits as well. In the first period of the 
life of the insect, before the full growth of the wings, 
much of the destruction may be averted or pre- 
vented. At this period the insects move but a mile 
or two in a daj'. Ditches, two or three feet deep, 
will sometimes turn them away from a field. They 
can be caught in nets or gathered \>y machinery 
rolled by horse power. A dozen or more machines, 
each possessing some peculiar merit, have been in- 
vented for this purpose. Many different kinds of 
poison have been recommended as efficient, but the 
utmost energy and watchfulness will frequently fail 
to save any portion of the crop. In the second 
stage, in which the insect is full-fledged, it is nearly 
impossible to avert total destruction when a 
descent is made. The" habit of massing precludes 
the general devastation of the land. The stream 
may be from one to four miles wide; outside of this 
the injury will be comparatively small. The average 
annual loss from their ravages is estimated at 
$40.0(10,(100. Hogs, chickens, turkeys, and domestic 
fowls of all kinds feed upon them, as do most of the 
wild birds and some of the wild animals, such as the 
skunk, coyote, etc. The skunk, in particular, seeks 
out the deposits of eggs, and in a country well 
stocked with nests will dig the ground full of little 
holes in search of the rich morsels. Some of the long- 
billed birds also reach the eggs and feed ujjon them. 
In 1880, and also during the earlier part of the pres- 
ent season (1881), the grasshop])er8 ravaged the val- 
leys along the eastern base of the Sierra Nevada. 
Some fields were entirely destroyed. They breed on 
or near the grounds where they commit their depre- 
dations, and therefore cannot be the famous Rockj' 
Mountain spretus, whose flight extends a thousand 
miles. According to the report of the United Slates 
Entomologist, the spretus does not extend his flight 
to the Ilocky Mountains. 

WASIIOE VALLEY. 

This, extending past Steamboat Springs and to 
the Truckee River, being on the line of travel be- 
tween the mines and California, naturally developed 
fast. Its big tract of hay land, which, umlor the 
influence of irrigation, has ]>roduce(l marvelously, 
being one great field of luxuriant alfalfa. The inex- 
haustible supply of water and vicinity to market 
have given it an impetus that maj- keep it in advance 
of other counties in the State. The well-conducted 
farms and elegant residences are evidences of thrift 
that cannot he misunderstood. Perhajis no jilace in 
the world combines a greater number of good (jaali- 




P0-I-T0,OR OLD WINNEMUCCA 



NA-MA-GApR YOUNG WINNEMUCCA. 



fTM mr C L. SMITH- 



INDIANS, AND THEIR WARS IN NEVADA. 



145 



ties than Washoo Valley. Some may bo more 
beautiful, others more fertile, others with a more 
genial climate, ami others with a better market, but 
for the whole combined it may chalieiiye the world. 

It was fii-st cultivated by the Mormons, who seem 
to have an ej-e for profit as well as beaut}-, in IS.'jH, 
but did not assume any special imi)ortance until 
1860, or about the time of the development of the 
Virginia silver mines. The subsequent buildinij of 
the Central Pacific Railroad along its northern 
terminus, and the Virginia and Truckee Railroad 
through the valley, fixed its status beyond all cavil. 
At present it seems likely to become a commercial 
as woli as an agricultural center, and with its 
natural advantages will have a brilliant future. 
PUOSPECTS IN ISSl. 

The partial suspension of the mines of Nevada has 
worked a temporary hardship for the farmers. 
These seasons of depression are common to all 
countries, and are no evidence of declining wealth. 
It is one of the peculiarities of an agricultural com- 
munity, that even in the hardest of limes, substan- 
tial progress is generally made. When the chil. 
dren of Israel were starving in the wilderness, tlicj' 
would not touch their cattle. These were regarded 
as the source of wealth when they should reach 
their promised land. Thej- would not encroach 
on their capital. Jlarkets may be depressed, as 
when in Iowa the price of corn was but ten cents a 
bushel; j)lcuro-pneumonia may sweep off the cattle, 
or cholera the hogs; and grasshoppers may cat up 
the crops, as in Kansas, but the land, the source of 
all the wealth, remains. In a year or two more 
stock takes the place of those that died; the barren, 
blasted fields again become clothed with grass and 
grain; and the next decade shows a substantial 
increase in all the elements of wealth. The State of 
Nevada shows no exception to these general rules 
By consulting the annexed tables a general i)rogress 
through the decade of seventy will be noticed. The 
population becomes contented with a moderate and 
steady prosperity; the children pick up the business 
where the fathers laid it down, each year, each gen- 
eration adding something to the general wealth. 
So cf)mmunilies from small beginnings grow to be 
mighty States like Now York, Ohio, Illinois. So 
may Nevada. 

CHAPTER XX. 

INDIANS, AND THEIR WARS IN NEVADA. 
First Kxpwlitidii of Whites — Washoe Kaiils— Munkr of I'lter 
Ij^issuM — (!ov. Hoop anil the Indians — The War of ISdO — 
Numaga's KITort for Peace — Burning of Williams Station — 
Demand for Vengeanee — Volunteers for the I'^xpedition — 
The Battle Kield — An Aimless Charge and Wild Ketreat — 
Death of Major Ormsby — A Nameless Hero — Closing Scenes 
—Effects of the Defeat. 

The first intercourse between the white and red 
race in Nevada, of which there is any record, dates 
from 1832. In August of that year Milton Sublette 
reached the head-waters of the Humboldt River, 



with a company of trappers, among whom was the 
celebrated Joe Meek, long afterwards a resident of 
Oregon, of whom the following traditionary story is 
told by Mrs. F. F. Victor, in her book entitled 
"Mountain and Forest." Within a few days after 
their arrival at that ])lace, .Meek shot and killed a 
Shoshone Indian. The unfortunate, though famous 
mountaineer, N. J. Wj-the, who was also of the 
party, asked the tra]i])er why he had done this, and 
was told that it was oidy a hint ''to keep the Indians 
from stealing their traps." 

"Had he stolen anj'?" (|ueried his questioner. 

"No," replied Meek; "but ho looked as if he was 
going to." 

This was a suggestive introduction of the whites 
to the natives of Nevada; one that gives the chief 
actor a distinction over which it requires, u])on our 
part, a great effort to become enthusiastic. 

The following year Captain B. L. E. Bonneville 
started an expedition of forty men* under Joseph 
Wallver, from the Green River Valley, to explore 
and trap the country west from Salt Lake to the Pa- 
cific Ocean — Meek being one of the party. Kit Car- 
son was not one of them. He had been seriously 
wounded, a couple of months prior to this, in an 
encounter with the Black Feet Indians, ami later in 
the season trapped the Humboldt down to its Sink, 
and no farther. Consequently, the oft-repeated as- 
sertion that he discovered the Carson River in 1S88. 
is untrue. The company made its way slowly down 
the Humboldt, trap])ing as it went, until the curi- 
osity of the natives had gradually overcome their 
fears of the whites. From day to day their numbers 
increased in the vicinity of, but at what they con- 
sidered, a safe distance from, the camp and line of 
the strangers' advance. At night the more daring 
would occasionally steal into camp and carry off 
some trifling article that seemed to them a treasure 
of priceless value. 

Their petty larccnj' proclivities, combined with 
their constantly' increasing numbers, eventually 
aroused the suspicion of Walker, who claimed, as 
justification of what followed, to have feared a medi- 
tated attack. 

Washington Irving, in his account of this expedi- 
tion, says: — 

At length, one daj', the}' came to the banks of a 
stream emptying into Ogden's River (Humboldt), 
which they were obliged to ford. Hero a great 
number of Shoshones were ])osteil on the opposite 
bank. Persuaiied that they were there with hostile 
intent, they advanced u|)on them, leveled their rifles, 
and killed twenty-fivet of them upon the sjiot. The 
rest fled to a short distance, then halted and turned 
about, howling and whining like wolves and uttering 
the most ))iteous wailings. The trapjiei-s chased 
them in every direction; the poor wretches made no 
defense, but Hed with terror; neither does it a])pear 

*Mrs. F. F. Victor plaoes the nunilur at IKS, sco "Mountain 
and Forest," hy that authoif.-is, ii.ige 14;t ami 144. 

't^'lic nunilx'r killeil is placed at seventy-live by siunc authoress 
in same book, se« page 14U. 



146 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



from the account of the boasted victors, that a 
weapon bad been wielded or a weapon launched bj- 
the Indians throughout the affair. We feel perfectly 
convinced that the poor savages had no hostile in- 
tention, but had merely gathered together through 
motives of curiositj*. 

A member of Walker's company, one morning, 
found some of his traps missing, and swore that be 
would have the life of the first Indian he met. Soon 
after he chanced to see a couple fishing along the 
margin of the river, unconscious of approaching 
danger, when he deliberately raised his rifle and 
fired at one of them, who sank to the earth as his 
death-cry rang out over the vallej'. 

When the hunters reached the sink of the Hum- 
boldt, they struck across the country towards the 
west. Arriving at Pyramid Lake, they followed 
the Truckce Eivcr up into the Sierra Nevada 
mountains, and from thence passed across to the 
Sacramento, following nearlj' the same route now 
traversed by the Central Pacific Ilailroad. 

After the departure of Walker's party, there was 
no more slaughter of Indians for the ensuing seven- 
teen j'cars, although numerous expeditions passed 
through Nevada, culminating in 1849-50 in a tidal 
wave of whites from over the plains that passed down 
the western slope, a deluge upon the golden plains of 
California. 

The passage of emigrants thi'ough the country, 
among whom were many that were reckless, and 
some who thought that the reputation of having 
killed an Indian would transform them into heroes, 
resulted in the slaughter of some straggling Sho- 
shones, along the Humboldt in 1S49. Several 
instances of the kind occurred, where they were shot 
in retaliation for real or fancied aggressions. In 
1850 this tribe, or portions of it, commenced a series 
of depredations that lasted until the close of 1803. 

In June, 1850, a train from JoHet, Illinois, among 
whom was Capt. Robert Lyon, who relates that 
while camped at a point near where Elko now is, 
they lost one of their party, who was shot through 
the heart with an arrow while on |)icket duty. An 
ineffectual attempt was made to stampede the horses, 
but three of the animals that were running loose 
fell into the hands of the Indians. The next day 
the man was buried near (iraveily Ford, and the 
emigrants pursued their way. About twenty miles 
from the Ford they came upon another train of seven 
wagons and twelve men that had no stock, all of it 
having been stampeded and driven off, and they 
wore forced to burn their wagons, and go on foot 
the balance of the way to California. Later the same 
season another train was served in the same way, 
all its slock being taken; but with the assistance of 
others, among whom chanced to be several mount- 
aineers, ])ursuit of the Shoshones was made under the 
leadership ol' one — Wai'ner, resulting in a surjirisal 
of the Indians, the killing of some thirtj' of them, 
and the recovery of the stock. This put a stop to 
troubles that season. 



Jn the spring of 1851, Walter Cosser. now living 
in Douglas County, in tlii.s State, left Salt Lake for the 
purpose of going to California. There were five men 
accompanying Cosser's party, among whom was the 
since notorious Bill Hickman, the Danite, or destroy- 
ing angel of Brigh am Young. The five were under the 
leadership of Hickman; and while they were camped 
at Stony Point, on the Humboldt Kiver, some 
Shoshones were standing around, when one of the 
Danite gang shot and killed a couple of them. Their 
only reason given for doing it was the pleasure that 
killing of redskins afforded the murderers. Three 
or four days later, while upon the same river, Hick- 
man's satellites killed two more Indians and a 
squaw, and scalped the former. As before, they 
made no attempt at justifying their acts by accusing 
their victims of having committed a wrong. 

In the fall of the same year (1851) Col. A. Wood- 
ard of Sacramento, California, in company with two 
guards named Oscar Pitzer and John Hawthorn, 
were carrying the mail from Salt Lake to Sacramento, 
and camped one night at the scene of Hickman's 
massacre. That night a mortal tragedy was enacted 
there among the mountains, by the banks of the 
Humboldt Eiver; but its silent, passing waters, told 
no tale. The next traveler over the route found the 
mangled bodies of three white men at Stonj- Point, 
and the newspapers of the Pacific Coast recorded the 
fact as another outrage on the overland road by 
savages, and demanded an extermination of the tribe. 
The party w-ho discovered these bodies was S. A. 
Kinsey, who now lives at Genoa, in this State. He 
was carrying the eastward-bound mail for Salt Lake, 
and was accompanied by a couple of men as guards; 
but upon their arrival at the scene of the late trage- 
dies, they camped, intending to pass a dangerous 
point ahead in the night. As darkness came they 
were prevented from doing so, however, by the Indi- 
ans, who built fires in places that revealed any object 
that might ])ass that way. To go around was im- 
possible. They were consequently forced to remain 
at camp until daylight before making the attempt to 
continue their journej'. In the morning they 
mounted and rode forward. Where the river came 
nearest to the rocks a number of willows were grow- 
ing, and the horsemen, as thej' approached this place, 
leveled their rifles at it and rode quietly along, turn- 
ing in their saddles as they passed, to enable them to 
continue facing the point of danger. Thus they 
made their way along bj' the willows to a more o]>en 
and safe locality. As they passed beyond rifle range, 
however, and lowered their weapons, a number of 
Indians sprang out from their willow ambush, j-elliiig 
and gesticulating in impotent rage at the escape of 
their proposed victims. 

In June, 1851, Joseph Zumwalt, now a resident of 
California, visited Lake Tahoe, from whence he made 
a tri|) bj' the way of Dayton to Truckeo Meadows, 
and from the latter place to Pyramid Lake. In pass- 
ing down the river between these last-named points, 



INDIANS, AND THEIR WARS IN NEVADA. 



147 



his party camo upon the half-docomposed bodj* of a 
white man, whose hair was red, and thej- buried 
the remains, lie had l)eeii ])ursiK'(l and fiiiiiliy mur- 
dered by a hirge band oflndians, prol)ai)ly I'ah-l'tcf*; 
this much the numerous pony tracks, still distinguish- 
able in the soil, revealed, and nothing more. 

WASHOE K.MDS. 

In the summer of 1852, a man who kept a station 
on the overland road at a point near the present site 
of Empire, came up to Eagle Station and informed 
those stopping there that a band of Washoes on the 
cast side of the river, near that place, had in their 
possession several American horses that he supposed, 
of course, they had no right to. It was immediate!}' 
determined bj- all to go down and take the animals 
away from the Indians. The whites, under the 
leadership of Pearson, a noted Indian fighter, con- 
sisted of Frank Hall, now of Carson, his brother, W. 
L. Hall, of Esmeralda County, the station keeper, 
and a man named C'ady. They found the Washoes 
with little trouble, but failed to discover the Ameri- 
can stock. They found also, that the squaws were 
taking the unnecessary camp ecpiipage of the band, 
up the mountain to the east. This looked like busi- 
ness, and when a bodj- of about sixty warriors with 
their paint on, advanced u|)oii them, matters assumed 
a decidedly hostile appearance. Pearson, the leader, 
decided that there were too many to justify risking 
a fight, and with two of his followers "lit out." Frank 
Hall and — Cady concluded to await the approach 
of the enemy and "play the friendly dodge," which 
the}' did bj' distributing their small stock of tobacco 
among them. Of course the Indians did not object 
to the gifts, but, after accepting them, ordered the 
donore to hunt their eyrie at the base of the mount- 
ain in the west, and they hunted. 

A few days later t'ady was riding along a trail not 
far from where Dayton now is, and overtook an 
Indian, and like a brave many deliberately shot him. 

In 1852, the Indians made many raids upon the 
stock in Carson Vallej'. In retaliation the whites 
captured a couple of the tribe and brought them into 
the Mormon Station as hostages, for a return of the 
stolen property. One of the captives was a power- 
ful man, dressed in a full buckskin suit, and the other 
was a mere lad, some sixteen years of age, who 
dressed as nature had clothed him. Several days 
passed and nothing was heard from the lost animals; 
when one morning the larger Indian was let walk 
out a little way by himself, and be suddenly made a 
dash for freedom. He scattered his garments as ho 
went, and naked as he was born, bounded like a 
frightened stag away toward the mountains. The 

guard, named Terr}', had in a careless way 

leaned his gun against the stockade, and was prob- 
ably ten yards away from it when the warrior started; 
but in a moment he had the formidable rifle in his 
grasp, and taking a long, deliberate aim, fired. As 
the whip-liko report broke upon the morning still- 
ness the runner leaped high into the air and then fell 



to the ground; and when they had reached the fallen 
Washoe, he was dead. The Indian boy had not seen 

the fate of his comjianion; but the rifle shot had told 
him enough; and he was badly frightened, expecting 
a similar fate for himself. His terror so impressed 
those who had him in charge that they determined to 
set him at liberty. They fitted him ui) with a suit of 
new clothes, hat, coat, pants and shoes, and then 
leading him about a hundred yards away, pointed to 
the hills about twenty miles acro.ssthe valley, where 
his people were, and said to him, "go." At first he 
moved oft'm a hesitating kind of way, looking doubt- 
fully back over bis shoulder, expecting every instant 
to hear the dreaded rifle speak death to him. At 
length his movements became more assured. He 
scanned the countr}' ahead, looked back once more, 
then suddenly leaping into the air, those shoes went 
spinning into the sage-brush on either side, and the 
boy was off for the camp of the Washoes with the 
speed of the wind. 

Between the years 1852 and 1857 there were more 
or less murders, both of whites and Indians, along 
the line of the overland road; within what is now 
Nevada. In 1857 two men were killed by Wahoes, 
on the road running south of Lake Taboo over the 
mountains to California. Their names were John 
MeMarlin and James Williams, and both were on 
their way to California in charge of separate pack 
trains from Mormon Station. Both were killed by 
Washoes the same day, Williams at Slippery Ford 
Hill, where he was buried, and MeMarlin on the sum- 
mit near by. The body of the latter was taken to 
Carson Valley, and buried on the ranch now owned 
by Mrs. Clayton. There was no white survivor of 
the double tragedy, consequently, none to tell of the 
scene that was enacted in the shadows of the pines, 
up among the rocks and ravines of the Sierra, where 
their life's journey ended. 

MURDER OF PETER LASSEN. 

In March, 1S50, some prospectors went over from 
Honey Lake Valley to search for gold in the Black 
Rock country, in what is now known as Hunilioldt 
County. Some of them had been there before, con- 
sequently the part}' sejiarated, four going in advance 
of the other three. They had an understanding 
that they were to meet in a canon on Clapp Creek, 
where running water is to be found during a ))orlion 
of the year. The creek is about twenty miles north- 
west of Black Hock. The second ])arty consisted of 
Peter Lassen — after whom a jteak in the Sierra 

Nevada Mountains is named— accompanied by 

Clapper and Wyatt. They had reached the 

mouth of the cafion up which the rendezvous had 
been appointed, as night came on, ami camped by a 
large boulder till morning. At daylight Lassen got 
up, lit his pipe, sat down and was smoking, when 
the party was fired on by a concealed foe, and Clap- 
])er was killed. Lassen sprang to his feet, rifle in 
hand, and scanned the surrounding rocks in search 
of the assailants, but unable to see any, told Wyatt 



U8 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



to move their camp equipage to a safer place, while 
he watched and kept the enemy at bay. The latter 
had taken one load of their efteets away, and was 
returning for more, when another voile}- from among 
the twilight shadows rang out on the morning air; 
and the brave old hero of many a mountain battle 
sank down by the rock where he had been standing. 
As Wyatt came u]) he said to him, "I am done for 
at last; take care of yourself;" and, mounting a 
bare-backed horse, the only survivor, dashed away 
over the rocks and plains of sand to bear the sad 
news to the Bettlements. The four men camped 
further up the canon knew nothing of the disaster un- 
til they were met on their way into the Honey Lake 
Station by a party on its way out to recover the 
bodies of the two victims. They were buried where 
they had been killed, but in November of hat j'ear 
Lassen's remains were removed to Honey Lake. 

The winter of 1850-GO was one of unprecedented 
severity in Nevada, and the summer that preceded 
it had witnessed the first wave of white emigration 
from California to the Comstoek. The spirit of dis- 
content had gained a pretty thorough hold of the 
natives of the country, before these last causes had 
been added to their real and fancied wrongs. Many 
of them were led to believe that the evil spirit had 
been angered by the presence in the territorj- of so 
many whites; and that in consequence thereof, he 
was sending the storms that were freezing and 
starving them. 

OOVEKNOR ROOP AND THE INDIANS. 

The Territorial Enterprise, published in Carson in 
iJccember, 18.')0, in mentioning the arrival of Gov. 
Isaac Jioop from Honey Lake, said: — 

The Indians in Truckeo Meadows are freezing and 
starving to death by scores. In one cabin the Gov- 
ernor found three children dead and d^'ing. The 
whites are doing all they can to alleviate the mis- 
cries of the poor Washoes. They have sent out and 
built fires for them, and offered them bread and 
other provisions. IJut in man}- instances the starving 
Indians refuse to eat, fearing that the food is poi- 
soned. They attribute the severity of the winter to 
the whites. * * * The Truckee JJivcr is frozen 
over hard enough t<i bear up loailoil teams. 

On the i:!lh of January, 18(;(l, Dexter E. Dem- 
ming was brutally murdered by Pah Utes at his 
ranch in Willow Creek Valley, just north of Ilonoy 
Lake Valley, in what has since been determined to 
be (Jalifornia. This resulted in the following peti- 
tion addressed to Governor Roop: — 

SusANviLi^E, Nevada Ter., Jan. 15, 18(!l». 
Dkaii Sir: We, the undersigned, would most 
resjx'ctfull}' urge the neccHsity of your l"j.\cellency's 
calling out the military forces under your command 
to follow and chastise the Indians u])on our borders. 
We make this request to 5-our l*',.xcelloncy from the 
fact that we have received iiifurmation that we fully 
relj- u]>()n, to the cfl't'ct that Mr. Demming has boon 
murdered, and his house robbed, on or about the 
15lh instant, by Indians, within the borders of Ne- 



vada Territory. Your 
will ever pray, etc. 
A. B. McDonald, 
Win. Bray ton, 
E. Aubrey, 
Wm. Hamilton, 

D. Chandler, 
G. W. Fry, 

E. Brannan, 
Wm. Hill, 

J. H Shearer, 
Geo. W. Shearer, 
Jas. Belcher, 
E. II. Nicols, 
C3-rus Smith, 
E. A. Rower, 
W. M. Cain, 
Wm. Dow, 
Wm. Arullary, 
Thomas Bare, 
Z. C. Dow, 
Thos. Sheflield, 

E. G. Banghan, 
Henry Hatch, 

F. H. Moshier, 
r. J. Tutt, 

G. V. Lathrop, 

0. Stresley, 
J. Bonette, 
N. Purdy, 
F. Drake, 
Chas. Kingman, 
W. Taylor, 

C. A. Fitch, 

F. Long, 

Mark W. Haviland 

John .Morrow, 

H. Kingman, 

1. E. Ellison, 

M. C. Thaderson, 

or Shaderson, 
J. W. Shearer, 
J. L. ODonnell, 
J. W. Doyle, 
I. N. Boswick, 
S. S. Smith, 
W. C. Taylor, 
J. M. Painter, 
C. Brown, 



petitioners, as in duty bound, 

Fred. Morrison, 
G. W. Mitchell, 
John D. Robinson, 
S. II. Painter, 
Milton Craig, 
A. A. Holcomb, 
Wm. Hobby, 

A. D. Beecher, 

Dr. Jas. W. Stettinias, 
Dr. II. S. Barrette, 

B. E. Shumway, 
L. Vary, 

Dan Murry, 

J. H. HoUingsworth, 

Jas. A. A. Ohen or 

Cohen, 
A. L. Tunison, 
Jas. Huntington, 
E. L. Varney, 
M. S. Thompson, 
Clark Doty, 
Ale.x McLoud, 
Wm. D. Snj^der, 
S. I). Patten, 
A. W. Worm, 
John Altman, 

A. B. Jenison, 
L. D. Sanborn, 
J. S. Haggett, 
Joshua II. Lewis, 
II. E. Arnold, 

L. J. Spencer, 

B. B. tfray, 
B. B. Painter, 
P. \\. Shearer, 
James McFadden, 
J. II. Anderson, 
A. Ramsej^, 
J. E. Parker, 
John Taylor, 
T. Campbell, 
F. A. Sloss, 
S. Conkcj-, 
C. Hall, 
Antonio StorfF, 
C. T. Emerson, 



A detachment was immediately sent out to trail 
the murderers, and find out if ]>ossible, to what 
tribe they belonged. Under date of January 24th, 
Ijieut. U. J. Tutt reported to the Governor that they 
had been tracked into the I'ah-Ule camp. On the 
twenty-eighth of the same month, two Commis- 
sioners were a])pointed by the Governor to visit 
Winnonuicca, the chief of that tribe, and demand 
the murderers in accordance with a treaty pre- 
viously made with him, providing for an emergency 
like this. The following is a copy of their report: — 

SusANViLLE, February 11, a. d. 1800. 
Your E.\cem,f.\cy: Wo, the undersigned, your 
Commissioners, aiipointed Januaiy 28, a. d. IStJO, 
to proceed to the camp of the Pah-Uto tribe of 
Indians, respoclfully rejiort that we proceo<Ied across 
the couiitiy from this place in the direction of Pyra- 
mid Lake; that on the third day of our travel, we 
were mot by a band of about (30) thirty Pah-Ute 





^ 



I 



N. H. A. Mason 

Is a native of Robinson County, Tennessee, and was born U&y 13, 1830. His parents 
lived on a farm, and their children were educated and trained to that industry. In 
183« the family moved to Pope County, Arkansas. In 1«J2 the subject of this sketch 
crossed the plains to California, where he mined in Tuolumne County, near Sonora, in 
that State, until 1853. The latter part of this last-named year he returned by way of 
the Isthmus to Arkansas, and in 185-t, accompanied by his two brothers, drove a band 
of cattle across the plains to Stanislaus County, California, and passings through Nevada 
on this trip, he first saw the valley that now bears his name. In the fall of 1859 he 
located at the place now known as Mason's Ranch, in Esmeralda County. (See History 
of Mason's Valley). From 1854 until 1862 his exclusive business was dealing in stock, 
and that which was incidentally connected with it. In 18G2 he became interested in 
the Vir<Tinia and Gold Hill Water Works, and became the first President of that 
company-, as well as Superintendent. November, 4,18(31), the "Bonanza" firm purchased 
the control of the company's uiterest from him at a cost of §184,000. While he had 
control the stock of the company paid monthly dividends of 810,000, or SI 00 per 
.share. 

In January, after the sale, he removed to San Jose, California, where he purchased a 
controlling interest in the water-works of that city, and under his management pipes 
were laid that brought the supply for that place eleven miles, from Los Gatos Creek. 
Prior to this it had been raised from wells with pumps. In January, 1877, he 
removed from San Jose to Oakland, California, having sold, the previous fourth of 
November, all his interest in the water-works, and now his residence is San Francisco. 
During this time his cattle interest, as well as the ranch property, was retained in 
Nevada. In 1871 he took up a stock range on Quin River, in Humboldt County, 
Nevada, that, is on an average thirty miles wide and sixty in length. In 1872 he pur- 
chased 8,000 head of stock from R. C. and A. H. Broder, in Tulare County, California, 
paying therefor §125,000, and drove them to his ranges in Esmeralda and Humboldt 
Counties. This Quin River range is considered a little above the average of the State 
in grazing capacity, including only what is classed as grazing land, and it will keep 
from G.OOO to 7,000 head in good condition the year round. This is 164 acres to the 
sintrle animal, including mountain foot-hills, and vordureless, sandy or alkali flats. 

In 1877 he purcha.sed of Governor Bradley a range for winter grazing on Marys 
River, north from Deeth Station, on the Central Pacific Railroad. In extent it is 
thirty-five miles long and eight miles wide, and along the river is a bottom on an 
average three-cjuarters of a mile wide through its entire length. In the summer .stock 
is di-iven from there west into Bruno Basin, that is twenty miles long and twelve wide, 
with Bruno Creek running through it. These two ranges judicially managed would 
keep 7,000 head of cattle in good condition. 

He has accpiired since coming to the State, by patent and claims in Ma-son Valley, 
about 15,000 acres of land, of which 5,000 has been patented. Add to this the Quin 
River, the Marys River, and Bruno Basin ranges, witli 12,000 head of stock feeding 
upon the same, ami the result includes his posse.s-sions in this State. 

On the twenty-second of October, 1857, he was married to Miss Elizabeth F. Dillon, 
in San Joaquin County, California, and has three children, all girls, now living, who 
are named respectively, Ursula, Dixie, and Maud. 



INDIANS. AND THEIR WARS IN NEVADA. 



•149 



Indiaim, well mountod, who, with a war-whoop, Bur- 
romidod us and prevented us I'roni ))roc't'odiiii; to the 
main cami). Wo were detained over nij^ht by the 
same jiartj' of Indians, under a sti-iet guard, the said 
Indians utterly retusini^ to j^ive us anj- inronnatif)!! 
as to the wiiereabouts of their chiefs. 

On the followini; morning, we were released from 
imprisonment, an<i ordered to return to Honey Lake 
Valley. Wo traveled two or three miles in the 
direction of Ilonej- Lake \'alley, there heing a dense 
fog, wo came to the deterniinalion to travel across 
the country to the crossing of the Truckee Uiver. 
and follow down said river to 1'3'ramid Lake, .\rriv- 
ing at Pyramid Lake, we found an encanipnient of 
tho I'ah-Utes; but, from the contradictory reports 
received from the said Indians, we were unable to 
ascertain where either of the chiefs could be found. 
We then traveled down the lake about ten miles, 
and found another encam])ment, which ])roved to be 
the cam]) of Winnemucca, the war chief of the I'ah- 
Utes. We re])resented to tho chief that we were 
sent to them by the whites, to ask of the chiefs the 
delivery of the murderer, or murderers, of Mr. J). K. 
I lemming, in accordance with a treaty made and 
entered into between the I'ah-T'tes and the citizens 
of Ilonej' Lake Vallej-, at the same time inviting the 
chief to return with us and settle our dilticulties 
amicably. 

The chief acknowleged that, according to said 
treaty, we were warranted in making the demand; 
but, after making many excuses, he not onlj^ refused 
to como to Iloney Lake Valley, but refused to intcr- 
])oso his authority' in ])reventing doi)redatiotis upon 
the whites on the part of his followers. We then 
asked him to appoint .some future time to visit us. 
He said that ho would not come at all, and that the 
citizens of Honey Ijake Valley must pa}' him .Slti.ddO 
for Hone}- Lake Valley. We have ascertained that 
ho is at this time levying blackmail b}" demanding 
from one to two beeves per week from the herders 
of stock, there being two or throe thousand head of 
stock in his immediate vicinity, horded by so few 
that they daro not refuse the demand. We fiiul, 
also, that the owners of said stock cannot drive 
them to the settlements from the groat depth of 
snow between Pj-ramid Lake and Iloney Ijake, 
Washoe and Cai-son Vallej's. We believe that the 
Pah-Utos are determined to rob and murdei- as 
many of our citizens as they can, more especially 
our citizens ujion the borders. 

Finding it impossible to bring the Indians to any 
terms of ])eaee, notwithstanding the advantages 
offered them, wo determined to return as spe(^(lily 
as possible, and make this our report to your Excel- 
lencj'. WiLMAM Weatherlow, 

T. J. Harvey. 

It will bo observed that the report of tho Commis- 
sioners was dated February 11, 18(j(). On the next 
day, Governor Hoop asked assistance from tho Gen- 
eral commanding the Pacific Dei)artment, in language 
that so thoroughly explains tho position of affairs 
in that part of the country, that wo give tho docu- 
ment in full: — 

Generai, Ci.arkr, U. S. A., [ 

Commander of the Pacific Department, j 

Sir: We are about to be plunged into a bloody and 

])rotracted war with the Pah-l'te Indians. Within 

the last nine months there have been seven of our 

citizens murdered by the Indians. Up to tho last 

murder we were unablo to fasten thoso depredations 

19 



on any particular tribe, but always believed it was 
the Pah-Utes, yet did not wish to blamo them until 
wo were sure of tho facts. On tho thirteenth day of 
last month, Mr. Dexter K. Demming was most 
brutally murdered at his own house, and plundered 
of everything, and his horses driven off. As soon as 
1 was informed of the fact I at once sent out fifteen 
men after the mur<ierers (there being snow on the 
ground they could bo easily traced), with orders to 
follow on their tracks until they would find what 
tribe they belonged to; and if they would prove to 
be Pah-lHes, not to give them battle, but to return 
:ind re|)ort, as we had, some two years ago, made a 
treaty with the Pah-lTtes, one of tho sli|)iilation8 
being that if any of their tribe committed any mur- 
ders or depredations on any of the whites, wo wore 
first to go to tlio chiefs and that they would deliver 
up tho murderers or make redress, and that we wore 
to do the same on our part with them. On tho third 
daj' out, they came onto the Indians and found them 
to be Pah-lUes, to which I call your attention to the 
]):iper marked A. Immediately on receiving this 
report, un<l agreeable to the said treaty, I sent Oapt. 
William Weatherlow and Thomas J. Harvey, as 
( Commissioners, to proceed to tlio Pah-Ules' head- 
([narters, and there infoi'm tho chief of this murder 
and demand retlress. Here allow me to call 3'our 
attention to tho paper marked 15. It is now j)retty 
well an established fact that the Pah-Utes killed 
thoso eight men, one of them being Mr. Peter Lassen. 
How soon others must fall is not known, for war is 
now inevitable. We have but few good arms and 
but little ammunition. 

Therefore, I would most respectfully call upon 
j'ou for a company of dragoons to come to our aid 
at once, as it may save a ruinous war to show them 
that we have other help besides our own citizens, 
they knowing our weakness. .Vnd if it is not in 
your power at present to dis|)atch a company of men 
here, I do most respectfully demand of 3'ou arms 
and ammunition, with a field-])iece to drive them out 
of their forts. A four orsix-jjoundcr isindis])ensablo 
in fighting tho Pah-Utes. We have no Indian Agent 
to call on, so it is to j'ou wo look for assistance. 
I remain your humble servant, 

LsAAP Hoop, 
Governor of Nevada Territory. 

SusANVii-LE, February 12, lS(iO. 

P. S. — Sir: If you should forward to us arms, 
ammunition, etc., I hereby appoint Col. I. H. Ijowis 
to receive and receipt for and bring them hero at 
once. I. Roop. 

Tho foregoing indicates, with sufilcient clearness, 
that the accumulated hostility between the two races 
had reaclie<l that point where it reiiuired but a 
spark to cause it to burst forth into a fierce war 
llame. The t!ommanding (ieneral sent no troops 
and furnished no arms; and it all terminated in that 
sanguinary outbreak, in the following Ma}', that re- 
sulted so disastrously to both Indians and whites. 

INDIAN ACCOUNT OF THE WAR OV 18()0. 

The defeat and massacre of the party, usually 
known as tho ''Ormsby party," on tho 12th of May, 
18G0, sent a thrill of horror throughout tho Pacific 
Coast, and to this day is regarded as one of tho 
most im])ortant events in the early history of tho 
State. IIa])poning, as it did, anterior to tho groat 
war of tho Rebellion, the people were unaccustomed 



150 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



to tales of battle and bloodshed; the slaughter of 
great numbers of relatives, friends and neighbors, 
and the conflicts, movements and losses which at a 
later date would have seemed trifling, then had a 
terrible effect, and left a lasting impression. The 
publishers of this work, desiring the most -minute 
particulars of this most important Indian war of 
Nevada, in the latter part of 1880 dispatched one of 
their corps of writers to thoroughly examine the 
ground and interview all whites and Indians who 
could be found who had participated in the fatal 
battle. In companj- with the Acting Indian Agent, 
Maj. W. II. H. Wasson, he visited the Pj-ramid Lake 
Reservation, obtained an interpreter, a Pah-Ute 
named George Quip, who spoke the English language 
fluently, and with numerous veteran savages trav- 
ersed the battle-ground, spending three days in the 
examination. The Indians were assured that what- 
ever statement they should make would never be 
used against them, and with such assurances they 
gave a detailed account of the whole atfair. 

It was a strange assemblage, of those old braves, 
each narrating what he had done, and seen, of that 
bloody record of 18G0. Each Indian would recount 
his own experience and observation; but when asked 
concerning anything beyond that, would say : " Me 

no see 'um mobe tell j'ou 'bout that;" and the 

party designated would be sent for, if not present, 
and the stoiy would go on. On the third day we 
rode over the battle-field and trail from Pyramid 
Lake to VVadsworth, a distance of eighteen miles, 
accompanied by some of them. As we came to a 
place where a white man had been killed, or some 
special event worthy of note had trans2)ired, they 
would stop, and, in their peculiarly slow, dreamy 
way, tell the event, or describe the death struggle. 
Their speech was accompanied by gesticulations, and 
movements of the body, conveying to the looker-on 
a knowledge of what had transpired there in all its 
tragic detail before the interpreter had opened his 
lips. In this manner those events, that before had 
remained a secret between the sla3'er and his dead, 
were revealed. 

In the latter part of April, 18G0, the Pah-Utes 
congregated at Pyramid Lake from all over the ex- 
tensive territory, for the purpose of holding a coun- 
cil. The object of the gathering was to decide what 
they should do, in view of the fact that the whites 
were rapidly encroaching upon their lands; killing 
their game ; and cutting down their orchards. 
[Thus referring to the pine-nut trees.] By the first 
of May they were nearly all in at the rendezvous. 

There was a Shoshone chief there with his band 
who had married a Pah-Ute squaw; he was for war; 
and his Indian name was Qu-da-zo-bo-eat. A few 
years later ho was killed near 15nt(le Mountain, by 
members of his own tribe, after his return from a 
raid into Paradise Valley. They killed him because 
ho was all the time making trouble for them, bj' 
stealing stock from the whites. There was a chief 



from Powder River with his followers there, who 
was also for war. His name was Sa-wa-da-be-bo; 
he was a half Bannock and half Pah-Ute, and was 
killed by the whites some two years later. Wa-he, 
a brother of Old Winuemucca, was fierce for the con- 
flict. He was afterwards killed by the Pah-Utes at 
Walker River, concerning 'which a more extended 
account is given elsewhere. Sa-a-ba, chief of the 
Smoke Creek Indians, was for war. lie was a 
brother-in-law of Old Winnemucca, and was killed 
later by one of his own tribe, whom he was pi-oposing 
to "Ho-do," or bewitch. No-jo-mud, chief of the 
Honey Lake Band, was for war. Some j-ears later 
he was killed by his followers, who had become 
afraid of him, because of his continued active hos- 
tility to the whites, fearing that it would bring dis- 
aster upon them. Ho-zi-a, another Honey Lake 
leader, who wa< afterwards killed by Capt. Dick, 
their present chief, was also for war. Yur-dy, 
known as Joaquin by the whites, was for war. His 
band ranged in the vicinitj' of the big bend of the 
Carson River, and south toward Mason Valley. He 
is now dead. Ha-za-bok, a big medicine, and chief 
at Antelope Valley, now living, was for war. He 
proposed to su]i])ly the warriors with bullets, by 
changing their tobacco into lead; to cause the ground 
to open and swallow the whites; and to kill them 
with fierce storms of hail. 

Se-quin-a-ta, a chief from the Black Rock country, 
was impatient for the strife to begin. He now lives 
at the Reservation, is a little man, and is known as 
Chiquito (little) Winnemucca. He was a man grown 
and remembers distinctly when Fremont camped at 
P}"ramid Lake, on his way from Oregon through this 
country in January, 1844. It was this Indian that 
refused to obey Young Winnemucca; charging with 
his band past the latter as he waved back the Pah- 
Utes in a vain effort to obtain a jieace talk with the 
Ormsby ])arty, after the battle had 0|)ened. Mo- 
guan-no-ga was chief at the Humboldt Meadows; 
and was known to the whites as Captain Soo. Ho 
was for war, and was shot by his brother Bob, a 
few years later, receiving a wound that eventually 
resulted in his death. He was in command of the 
expedition whose acts precipitated the war, by the 
killing of the Williams brothers, and the burning of 
their station. Before his death, however, he became 
a strong friend of the whites, and rendered valuable 
assistance in breaking up the bands that kept up 
hostilities in Humboldt County for several years 
after the outbreak. His friendship for the whites 
was the cause of his death. Ho had been leading 
a com])any of soldiers into the Black Rock country, 
where they had killed a number of Pah-Utes. 
When he came back a cousin of his, named Cap- 
tain John, wanted him to resign because of what he 
had done; and expressed a determination of becom- 
ing the chief himself. Soo's brother Bob proposed 
to settle the matter by shooting both of them, 
and the onu not killed, being the genuine medicine 



INDIANS, AND THEIR WARS IN NEVADA. 



151 



man, ought of course to be chief. He accordingly 
"turned loose" on his brother fir.-st, and |)roved him 
to be "no good medicine;" but before he was readj- 
for John, that worthy "blazed away," and fetched 
the would-bo arbitrator to "grass." Bob cventuallj- 
recovercd; but, said our informant, "ho hoep sorrj- 
bime-by, 'cause he think he kill um both, and got 
to be chief himself" Old Winneniucea, whose 
Indian name is I'o-i-to, was head captain over all, 
and medicine chief of the tribe. He held his own 
council, and declared neither for peace or war ; but 
was known to be in favor of the latter. Ho was a 
shrewd old jiolitician, and knowing things were mov- 
ing to suit him, kept still and let others assume the 
responsibility of acting. 

NUM.\().\'s EFFORT FOR PEACE. 

Among all that assemblage of the Pah-Ute tribes 
there was one, and one only, among the chiefs, with 
sufficient sagacity to foresee the evils that would 
result to his people from war; one only who at the 
same time possessed the courage to throw his influ- 
ence in opposition to their will, and declare for peace. 
The name of that warrior was Numaga; and he was 
called by the whites Young Winnemucca, the war 
chief. The word Numaga moans the giver of food, 
the name indicating the disposition of its owner as 
being that of a generous man. Numaga was not, as 
the whites always supposed, the war chief of the 
Paii-Ut08. There was but one general chief, and 
that was Poito, at Pyramid Lake. 

Numaga was the chosen leader only of that 
branch of the tribe living upon the reservation, hav- 
ing no authority, and claiming none, in any other 
locality. Neither was he a relative of Poito, and 
the two were always unfriendly. 

Numaga was an Indian statesman who possessed 
intellect, eloquence, and courage combined. He had 
been among the whites in California, and could speak 
the English language; conseqtientlj-, ap]>reciated the 
superiority of the race with whom his peo])lo would 
make war. His power, outside of his own band, 
was that only of a superior mind, working, under 
the control of an absorbing wish, to better the con- 
dition of his race. They knew he was capable, they 
believed him to be sincere, and it resulted in giv- 
ing him an influence more potent throughout the 
tribe than Poito's commands; consequently, the 
whites came to look upon him as the war chief 
and he would have attained that position had he 
outlived Old Winnemucca, aiins Poito. 

Such was the man who threw himself with all his 
power into the council, to try, if possible, to stem 
the tide that had set for war. He rode from camp 
to camp, from family to family, friend to friend, 
reasoning, counseling and beseeching them not to 
precipitate a war, and bring dest^•ucti()n upon them- 
selves. On every side ho was met with a calm, 
respectful silence, that told as plainly as words could 
have done it, that all wore against him. Then he 
wont ofl' by himself, and, lying down, with his face 



to the ground would speak to no one. Without 
food, or drink, or motion, he laj- there as one dead. 
The day passed and the night, another day and 
night, and the third found him as had the first, a 
motionless and silent mourner, brooding over the 
calamity that he saw threatening his people. This 
began to eft'ect a reaction among the masses of the 
Pah-Utos, and the chief, seeing it, came to him and 
said: "Your skin is red, but your heart is white; 
go away and live among the pale-faces." Others 
came and said: "Get up or we will kill you;" and 
then ho replied: "Do it if you wish, for 1 don't 
care to live." 

At length the council met. Chief after chief rose 
and recounted the wrongs of his band and demanded 
war. After all had spoken, then Numaga, looking 
like the ghost of a dead Indian, walked into tho 
circle, and for an hour poui-ed forth such a toiTent 
of eloquence as these warriors had never listened to 
before: — 

"You would make war upon the whites," he said; 
" I ask you to pause and reflect. The white men 
are like the stars over your heads. You have 
wrongs, great wrongs, that rise up like those mount- 
ains before you; but can you, from the mountain 
tops, reach and blot out those stars ? Your enemies 
arc like the sands in the bed of your rivers; when 
taken away they only give place for more to come 
and settle there. Could j^ou defeat the whites in 
Nevada, from over the mountains in California 
would come to help them an army of white men 
that would cover your country like a blanket. 
What hope is there for the Pah-Ute? From where 
is to come your guns, your powder, j-our load, your 
dried meats to live upon, and hay to feed your 
ponies with while you carry on this war. Your 
enemies have all of these things, nioro than they 
can use. They will come like the sand in a whirl- 
wind and drive you from your homes. You will be 
forced among the barren rocks of the north, where 
your ponies will die; where you will see the women 
and old men starve, and listen to the cries of your 
children for food. I love my peoj)Ie; lot them live; 
and when their spirits shall bo called to the tireat 
Camp in the southern sk3-, let their bones rest where 
their fathers wore buried." 

As Numaga was thus making a last desperate 
ofl'ort to ('hange the action of the chiefs, and was 
sending homo conviction of its folly to their under- 
standing, an Indian, upon a foam- flecked ])ony, 
dashed up to the council ground, and the speaker 
paused. Tho new-comer walked into the circle; 
and, pointing to the southeast, said: " Moguannoga, 
last night, with nine braves, burned Williams' sta- 
tion, on tho Carson Iliver, and killed four whites." 
Then Numaga, with a satl look in the direction that 
the warrior had pointed, replied: "There is no longer 
any use for counsel; wo must prepare for war, for 
the soldiers will now como hero to tiffht us." 



152 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



BURNING OP WILLIAMS STATION. 

On the seventh of May, ISOO, the question was 
pending, and the great influence of Numaga had 
begun to make an impression in favor of a confer- 
ence instead of a collision with the whites. A secret 
war party, numbering nine in all, had left camp un- 
known to that chief, under command of Captain Soo. 
Thej- reached the Carson Iliver about sundown, at 
the place where James O. Williams was keeping a 
station on the Overland Eoad, ten miles northeast 
of where Fort Churchill was afterwards built. 

There arc three of that war party now living, and 
one of them described the scene that followed: — 

Said he: "We get there 'bout night; sun little way 
up; and leave ponies back, maybe half mile. Then 
we all go down to cabin, and three white men 
come out. They look mighty scared, and talk heep 
to Captain Soo, and — " 

"What did they say to them ?" wc asked. 

"Bunno ; talk heep. I no understand English 
then." 

"Well, what did they do next?" 

"Bimeby one start off and run up the road towards 
Buckland's, and two Injin run after him, and bring 
him back. Then one, he run for the river, and me 
after him; he jump in, and me watch; bimeby he 
get half-way across maybe, then drown." 

"Did j-ou shoot him when he was swimming?" 

"No; nobody shoot him in water; maybe so, some- 
body shoot him 'fore that, lie heep splatter water; 
no swim much. 1 know him drown purty soon; no 
use to shoot." 

"While you were gone to the river what was 
done at the station ?" 

" 1 no see that. They tell me white man draw 
aknife, and then one Injin grab him from behind, then 
two, three — maybe four — Indian grab bim; then one 
take his arm and do so,* and break it, and that 
make him drop the knife; and then they throw him 
on the ground, and kill him." 

"How did they kill him?" 

"They no tell me that. I dunno; maybe choke 
him." 

"How did they kill the other man ?" 

"Dunno. When I come back, four Injin hold him 
on the ground; then 1 go oil' down the river little 
■ways, to find place to picket pony, and when I look 
back, see cabin on fire." 

"Was it dark when tlu'j- burned the station?" 

"No — purty near dark, though." 

The narrator insisted that they found but tliree 
whites at the station. Wo said to him that five men 
wore killed, and he asked: — 

" How you know? " 

Upon his being told that the information was from 
those who buried them, ho replied that, " Maybe 
white man tell you heap of lies." Finally, ho sug- 

* Tlic narrntor here, by motion, indicated a twisting, back- 
ward wrenching of the arm. 



gested that it was possible that two might have 
remained in the house concealed; who were suffocated 
and perished in the flames. The following are the 
names of the parties who were killed, and no one 
escaped from the place: — 

Oscar M'illiams, a married man, aged 33 years, 
and a native of Maine. 

David Williams, a single man, aged 22 j-ears, and 
a native of Maine. 

Samuel Sullivan, a married man, aged 25 j'cars, 
and a native of New York. 

John Flemming, a single man, aged 25 years, and 
a native of New York. 

"Dutch Phil" ; unknown name, age, and residence. 

The Indians camped on the bottom around the 
place until 2 or 3 o'clock in the morning, and then 
started across the eight-mile desert for Buckland's 
station, intending to kill the owner, after whom it is 
named. Thej' passed by the ranch of C. M. Davis 
without molesting him, and on arriving at daylight 
on the farm of W. H. Bloomfield, one of their num- 
ber named , proposed to the band that they 

drive off the stock from the place and return to the 
lake without committing any further depredations. 
It now being daylight, and as a further advance 
would be attended by considerable risk, it was deter- 
mined to i'ollow this suggestion; and one of their 
number was sent in advance to report what they 
had been doing. It was the arrival upon the coun- 
cil ground at Pyramid I^ake, of this messenger, that 
interrupted Numaga's speech. 

"Why." we asked, " did you not kill C. M. Davis; 
he was much nearer to you than S. S. Buckland ? " 

"Davis," he replied, "purty good man; never 
abuse Ingin; no kill him. Buckland he heep bad; 
whi])Ingin; scold Ingin; mighty cross all the time; 
we all say kill him, ])urty good." 

On the evening of the massacre, the owner of the 
station, J. O. Williams, was camping a couple of 
miles further up the river, and thus escaped the fate 
of his brothers. 

The next morning he returned, and finding his 
place a smouldering ruin, around which laj- the bodies 
of his murdered kinsmen, he started for Virginia 
City. 

Mr. Davis, with three other men, remained for 
several days at his place alter the event before they 
knew what had transpired. When the news finally 
came to them, however, they started with their 
eft'ects for Dayton, reaching Huckland's station the 
same evening — May 9th — that the Ormsby command 
arrived there, on its way to chastise the Indians. 

DEMAND FOK VENGEANCE. 

The news brought hy Williams to Daj'ton, Silver 
Oity, and Virginia created an intense excitement, 
and couriers soon carried it, with added horrors, to 
all the outlj'ing towns. Scattered over the whole 
countrj- were little squads of j)rospectt)rs and ranch- 
ers, whose isolated positions rendorwd them an easy 



INDIANS, AND THEIR WARS IN NEVADA. 



153 



proy to prowling bands of Miivagos. Such woro to 
be warned; and many a wilil rido was taken by 
hoi-semon over secret mountain and valley trails to 
boar the notes of danger to a friend. In the whole 
country there was but one voice, and that went up 
from the whole people, for a swift and blood}- retal- 
iation — one that should strike terror to the heart of 
the Pah-Ute, and leave his country a tcnantless 
waste. Detachments were organized for that pur- 
pose at Genoa, Carson, Silver and Virginia Cities; 
and on the ninth of May, 1860, they moved from 
the latter place to Buckland Station, on the Carson 
River, &h route for the scene of the late massacre. 
On the tenth they arrived at Williams' Station, and 
buried three of the victims, and took a vote as to 
whether they should return or continue their march 
into the enemy's countrj'. The vote was unanimous 
for the advance, and they proceeded to the Truckee 
River, and camped on the night of the eleventh of 
May at the place where the town of Wadsworth is 
now located. 

VOUJNTEEES FOR THE EXPEDITION. 

On the opposite bank of the river was standing 
at the time a log cabin, in which wei-e five men 
who had been besieged for several days by the 
Indians. On the Sunday prior to the massacre they 
had, with three others, been hunting at Pyramid 
Lake, where they were attacked and three of their 
number killed. The five, having made their escape, 
had since found refuge in that cabin. They were 
ferried, on a log drawn by lariats, across the river, 
and joined the expedition on foot. 

Let us now take a glance at this force that found 
itself in a hostile country, intent upon chastising an 
enemy that they must have known greatly out- 
numbered them. There were four detachments, 
numbering 105 men, nominally under the command 
of otlicers selected foi- their general reputation as 
being courageous men. The Genoa squad was under 
the orders of Thomas V. Condon, Jr.; Major Ormsby 
was leader of the detachment from (Larson City; 
Richard Watkins was in charge of the Silver City 
force; and Archie AlclJonald was Captain of those 
from Virginia City. No one was selected to the 
chief command, although its necessity was strongly 
urged by Major Ormsby, J. Gatewood, and othei-s; 
and they went into the fight without a leader, 
although Major Ornisbj' is usually regarded as hav- 
ing been the commander. It was a heterogeneous 
mixture of independent elements, poorly armed, 
without discii)line; and they did not believe that 
the Indians would fight. A few of tliem would not 
have been of the party had they contemplated seri- 
ous trouble, but in the main they were boys and men 
who would have made a heroic defense if pro])erly 
handled. What they lacked most was discipline, 
and a leader in whom tlie^' had entire confidence, 
and who had authority to enforce his commands. 
In the absence of these last two essentials it would 
have been better had they all been cowards. Many 



started on the expedition with the watchword of 
"An Indian for breakfast and a pony to ride," con- 
templating the pleasure of sacking Pah-Ute villages, 
capturing their scjuaws and ponies, killing a few 
warriors, and running the balance out of the coun- 
try. There was another element there prompted by 
sentiments and urged forward by feelings that 
make the patriot, produces heroes, and often ends 
in martyrdom. Of this class Henry Meredith, 
Young Snowden, Spear, Ileadley, Kugene Angel, 
and the "Nameless Hero," were bright particular 
stars. 

The following is as complete a list of that ill-fated 
party as we have been able to procure: — 

OENO.V llANdERS. 

Captain T. F. t^ondon, (". E. Kimball, 

Michael Tay, Robert Riley, -'Big Texas," 

M. Pillar, Lee James. 

J. A. Thompson, 

CARSON CITY RANGERS. 

Major Wm. M. Ormsbj', F. Shinn, 

John L. Blackburn, James Gatewood, 

Chris. Barnes, Frank Gilbert, 

William S. Spear, C. Marley, 

William Mason, John Holmes, 

Richard Watkins, I)r. Wm. E. Eichelroth, 

Samuel Brown, James Mclntyro, 

Dr. Anton W. Tjader, — Lake, 
Eugene Angel, 

And nine United States soldiers. 

SILVER CITY GUARDS. 

*Capt. R. G. Watkins, Keene Albert Bloom, 
Chas. Evans, James Sliabell, 

James Lee, Anton Kauftman. 

FROM VIROINIA CITY. 

Company No. 1. 

Captain F. Johnston, F. J. Call, 

— McTerney, Hugh Mcfvaughlin, 

Charles McLeod, John Fleming (a Greek), 

Henderson (a Greek), Andreas Schnald (Italian), 

Marco Kucrgerwaldt, John (raventi (ieorgo (a 
O. C. Steel, Chileno). 

COMPANY NO. 2. 

Capt. Archie McDonald, Wm. Armington, 

Chas. W. Allen, G. F. Brown, 

G. I. Baldwin, 1). D. Cole, 

A. K. Elliott, Chas. Forman, 

A. L. Granis, F. Gatehouse, 

F. Hawkins, Arch Haven, 

J. C. Hall, George Jones, 

* Captain Watkins w.aa a, vetiTan of the Walker lilliliustcring 
expedition to Nicaraj,aia, where ho lost a \v^. Upon the organi- 
zation of the party to pnni.sh the Imlians he Wiis invited to take 
coninianil of a lonipany, l>ut ilielineil on aoconnt of his crippled 
condition; hut heing told that .tome who had served under liini 
in Nicaragua were anxious he shoidd be their leader lie con- 
sented. He possesMinl a powerful horse, and in riding was 
8trap|>e<l to the sadiUe. The Captain has written a vivid report 
of tile ninreli and liattle, the ^>rineiiial points of which are incor- 
porated in the account here given. 



154 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



]?. Ijawrence, 
Henry Meredith, 
Pat McCourt, 
Henry Newton, 
A. I. Peck, 
M. Sparr, 



("ol. M. ('. Vane, 
H. Mcintosh, 
S. McNaughton, 
John Xoyce, 
llichard X. Snowden, 
O. Spurr, 



COMPANY NOT KNOWN. 

J. F. Johnson, N. A. Chandler, 

G. Joiiner, A. G. B. Hammond, 

James McCarthy, Armstrong, 

T. Kelley, Galehousen. 

J. Bowdcn, 

The next day the command continued its advance, 
moving to the north down the Trtickee River. No 
resistance was met with until they had reached the 
bottom-land, about one-hulf'miie north of the present 
reservation building and within about two miles of 
the south end of Pj-ramid Lake. 

THE BATTLE-FIELD. 

Within about three and one-half miles of the lake 
the bottom lands widen out, leaving a broad level 
stretch of meadow on both sides of the river, through 
which the stream shifts its bod more or less every 
year. There is a belt of large cottonwood trees with 
underbrush among them, skirting the stream through 
the entire distance. This meadow land is inclosed 
on the west by a mountain, and on the east by a wide 
stretch of comparatively level table-land that is 
elevated somewhat above the meadows. The point 
of contact between the two is sharp and well defined. 
The dift'crence in elevation increases in the direction 
of Wadsworth until it terminates in a bank some fiftj- 
feet high, at the south end of the valley where the 
meadows narrow down to a few j-ards each side of 
the stream. At this south end the trail leading north 
passes down from the higher country into the lower, 
ami runs on the east side of the river to the lake. 
Where this trail passes down into the valley is the 
south end of the battle-field; and the point of the 
last stand made by the Ormsby i)arly. 

AN AI.MLESS CIIAKUE AND WILD RETREAT. 

The whites had passed into this lowland and through 
it to the north about one and a half miles, when 
there suddenly ai)peared on an elevated point to their 
right iront, just out of gunshot range, a band of Indi- 
ans that apparently about e(|uaU'd their own number. 
The order was given by Major Ormsby for the com- 
mand to dismount and tighten the girths of their sad- 
dles. While this order was being executed, a man by 
the name of A. K. Elliott, who had a globe-sighted 
riflo, took several shots at the enemy with no visible 
results. The comjiany then mounted, and the order 
was given to charge! and with a yell, about thirty of 
the party dashed up an easy grade, made by a wash, 
a little to the east of the eiiemj', on to the plateau 
where they Ibund that the Indians hail melted away 
from sight like a dissolving view. There seemed no 
place for them to go; but they were gone, and as 
before just out ol' rifle range appeared another scat- 



tered line of mounted Indians. Their right, as far as 
it was visible, rested on an elevated point, at the 
margin of the valley, while their left, stretching away 
to the east and south, formed a half circle. There 
seemed but few of them, but they were badly arranged 
for the comfort of the whites; a little stretching out 
of that left or southeast line would have inclosed 
them. In fact it looked as though they had charged 
through an open gate into an Indian corral. For a 
time it was doubtful whether the position of Ormsby's 
party was the result of accident or design; but the 
uncertainty vanished as every sage- bush in front and 
on both flanks suddenly developed the hiding-place 
of a Pah-Ute; and a shower of bullets and arrows 
came hissing over their heads and among them. The 
verj' air trembled with the wild yell that followed 
the discharge, and many a poor fellow sitting on his 
horse there began to picture to himself the horrors 
he had read of that befell those who fell into the bands 
of a savage war party. The battle was lost to the 
whites in the next five minutes by a failure to 
promptly continue the aggressive, and thus give hope 
of success with which to occupy the mind, instead of a 
graduallj' growing fear and hoi-ror of falling wounded 
or otherwise into the hands of the Indians. Besides, 
the greater number of the party had lagged behind 
after observing the force of the enemy. 

The volunteers who had charged remained u))on 
the plateau possibly ten minutes ; doing nothing ex- 
cept, to attend to frightened animals, and became 
thoroughly imbued with the belief that they were 
outgeneraled and defeated. Some of the animals 
became so unmanageable that they bucked the re- 
volvers out of their riders' holsters, and forced others 
to drop their guns. The time for a favorable result 
had passed, and then the retreat began in the effort 
to join their alreadj- flying comrades. The first move 
was toward the bottom to the west, to gain the shel- 
ter of the timber that came within two hundred 
yards of the plateau. 

This was ai\other mistake, for the shelter they 
sought was alreadj- the hiding-place of Chiquito Win- 
nemucca's band, that made the Indian lino continu- 
ous westerly to the river. This move left the enemy 
on the plateau with nothing to do but out-flank the 
whites by moving south on the upland and shoot 
down into the timber, occasionally, at pistol range, 
where the course of the river swept close into the 
east margin of the meadows. A number of them re- 
inforced Chiquito Winnemucca in the timber where 
Numaga joined them; and as the Indians were press- 
ing forward, ho rushed in between them and the 
whites, waving back his followers in an attempt to 
obtain a parley. Clii(iuito Winnemucca refused to 
obey the oi^iler, and dashed by Numaga, followed by 
the entire yelling horde. The whites fell back, but 
through the personal exertions of two or three men, 
they formed again a few hundred yards away. 

There was one member of Ormsby's party named 
William Headly, who from the first, until ho was 



INDIANS. AND THEIR WARS IN NEVADA. 



155 



killed, made himself constantly conspicuous. He was 
termed by the Indians the " White Brave," and was 

supposed by tliem to be in conimiiiui. 

Agiiin and again members of tlio relrealiiig force 
attempted to make a stantl. About half a mile from 
where the battle opened, some tried to cross the 
river, but were swept back again to the shore they 
had started from. At this jjlace now stands, on 
the upland overlooking the valley, an Indian school 
house, and the river approaclies within fifty yards 
of the elevated point. Here a number of mounted 
Indians had congregated, and the whites, if they re- 
treated further, were forced to run the gauntlet, the 
dread of which had caused some to attempt the pas- 
sago of the surging stream. It had to be done, how- 
ever, and the rush was made. One horse was killed 
in passing this point, its rider being among the last 
• to give way before the onslaught of the band, led 
by Chiquito Winncmucca, that was conslantlj' press- 
ing them in the timber from the north. The horse 
in falling dashed his rider to the ground, who in- 
stantly sprang to his feet and turned upon the foe, 
wounding in the knee the assailant nearest to him, 
and then sank by his dead horse to the earth again 
riddled with arrows and bullets. His name was 
Eugene Angel, and his death was witnessed onl^- by 
his slayers, who twenty years later described the 
death scene, and pointed out the spot where the 
bones of the brave man were buried. Three-quar- 
ters of a mile farther south, still in the bottom-laiuls, 
along the east bank of the river, another rally 
was made in a grove of Cottonwood; and it was here 
that the chivalric young Jleredith fell. In front of 
the grove to the north was an open space through 
which they had passed in falling back. Chi(|uito 
Winncmucca in his eagerness arrived upon this open 
ground in advance of his band, and rode alone out 
into it, in pursuit of the whites. As soon as he ap- 
peared the brave Ileadly, who had been lingering in 
the rear, turned upon the chief; hatless, coatless, 
without a shot left ho went for his enemy with 
the bridle reins in one hand and a revolver grasped 
by the barrel in the othei-, regardless of Winne- 
mucca's weapons, he rode down upon him. The chief 
turned and back they went, pursuer and pursued, 
through the enemy's lines; when the heroic "White 
IJrave" reeled in his saddle and fell to the ground, shot 
through the head from behind. His horse and 
weapons became the spoils of the Indian he had been 
pursuing. The grove where Ormsby's commanti was 
now making a last, and by some a desperate 
effort to stem the tide of defeat, was within less than 
a quarter of a mile of where the ft-ail passed out 
of the meadows, up a steep bank about fifty feet, on 
to the table-lands above. If the Indians in force 
gained possession of this point of exit from the val- 
ley there was left, seemingly, no outlet for escape; 
and it was a iio.silion to be held at all hazards. 
Major Ormsby ordered Thomas V. Condon and 
Richard Watkins with their commands, to go and 



take possession of that place and hold it, which they 
did, although deserted by nearly all of their men as 

soon as the point was reached. Said Anton KaufT- 
man, now of Humboldt County, who was a boy 
about sixteen years of age at the time: "The last 
I saw of the battle, and the bravest thing I ever 
saw, was Captain Watkins standing there on the 
trail, leaning on a crutch, and blazing away at the 
redskins. It's always been a myster}' to me how he 
got away. Ho was the last white man I saw that 
day, or until the next morning, when I arrived at 
Buckland's Station." Mr. Kauff'man was eiTone- 
ously under the impression that (Captain Watkins was 
defending tho trail after the balance of the com- 
mand had passed him in the retreat. 

Thomas F. Condon started back to inform Major 
Ormsby of the critical condition of affairs on tho 
trail; therefore let us follow him and see what had 
been transpiring at tho front. The horse that 
Chi(|uito Winncmucca rode was shot under him, in 
the open space before described, as that warrior 
returned to the attack after Headly's death, and ho 
had nothing to do with tho massacre that after- 
wards occurred. The timber was within range of 
the heights, and bullets wore constantly pattering 
against and whistling among tho trees, from that 
direction. An old bed of the river, thickly covered 
with an undergrowth, connected the position of the 
whites with that of tho Indians in the bottom, and 
afforded tho latter a concealed route by which they 
could reach tho already hard pressed command. 
Soon tho woods were swarming again with tho 
savages. Meredith went down under a mortal 
wound, and where his life-blood mingled with the 
soil, a bunch of wild roses sprang into life, to mark 
the place in after years where a hero had fallen. 
Again the whites gave way and the Indians in press- 
in<r them out of the timber, discovered two secreted 
in the underbrush near where Meredith had been 
left. They ])assed on, however, in the pursuit, pre- 
tending not to have seen them, supposing they 
would remain there, hid until a more leisure oppor- 
tunity presented itself, for attending to them. It 
was tho last they saw of tlieir reserved prisoners, 
the two men making their escape. 

As the whites retreated from this their last cover, 
and wont flying to the south to reach tho upper 
country, they passed through a constant shower of 
deadly missiles, that greeted them from the blutf all 
along the meadow trail. Added to this was tho 
thrilling war-cries of exultation going up from tho 
hundreds that crowdeil upon their roar; and all com- 
bined to complete what had been so effectually 
begun — tho total demoralization of the entire part}'. 
It was a wonder that such had not been the result 
long before, and the retreat became a wild, panic- 
stricken stampede. As the flying horsemen ap- 
proached the i)lace, where Watkins, like another 
Leonidas in the Pass of Thcrmopyle, was, single- 
handed, defending their line of retreat, death spread 



156 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



over tliem her somber wings and silently shadowed 
them all. 

Ab the horsemen reached the point where the trail 
wont up the stoo]) hank, it was im])os8iblc for all to 
go at once; and the result was a halt for many, and 
an almost hand to hand conflict with the savages. 
One horse, with a fatal wound, dashed awaj' to the 
west, and carried its rider to his death in the timber 
by the river bank. Two men passing to the right in 
climbing the heights by a more gradual ascent, went 
rolling with their horses fatally shot down the bank 
among their enemies. Young Snowden, as ho 
reached the summit, fell from his horse and expired. 
A few rods farther on, just a little waj- to the south 
and west of the trail, another man threw up his 
hands with a despairing look, and laid down with 
his face to the ground, and died. 

These were all, eight onlj-, whose lifc-blooil had 
thus far paid the ))enalty of the fatal mistakes of that 
terrible day. Plight only upon the field of battle 
had died facing the foe, as brave men, all of them, as 
any for whom history weaves its chaplets of fame. 

As soon as the upper country was reached all 
thought of an3'thing except escape was abandoned, 
and the i'astest liorscs led the retreat. The unfortu- 
nate man whoso animal gradually lost his position 
in the advance and fell to the rear, found himself 
slowly and with certainty slipping into the arms of 
death. It was an open country, a straight trail, 
and a terrible ride with a fearful stake that only 
speed could win. To lose it was swift, terrible and 
certain death. The pursuers in that race for life 
were constantl}' seizing the whites who had become 
the last among the flying band, and then would 
follow a quick, desperate struggle, and another was 
added to the number of the nameless dead. Two 
miles were thus i)a8sed, when the Indians, becoming 
more bold, one rode up behind a white man, and, 
throwing his right arm around him, lifted him out of 
the saddle and threw him upon the ground, while 
the horses were at full speed, where he was killed 
without otfering anj' resistance. 

This feat elicited such applause from the pursuers 
that it at once became po])uIar, and the same thing 
was attempted with the next horseman reached. It 
was a difterent style of a fugitive this time, and as 
the Indian threw his arm around his victim he was 
received with a pistol shot, and a desperate encounter 
ensued, side by side their horsos flew over the 
country. As the riders grasped in each other's 
embrace, struggled for master^-, and fought for life; 
until, locked in a deadly embrace, they rolled from 
their winged battle-field into the trail. Lying upon 
the ground they fought and strove, rolling over and 
over, first one, then the other gaining a temporary 
advantage, until the Indian was throttled, and would 
have been strangled had not his comrades come to 
his assistance. It was a quickly ended contest then, 
and the brave Californian, \Vm. S. iSpear, was added 
to the list of those who were sacrificed that day. 



A little further along, the trail runs close to a 
precipice, two hundred feet high, at the base of 
which flows the river. Upon the nan-ow space 
between the brink and the still higher hluft", an 
Indian rushed up to look at an ajtparently dead 
white man, when the corpse suddenly brought a 
revolver to bear and fired. The white man sprang 
to his feet, and, seizing the Pah-Ute, struggled as 
one mad to jump from the dizzy heights to certain 
death below, with the Indian in his embrace. His 
design was frustrated by the lookers-on, who ended 
the desperate combat by killing their comrade's 
antagonist, and rolling his body from the heights. 

About seven or eight miles south from the battle- 
field a mountain comes down in one place to the 
east bank of the river. At this point there is a narrow 
neck of level ground through which the trail passes, 
and a short distance to the south of it passes down' 
again on to a meadow by the river. The meadow, 
or bottom-land, is possibly a half mile long, and 
then the trail leads out into the high, open country 
again. At this narrow pass Major Urmsby had left 
on his waj' down a number of men, under command 

of a person named Lake, with orders to hold 

the position and thus secure their line of retreat. 
They were^josted on higher ground that overlooked 
the trail, and in a favorable position from where a 
dozen brave men could have held at bay for a short 
time a small army. 

Here Ormsb}- had intended to have made a stand, 
if defeated at the lake, but as the leading fugitives 
came dashing down the trail the reserves deserted 
their post and joined them. Upon Ormsby's arrival 
at this j)oint he found no nucleus around which to 
attempt a stand, and passed on with the balance. 
All were not so fortunate, however, for as the rear 
entered the narrow place their flight was retarded 
bj' their numbers. The Indians overtook them in 
force; rode in among them; beat with their hands, 
bows or guns, the horses of the fugitives over the 
heads, thus causing them to fall l)ack further among 
their pursuers. In this way the leaders pressed for- 
ward to overtake horsemen farther in advance, 
leaving those jiassed to be dealt with bj' their fol- 
lowers, and crowded upon a number just as they 
were passing down the trail into the bottom-land just 
mentioned. At this jioint Ormsby's men received 
volley that filled five nameless graves down near the 
banks of the Truckee River. 

" What about the white men that j'ou rode among 
in the nari'ow pass?" we inijuired. 

" White men," said our informant " all cry a heap; 
got no gun, throw um away; got no revolver, throw 
um away too; no want to fight any more now; all 
big scare just like cattle; run, run, cry, cry, heap 
cry, same as papoose; no want Injun to kill um any 
more; that's all." 

But it was not all, for further questioning revealed 
the details of a scone that no artist could paint or 
pen portray. A scene where the victims, tortured 



INDIANS, AND THEIR WARS IN NEVADA. 



167 



by fear into madness, rodo amonj;; their slayers with 
outstretched arms, pleadini; and bogi^ini^ for life; 
crying in vain for mercy, while the jeerini; devils, 
flushed with victory and drunk with blood, lauj^hed 
at their supplications, played for a time with their 
frenzy, and then ended their miseries. 

DEATH OF MAJOR ORMSBV. 

When Ormsby left the bottom where the battle 
had occurred, he was ridinjj a mule that had been 
shot throiijLch the flank from where the blood would 
gush forth at every step. The Major was wounded 
in the mouth and l)oth arms, which rendered him 
almost helpless, and as Captain Wutkins dashed past 
him in the retreat to rally if possible some men to 
make another stand, ho ordered Tjieut. Cris. Harnes 
to remain behind with the wounded otticer and whip 
the mule if possible into greater speed. Watkins 
finding that no one could be induced to attempt any 
farther resistance, soon returned to assist Ormsby and 
the Lieutenant. 

As he reached them the Indians, who were crowd- 
ing close in pursuit, fired u])on the party and Barnes 
received a wound. What immediately followed is 
given in Captain Watkins own language, as taken 
from a letter froni him upon this subject: — 

"I then made up ni^- miiul that the fight was up, 
that I could do no more for the Major, but might save 
myself, so making a motion to Barnes logo, I said to 
Ormsby that I would try once more to rallj* the men. 
Ho replied that it wouUl be of no use; but to look out 
for myself, as it was but a question of a few more 
minutes with him, and that all he now asked was 
strength to face the foe when he received his death 
shot. The Indians were gaining on us rapidly; one 
look at them and thought of self conquered valor, and 
the next moment, with a few parting words to 
Ormsby-, I was on my way to Carson. * # * * 
* * * * As I was climbing up the third and last 
of the ravines, I overtook ]5ig Sam. Brown, on his 
white mare, with Ciipl. John Blackburn on behind 
him, toiling uj) the hill." 

Captain Watkins fartheron took up a man behind 
him on his horse and carried him to safety. 

The account of what followed his departure was 
obtained from the Indians. 

The Major continued his retreat as he best could, 
and had reached the last little valley down by the 
river where the five men were killed by a vollej- 
from the savages as before mentioned. Here he was 
passed, by such of the whites, as had up to this time 
been following in his rear and engaging the atten- 
tion of the pursuers in the manner before described. 

At the point where the trail passes out from this 
last-mentioned little valley he was overtaken. This 
point is about hull-way between the battle-ground 
and Wadsworth, and is at the place where a month 
later a detachment of United States soldiei-s under 
Captain Stewart, and volunteers under Col. Jack Hays 
20 



defeated the Indians as a chastisement for their out- 
rages. He was half-way up the trail when his saddle 
turned, throwing him upon the ground, and his mule 
wheeling towards the river went back. The Major 
got up and walked to the to]) of the steep grade; 
when looking back ho recognized one of the Indians 
nearest to hiqi in the pursuit, and instantly turned 
and started to meet them. He evidently sup])osed 
there was hope of his being spared, because of the 
friendly relations that heretofore had existed between 
him and the I'ah-Ute that now confronted him. As 
ho moved down to meet them he waved his hand, 
with tlio palm advanced, and said: "Don't kill me," 

calling the Indian by name. '-I am your 

friend. I'll go and talk with the whites and make 
peace." "Xo use now," replied the Indian, "too 
late," and he sent an arrow flj-ing through the 
stomach and another through the face of his late 
friend, who, sinking to the ground, was rolled from 
the ridge dying into the gully below. 

A NA.MELESS HERO. 

A little in advance of Major Ormsby on the trail 
were two parties, one from necessity and the other 
from choice, having boon left with thoir leader, as 
their companions had passed on. N. A. Chandler 
was the name of one of the two who, being without 
a horse, was there against his will; and as he saw 
Ormsby ascend the hill and then turn back he darted 
ofl:' down a depression until it came to a ])rocii)ilou8 
terminus. Reaching this point, he took of!' his 
revolver, and, laying it down, sprang from the 
embankment and made his escape. 

The other member of that forlorn hope was a 
young man, a mere boy in his teens, out of whose 
grey eyes looked the soul of a peerless hero. He 
was riding a good hoi-se, but had lingered in the 
roar, and saw the .Major thrown from his animal. 
Ho then stopped and dismounted in the trail, within 
twenty feet of where Ormsby stood, when he turned 
back to talk with his Iwllan friend. A8~ that 
friend fired u])on the Major, two other savages 
dashed past to make way with the youth at the 
top of the trail, po.ssibl}' ino feet away, expecting 
an unresisting victim. In this they were disap- 
pointed, for the bravo lad sprang behind his horse, 
and with a revolver fired hastily at one of the two 
who were advancing, but without eftect. One of the 
savages then rushed up to the opposite side of the 
animal, and the struggle went on with the horse 
between them, until their positions were so changed 
as to bring the j'outh in range of the gun of the dis- 
engaged I'ah-Uto. This ended the combat, and the 
"nameless young hero" sank by the trail, whore he 
was afterward buried and forgotten; and but for the 
enemy who killed him the noble act that resulted in 
his death would never have been known to his own 
race.* 

* It h.is txHMi erroneously atato<l tliat Kielianl Siiowdeii was 
the name of tliU yniii;; man. Miiowilen's body was fouuil nov- 
eral inileii farther to the uorth. 



158 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



The cruel fate which quenched in oblivion the 
name and young life of this lad leaves behind it 
for U8 a memory sadder than tears; a broken home 
circle somewhere in the world that kept fruitless 
watch through the years that followed for the 
return of the 3-outh or the man, and never knew of 
the sublime act that, closing his life, had transformed 
their boy-hero into a martyr. 

CLOSING SCENES. 

The next victims were Jones, McCarthy, and Mc- 
Leod. They were overtaken in the ojien country, 
and made a desperate resistance, keeping the band 
at bay for some time with their revolvers, but 
finally were killed. The event was considered of 
sufficient importance to warrant a kind of war-dance, 
and there was a circular trail beaten around them, 
where their slayers had danced in joyous triumph, 
because of the death of two such desperate foes. 
While they were engaged in murdering these two 
men the sun went down, but thej' still continued 
their pursuit of the fleeing command, until reaching 
the place where \Vadsworth now stands, it had 
become so dark that the pursued were enabled to 
hide away and elude the search. 

Our guide accompanied us through to Wadsworth, 
stopping at each place where a white man had been 
slain to describe the death scene, until fortj'-si.x were 
pointed out. The Indians claim to have killed only 
that number, unless a few wounded, of which they 
have no knowledge, strayed away into the mount- 
ains and perished. They claim, however, that had 
the battle opened two hours earlier in the day there 
would not have been a white survivor. Their own 
loss by acknowledgment was three warriors wounded, 
and two horses killed. 

Thus ended the Battle of Pi/ramid Lakf, the most 
disastrous conflict to the whites ever waged in what 
is now the State of Nevada. 

EFFECTS OP THE DEFEAT. 

On the morning of May 15th, after the disaster, 
the stragglers on foot commenced arriving at Buck- 
land's Station, and on horseback at Dayton, Vir- 
ginia, and the other towns in the valleys farther 
west, creating a panic of the most remarkable char- 
acter that followed them wherever thej- went. The 
horror was flashed over the line to California, and in 
a few hours the massacre, with exaggerated general- 
ities, had sounded its note of alarm for the Xevad- 
ans throughout the l'a(!ific Coast. 

At Virginia the women and children were placed 
in a ])artially coin])lete(l stone building for safety, 
the structure being speedily converted into a fort. 
The place was called Fort Ililey, and later the Vir- 
ginia Hotel. The citizens organized, and sentinels 
were posted around the town. 

At Silver City, a stone fort was built on the rocks 
overlooking Devil's Gate and the town, in which 
was mounted a cannon made of wood and hooped 
with iron, that was trained to rake the ca&on below, 



and yawned with its cavernous mouth, portcntious 
of an impending calamity to the Pah-Utcs. After 
the war had ended a few citizens took that cannon 
back on the hill and fired it oft" with a slow 
match, thus demonstrating that the man who 
invented the thing had made a mistake in naming 
and locating it, as it proved to be an excellent tor- 
pedo, and a judicious point of location for its most 
approved work would have been in the center of a 
hostile village. 

At Carson, the women and children were barri- 
caded in the Penrod House, and the country around 
was picketed. 

At (renoa, the only building suitable for defense 
was the stone cabin of Warren Wasson. He vacated 
the premises, and that night started alone for Car- 
son, to find out why no telegraph message could be 
obtained from that place; it being feared that the 
Indians were between the two points and had cut 
the wires. 

Arriving at Carson he found that the operator 
had paid no attention to the telegrajih calls from 
Genoa, and that no Indians had thus far put in an 
ajipearance in either Carson or Eagle Valleys. Ho 
also found that a party was being organized, under 
Theodore Winters, to carry a dispatch from General 
Wright, of California, to a company of cavalry sup- 
posed to be at Honey Lake Valley, ordering that 
company to march at once for Carson. 

Wasson volunteered to carry the message alone; 
and mounting a fleet, powerful horse, rode in four- 
teen hours through the enemj^'s country a distance 
of one hundred and ten miles to Honey Lake, with- 
out change of horse, or without seeing an Indian. 
He delivered the orders and the company moved 
south. 

CHAPTER XXI. • 

INDIANS AND THEIR WARS IN NEVADA. 

Washoe Kegimeiit Oryanizatiim — Tlie March to I'yraniiil Lake — 
Just Befort- the Battle— The Battle-! iroim<l— The Battle- 
After the Battle— Other Invents Atiout Pyramid Fj.ake — 
Eiul of the Camjiaiyii — Death of Win. AUea — E.xpetlitioii of 
Colonel Lanilcr. 

The road to California was the back door outlet 
from danger that hundreds traveled, and many who 
remained in the Territory were so badlj- frightened 
that they would have been useless if the Indians 
had made a further advance. 

Across the mountains in California the news of 
the massacre had created an intense excitement, 
and sent a thrill of generous and chivalric prompt- 
ings for assistance home to every heart. At Downie- 
ville, within thirty-six hours after the message came 
that the gallant Meredith had fallen a victim to the 
knife of the savage, a companj- of one hundred and 
sixty-five men was raised, armed, equipped and with 
forty rounds of ammunition were, five days later, in 
Virginia City, having traversed the mountains on 
foot. From Nevada City, San Juan, Sacramento 
and Placerville, organized companies surmounted 



INDIANS, AND THEIR WARS IN NEVADA. 



159 



the ic3' barriers of the Sierra, and added their num- 
bers to those at Virginia, who were eager to be led 
against the foe. The Governor of California sent for 
the Nevadans to use in their own defense, five 
hundred Minio muskets with plenty of ammunition. 
Gold Hill, ("arson, (Jonoa, Silver City, Dayton and 
Virginia City, furnished their ((uota of volunteers; 
the citizens generally contributed to provision the 
force, and the following was the result of a complete 
and thorough organization of the command. 

WASHOE REGIMENT ORaANIZATION. 

Consisting of eight companies of Infantry and six 
of Cavalry. 

FIELD OFFICERS. 

John C. Hays Colonel Commanding 

J. Saunders Lieutenant Colonel 

Dan. E. Hungerford Major 

E. J. Brj-ant Surgeon 

Perkins Surgeon 

Bell Surgeon 

Chas. S. Fairfax Adjutant 

J. S. Plunkett Acting Adjutant of Infantry 

Alex Miot - Department Quartermaster 

Benjamin G. Ijip])incott. .IJegimental Quartermaster 

John McNish Assistant Regimental (Quartermaster 

K. N. Snowden Commissary 

COMPANY A. 

(Known as Spy Company.) 

J. B. Fleeson Captain 

COMPANY B. 
(Known .as Sierra Guards.) 

E. J. Smith Captain 

J. H. Freasch First Lieutenant 

Wm. WoUs Second Lieutenant 

J. llailiday Third Lieutenant 

Number of men Forty-seven 

COMPANY 0. 

(Knomi as Truckee Rangers. ) 

Alanson W. Nightingill Captain 

COMPANY D. 
(Known as Sierra Ouarda.) 

J. B. Reed Captain 

N. P. Pierce First Lieutenant 

D. C. J^alston Orderly 

Number of men Fourteen 

COMPANY E. 

(Known as Carson llangers.) 

P. il . Clayton Captain 

COMPANY F. 

(Known as Nevada Rifles.) 

J. B. Van Hagan Captain 

COMPANY G. 
(Known as Sierra Guanls.) 

F. P. Patterson Captain 

C. S. Champney First Lieutenant 

T. Maddux Second Lieutenant 

A. Walker Third Lieutenant 



Number of men Forty-one 

COMPANY II. 
(Known aa .San .Fuan Rifles.) 

N. C. Miller Captain 

CO.MPANY I. 

(Known as Sacramento Guards.) 

A. G. Snowden Captain 

CO.MPANY J. 

(From Sacramento.) 

Joseph Virgo Captain 

COMPANY K. 
(Known as Virginia Rifles.) 

E. T. Storey Captain 

Number of men 106 

COMPANY L. 
(Known as Carson Rifles. ) 

J. L. Blackburn Captain 

A. L. Turner First Lieutenant 

Theo. Winters Orderly Sergeant 

CO.MPANY M. 

(Known as Silver City Guards.) 

Ford Captain 

COMPANY N. 
(Known as Highland Rangers or Vaqueros.) 

S. B. Wallace Captain 

Eobcrt Ijyon Firet Lieutenant 

Joseph F. Triplett Second Lieutenant 

Number of men Twenty 

CO.MPANY O. 
(Known as Sierra Guards.) 

Creed Raymond Captain 

Geo. A. Davis First Sergeant 

II. M. Ilarshbarger Second Sergeant 

Number of men Nine 

Total rank and file 544 

Companies A, C, F, II, L, N, and one-half of 
Captain Storey's company K were mounted. The 
entire command was armed with ilinie-rifles and 
muskets without bayonets. 

THE MARCH TO PYRAMID LAKE. 

On the twentj^-fourth of May the Washoe regi- 
ment moved from Virginia Citj' down Gold Canon 
cheered by the citizens of Gold Hill and Silver City 
as it passed through those towns, camping the fii"st 
night at Miller's ranch, below Dayton, a village 
known at that time as "Chinatown." The next day 
was s])ent in receiving commissarj' stores, the iiuality 
of which was the cause of considerable complaint. 

The march was resumed on the twenty-sixth, and 
the next cam]) was at Reed's Station, from where 
Michael Bushy was sent out over the Twenty-six- 
mile Desert as a scout, to learn if there were any 
Indians in the immediate front. In May, two years 
later, the remains of that unfortunate scout were 
found by Warren Wasson, aided by Pah-Utes, 
within eight miles of Williams' Station, where he had 



160 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



been killed bj- them. They said that the white man, 
whose bones wei-e lying there on the sand, had been 
riding a horse that was tired out, and as he 
approached the station thej^ sallied forth to capture 
him. lie turned back as they appeared, and a ra<;e 
for life ensued. As the Indians approached too close 
to him he would halt and level his rifle, thus bring- 
ing the pursuers to a halt and cover behind sage- 
brush. In this vrixy eight miles were skirmished 
over, but those delays enabled some of them to pass 
him, who, secreting themselves, shot the brave scout 
in the back as he faced to the rear in beating off his 
pursuers. Bushy was a celebrated Indian fighter, 
and had figured conspicuously in the wars with them 
in Oregon and Washington Territory. Ilis bones 
are now preserved in a box at James Smalls' Station, 
on the bank of Lake Tahoe; having been placed 
there in anticipation of being claimed hy his brother 
who lived in Oregon. 

On the evening of the twenty-eighth the com- 
mand bivouacked in a meadow by the banks of the 
Carson iJiver, at the point where that stream turns 
to flow north towards Williams' Station, which is 
about one mile further below. The next morning 
the Indians fired into the camp from behind some 
rocks, on the hill to the north, and then retreated,, 
■with loss upon neither side, as far as known. While 
camped at this place the body of James Flemming, 
one of the men murdered at the station, was found 
and buried. 

On the evening of May 31st the regiment was 
joined, at the present site of Wadsworth, by the fol- 
lowing United States troops: — 

Captain Jasper M. Stewart Commanding. 

Captain T. Mooro Quartermaster. 

Charles C. Keeney Surgeon . 

C0.MP.\NY 0, THIRD ARTILLERY. 

Captain Jasper M. Stewart, with enlisted men. . 82 

DETACHMENT OF COMPANY I, TIIIRU ARTILLERY. 

Lieutenant Gibson, with two howitzers, and en- 
listed men 10 

COMPANY A, SIXTH INFANTRY. 

Captain F. F. Flint, with enlisted men G2 

COMPANY H, SI.XTIl INFANTRY. 

Lieut. McCreary with enlisted men 53 

Total United States force, rank and file 207 

Total Volunteer force, rank and tile 544 

Total Command 754 

By mutual consent Col. Jack Hays assumed com- 
mand of both divisions, and that night tliej' camped 
near the lower crossing on the Truckce Iliver. A 
couple of men, while walking out in the evening, 
discovered in the vicinity of this camp the bodj- of 
one of the victims of the late massacre, and a writer 
who was of tho-party thus describes what had been 
found: — 



The body was that of a small-sized man, and 
was traced a distance of two hundred feet from 
the spot where it had fallen, and whence it had been 
dragged by some wild beast, which had partially 
devoured it; the throat was cut as was afterward 
found, invariably, with all the slain, scarcely- any of 
whom were scalped; it was perforated with bul- 
lets, and, as if the grim archer, Death, had wished 
to leave the special sign of his presence, the feathered 
shaft of an arrow, blood-begrimmed, which had sped 
through the heart of the unfortunate, protruded 
through the breast. Upon the fourth fii\ger of the 
left hand was a gold ring, without inscription upon its 
face, which was heart-shaped. As he was recognized 
bj- no one, it maj' serve as desirable, however sad, 
information to some anxious inquirer after his fate, 
to mention that the third and fourth toes of one of 
the feet were webbed to the second joint, and of the 
other to the first. 

The camping ground of the night of June 1st was 
some eight miles farther down the Truckee River, 
at the point since known as Fort Storey, called a fort 
because of slight earth-works that were thrown up 
at that point bj- the command, and named in memory 
of the gallant gentleman killed near there a few 
days later. On the evening of the arrival at this 
place, S. C. Fletcher, of Capt. Storey's command, was 
killed by an accidental discharge of his gun, the 
ball passing through his head, and the next morning 
he was buried with military honors. 

JUST BEFORE THE BATTLE, 

The forces under Colonel Hays were now in the 
enemy's country, and, without being aware of the 
fact, were but about one mile from where the body 
of Major Ormsby still \Ay unburied. The former dis- 
aster had taught the whites that it required some- 
thing besides a tin horn and a riata, to either corral 
or stamj)cde the Pah-Ute tribe. In fact, they had 
come to believe them more formidable than they 
really were, and had largely over-estimated their 
numbers. In consequence of this the movements of 
the troops were marked by considerable caution. 

On the morning of June 2d a detail, eighty 
strong, was made, forty from Capt. J, B. Van 
llagan's com))aiiy, and the balance from Capt, E. F, 
Storey's command, each of those officers taking 
charge of his own men. This detail was ordered to 
scout down the Truckee, to the Pah-Uto village at 
its mouth, unless the enemy was discovered before 
reaching that point. In the event of meeting the 
Indians, an engagement was to be avoided, and they 
were to fall back to Camp Storey, with such infor- 
mation as could be obtained, to assist in a general 
advance. 

They moved out on to the upland, and striking 
the Indian trail, followed it toward the Pah-Ute 
village, finding along the way man)' of the ghastly 
remains of those who had fallen in the recent 
affray. Arriving at the j)oint where the trail led 
abruptly down into the bottom, or meadow, where 
the battle of Pyramid Lake had occurred, they 
halted for a consultation, that resulted in a portion 



INDIANS, AND THEIR WARS IN NEVADA. 



IGl 



of the commands going down into the valley and 
the balance remaining on the table-land above. 
It was hero where Spcar and Snowdcn fell. The 
party going on soon came to the body of Mere- 
dith, but were signaled from the heights that the 
enemy were in sight, and then fell back on a trot to 
the reserve.^*. The Indians were advancing rajtidly 
from the direction of the Lake, about three hundred 
on horseback in the form of a wedge with the ]Miint 
advanced, while about the same number on foot 
came running up the valley in a "go as you please 
style." 

An orderlj' retreat immediately followed, at a 
trot march, with instructions to keep ranks and not 
to fire. In this way they were followed for several 
miles, and obliged to listen without response to the 
music of whistling balls from a long-range rifle 
handled bj- an Indian riding in advance of all his 
fellows. That rifle was probably the globe-sighted 
one that had been taken from the nerveless hand of 
the dead Elliott. One of the whites named Andrew 
Hasey was wounded in the hips so severely that it 
was several years before ho recovered, yet it was 
not known at the time that he was at all injured, 
as he made no allusion to the fact, and afterward 
acknowledged his condition only when loss of blood 
had weakened him to such an extent that some of 
his comrades were enabled to pass him in a charge 
on foot up the side of a mountain to capture Rocky 
Peak from the redskins. 

The officers commanding the retreating force, after 
passing the rough, gully-cut ground between the 
mountain and river on the east side of the 
Truckoe, eaw the main body of troops under Colonel 
Haj-s coming out to meet them, and thej- deter- 
mined to make a stand where they were. They 
accordingly formed their men in lino and faced the 
advancing enemy. 

THE BATTLE-GROUND. 

When the battle took place, the form of the 
ground surface had been created by nature, appar- 
ently in the special interests of the Indians, for 
use on an occasion like the one presented. On 
the west lay a high mountain with steej), sloping, 
rocky sides, that served as a lookout and signal 
station, as well as a barrier to a flank movement on 
that side. On the east flowed the Truckee River 
that prevented a flank movement in that direc- 
tion, leaving the Indians with nothing to do but 
take care of the open, treeless front. There had at 
one time in the ])ast lay a slo])ing |)lain of soil, sand 
and rocks, between the river and mountain, about 
one-half mile wide, that narrowed toward the north. 
The rains and cloud-bursts, in the past centuries, 
had poured their waters upon the sides of that 
mountain, that flowed down over the plain into the 
river, cutting watercourses that were deepest as the 
margin of the stream was approached. Thus 
nature's breastworks were formed, behind which a 



retreating force could make successive stands 
greatly to the disadvantage of the victors. Those 
drj- channels gradually ajiproached each other as 
their course neared the Truckee until all were 
merged into one within two hundred yards of the 
river, creating a level bottom, out of which Major 
Ormsby was j)assing toward the south when killed. 
One-fourth of the way down from the mountain 
to the river, was a round, rocky biitte, or peak, 
possibly two hundred feet high; to the south 
of it was level country, to the north, and between 
it and the river, the gullies as described lay 
in continuous succession. About one mile to the 
north, these natural earthworks ceased at a narrow 
pass between the river and mountain, beyond which 
was the open j)lain. 

THE BATTLE. 

The Storey and Van Ilagan details, when facing 
the enemy, soon ?'ouiid themselves under fire from 
the Indians, who in numbers had taken pos- 
session of the round, rocky butte. They had also 
formed a line extending from the river to well up the 
side of the mountain; but their number was mostly in- 
visible, having secreted themselves behind sage-brush, 
in slight depressions of the ground, behind small as 
well as large rocks; and there did not seem to be so 
very many of them after all. How the large force 
that was soon unmasked got out on the plain so 
quickly, south of the gullied ground, seemed miracu- 
lous to those who had never experienced the facilit}' 
with which those sons of the desert could disappear 
from view when there seemed to be nothing behind 
which they could secrete themselves. 

Everj- advantage of position was now in the 
Indians' favor. The whites had fallen back until 
both forces were on level ground with the earth- 
works in the rear of the Pah-Utes. 

Captains Storey and Van Hagan decided to make 
a charge with a part of their command on foot, and 
take the rocky butte before the main body, under 
Colonel Hays, had come up, which they did in gal- 
lant style, and retained the position, although- for 
some time subject to a flank fire from the direction 
of the river, as well as from theside of the mountain. 
They were relieved from this dilemma of finding 
themselves inside of the enemies lines, by the arrival 
of the main force. The regulars deployed in open 
order as skirmishers, and passed to the west of the 
butte, and along the side of the mountain, driving 
everything before them, while the volunteers on 
foot moved forward in the same order to the east 
of it, firing as they advanced. In this manner a 
continuous line, about one mile long, extending from 
the river to near the top of the mountain, was 
formed, and a general engagement began, the In- 
dians having a corresponding line to oi)j)Ose the 
advance. 

The following descri])tion of the struggle that 
ensued, from the ])en of an anonymous writer who 
claimed to have been a ]>articipant, was published 



162 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



in tho TerrUm-idl Enterprise, on the second anniver- 
sary of the battle: — 

The gallant Storey, he whose voice shook with 
sorrowful emotion over the death of one of the 
humblest of his ibllowern, backed by the Virginia 
Rifles, now rages foremost in tho fraj-. All the 
cavalry are ordered to the front, where, dismount- 
ing, they advance on foot, while everj- fifth or sixth 
man is left behind to hold the horses. The infim- 
try are posted in reserve. The regulars deploy 
as skirmishers, and advance slowly, steadilj-, surely. 
A few of them fall. The Indians fall back; their 
name is legion. Whence came they all, those 
painted swarms of yelling demons? The plains, 
the ravines, the hill-sides, the mountain-top. eveiy 
rock, and bush, and sand-drift! Wherever a human 
form can bo concealed they gradually retire from, 
carrying away, as well as thoy can, their dead and 
wounded. The afternoon wears in one continuous, 
incessant discbarge of musketry and rifles. Charge 
after charge is made upon the rocky fastnesses, and 
deej) rifts in the earth, which conceal the foe, and 
always with success. Though thoj' contest tho field 
inch by inch, with obstinate determination, and ex- 
pose themselves with frantic valor to tho deadly 
balls of our unerring long-range Minies, thoj- are 
driven from it. Driven from the rocks, the gullies, 
tho ravines, the hill-sides and mountain -tops, till, ere 
tho sunset, they flee beyond tho practicability of 
pursuit, and the battle-field, with its bloody trojihies — 
seventy of their dead concealed in the cliffs — are 
our own. ]}ut the victor}', though complete, was 
not gained without the sacrifice which the Moloch 
of war so insatiably claims for its bloody altar. 

The gentle, the generous, tho lion-hearted Storey, 
at the head of his command, and in the thickest of 
the fight, fell mortally wounded — shot through the 
lungs — but remained on tho field till tho conclusion 
of the battle. John Cameron and A. il. Phelps, pri- 
vates in Ca])tain Storej-'s command, were also fatally 
wounded. Both were shot in tho head; and that 
evening, after being carried into camp, died the 
death of the hif^h-souldl and cliivalric, who shield 
the lives of their fellow-men b}' the sacrifice of their 
own. Andrew llase}-, of the >.'evada Riflos, too, 
was dangerously wounded by a ball in the hip, and 
after undergoing two years of torture, and a severe 
surgical operation, recently performed in San Fran- 
cisco, is but now recovering. A number of other 
casualties occurred during tho fight, especially among 
the regulars, four of whom were injured. 

Thus ended the battle of Truckee, 1 believe it is 
safe to affirm, when all things are taken into con- 
sideration, the most obstinately-contested of any 
which has taken place between the whites and In- 
dians on this coast. It is reported on tho authority 
of a Hj)y from the regulars, who was with the I'ah- 
XJtes in the battle, that their loss in the engagement 
wan KiO killed, and an immense number wounded. 
Most of their slain and all of their wounded they 
contrived to carry away during the fight. Seventy 
of their dead wore afterward found concealed among 
tho cliff's in the mountain, after tho expedition 
returned to Virginia City. 

Certainly not over two-thirds of tho force were 
actually engaged in the conflict; about 200 being 
held as a reserve, and fill}' to guard the cam]>. But 
when tlie disparity of weapons is considered, our 
men being all armed with long-range I'itles, and 
rifled muskets, carrying a heavy ball 1,000 yards, 
and having plenty of ammunition, it is a matter of 



surprise, notwithstanding their numbers, that for full 
five hours the Indians were able to make head 
against the incessant discharges of five hundred 
rapidly-loaded Minies in the hands of men who un- 
flinchingly and continuously advanced upon them. 
That the younger Winnomucca, their war chief, is 
an extraordinary man; and tho Pah-lHes, whatever 
their other ijualities maj' be, are a bold and fearless 
race, whom it wore folly to despise as enemies, seems 
now, at least, to be sufficiently attested. 

The foregoing is evidently an overdrawn, j-et in 
the main correct, description, but as to the number 
killed of the enemy is wholly at sea. The Pah-Utes 
now acknowledge tho loss of but four killed and 
seven wounded; and the most rigid and persistent 
cross-questioning made at different times and under 
different circumstances failed to draw anything from 
any of them that indicated a concealment of tho 
truth; yet such may be the case, as Josoi)h F. Trip- 
lett, of Elko County, writes that the number killed 
was forty-six; and states that he obtained the in- 
formation soon alter the war from Captain Natchez, 
Captain Breckenridge, Big George and Buffalo Jim, 
all Pah-Lffcs. Mr. Triplett was in the engagement. 
In conversation with many other persons who were 
of the command, not one of them saw over three 
dead Indians, or knew whether over that number 
were killed. 

The battle-ground was not selected by Colonel 
Haj'os, but was fought over from necessitj', the 
engagement having been forced at that point by 
the persistent pursuit of the enemy. 

AFTER THE BATTLE. 

The bodies of James Cameron and A. II. Phelps 
were buried on the third of June, near Camp Storey, 
and the earthworks that gave the name of fort to 
the camp were thrown up to render tho place more 
defensible, in the absence of the main forces, that 
were to go in jnirsuit of tho enemy. The bodj* of 
Major Ormsby was also temporarily buried, being 
later taken up and removed to Carson City for final 
interment. In the forenoon of the day of tho battle 
the bodies of two men had boon found and buried 
with Odd Fellows ceremonies at the cam]). Tho 
following is a description, taken from tho same 
anonymous correspondent botbre-mentioned, of those 
victims as they wore found: — 

McliOod, a man of unusually largo proportions, 
was found \\, ing upon his face, a stri]) of flesh includ- 
ing tho sinew, having been cut from the center of 
his back its whole length. Of the sinews of their 
enemies the Indians are said froquontlj' to make bow 
strings. ^IcCarth}^ and McIiOod la}' a few feel apart 
upon a sandy jilain high above, and a mile back from 
the river. Throe or four hundred feet from them lay 
Jones, but the two Ibrmer woi'o in the center of a 
circle ])erhai)s two hundred feet in diameter, which 
was beaten by feet a])parontly as hard as tho main 
trail to Pyramid Lake, used doubtless by the Indians 
for centuries. It was surmised that those two men 
had maile such formidable resistance, that their final 
dost ruction was deemed worthy of the peculiar dis- 
tinction of a war dance, of exultant rejoicing. 



INDIANS, AND THEIR WARS IN NEVADA. 



ir,3 



The appearance of McCarthy was inexpressibly 
impressive; ho was of but medium size, with loiit;, 
bushj- beard and heavy mustache; the crushini; of 
the frontal bone immediately above the eyes, left 
the aspect of the forehcail high and square. lie laj- 
on his back; the chest was raised and expandeii; 
the mouth firmly closed, the beard liaroiy )iormilting 
a slight view of the compressed li])s. The i-iglit knee 
was partially bent as in the act to spring forward, 
and the right arm drawn back to its uttermost in a 
curve above the head, as if in the full tide of strength 
it were about to strike; the countenance and whole 
attitude exhibiting stern defiance, oven triiunph over 
death. 

On tho fourth of June the march from Fort Storey 
to Pyramid Lake was resumed ; a company' under 
Capt. Josejih Virgo, of Sacramento, being left behind 
with the wounded, among whom was Captain Storey. 
On the waj' to the Lake the little advancing army 
was constantly passing the exposed, nude remains 
of the decomposing bodies of those who had fallen 
along the ti-ail, on the previous 12th of May. Thej' 
buried them where the3' were found excei)t in the 
cases of Wm. S. Spear, Henry Meredith and 
John Snowden, wlmse remains were taken up and 
brought to the settlcnionls. from where thej' were 
sent to their former homes in Calitbrnia. The 
Pah-Ute village was found deserted, not a redskin 
was to bo found in the country; but their trail led 
northward, and on the fifth the pursuit of them was 
resumed. 

OTHER EVENTS ABOUT PYRA.MID LAKE. 

There was a force of possibly thirty men, under 
(Japtain Weatherlow, from Iloncy Lake Valley, in 
the mountains west of, and towards the north end of 
Pyramid Lake; and the following letter of confident 
power and prowess, to (lovernor Roop, tells all con- 
cerning him or his command: — 

June 4Tn, 1860. 

Dear (Joy.; With my small party I am scouting 
around Pju-amid Lake. Tho last two daj^s have 
been on the north side of it, and am now on the 
west side, within two miles of the lake. I have not 
seen an Indian, although I am in view of the ground 
Oh which .Major Ormsby fought the Indians. Would 
to (Jod I had fifty men, 1 would clean out all the 
Indians from this region. Thus far 1 have been 
waiting for the troo|)s from Carson to attack them, 
and then to cut off retreating parties, but the move- 
ments of the troops are so dilatory that 1 fear the 
Indians will scatter ofl' before there is anj'thing 
done. If there is anj' more men in the valley who 
will come, and can get a fit-out, send them along, for 
my party is too small to venture much; yet all are 
anxious for a brush with the redskins. You need 
feel no alarm of being attacked in the valley; there 
is no Indians about to make it. at least on the north. 

Respectful!}- j-ours, etc., Capt. Weatiieri.(jw. 
Gov. Isaac lioop. 

It would seem that tho Captain got out of the 
way just in time, from the north end of tho lake, 
to escape an opportunity of having the brush his 
men seemed so desirous of; and if his courage was 
equal to his assertion, it is fortunate that ho did 
not have the fifty men. 



Captain Thomas F. Condon and Warren AVasson 
had induced a few men, ten in all, including them- 
selves, to move to the north from Carson, and oc- 
cupy a pass to tho west of the south end of Pyramid 
Lake. This pass was the outlet through which tho 
Pah-Utes were likelj- to attempt a retreat in the 
direction of Honey Lake N'allej-, if defeated by the 
Washoo regiment, under Colonel Hays. It was im- 
portant this exit should be guarded — just as im- 
portant as the attempt was reckless, with such a 
mere handful of men. Their number was increased 
on the way, Maj- ^Jlst. by a detachment from tho 
vallej' that the movement was designed to protect, 
and the pass was occupied bj' the entire force under 
Captain Thomas F. Condon, now swelled to thirty- 
four men, on the first day of June. This was tho 
day before the battle; and but for the approach of 
the whites from the south, along the river, they 
might have found themselves in a hornet's nest. 

On the second of June snow fell two feet deep on 
the tops of the mountains, north and south of tho 
Pass, and on tho night of the fourth this command 
reached the opposite side of the river from Captain 
Stewart's command, at the south entl of Pj-ramid 
Lake, whore they discovered the charred remains of 
seven white men. Their limbs were burned otl", but 
the face and balance ol' their bodies had not been 
touched by the flames, even their beards being 
unscorched. They were left unburied for about one 
week, with the hope that some one might identify 
them, but no one did at that time. 

They were supposed to be a party of California 
prospectors, who ha<l last been seen passing down 
the Truckee River by O. M. Evans, the day after 
the massacre of the whites. They knew nothing of 
tho trouble with the Pah-Utes. and were never 
heard from after the thirteenth of May. Their 
names were: — 



N. U. Canfield, 
Spero Anderson, 
John (iibson, 
Charles Ruth, 



Daniel King, 

— Courtright, 

— Cenovitch. 



END OF THE CAMPAKIN — DKATII OF WII.MA.M S. AI.I.EN. 

As before stated, the command moved towards 
the north on the fifth. There is a high range of 
mountains running northerly along the east bank of 
Pyramid Lake, that separates that body of water 
from what is known as Mud Lake; and the lorces 
under Colonel Ilaj's took up their line of march 
along the eastern base of this chain of mountains. 
Arriving at a cafion, running from the lowland up 
into the rocky range, the command was halted; and 
Captain Robert Lyon, William S. Allen, Samuel 
Auckland, Hen. Webster, and S. C. Springer wore 
sent forward as scouts. They passed along up 
towards the upper end of this cafion; but as they 
were noaring the summit there intervened in thoir 
front an immense rock, where Buckland, Webster, 
and Springer halted, while Lyon and Allon passed 



1C4 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



:ir<iiin<l anil up to tlio fartlior side. Tho followinij 
is it iloscriplioii ol' wliut I'nl lowed, wrilton by Caplain 
Lyon: — 

Wo liad soon no Indians whon noinij uji, luii as 
wo Ktoppod on liio vory toj) of tiio mountain, we 
woro tirod upon liy thoin from an amlxish and Will 
Allon was killed; a ball j>assod tbroui^h his mouth 
and brain, llo droi>iiod at my foot and novor s|)olvo; 
and tlioro diod ono of tho bravest, truest-hearted 
men that over trod tho soil of >«evadii. 1 reaehod 
from my saddle and tried to raise Will's bod)- on my 
horse. 1 did not think of Indians or of dan-jer; I 
only saw the bleodiiii; mouth ami fast jiiazin-; eyes 
of my friend; but in loss than a minute 1 was sur- 
rounded. I believe they intended to oa])ture mo 
alive and soeuro my horse without injuriiii; him by a 
ohanee shot. They had lain sooi-etod behind "(he 
elitfs and rocks, and saw us walk i|uiotly into their 
Ira)!. Tho tirst yell of tho savajjos as they spranjj 
out from rooks ami olitl's to j^rab my horse revealed 
to mo my peril. My rifle and the reins ot" my bridle 
were in my left hand; but 1 had no time to use my 
rifle. My rijjht hand instinotivoly snatehed front its 
holster my Irustj' revolver, and with ono eareloss 
shot at tho elosiiii; oirole of my foes 1 ijave Solim the 
reii\s and in a seoond I was flyini; down tho steep 
mountain followed by yells and whizzing; bullets from 
the Indians. .My faithl'ul horse seemed to eompro- 
hond tho tiani;or, and ho put forth every efl'ort, 
boundinii over the rooks like a frii;htoned iloer. 
That was his first and best raoe. and tho stake 
was liberty for him and lite to me, and ."^elim won it. 
1 ivde past two si|uads of Indians on my way down 
the mountain. They fii-ed at me as I flew i>astthem, 
but did not hit mo. 

1 ]iassed the three u\en where they had halted, 
and furthoi- on met Colonel Hays and Lani'o Nij^ht- 
inu;ill in advanee, followed by all our horsemen oom- 
iuii up the hill on a i;allo|i. They halted, and when 
1 asked (."olonol Hays to lot my eompany i;o with 
njo to reoover .Ulen's body, ho answered: "Wo 
will all fio." Again we ilismountod, detailed 
every tenth man to hold the hoi-sos, and marohed on 
fool to the top ot' the mountain: but the Indians 
had taken Allen's horse, arms and olothinjj and fled, 
and that was their last hostile aet of the war of 18G0. 
We ]>laced the oorpse on one of my paok-hoi-sos and 
started baek to our oamp on tho Truokee, where we 
arrived about - o'olook the next mornin-;. 

The next mornini; the volunteer army started on 
their return to Viri;inia City, where they surren- 
deivd their rifles and were dismisseil. C'a|)tain 
Storey's rentains were oarried to Virijinia City, 
while my eompany now redueod to twenty, with sad 
hearts oarried Aur dead oomrado baek to Carson 
City, where he was buried with military honoi-s. 
A Carson oom)>any brt>U!jht in the remains of Major 
Ormsby. and to-day tlieir tombs oan bo soon near 
tojjethof in the Carson oomotory. 

On tho seventh of Juno the volunteer foroes under 
Colonel Ilnj's woro disbanded, as appears frt>m the 
muster-out i-olls of the (^>uartormaster. but the troops 
under Captain .Stewart remained at Pyramid Lake, 
whoro earth-works were thrown up that received tho 
name of Fort Haven, in honor of General Haven, of 
C'alifornia, who had voluntoorod as a private in 
Colonel Uays' command. 



EXPEPITION OF COLONEL LANDER. 

In the s|)rini; and summer of ISGO Colonel F. W. 

l-ander, in tho service of tho Creneral Government, 

was en-janed in survejin-; and constructin<^ a waj^on 

road crossinj; the Sierra Movada and tho Great 

Basin, and while tho events of the Pyramid Lake War 

wore transpiring, was in the vioinity of Honey Lake. 

Farly in August, having about seventy armed men 

at his command, ho oneounterod tho Indians in tho 

Black Rock country, and had a skirmish with them, 

losing ono man nanu'd .\loxandor Fainter, after 

whom a valley in IJoop County was named. Tho 

loss of tho Indians was not ascertained. This 

encounter resulteil in a peace talk with ono of tho 

oliiofs of tho Fah-Utes, Numaga, which resulted in, 

measurably, i|uieting the savages. This chief 

reported that his followers were in almost a fan\ish- 

ing condition, tho result of their war against the 

whites and being driven from their homos about 

P)-ramid Lake. For services thus and subsoijuently 

rendered. Colonel Lander was honored by having 

his name given to a county created soon al\or tho 

organization of tho Territory of Nevada. In tho 

war of the Febellion Lander became a prominent 

General of volunteers, and died of wounds received 

in battle in Virginia in 1SC3. 

THK I'.Ml-lTES .\FTER THE WAU. 

The brave men who had so (juickly volunteered to 
avenge the savage massacre of the Ormsby jtarty 
and jn'otoct tho panic-stricken people of Nevada, 
returned to their homos in Calitornia. leaving tho 
force of regulars under Captain Stewart to hold tho 
Indians in chock. This body of disciplined men 
under tho charge of skillful otHcers had done most 
ettioient service, and by their coolness, ease of 
maneuver on tho batllo-tield and ready obedience to 
ordei-s. gave an example of sohlierly iluty that greatly 
strengthened the inexperienced volunteoi-s, giving 
them tho confidence and courage that insui-od a 
decisive victory. On tho Sth of June, the daj- 
after the departure of the volunteers, Captain Stew- 
art engaged Mr. Warren Wasson as scout, who kept 
a journal of all his transactions and atVairs with the 
Indians. Major Frederick |)odgo was at the time 
Indian Agent, whose ett'ort«, aided by Mr. Wasson, 
wore to i)acify the savages, entice them to their 
reservati<uis and supply thom with comforts and 
neco.ssities. At\er the battle the Fah- I'tes remained 
in considerable force in tho vicinit}- of Pyramid 
Jjake, maintaining a hostile attitude and commit- 
ting doiiredations, but tho ]>unishment given and 
force displaj'od admonished then> to keep tho )>oace. 
Wasson was scout and express rider, passing through 
many thi-illing scenes and dangei-s in the per- 
formance of his duties. Late in June some loca- 
tions for farming purposes were made on the Truckee 
and near Pyramid Lake by .Mossi-s. J. !>. Boberts, 
Thos. Marsh. Robert Reed, Hans Parian, O. Spevey, 
Anderson Spain, Wiishington Cox Corey and M. A. 




% 



I I 







'^^^^ /^/t^^^^^^^ 




'Ky1lhd.J>^0./h/)-c<^.'a 



"^ 



•^;5,:. 



'?^'-^-. 




RESIDENCE AND STORE OF JOHN S.CRAIG. 
POST&EXPRESS OFFICE, MASON VALLEY, ESMERALDA CQ,NEV. 



INDIANS, AND THEIR WARS IN NEVADA. 



165 



Braly. Tho last two afterwards discovered the 
mines at Aurora, and gave their names to Jlounts 
Corey and Bra!}'. By the middle of July the 
soldiers had all left Fort Haven and engaged in 
the building of Fort Churchill, leaving Wasson 
alone to manage the Indians as Agent left in 
charge by Major l)odge. Great ett'orts and consum- 
mate sagacity were required to maintain peace. 
In the absence of soldiers largo numbers of tlie 
dusky warriors returned with the intention of mas- 
sacring the whiles, but through tho efforts of 
Numaga and Oderkeo, the jieace-loving chiefs, 
further bloodshed was prevented at that time. The 
last of July Major Dodge, then stopping at Buck- 
land's on the Carson Eiver, directed Wasson to 
post notices on the Pyramid Ijake Beservation, 
defining the boundaries and warning all intruders 
to leave. These notices were printed, and dated 
May 20, 1860. On the fifth of September Major 
Dodge left for Washington, leaving Mr. Wasson 
to act in his stead as Indian Agent. While acting 
as such he directed his proteges in the arts of 
peace, causing them to construct some adobe build- 
ings, to cut hay and other work, both at tho Pyra- 
mid and Walker Lake Reservations. In Decem- 
ber, 18(5(1. he called all the tribe together and gave 
to each man a hickorj' shirt and pair of blue over- 
alls, and to each woman some calico, needles and 
thread. A decrepit old Indian arriving late at the 
"potlatch," was greatly disapi)oiiiled because noth- 
ing had been saved for him, and all the other Pah- 
Utes seemed delighted at his misery and the dilemma 
of the Agent. But Wasson ij^uicUly strij)])ed himself, 
and gave his white linen shirt and cotton flannel 
drawers to the laggard savage, thus satisfying all 
and making a Itisting impression upon the Indians. 

Among those under tho Agent's charge was 
Captain Truckeo, who possessed papers attesting to 
his services under Fremont, given him by that 
explorer. This Indian had acted in a friendlj' man- 
ner to the early emigrants who gave his name to the 
Truckeo River. He died October 8, 1S6(», in tho 
Pine Nut Mountains, south of ('omo, Lyon ('ount3\ 

In December, Waz-adz-zo-bah-ago, the head med- 
icine chief of the Mono Lake band of Pah-Utes, was 
killed and burned to ashes, and on the third day, 
as related by many ])eople of the tribe, a whirhvind 
came and raised the ashes in the form of a pillar, 
and the chief Wazad/./.obahago walked out alive 
and well, Tiiis is an incident of fad among the 
Indians, and to all others as they wish to take it, 
Wasson, who kept the record, said if ho had seen 
it himself he could not have believed it. 

Several incidents are related of the killing of 
Indians, and attem])ts to kill by whites, who could 
never forget or forgive the ruthless murders of 
friends and relatives by these jirowling savages. 

I.NDIAN WAU TUKEATENEU. 

During April and May, 1801, over l,r)00 Indians 
assembled at tho fisheries, near the mouth of Walker 
21 



River, headed by Wahe, who claimed to be second 
chief of all tho Pah-Utes, and was really a brother 
of (31(1 Winnemucca, head medicine chief of that 
tribe. Wahe was a treacherous, cunning, cruel, and 
brutal savage, being half Pah-Ute and half Ban- 
nock, combining all the bad (lualities of bf)th tribes. 
He claimed to be a spirit chief, and as such pro- 
tected from the bullets and weapons of his enemies. 
This his superstitious ])co])le were made to believe, 
and no I'ah-lUe dare resist his will, believing a 
cruel and sorrowful death would follow disobedience. 
This chief had Iteen cons]>iriiig for some months 
with various bands of Indians, and the largo num- 
ber mentioned had gathered in council preparatory, 
it is suj)))osed, to an outbreak. A servant and inter- 
preter of Wasson, a young Pah-Ute, had dropped 
some hints of a suspicious character which led him 
to sus])ect the nature of the gathering and the dan- 
ger of the ujjrising, which contemplated his death, 
and tho securing of the arms, ammunition and sup- 
plies in his possession at tho agency. He also learned 
that, after he was disposed of. Fort Churchill was 
to be ap])roached in squads of eight or ten, admit- 
tance gained to all parts in a friendly manner, and 
at a signal, slaughter the entire garrison there, con- 
sisting then of only about forty men. Wasson, learn- 
ing this, boldly entered the Indian camp, and by 
argument and persuasion diverted them from this 
rash and murderous attcmjit. He found among them 
Bannocks from Idaho and Oregon, and rej)rusenta- 
tivcs of the Pah-Utes from far and wide, those from 
the most isolated places being most intent on com- 
mencing tho raid of rapine and murder. Some had 
been to California and seen the strength and wealth 
of the whites, and somo had seen the disastrous 
effects of the war of tho previous year, and those 
joined with the Agent in the plea for peace. By 
this means the conspiracy of Wahe was thwarted, 
and his ])o\vcr overthrown. He afterwards fled to 
Oregon, where he remained until May, 18(12, when 
he returned, and was killed by two of the Pah-Uto 
chiefs, who had been convinced that he Avas not a 
sjiirit chief, and could be slain by their weapons; 
still there was a lurking fear of his power instilled 
into their superstitious beliefs by long teachings, 
ami he was cut into minute pieces, which were scat- 
tered in widely-separated places to more ell'ectually 
prevent his self-resurrection. 

In July, 18(>1, (lovernor Xj'e arrived, and assumed 
charge of the Indians. But the time for war in 
eastern Nevada had passed. The rapid influx of 
whites had overrun the country, intermixing with, 
and furnishing the Indians with more clothing and 
food than they had previously been able to obtain; 
and thej' found their condition much better than 
when their nut-pine "orchards," their mice, ants, 
grasshoppers, rats, snakes, rabbits, and grass-seeds 
constituted their resource. The murders they had 
committed were passed over, if not forgotten, and 
favors were shown them on all sides. 



16G 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



CHAPTEE XXII. 
THE OWENS RIVER WAR. 

Conference with the P.-ih-Utes— Imlian Scare at Como in 18G.3— 
A Chief Murilereil— Troubles iu 1S04 in HumhoKlt County 
— Indian Troubles in ISOo— Hostilities in I'arailise Val- 
ley — A Ride fi>r Life — Fate of Collins and Kearbourne — 
Ki-liteen Indians Scalped — Events in Other Parts in ISOo — 
Hostilities in Paradise V:dley in 1805— Death of Col. Charles 
McUermitt — Events in Humboldt County — Black Kock Tom 
— Closing Action ami Act of the Year — Paradise Valley 
Trouble in 18G7 — Hon. James A. Banks Killed— The Winter 
of 1807 and Spring of 1868. 

TuE winter of 18G1 was severe, and the Indians in 
Owens Valley, California, killed some cattle. In 
retaliation the owners, or their cmploj-es, killed 
some Indians, and the latter responded by killing 
whites wherever they could get an opportunity of 
doino; so without endangering; themselves, until E. S. 
Taylor, J. Tullman, li. Hanson, and a man named j 

Crosen, better known as "Yank," had fallen 

victims. Finallj' the white graziers concentrated 
their herds at a point about thirty miles above Owens 
Ijake, where they fortified, and sent to Visalia, Cali- 
fornia, and ('arson, Nevada, for help. This war 
more particularly pertains to California, but men 
of Nevada were very active participants. 

On the twenty-eighth of March, 1802, the fortified 
graziers were re-enforced by eighteen men from 
Aurora, when they took the field sixty strong, 
under Colonel Mayfield, marched fifty miles up the 
valley, and encamped on an old Indian camping 
ground. On the sixth of April the Indians showed 
themselves in force towards the mountains to their 
southwest. The whites sallied forth in two divisions, 
mot the hostiles, had a skirmish, lost one man, C. J. 
Pleasants, of Aurora, killed, and then retreated back 
to their camp. They were followed bj- the victors, 
and com])elled to take shelter in an iri-igating ditch 
(built by the Indians), from where shots were ox- 
changed at long range until night. Sheriff Scott, of 
Mono, received a ball in the head, and was instantlj' 

killed; Morrison, formerly of Visalia, was shot 

in the stomach, and died the following day. After 
the moon went down the Indians ceased firing, and 
the whites took advantage of the darkness to retreat 
for their fortified post, leaving behind them their 
dead, some eighteen horses, and considerable ammuni- 
tion buried. They had killed one redskin in the 
engagement. On their way down the valley the next 
day,»ApriI 7th, thej- met Colonel Evans with a ])or- 
tion of the Secoiid (.'alifornia Cavalry. 

What followed, as well as some matters of interest 
preceding those events, are given in tho following 
oflScial report of Colonel Wasson to Gov. James W. 
Nye, dated A])ril 20, 18G2. A copy of which was 
furnished by Colonel Wasson. 

Ja.mes W. Nye, (iovernor and ex o/ZiVjo Superinten- 
dent of Indian Aft'airs, Nevada Territory, >ViV: You 
will remember that on the twenty-fifth of JIarch last 
I addressed you at San Francisco the following dis- 
patch : — 

"GoveunobNye: Indian difficultioe ou Owens Jiiver 



confirmed, hostiles advancing this way. I desire to 
go and if possible prevent the war from reaching this 
Territory. If a few men poorly armed go against 
those Indians, defeat will follow and a long and 
bloody war ensue. If the whites on Owens Eiver 
had prompt and adequate assistance, it could be 
checked there. I have just returned from Walker 
River; I'ah-Utes alarmed. 1 await a reply. 

W. Wasson." 

To which on the same day I received by telegraph 
the following: — 

"W. Wasson: tieneral Wright will order fifty men 

to go with 3-ou to the scene of action. You may take 
fifty of my muskets at the Fort, and some ammunition 
with you, and bring them back. Confer with Cajjlain 
Rowe. J.W.Nye." 

In pursuance of these instructions, I immediately 
repaired to Fort Churchill, and after consultation 
with ("a](tain Kowe, who promptly adojitcd measures 
to carr}' out j'our designs, it was determined to pro- 
ceed to the scene of hostilities with the force and arms 
you had designated. 

Lieutenant Noble was sent in command of tho 
detachment with the following letter of instruction: — 

"Headquarters Fort CmRcini.b, ) 

Nevada Territory, March 27, 1802. \ 
IjIEUTENant: As commandant of the detachment of 
fifty men, about leaving this jiost for Aurora and 
vicinity, you will be governed by circumstances in a 
great measure, but upon all occasions it is desirable 
that you should consult the Indian Agent, Mr. W. 
Wasson, who accompanies tho cx])edition for the ])ur- 
pbse of restraining the Indians from hostilities. 
Upon no consideration will you allow j'our men to 
engage the Indians without his sanction. As often 
as practicable you will communicate with these head- 
quarters. Very respectfully, 

E. A. JiowE, 
Capt. 2d Cav., Cal. Vols., Commanding Post. 
To Lieut. II. Nohi.e, 

Second Cav., Cal. Vols., Commanding Detach'mt." 

I proceeded i'rora Fort Churchill in advance of 
the command, and met the Pah-Utes on the Walker 
RiverReservation. Theexcili'ment was great amongst 
them, and they aj)prehended general and immediato 
hostilities with the whites. Their usual ])repara- 
tions for defense in case of attack were apparent. 
To quiet their a]])>rehensions of a ditliculty, and ])re- 
vent trouble during my absence, I (lis])atched Indian 
messengers to all the different bands of I'ah-Utos 
with instructions to keep (luiel until my return, tell- 
ing them that on my return from the south I would 
direct them how to conduct themselves to avoid 
difficulties, etc. These arrangements I found on my 
return to have had the desired cfiect. 

Wo left Aurora for tho scene <»f action on Owens 
River, on the third of April, sending j'ou at that 
date a brief rei)ort of our i)rocecdings, disposition 
of the arms, and our ])lan of o])er-atioiis, as far as wo 
could form them at tliat time, (ieorgi-, tlie inter- 
preter, having become worn out, and unable to 
accom|iany me, at Walker River I ])r<)cured tho 
services ol' J{obert, a Pah-Ute, with wliom I left 
Aurora, in advance of the command, and proceeded 
by Alono Lake, where I t()und the I'ah-Utos of that 
section congregated and much excited, but in an 
interview succeeded in quieting them. Thoj' wore 
much ])leaseil that 1 was going to stop the troubles, 
as they feared they might themselves become 
involved iu tho diUicultios, and they sent with me 



THE OWENS RIVER WAR. 



167 



one of their tribe who spoke the language of the 
Owons RivtM- Indians. 

We joined Lieutenant Koble at Adobe Meadows, 
thirt}' miles (Voni Aurora, on the nij^ht of the fourth 
of April. The next day I left tlie command, with 
the two Indian inter|)reters, and traveled ci^ht or 
ten miles in advance of the troo]>s. About noon 
we passed the boundary between the I'ah-Uie and 
Owens Kivor Indians countrj-, and traveled twent)'- 
five miles, and encamped. The ne.xt day we reached 
the upper crossing; of Owens Kiver, and encamped, 
seeini^ no Indians, but abundance of fresh signs. 
My Mono Lake In<Iian on the morning of the seventh 
instant int'ormed me that he knew by certain signs 
that the Indians were to the right and up the val- 
lej", and I sent him up towards where they were, 
while we proceeded down the valley towards the 
fort, which was fifty miles distant. I instructed 
him to tell the Indians that we had not come to 
fight them, but to inquire into the cause of their 
difficulties with the whites; and that if they would 
do right, and were willing to come to a fair settle- 
ment, justice should be done ihem; that at all events 
1 desired to see and consult with them. I also 
instructed him how to approach our camp that 
night in order to avoid danger of being shot down 
by the soldiers; and told him our camp would be 
twenty miles below on the river. After we had 
proceeded about twelve miles down the stream, I 
saw a body of about 100 men at the foot of the 
mountain to our right, some three miles distant, 
and concluded to await the arrival of Lieutenant 
Noble and his command, who were in the rear about 
five miles. When they arrived, Lieutenant Noble 
and myself left the soldiers, anil rode over to 9ee 
who the parlies were. We I'ound Lieutenant-Col- 
onel George Kvans, aLso Lieutenants French and 
Oliver, with about forty soldiers. Second Cavalry, 
California Volunteers, and Colonel Maytield, a cit- 
izen, in command of about fort}- or fifty residents of 
the valley. We made known to them our business 
and instructions, but found little or no encourage- 
ment to make peace with the Indians, their desire 
being only to exterminate them. 

They informed us that the citizens from the fort, 
some si.Kty in number, had had a battle the day 
before on a creek some twelve miles above, and in 
the direction my .Mono Indian had gone that morn- 
ing. In the fight the}- had three men killed and 
were shamefully defeated. The citizens were 
retreating to^'U-ds their fort when they met Colonel 
Evans ■ •— ^'^ duced Ibrty-five of ihctn to return 
w.ii^^*^^ rsuit of the hostiles, and they were 
also in pursuit when we found them. Lvans being 
Colonel of Noble's regiment took command of the 
entire expedition, ordered Noble to bring up his 
compan}-, and when he had done so, we proceeded 
to the scene of the fight between the citizens and 
Indians, and camped on the battle-groun<l. The 
next morning by daylight I'-vans had ordered out 
scouting ])arties in all directions, numbering from 
six to ten men each. About noon that day some 
of them returned reporting the enemy in force twelve 
miles above, and at the extreme head of the valley. 
Colonel Evans then orilered a ra])id movement in 
that direction, and in two hours we reached the 
mouth of the canon in which the Indians were 
reported to bo. Here we encountered a terrific 
snow-storm, accompanied by violent wind in our j 
faces, notwithstanding which Evans ordered atj \ 
advance up the mountains each side of the canon for 
a distance of three miles. Fortunately lor us, how- 



over, wo found no savages there, otherwise an easy 
victory would have been obtained over us, as arrows 
assisted by that gale would have had dreadful efi'ect. 
We could have had no choice of position, and the 
enemy choosing theirs, could have taken advantage 
of the wind. Becoming satisfied that no Indians 
were in the canon, we were ordered to retrace our 
steps, and encam])eil in the valley three miles below. 
I remained behind, and the storm having abated, 
with the aid of a glass I observed Indian signs in a 
canon one mile north. I cotichnled to visit tho 
locality, and when near the mouth of the canon I 
discovered a large Indian trail freshlj- made leading 
out of it in a nortlierlj- direction. As night was 
approaching I was unable to see any Indians, and 
turned m}- horse towards camp that was some two- 
and-a-half miles distant, when I heard an Indian 
halloo some four hundred j'ards from me among the 
rocks. 1 answered him in the same way, but heard 
no reply. 1 then hallooed in English, Spanish, and 
in Pah-Ute, also making friendl}- signs, several 
times, but received no reply, but as 1 turned to go 
awaj-, the hallooing was repeated. 1 re])lied, but 
got no answer. This was repeated several times, 
and becoming satisfied that he only intended to 
decoj' me, I ]n-oceeded to camp. On ray arrival, 
looking back, 1 discovered fires in the same canon. 

The next morning. Colonel Evans ordered Sergeant 
Gillispie, with nine of Noble's men, to reconnoiter it, 
at the same time moving the whole command in that 
direction. The detail advanced some 'MO yards up 
the cauon, when they were fired upon, Gillispie being 
instantly killed, and Corporal Harris wounded in the 
left arm, when they retreated, leaving behind the 
Sergeant's body and his arms. They met the com- 
mand half a mile below the mouth of the canon, 
when as many as were not required to hold the 
horses were ordered to the attack. Lieutenant 
Noble and his company were sent to take possession 
of the mountain to the left of the canon. Colonel 
Evans was to have taken the mountain to the right. 
Colonel Maj-field and four other citizens accompanied 
Noble, the balance of Mayfield's company remaining 
below. Ijieutenant Noble succeeded in gaining his 
position under a brisk fire from both sides from con- 
cealed Indians. Here Colonel Jlayficld was killed. 
Lieutenant Noble, finding it im])ossil)le to maintain 
hi's position without great loss, or to ])roceed up the 
mountain on accotint of its ]>recipitous nature, or 
return the fire U])on the concealed foe with ell'ect, 
retreated in good order down to Colonel Evans' com- 
pany, carrying with him Sergeant (iillis])ie's body. 
Colonel Evans, from the rugged and inaccessible 
nature of the mountain, being unable to advance to 
tho jjosition ho intended to take, the whole command 
retreated down the valley, the Indians following and 
building their defiance fires on our campingground 
before the rear of the column was a mile and a half 
distant. 

We encamped that night twelve miles below, at 
the spot where Sheritf Scott, who had been killed the 
duj- before in tho fight between the citizens and Indi- 
ans, was buried. Colonel Evans being without ])ro- 
visions, except beef obtained in the valley, was com- 
pelled to return to his former post near IjOs An- 
geles, 300 miles distant. Lieutenant Xoblo with his 
company accomi)anied him as far as the Citizens' 
Fort, fifty miles below, for the pur|)ose of escorting 
the whiles with their stock, amounting to about 
4,000 head of cattle and 2,5(10 sheep, to this Territory. 
During the engagement above mentioned, 1 selected 
a high nock at about the center of operations, where 



168 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



I could observe all |p;irlics, and 1 am satisfied there 
were not over twenty-five Indians, who had ])robably 
been left behind, as a decoj' to the whites and to pro- 
tect the main body and families, who had gone on 
into the mountains to the north, to avoid a coilisiou 
with the troops. 

These Indians have dug ditches and irrigated nearly 
all the arable land in that section of the country', and 
live bj' its jiroducts. Thej-have been repealed!}- told 
by oflicers of the Government that they should have 
exclusive possession of those lands, and thej' are now 
fighting to maintain that possession. Their number 
is between 500 and 1,000, and they belong to the 
California Digger Indian tribes. Many of them are 
the refugees from Tulare Valley, who in 1S.")2 and 1S53 
massacred the while inhabitants and depopulated the 
Four Creek Country. At great expense to the Gov- 
ernment they were driven over to this side of the 
Sierra Nevada from Tulare Vallej-, and having taken 
up their abode along Owens lliver as a place of last 
resort, they will fight to the last extremity in defense 
of their homes. 

Lieutenant Noble conferred with me and we agreed 
as to the course to be pursued till we met Colonel Evans, 
who then assumed command. This rc-enforcement 
ruined all our plans. We might have done better; 
we certainly could not have done worse. Lieutenant 
Noble and his men behaved gallantly on the field. 

The next morning after the fight, finding it out of 
my power to do any good in the neighborhood under 
the circumstances,' and feai-ingthe effect of the vic- 
tories these Indians had gained over us would be to 
incite the Pah-Utes to hostilities, I left, accompanied 
only by my interpreter; and the following night 
reached the line of the Pah- Ute country. From the 
time of entering it 1 met many of that nation who 
were anxious to hear the news from the seat of war, 
and what would be the possible result. 1 told them 
not to ])articipate in the difticulties and assured them 
that unless the}' did bo, they should not be molested, 
etc. They promised to bo governed by my instructions 
and advice. 1 arrived at the Walker Itiver Keserva- 
tion on the sixteenth instant. The Indians were all 
glad to see me return; said they had been afraid the 
interpreter and myself would be killed by Owens 
IJiver Diggers, and that if such had been the case, 
they had 000 warriors ready to go and avenge our 
death. 

I was detained at Walker Reservation and at Fort 
Churchill three daj-s, on account of the officers at 
the latter jilace insisting upon herding the Govern- 
ment stock, cavalry horses and all, thirty miles from 
the fort in the Indians' country, notwithstanding 
grass was just as good near the fort (an argument 
used bj- the Indians), having excited an<l alarmed 
the Pah-l'tes, who regarded it as a war movement 
and an infringement on their rights. I took such 
measures as were cakailated to allay the ditliculty; 
anil I will add here tlial for the first time since the 
cstallli^llm^•nt of that jiost, its management ])romisos 
to be ])r<Kiuclive of more evil than good among the 
Indians. 

1 remain, very respectfully, 

Your obedient servant, 

Wakue.n VVasson. 

On the twentieth of July following, Wasson was 
called to San Francisco by a telegram from CJovernor 
Nye, to confei- with Governor Stanford, of California, 
General Wright, commanding the Dejiartment of the 
Pacific, and J. P. II. Wontworth, Indian Agent, in 



regard to the Owens River difficulties. He was then 
directed to collect the Indians of that section at 
Fort Independence, where Wentworth would meet 
him with goods for presents, and make a treaty. 
Under these instructions he assembled four hundred 
of the savages, and, after some delays, on the six- 
teenth of October the Agent arrived, the conference 
was held, the presents were distributed, the treaty 
made and the Indians held a great peace dance in 
honor of the occasion. Thus ended the Owens River 
War of 1862. 

CONFERENCE WITH THE PAH-UTE CHIEFS. 

Governor Nye, being by virtue of his office Super- 
intendent of Indian Affairs, desired to meet the 
principal chiefs of the Pah-Utes in conference, and 
in May, 18(52, arrangements were made through the 
agency of Mr. Warren Wasson, who had been Indian 
Agent, for the meeting. The most influential chiefs 
were Old Winnomuccaand Numaga; the latter, how- 
ever, was absent in the north, and at first declined 
to take anj- part in the discussion on account of the 
death of Wahe, which still rankled in the breast of 
Old Winnemucca, leaving the old chief to settle his 
private difficulties in his own way. However, the 
Governor, escorted by one hundred cavalry of Cali- 
fornia volunteers, under Captain Price, arrived at 
the lower bend of the Truckee on the twenty-third 
of May and there halted, it being understood that 
Winnemucca had positively refused to allow the 
soldiers to come below that point, and had over two 
hundred well-drilled and mounted warriors and as 
many more on foot, to defend his position. This 
refusal and force was kept a secret from Captain 
Price, fearing if ho were aware of the menace that 
he would resent it and bring on a collision, destroy- 
ing the object of the conference. In the evening of 
that day the Pah-Utes with Winnemucca, accom- 
patiied by Wasson, arrived on the ground, appear- 
ing in grand barbaric display, which seemed to the 
whites as threatening and overawing, the Indians 
being about lour hundred strong. During the two 
Ibllowing days the whole band of si'sp''*-^ .,''ept up a 
continuous war-dance for the eitifi-'^* ** 



TOv return ♦ 



r- 
iive 



tainment of their (lule-faced visitors, 
coals to show their disregard for pain, and perform- 
ing other feats of Indian character. On the evening 
of the twenty-filth Numaga arriveii, he ap])earingas 
the diplomatist of the tribe, and during that evening 
and the succeeding da}' engaged in discussing mat- 
ters with (iovornor Nye. No s]>ecific treaty was 
made at this conference, but presents were inter- 
changed and the parties separated. VVasson restored 
to Winnemucca the property of his brother Wahe, 
who had been killed by the Indians at Walker 
Lake. Among the effects was a picture of the 
deceased which the old man refused to keep, saying, 
" No want it; me see him too much all the lime." 
Numaga gave to Wasson, as a sign of peace and 
friendship, his war cap, made of a whole otter skin, 



'k3 




^BJ^v 





V"^" 




ADAM HERBOLD. 



MRS ADAM HERBOLD. 



GPEChinZLD , hl£\/ADA. 



^^. 




eWAVEVARD. 






I'St 




RANCH AND RESIDENCE OF A. HERBOLD. 

ESMERALDA Ca,MASON VALLEY, NEV. 



THE OWENS RIVER WAR. 



169 



trimmed with larjL^o ciii^lc ])liimes, his pipe of pciifc, 
tomahawk, and a magnificent bow, arrows and 
quiver, articles worn by him in all his battles. 

INDIAN SCARE AT COMO, IN 1863. 

From a journal kept by Alf. l>otcn, who is present 
editor-in-chief of the tiold lliil Dally News, itap])ear8 
that Numaga, on the thirteenth of October, 1803, 
met some of the leading citizens of Como, in 
Lyon Count}', among whom was the journalist, and 
through his interpreter, uttered a iormal protest 
against any further destruction of the ]iiiie nut groves. 
lie said that his ]ieo])lo depended upon the nuts 
from these trees for food; that the "pine nut groves 
teere tite hiilinns orchards" and they must not be 
destroyed by tlie whites. That the}' were welcome 
to the fallen or dead timber, but he should not per- 
mit a destruction of that portion which yielded food 
for his followers. 

This warning was not heeded, and it was followed 
by the sudden and unexpected appearance upon the 
scene of numerous dusky forms, who with lowering 
looks so thoroughly frightened the wood-chop])ers, 
that thej' fled to Como and spread a war panic in 
the town. 

Martial law was declared in Como b}' Martin, the 
Wizard; jtickets were posted, and a courier dispatched 
to Fort Churchill for military assistance. That 
night, a lieutenant with twenty men galloped into 
the place and took charge of the besieged garrison. 
The next night every one " who prowled the mid- 
night darkness," were su])posed to have the counter- 
sign or sutler a sudden calamity. Two citizens met 
"in the gloaming," and so scared each other that both 
forgot the password, and •' turned loose " in the most 
approved style with their revolvers, each supposing 
he was having a struggle for life with, possibly, 
Numaga himself The alarm was general and fear- 
ful to contemi)late. A butcher, in his hurry to rush 
to the general defense from midnight massacre of 
the town, in his haste to get hold of it, accidentally 
fired ott" his gun, and then, as the aforesaid Alf. 
Doten, without the fear of God before his eyes, 
remarked, '• llcU did pop." The next morning the 
Indians came into town to see what all the row was 
about. 

A CHIKF .MURDERED. 

On the twenty-fifth of October, 1863, E-zed-wa, a 
chief of the Walker Iliver Indians, was on his way 
to Virginia City to see N. H. A. Mason, for the pur- 
pose of entering a complaint against that gentleman's 
overseer, John V. Hale, when lie was met b}' Hale at 
Fort Churchill, who got him drunk, and then killed 
both him and his horse. The body of the chief was 
found in the Carson River by members of his tribe, 
and Hale made his escaj)C after telling Mr. Mason all 
of the circumstances. 

About the first of December following, Pah-Utos 
to the number of about 1,300 assembled at the sink 
of the Carson, and by messenger to Fort Churchill 



demaiiiled satisfaction for the murder of their chief, 
who was known to the whites by the name of Cap- 
tain George. Lieutenant Oscar Jewett was sent to 
hold a j)arley with them, and the conference resulted 
in an agreement to give the tribe, as damages for 
the loss of E-zed-wa, a wagon-load of provisions and 
clothing, and that Mason was to pay them 81,000. 

TROIBI.E IN 1864, IN I1U.MB0LDT COUNTY. 

A party of three, named Br. K. Smeathman, W. F. 
White and Frank Thomj)son, were i)rospecting in the 
mountains, near the north line of Nevada, west of 
Pueblo, on the fourth of March, 1S64. When 
engaged in looking for water, signs of Indians were 
discovered by them, and Thompson advised a removal 
from that locality, but the Doctor objected, and the 
search was continued. They were soon after fired 
upon from an ambush, and Dr. Smeathman fell 
wounded from his horse, crying for help. Thomp- 
son and White fled towards the settlements, leaving 
him to his fate, and forty-eight hours later rode 
into Rabbit Hole Station, from where they made 
their way to Humboldt City. 

In the same section of country, in the following 
May, a prospecting party of seven men, while mak- 
ing a temporarj' halt in a canon, scvontj'-five miles 
noithwest of Paradise Valley, were fired upon by 
Indians, and four of the party, among whom was 
G. W. Dodge, wore killed. One man named Xoblo 
received three wounds, and the other two were 
unharmed. Noble, although hit in the nock, shoulder 
and groin, succeeded in keeping the enemj' at bay, 
while his two comjianions secured the horses, and 
the three made their way to Star Citj-. The locality 
of this tragedy received the name of Disaster Peak. 

The Humboldt Re<j infer of June 4, 1S64, notes the 
return of ])urties from the expedition that recently 
left Humboldt and vicinity to chastise the Indians; 
records that in a skirmish with the Bannocks, two 
of that tribe had been killed, on one of whom was 
found a shirt that had been the property' "of one 
of the four men killed by them last month." This 
paragraj)!) undoubtedly refers to those parties killed 
at I'isaster Peak. 

INDIAN TBOUni.ES IN 1865. 

The first overt act in 1865 was in the last of Feb- 
ruary or first of March, by a couple of Walker 
River Pah-Utes, who murdered two ])rospeetors 
near Walker Lake. The men killed were Isaac 
Stewart, formerly of Cleveland, Ohio, aged twenty- 
six years; and Robert Rabe, a German, aged thirty 
years. The two men were on a ])rospecling tour, 
and had decided to camp at a ))oint about two miles 
from the head of the lake. Stewart rode forward 
toward the lake to view out the next day's coui-so, 
and Rabe remained to prepare camp and supper. 
Ho was in the act of lighting a match, when shot 
from behind through tlie back. He fell forward 
upon his face, and ihe Indians killed him by smash- 
ing his head with a stone. Tluy then starteil in 



170 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



pursuit of Stewart, who made his escape to the lake, 
where, being headcti of}', he took to the water, and 
has never been heard from. These facts were ob- 
tained from a friendly Indian. Ilabe had consider- 
ble money on him, and the two had four horses. 

On the fourteenth of March two young warriors, 
who had been principals in the murder, werecaptured, 
with the assistance of friendly Pah-Utes. When 
the j-oung men found what was likely to result to 
them, because' of their acts, they proposed to ran- 
som themselves. They oftered to give the Govern- 
ment all their ponies, aqd if that would not do, to 
throw in, as an extra inducement, their fathers, to be 
hanged in their places. Eventually they were both 
turned loose. 

On the same day, March 14th, Captain Wells, with 
a company of cavalry, surprised at daylight a camp 
of Pah-Utes on the banks of Mud Lake, within the 
PahUte Reservation, and killed every Indian found 
in the camp. Major McDermitt, in a letter to Gov- 
ernor Blasdel, reported thirty-two as the number 
slain. 

Simultaneous with the attack of Captain Wells, 
Black Hock Tom was on the war-path in the north. 

That night a telegram from Judge E. F. iJunne, 
of Humboldt County, announced to Governor Blas- 
del that the Wall Sjjring Station-keeper, and two 
men at Granite Creek Station, on the Honey Lake 
road, had been killed by Indians. The names of 
two of the men were George Thayer, an express- 
man, and Lucius Arcularius, the station-keeper. 
On the seventeenth, Indians were reported as ren- 
dezvousing at the head of Humboldt Canal. A war 
meeting was held at Dun Glen, and only nineteen 
guns could be found. On the twentieth, M. W. 
llaviland arrived at Star City, asking help for Par- 
adise Valley. 

HOSTILITIES IN I>.\RADISK VALLEV. 

On the morning of April 4, 18G5, two friendly 
Indians notified A. Denio that in "two sleeps" a 
band of warriors would make a raid upon Paradise 
Valley, kill all the settlers and run off their stock. 

Mr. l>enio, with his family, was living at the 
time on the east side of Martin Creek, near the 
present residence of N. (iiik'ian; and his neighbors 
were A. and J. T. Bryant, T. J. Fine, and Mr. 
Stockham. The latter gentleman being awaj- on a 
mission to procure military assistance, if possible, 
for the settlci-8, his wife was at home alone. Three 
miles further up the cret'k another settler was 
living named Rembreaux. I'rompt as well as ener- 
getic measures were at once sot on foot to notify 
all the settlers, and prepare for moving from that 
locality to a place of safety. A conveyance had 
to bo made for Mr. Fine, who was prostrated with 
inflammatory rheumatism, also for the children of 
Mr. Denio. The hind portion of a wagon was con- 
verted into a cart for this ])urpose, but before they 
could move a fearful storm set in, and all were 
detained until the following morning. During the 



night they were re-enforced bj- the arrival of Thomas 
Byrnes and John Lackey. 

Early on the morning of the fifth, the party, con- 
sisting of all the persons mentioned, started to reach 
Willow Point. To do this they were forced to cross 
Martin and Cottonwood Creeks, swollen with the 
recent storm, between which lay a swamp of mud 
about two and a half miles wide. Over that portion 
of the route the sick man, women and children, had 
to be carried most of the way, rendering their prog- 
ress tediously slow. After the passage was made, 
Mr. Denio and Rembreaux manned the cart in which 
Mr. Fine and the children were placed, and started 
to haul it to Hamblin's Corral, some three miles on 
their waj*, the two women accompanying them on 
foot They were soon met by a man on horseback 
named Jacob Hufford, who attached a riala to the 
reach, which served as a tongue for the cart, and 
with the other end of it fastened to his saddle, hauled 
the primitive ambulance over the intervening dis- 
tance to the corral without delay. The balance of 
the party remained behind at the. Cottonwood Creek 
to get across that stream such provisions, goods, etc., 
as had been taken that far in their journey. It was 
expected that thej- would be met by a man named 
Christopher Fearbourne, who had gone the night 
before up the valley with an ox-team to get the 

effects of Barber, and Collins, who were to 

leave with the rest. 

P'earbourne had remained overnight with the par- 
ties whom he had gone to move out of their danger- 
ous proximity, and when they got up in the morning 
it was to find a large number of Indians about the 
house and corral. No unfriendly demonstration was 
made, but looks, combined with their awaiting with 
no apparent object about the place, seemed to carry 
with it the indications of hostile designs that might 
develop into action at any moment. Barber sug- 
gested to his companions that they all go to the corral, 
mount their horses, and ride off; but this j)lan was 
objected to by Fearbourne and Collins, who thought 
a bold front might do better. They deemed the 
wisest course to be for them to put their things on 
board the wagon, and go as they first intended. This 
plan was tried, but the Indians becoming more 
demonstrative and rather insolent, Barber said 
to his friends. '• I am going to make the altem])t to 
go for help, and j-ou shut yourselves up in the cabin 
if there is trouble, and do the best you can till I get 
back." 

He went to the corral, caught and saddled a floet- 
footed horse, as though nothing had occurred to dis- 
turb him, and one of the Indians asked him what he 
proposed to do. Barber re])lied that he was going 
out to drive in a beef to kill; but they did not seem 
to fully believe his assertion, and two of them 
mounted their ponies and started with him. F"or a 
long distance they rode along, until finally seeming 
to become convinced that liarber had told the truth, 
they turned back, lie rode on without increasing 



THE OWENS RIVER WAR. 



171 



hiH speed, until an elevation hid liim from their view, 
when he j^jiiUoped onward in the direction of the set- 
tlement where the parties lived whom wo have 
described as on their way to the Ilamblin (,'orral. 

The men who had remained liehind to get their 
property to a place where it could bo reached and 
taken up by the expected owner of the ox-team, had 
ju8t comj)leted their task when Hai'ber came riding 
up with the news of the danger that had overtaken 
his comrades at the cabin. While he was telling 
what had transpired, one of the listeners turned to 
look in the direction of the threatened danger, and 
saw a column of smoke rising from the valley, and 
then they correctly suspected that tho cabin had 
been fired, and probabi}' a struggle for life was at 
that moment going on between the savages and the 
two men who had shut themselves in there. Barber, 
Bj'rnes and Lackey at once started to the relief of 
tho besieged, while Bryant and the lad Denio set out 
for the corral. 

As Barber and his two assistants neared tho burnt 
cabin and were within jiossibly three hundred yards 
of it, they were suddonl}- assailed by twenty-two 
Indians on horseback and a large number on foot, 
but the three white men made a successful retreat to 
the corral, three miles away, that had become the 
place of general rendezvous. Just at this time as A. 
and T. J. Bryant, with whom was young Robert 
Denio, a lad but twelve years old, were approaching 
the corral, they were discovered by the Indians, who 
made an attempt to cut them off, which would have 
been successful but for a bold rally on tho part of 
Waldron Foster and Lackey, that created a diver- 
sion and enabled tho footmen to gain the defenses. 

The little garrison now consisted of A. Denio, his 
wife and four children; Uobert Denio, a boy twelve 
years old, Jacob Hufford and wife, Mrs. Stockham, 
T. J. Fine, A. Bryant, T. J. Bryant, John Lackey, 

Waldron Foster, Thomas Byrnes, Rembreaux, 

and Barber. 

Ten men, one boy, three women, and four children, 
constituted tho entire force over which Mr. Denio, 
by mutual consent, assumed command- The place 
was j)ut in tho best possible condition for defense; 
but it was believed by all that unless assistance camo 
soon, a ma.ssacro would be their common fate. About 
fitly yards from the corral stood Ilamblin's house, 
which became a point of considerable danger, as 
behind it the enemy was liable to take cover and 
station sharpshooters. It was, therefore, decided to 
burn the structure, and this task was performed by 
T. J. Bryant and .Mr. Foster under a lii-e from the 
Indians. Tlio only arms possessed by tho besieged 
settlers were three common rifles, ono musket, two 
double-barreled shot-guns, ono nav^- and five small 
Colt's revolvers, and they were obliged to stay there 
and receive without reply the fire from long-range 
guns in ])ossession of the Indians, who were on every 
side of them. 



A UIDE FOR LIFE. 

It was at length determined to make an effort to 
break through the enemy's lines and roach Willow 
Point, to let tho pe()])le there know tho peril that 
menaced the garrison. Thomas Byrnes volunteered 
to make the perilous attempt, and mounting a horee, 
he rode straight down upon tho Indians and passed 
through their lines upon a gallop, followed by a shower 
of bullets and a half dozen duskj' warriors well 
mounted. The fleet-footed horse flew over the plain 
to the south with its ridor apparently unharmed, and 
soon passed from the sight of those anxious watchers 
at the little fort. It was a race for life. If over- 
taken by a stray bullot, or tho mounted savages, tho 
lives of all at the corral would have ]>ai<l the ponaltyi 
and, seemingly inspired with the terril)lo emergency, 
the noble animal flow like a winged Pegasus out of 
sight from its pursuers. 

Arriving at Willow Point Station about 3 p. m., 
thirteen men were found there willing and anxious 
to answer the call for help, but unfortunatolj-, only 
twelve horses could be obtained to ride, and it would 
not do for them to wait for an animal for tho thir- 
teenth man. Twelve accordingly mounted tho horses 
and as they were about to ride off, a white-haired 
old veteran named Givens, the one who was to 
have been left behind, seized a rifle in ono hand, and 
laying hold of the pommel of a saddle with tho other, 
told them to " heave ahead." In this manner ho 
kept pace with tho relief party over that thirteen 
miles, refusing to get on a horse, and every little 
while sajing, " heave ahead, boys, heave ahead, tho 
women and children must be saved."' 

Just at night they arrived iii the vicinity of tho 
besieged camp. The Indians upon iliscovering their 
approach held a hurried consultation, raised tho siege, 
and fled the valley. No more was scon of them. 
About nine o'clock in the evening tho entire party 
started for Willow Point, reaching the |)lace at 3 
o'clock in tho morning of tho sixth, where they found 
Lieut. Jo.seph Wolverton, with twent^'-fivo men, who 
had arrived there late the previous evening. 

A letter from E. F. Dunno, of Humboldt County, 
published in the Gold Hill i\'ei/;.t, April 17, 18(J5, says: 
"On the sixth, Wolverton engaged a band of Indians 
about twelve miles from Cottonwood, killing ton of 
them, and then pushed on to Martin Creek Gap, 
some thirty-two miles from Willow Crook, where 
they killed two more Indians. A company of volun- 
teers, citizens, arrived at Willow Creek on tho even- 
ing of tho seventh, and the next morning started to 
aid Lieutenant Wolverton, but found on their arrival 
that the Indians had made their escape. The only 
casualty to Wolverton's command was ono horso shot. 

K.VTE OF COM.INS .VNI> FE.MIHOI'RNE. 

On tho seventh, Lieutenant Wolverton with his 
command, accompanied by citizens, visited the scone 
of the late trouble; and u|ion arriving at the burned 
cabin found and buried tho remains of Collins and 



172 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



Fearbourne. Judijiiifi; from the appearance of the 
bodies and surromidiDf^s, it wan evident that the two 
men had remained in the burning house until there 
was left them only a choice as to whether they 
would die by bullets or fire. They had then sallied 
forth to their doom. Fearbourne had, apparently, 
remained in the cabin, holding a pan over bis head 
to protect himself fron the heat of the burning roof 
of tbatfh, until his hands and arms were cooked. 
He had then rushed out of the burning cabin, and 
while running had evidently been shot in the back, 
falling some 150 yards from the cabin, where he was 
found still grasping the pan. The charred remains 
of the unfortunate Collins were found among the 
ashes and embers of a ))ile of poles but a short dis- 
tance from the house, and it is supposed he ha<l been 
j)laced on this funeral-pyre before life was extinct. 
Ilis heart had been cut out, and his body otherwise 
mutilated, in accordance with the usual custom of 
these savages. 

EIGHTEEN INDIANS SC.VLPED. 

On the fifteenth of April succeeding the events 
narrated, four parties succeeded in surprising a camp 
of Indians near Kane Springs. They charged in 
among the redskins, dealing death right and left, 
and brought away with them eighteen scalps as 
trophies of their work. 

EVENTS IN OTUER P.\RTS IN 1865. 

On the fifth of May James Emory, of Trinitj- 
County, California, was killed by Pah-Utes, near the 
Honey Lake road, about twenty-five miles from the 
Humboldt Iliver. Ho was one of seven who were 
en roufe for Pine Forest Mining District. At the 
same time another of the party was wounded, named 
Sponcer, and they reported having killed four 
Indians. 

May 20th, Captain Wells, with thirty-six men, 
fought a combined force of Pah-Utes, Bannocks and 
Shoshones, numbering, according to his report, 500. 
The scene of the battle was Vii) miles northeast of 
Gravelly Ford, and 75 miles from Paradise Valley. 
The engagement lasted four hours ; I'esulling in a 
repulse of the whites, and a loss of two men killed, 
named James Monroe and Isaac \V. Godfrey, both of 
Company D, F'irst Nevada Cavaby, and four 
wounded. The place whore tho battle was fought is 
called Godfrey Mountain by the Adjutant General of 
Nevada.* A private letter from one of the soldiers 
engaged in the battle, says: " I can give no correct 
guess of how many Indians there wore; but they 
must have had fifty or sixty guns, perhaps a great 
many more; they used no bows and arrows." 

The following letter gives all tho particulars con- 
cerning tho incident of which it treats, that have 
come to us: — 

Paradise Vai.i.ev, July 5, 1SG5. 
A. P. K. Sakkouu: I have this moment arrived 
at this jioint, having been one of a party of soven- 

* Adjutant (ioueral's lleport, f8G5, page C. 



teen men who, on their way to Boise, encountered a 
large band of Indians twent}' miles bej-ond Quin's 
River, on Monday, the 'M instant, and of the jiarty 
P. W. Jackson, of Virginia City, was instantlj' killed. 
Thomas Kwing was shot through the body. Thomas 
Rule, of Humboldt River, was shot in several places, 
and a Canadian Frenchman, from Virginia (Jitj', was 
shot through the lungs. Ewing, llule and the 
Frenchman will be hereto-night. Mr. Ewiiig wishes 
j-ou to em])loy a ])hj'sician and send him immediatolj' 
to this place, Willow Point. We hope that none of 
those wounded are mortally so, but they are very 
badly shot. The tight lasted two hours. 

Tuos. J. Butler. 

The repeated contests in the northern part of Hum- 
boldt County communicated the excitement to the 
Indians of eastern Nevada, and they assembled in 
threatening bodies in several localities of Lander 
County. Tho Indians of this section belonged to the 
Shoshone tribe, an inferior and ])ro])ortyless jjooplo, 
who were so low in the scale of humanitj' that they 
never consti-ucted a house, or wigwam, or anj-tbing 
that could bo called by any name indicating a cover, 
only seeking shelter in storms — which in winter 
were frequent, and at times severe — behind rocks 
and in the lee of bushes; subsisting on pine nuts, 
pine burs, roots, mice, snakes (hence their name 
Shoshone), gophers, rabbits, and game of a similar 
character, occasionally killing a coj'otc, antelope or 
other larger animal. The Pah-Utes were their 
superiors, holding them in subjection, limiting their 
range to what arc now called the Shoshone Mount- 
ains on the west, forbidding them the ownership of 
horses, and by other and oppressive moans, continu- 
ing them in a state of destitution and degradation. 
The largo influx of minors in 18tj2-G3, and subseqent 
years, had relieved them from the opjiression of the 
Pah-Utes, and had so greatly bettered their condition 
that no ap])rohonsions had boon felt; consequently, 
their threatening assemblages and thieving doi)reda- 
tions so incensed the ])eople of Lander Count}- that 
they called upon the Military Department to send an 
expedition against thom. Colonel .Mooi-e, of the 
California Volunteers, was in command at Fort Hubj", 
and, in June, lSii5, ho dispatched Lieut. W. H. 
Soamands, a young and energolic; officer, with about 
forty men and a mountain howil/.er, to tho scone of 
disturbance in the northern part of Rooso River 
Valley. Soamands encountered tho Indians in tho 
hills west of Reese River, and after a few shots dis- 
persed them, without loss to his command, and an 
unknown loss to the enemy. Tho energy and 
promptitude of this movement, with the execution 
and terror inflicted by tho howitzer, pacified tho 
Indians of that quarter, or sent thom as allies of 
those who wore still committing depredations in 
northern Nevada and southern Oregon. 

hostilities in paradise valley in 18C5. 
Tho citizens of Paradise Vallo}- determined to per- 
sist in their efforts to raise a crop of grain that year, 
and to enable thom to do so two colonies were 




EXCHANGE HOTEL, AURORA, ESMERALDA CO,NEV. 
ANGUS M? LEOD, PROP'R. 



^^■AM^~ 




RANCH OF ANGUS M9 LEOD, MASON VALLEY, 

ESMERALDA CO.,rMEV. 



THE OWENS RIVER WAR. 



173 



organized. One of them was formed about May 
loth and consisted of Charles Adams, the founder, 

M. W. Havihuui. A. Denio, Thomas Byrnes, 

Travis, Doom, and .Mayland. They 

established themselves on the ranch now owned 

by B. F. Rile}-, Charles Siiiiihas, an<l Rice. 

They succeeded in cullivatiiii; about eighty acres of 
ground, but about the first of July the colony 
removed to the- place now owned by R. Breiicbly, 
for the purpose of culliiig hay. In this new locality 
they found plenty of Indian signs, that indicated a 
hostile proximity because of their secrecy or failure 
to lead to a visible presence of any of that race. 

The other colony was on the east side of the val- 
ley, with .Martin Creeic running between them, and 
thej' consisted of R. 11. Scott, Edward Lyng, C. A. 
Nichols, Richard Brenchly, Charles CJegg, J. G. 
Johnson, Joshua Warlord, Victor T. Schann and 
Michael Mayleu. Tliese parties made the cabin of 
R. H. Scott their place of nightly rendezvous, in the 
day-time working, well-armed, upon their several 
ranches. After their cro))s were in, four of them left 
the valley and the others remained until in Jul}', 
when indications of unfriendly Indians became so 
strong in the vicinity that Scott decided to go and 
see if military assistance could not be obtained. He 
started, and got lost in the night, but discovering a 
light ap])roached it and I'ouiul himself unexpectedly 
in the temporary camp of Colonel McDermit, who 
detailed Sergeant Thomas, of Company D, Nevada 
Volunteers, with a Corporal and si.xteen men to 
return with him. 

This command, under Sergeant Thomas, had 
moved north iVom Willow Point, to graze their 
stock and occupy an advanced position in the valley. 
The little force was then divided, and six men with 
the Corporal were some four miles from the Ser- 
geant's camp, when on the 2Gth of July they were 
suddenlj- confronted b}' a body of Indians number- 
ing, as variously stated, from twenty-seven to fifty 
warriors. No attack was made, but their acts not 
being oi'a friendly nature, a man was sent to notify 
Sergeant Thomas of the condition of affairs, and he 
immediately started with his men for llie tliroatencd 
cam]). The Indians on observing his approach 
hoisted a white flag, which the Sergeant responded 
to by a charge that drove the marauders into the 
swam]) where they took cover and found thems^'lves 
in a ira]) from which there was no chance for escape. 
A long and obstiiiate battle ensued, every man fight- 
ing on his Dwn ])lan, as skirmishers, taking advan- 
tage of cover in imitation of the Indian mode of war- 
fare. There were several citizens who took j)art in 
the fight, which made the foi'ces about ei]ual as to 
numbers. Five Indians fled to a house for safety; ' 
the building was fired and each was shot as he 
rushed out from his burning refuge. 

When the battle was over there were twent^'-threo 
dead Indians left on the battle-ground, and the bal 



ance escaped to the hills, one of whom died from 
the ett'ects of his wounds. 

THE WRITES LOST IN THE BATTLE.* 

Jos(']ih Warfield, a citizen, killed. 

Hereford, private, Company 1, California Volun- 
teers, killed. 

Daniel MulHy, jirivato, Companj' 1, California 
Viilunteers, wounded. 

Rehil, jirivate, Company I, California Volunteers, 
wounded. 

Travis, private. Company I, California Volunteers, 
wounded. 

M. W. Ilaviland, wounded. 

One soldier who was wounded cut out the ball, 
and then continued in the fight to its close. 

DEATH OF COLONEL CIIAULES MCDEU.MIT. 

On the seventh of August, this oflScer, who was 
in command of the De])artment of Nevada, was 
shot bj' an ambushed Indian, when riding along a 
trail. He was returning to Camp McDermit, then 
known as Quin's River Station, from a scout on 
Quin's River, at the time, and lived but four hours 
after receiving the fatal wound. His remains were 
taken to Fort Churchill, where they arrived on the 
nineteenth of August, and were buried there the 
next day. A letter from him, written at tjuin's 
River Station, on the first of August, stated as fol- 
lows:—^ 

" We have killed thirty-two Indians since 1 took 
the field, and have had one man wounded, and one 
man killed." 

August 11th, an Indian named "Tom" was arrested 
and shot in Spring Canon, near Unionville, he hav- 
ing been recognized as one of the depredators in 
I'aradise Valley. 

EVENTS IN HCMBOLDT COUNTY. 

T)nring the month of August Colonel Bryan made 
a sumnu'r camp near Willow Point, where he re- 
mained until October, when the forces under his 
command withdrew to Dun Glen. 

Sejitember lid, upon information received from 
and under guidance of friendly Pah-Utes, a party 
of hostile Indians, numbering about ton. were sur- 
priseil in their cam]) near Table Mountain, about 
thirty miles southeast of Unionville, and all were 
killed. Twenty soldiers, under Lieutenant Penwell, 
several citizens, and the guides, ])artici]iated in the 
sanguinary work. The victims had recently par- 
tici])ated in the war along the north lino of the 
State, which fact was obtained from the guides, 
who disclosed the hiding-i)lace of the hosliles. The 
following account of the affair is taken from the 
Humboldt Keyister, which is given to show the si)irit 
of those times, and justification of the act l)y public 
o])inion: — 

The I'ah-Ute guides led the ])arly upon the camp 
at daybreak this morning, so cautiouslj' that the 

" Luttui- ti)<!olil Hill A'eiod, datoil August '1, 18G5. 



174 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OS' NEVADA. 



entire t;ang was taken in, and ticketed for the 
hai»py iiunting-i^rounds before thej- knew what was 
the matter. Seven bucks bit the dust, and one or 
two squaws were killed by accident. 

September 13tli, at day-break, Captain Payne 
attacked a camp of Indians in Quin's River Valley, 
on Willow Creek; a running fight ensued that lasted 
about three hours, resulting in the killing of thirty- 
one Indians, and wounding of one white man. 

The following extract from the Owyhee Aco/imche. 
of Idaho, ])ublishcd by John and Joseph Wasson. in 
October, besides the historic incident given, is valua- 
ble as being a true expression of public sentiment at 
that time in Nevada. 

About the eighth instant, a friendly l*ah-Ute 
gave information that the Indians were camped fif- 
teen miles southeast of Unionvillc. Nevada. Lieu- 
tenant Penwell, of Captain Doughty 's company, at 
once proceeded from Dun Glun with a detachment of 
men, and slaughtered them all. The soldiers have 
adopted the true method of Indian warfare. They 
neither wait for attacks nor hostile movements by 
them, but go and hunt them as men would wolves 
that prcj' on their stock. 

BLACK ROCK TOM. 

The above was the name of a chief whose band of 
Pah-Utes had begun their raids on the fourteenth of 
March, 1865, and it was his followers, as well as 
those living in the mountains to the north and north- 
east, joined by renegade Shoshones and 15annocks, 
who had been keeping up hostilities during the sum- 
mer in Paradise Valley and along the northern 
frontier. 

The peaceabl}- disposed Pah-Utes were afraid that 
the warlike attitude of this band would antagonize 
the whole tribe with the whites, and bring consequent 
destruction upon them. Because of this fear, Captain 
Soo, the chief of the Humboldt River Pah-Utes, 
determined to aid the soldiers in killing oft' all the 
hostile Indians regardless of their tribal relations. 

In one of the first days of November, ISO."), a 
party of men with three or four ox-teams, were haul- 
ing goods from California to the Humboldt, over the 
Honey Lake route. They had left Rabbit Hole 
Station, and were a])proacliiiig Cedar Springs in the 
evening. One of the teams had gained some distance 
in advance of the others, when it was captured, the 
driver killed, the contents of the wagon plundered^ 
and the residue set on fire by Black Rock Tom and 
his band. 

The news was taken to Dun Glen, and Lieutenant 
Penwell was ordereil out with twenlysi.v men in 
pursuit of the marauders. Captain Soo, who had 
been the leader in the Williams massacre in 1860, 
acted as guide, and with the Indian characteristic of 
treachery and love of blood, now made war on his 
race. Upon examining the signs about the scone of 
the tragedy he came to the conclusion that Black 
Hock Tom was the guiltj" party, and the command 
moved north in pursuit. On the ninth of November 



they found those whom they were in search of 
intrenched ujion a mountain, west of Pah-Ute 
Meadows, and after an unsuccessful effort to dislodge 
them, fell back into the valley some seven miles and 
camped for the night. The next morning they 
started for Dun Glen, where they arrived on the 
eleventh without loss either to the Indians or them- 
selves. 

On the thirteenth of November^ Lieut. R. A. 
Osmer, of Company B, Second California Cavalry, with 
sixtj' soldiers, four citizens, and Captain Soo, with four- 
teen of his warriors, started from Dun Glen, to make 
another effort to punish the bold outlaw. On reaching 
the sink of Quin's River, about 100 miles northwest of 
Dun Glen, the wagons were left in charge of fourteen 
men, while the others continued to march. At day- 
light on the morning of the seventeenth, after having 
passed through the swampy sink of Quin's River 
during the night, Captain Soo declared as the sum- 
mit of some low hills was reached that he could see 
the smoke of the enemj-'s camp-fires some nine miles 
away to the northeast. He also insisted that the 
smoke was from the camp of Black Rock Tom. The 
march was continued, and when within some five 
miles of the point designated, the smoke could be 
seen by all. The hostiles did not observe the 
approach of the soldiers until only about two miles 
intervened between the opposing forces, when Lieu- 
tenant Osmer sai<l : " Come on boys, we can't go 
around, the best man will get there fii-st;" and away 
went the entire command in a "go as you please 
style" for a two-mile charge. 

The chief, Captain Soo, finding that he was likely 
to be passed by some of the whites in the charge, 
reached down and with a knife cut the girth and, 
throwing the saddle from under him while at full 
speed, flew like a true son of the desert, on his bare- 
backed horse, over the plains, and was the first to 
charge in among the enemy, who were making their 
best off'orts to escape. A skirmish battle, that extended 
over several miles of country, followeil. It was a 
dashing, gullant affair, that entitled the participants 
to great credit. One prisoner, a woman, was taken, 
whom a citizen was about to kill but was jtrevented 
from doing so by a soldier. Five squaws and six 
Indians only escaped, among whom was Black Rock 
Tom. 

David O'Connell was killed; Sergeant Lansdon and 
another man were wounded. The bodies of fifty- 
five Pah- Utes were found, which does not account for 
all the Indians slain, many of whom must have 
remained iiidden on the battle-ground that extended 
over an area ol'])ossiblj- three miles scpiare, that con- 
tained many gullies and quantities of sago-brush. 

After the battle had ended, a Corporal in coming 
down the side of a mountain, or hill, was hailed by a 
comrade, and upon going to the place found him try- 
ing to stop the blood that was flowing from the 
wounds of an Indian mother. Beside the woman, 
who had received an accidental shot, lay an infant 



THE OW^NS RIVER WAR. 



175 



possibly six months old. and standing close by with 
a frozen look of infant horror pictured in its face, 
stood another child about two years of age. The 
private said: "Let's take her down to the cam]), its a 
pity to leave her here to die, and the little i'eliows to 
starve." Just then the Corporal noticed a citizen 
passing not far away and said to his comrade " call 

and he will help you, 1 must hurry down." 

Directly after reaching the foot of the hill he heard 
several pistol shots in the direction of where he had 
left the two men with the wounded woman, and 
looking up that way saw the soldier coming down 
alone. " Where is j-our squaw " said the Corporal as 
the private came up. " That was a tine specimen you 
called to help me," was llie reply. " The d — n 
bushwhacker shot the whole lot of them, babies and 
all. bcl'ore I knew what he was up to." 

CLOSING ACTION AND ACT OF THE YEAR. 

A part of Company B, from Dun Glen, and Com- 
pany I, from Camp McDermit, both of California 
regiments, met at Kane Sjiriiigs for a scout under 
Captain Conrad, in December. Black Kock Tom 
had gathered in the scattered families of his follow- 
ers, and joined l)y those of other bands that were 
still committing depredations, bad rendezvoused in 
another locality on Quin's Eiver. 

The snow was lying upon the ground at the time, 
and the command under Captain Conrad were forced. 
one night while out, to lead their horses in a circle 
to keep from freezing. The Indian camp had not 
been discovered yet, and camp-fires were not allowed, 
as they would reveal to those sought the proximity 
of their enemies. Evcntuallj- the Indians were dis- 
covered on or near Fish Creek, and surrounded before 
daylight. One squaw, a boy, and an old man were 
captured, the balance, about forty in all, being killed. 
No whites were injured. Thus ended organized hos- 
tilities on the part of any band of the I'ah-Ute tribe; 
some of the more desperate, however, allied to n^ne- 
gades from the Shoshone and Bannock tribes, con- 
tinued hostilities along the borders the following 
year, some of them entering i'aradise Valley. 

Black Rock Tom. who was absent at the time, 
went down to the sink of the Ilumlioldt, and deliv- 
ered himself up as a j)risoner to the chief. Captain 
Hoc, who turned him over to the soldiers. Some cit- 
izens went to the Captain and told him the people 
were going to lake him from the soldiers and hang 
him, and that he had better make his escape if he 
wished to live. An ()j)piirlunit3- ^^''''' given for the 
attempt to be made which he availed himself of, 
when he was shot and killed. 

The following is from the message of Gov. II. (i. 
Blasdel, to the Senate and Assembly, dated January, 
1866:— 

Lack of time forbids detailing the incidents of 
my visits among the various tribes; sutlice it to say, 
some of their alignments were unanswerable. They 
said, through their interj)reter, "the white men cut 
down our pine trees, their cattle eat our grass, we 



have no pine nuts, no grass-seed, and we are veiy 
hungry.' I found them, in several instances, with 
nothing to subsist u])on but rabbits, mice, grasshop- 
pers, ants, and other insects." 

PARADISE VALLEY TROUBLE IN 1867. 

In the summer of 1S()(!, Camj) Winfield Scott, was 
established at the noith end of Paradise Valley, 
and on the twelfth of December, that year, it was 
occupied by Company A, United States Cavalry, 
under Capt. Muny Davis, with Lieut. John Laflerty 
as second in command. 

On the twelfth of January, 1867, Lieutenant Laf- 
ferty encountered a band of Indians, near the head- 
waters of the Little Humboldt, killed several of them, 
and destroyed their camp. In the fore part of Feb- 
ruary succeeding, he drove another ])arty from the 
south fork of the Little llumboldt into the mount- 
ains, who escaped because of the deep snow. 

The last of February, Cajjtain Davis left Camp 
Wintield Scott, Lieutenant Lafierty remaining in 
command, and his energy and ability as an officer 
were soon put to a severe test. March 13th the 
Indians ran off the stock belonging to Charles Gagg, 
who lived about eight miles southerly from the post. 
The following morning found the Ijieutenant, with 
fourteen men, in pursuit of the marauders, and not- 
withstanding a fierce storm and fall of snow had 
completely obliterated their tracks, he coi>tinued the 
search. On the ninth day out he encountered the 
band he was pursuing, killed six of them, destroyed 
their camp, and captured their arms. 

HON. JAMES A. BANKS KILLED. 

This vigorous action made him a terror to the 
dusky raiders, and gave a quiet season for putting 
in crops to the farmers in Paradise Valley; and no 
further trouble was experienced, until on the fii-st of 
August, when Hon. .Tames A. Banks was killed by 
them, within a couple of miles of Camp Wintield 
Scott, while fishing in Cottonwood Creek. Mr. 
Banks, who was at the time a resident of Dun 
Glen, Humboldt County, was in eompanj- with Pev. 
Mr. Temple, of New York City, on a visit to the 
camp, and joined by Lieutenant TiaflTertj-, were out 
fishing as before stated. Mr. Banks strolled u|) the 
stream by himself, and the Lieutenant with Mr. Tem- 
ple returned to cam|). The continued absence of his 
guest caused the Lieutenant to institute a search, 
fearing that he might have become bewildered and 
lost his way. The remains of the unfortunate man 
were found, shot through the breast, the assassin 
having stripped and mutilated his body; and two 
daj-s later the Rev. Mr. Temple preached the funeral 
sermon of his friend, whom they buried in the camp 
cemetery. 

Mr. Banks was a native of Pennsylvania, and 
thirty-nine years of age. He emigrated to Califor- 
nia in 18r)2 from Pennsylvania, and became for sev- 
eral terms a n\ember of the Legislature of that State. 
He came to Nevada in 1863, was a member of the 



176 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



Convention that formed the State Constitution, and 
was Speaker of the House during the second annual 
session of her Leffislature. He was a true friend, an 
able man, and a good citizens, and tlie news of his 
death was received with sadness throughout the 
State. 

The Indians — it was atterward learned that three 
of them bad committed the act — made good their 
escape, and a detail sent in pursuit of them soon 
returned from an unsuccessful scout. Lieutenant 
Lafl'erty then took bis entire available command and 
started upon the war-path. He reached the south 
fork of the Owyhee, where near its head-waters 
he came upon the enemj' ; killed four of them ; 
captured four; and, later in the same daj-, while 
scouting alone in a canon, came upon four other 
Indians, and in a hand-to-hanu conflict killed two 
of them, captured the others and drove them 
ahead of him into camp. This was the last of his 
combats in 'Nevada, being relieved from command 
about the first of November, by the arrival at Camp 
Scott, of Lieutenant Jo.sepb Karge, with reiniorce- 
ments. 

THE WINTER or 18(i7. AND SPRINCl OF 18(j8. 

On the nineteenth of November, 1^()7, before Lieu- 
tenant Karge had become informed of the general 
surroundings of the country, the Indians made a raid 
into the eastern part of the Valley, and drove off all 
the stock except that of Mr. Scott. Lieutenant 
Karge went in pursuit, but moved so slowly, on 
accou!it of deeji snow and baggage, that nothing was 
accomplished. 

The winter of 18G7 was verj' severe, and the 
snow fell to the dejjth of several feet in Paradise 
Valley, and continued upon the ground longer than 
ever known before. Owing to the sevei'ity and 
length of the winter, many families were forced to 
subsist upon wheat and barley, ground in a 
coffee-mill. Spring bad hardly come before the 
valley was visited again by Indians, who, becoming 
emboldened by their success a lew months before, 
reiiealed the operation, this time driving off all the 
stock belonging to M. W. Uaviland. 

There were about twenty in the band of depre- 
dators, under leadership of the dreaded Big Foot; 
and young Hunter, a Lieutenant who had recently 
arrived, was ordered to take Sergeant John Kellj-, 
Cor])oral Thomas J{eed, and j)rivate Thomas Ward, 
and pursue the enemy, whip him, and bring back 
the stolen jiroperty. Jn obedience to these orders, 
the young Jiieutenant, who had never witnessed 
an engagement, set out on this perilous enterprise, 
and was joined bj' a citizen named John Ifogers, 
from whom ]Jig Foot had taken a valuable horse. 

A lew unj)leasant words had jiassed between 
Lafferty and the commanding ollicer, because the 
former had iYisisted that it was much like -murder 
to order out such a detail in pursuit of Big Foot. 
Lafl'erlj- asked to be sent in place of the young 
and inexperienced officer, which request was refused; 



but after the forlorn hope was gone be was per- 
mitted to take a small force of select men and iol- 
low on. He scoured the foot-hills and cafions in 
vain search of the young Lieutenant, and was about 
to take to the mountains when a messenger over- 
took him, with the news of a collision between the 
Indians and those he was in search of and the 
consequent imminent peril Of his friends, and with- 
out a moment's delaj' started with his command at 
their utmost speed to the rescue. 

The five men, after starting in pursuit of the 
Indians, had gone directly to the mouth of Deep 
Caiion, where they struck Big Foot's trail; and 
young Hunter, as rash as he was inexperienced, 
dashed along the rocky j)ass, followed by his men. 
Suddenly they were brought to a halt b}' a volley 
from the concealed enemy that unhorsed every man, 
and stretched the brave j"oung leader bleeding ujjon 
the rocks, and beside him were the Sergeant and 
private, writhing in the agonies of their death- 
wounds. The Corporal and citizen were uiihai-med, 
but their clothing was jierforated with bullets, and 
their horses were gone. Sheltering themselves behind 
a rock, they held a consultation, to see what should 
be done in this fearful emergency. It was deter- 
mined that one of them should try to reach Camp 
Scott to give the alarm, and Bogers volunteered to 
make the attempt, lie threw off his hat, coat, and 
boots, and then made a dash from behind the rock 
down the caiion, followed by a volley, and then by 
scattering shots, until he was out of sight, mirac- 
ulouslj- esca])ing without a wound. He finallj' 
reached headquarters with news of the disaster. 
There was "hurrying to and fro, and gathering in 
hot haste" at Camp Scott, and soon the entire 
force was on the gallop-march to Deep Canon, some 
eight miles away. 

In the meantime, Thomas Beed, the Cor])oral, had 
been protecting his wounded comrades b^' tiring 
upon every redskin that showed himself, and mak- 
ing it a sure passjiort for any of their number to 
the "happy hunting-grounds" who made the attempt 
to reach them. It was a desperate contest, with 
fearful odds against tlie single hero; but nerve and 
courage won the prize, and the band of Indians 
retired from the canon without having been able 
to touch their prey. At length the command arrived 
from the camp, followed later by Jiieulenanl Laf- 
ferty; both were too late, for Big Fool and his band 
had made their escajie, and went unj)unislied. The 
Government, later, rewarded the brave Corporal 
Bccd by presenting him a medal for his gallant 
conduct. 

Soon after this Lieutenant Lafferty was ordered 
on duty in Arizona, where he distinguished himself 
in several battles with Cachise's Apaches, the most 
warlike Indians on the continent. In his last 
engagement, October 20, 1800, while holding the 
Ajjaches in check for the jjurpose of recovering 
the bodies of some dead comrades, a portion of his 




RESIDENCE AND RANCH OF JAMES SULLIVAN. R£NQ. WAbnut CO., NEV. 




HINDS'HOT SPRINGS. 

RESIDENCE, RANCH r'^WATER CURING PLACE OF J.C.HINDS, 






■w; 




ESMERALDA Cf, NEVADA. 



HOSTILITIES IN EASTERN NEVADA. 



177 



lower Jaw was carried away by a bullet, disabling 
him lor lil'e. In the report by Colonol R. F. Ber- 
nard of this engagement, he says: — 

The conduct of Lieutenant Lafferly, Eighth Cav- 
alry, was most gallant and brave. The cavahy arm 
in Arizona has lost, for a time, a good and brave 
officer in J.iieutenaiit Laffcrtj'. A government, in 
extending thanks to their officers, cannot bestow 
them too freclj- u])()n such officers as Lieutenant 
Lafterty, Eighth Cavalry.. 

Occasional straggling bands would continue to 
enter the valley at long intervals, and steal stock, 
until the clo.^c of 18G9; since when there has been 
no further trouble with Indians in Paradise Valley. 



CH APT Eli .\\III. 

HOSTILITIES IN EASTERN NEVADA. 
1860. 

Tlie Dry Creek Figlit — (iravuUy Ford M.-issacre in 1801 — Eiustern 
Nevada Troubles ill KSO'J — (loali-Ute War in LStil}— Attack on 
CaQou Station in 1SG3 — Massacre at Canon Stution — Kml of 
the tiosh-Ute War — Kasterii Nevada War Panic in ISTo — 
Anecdotes and Incidents. 

While the war between the citizens and Pah-Utes 
in the Pyramid Lake country, resulting in the 
battles of "Pyramid Lake" and '• Truckee," was 
progressing, a bandof Shoshones perpetrated a gross 
outrage in the eastern portion of the Territory, at a 
point on the overland stage line, known as Dry Creek 
Station. 

This occurred on the twenty -second of May of that 
year, and was the natural result flowing from the 
increased confidence imjiarted bj- the success of the 
Pah-Utes, in the battle where Ormaby fell, to those 
previously disposed to bo hostile to the whites. The 
following account is taken from the Earekn Lender, 
with slight alterations to conform to evidence received 
warranting the changes: — 

TUE DRY CREEK FIOHT. 

The story of the killing of Applegate and Lozier 
constitutes a thrilling reminiscence of old overland 
times. Of this sad and exciting event, Mr. ii. 11. 
Egleston, a resident of P-ureka, relates the following, 
he having assisted in their burial, heard the first 
statements of the survivora and was familiar with 
the scenes. Four days after the attack on Dry Creek 
Station he was at I)iamon<l Springs, sixty miles cast 
from that point, on his way from Camj) Floyd to 
Carson, in company with Thomas Smith and Elisha 
Mallory, a rancher at present living near (renoa. The 
details of the light were told to .Mr. Kgleston by a 
pony rider, W.L. Ball, more familiarly called " Little 
Baldy," who with Silas McCanless, the station-keejier, 
esca])ed from Dry Creek and made their way to 
Diamond. Thej- were as follows: — 

At the time of the fight there were four men at 
the station — Si. McCanless, the station-keeper, John 



Api'lcgate, \\h\\)\\ .M. Lozier, and Little Haldj-, the 
pony riiler. McCanless, the station-keeper, was liv- 
ing with a Shoshone siiuaw. and it appears that the 
Indians were dissatisfied with this fact, and wanted 
the squaw to return to the tribe. Early in the morn- 
ing of the fight the hidians, numbering about filleen 
or twenty, who were camped near by, came to the 
station and demanded of McCanless to give up the 
squaw. Considerable wrangling and high talk was 
engaged in, but she was not given uj), and McCanless 
having given the Indians a generous supjiiy of 
rations and in a manner pacifietl them, thej- went off 
evidently satisfied. They returned, however, at about 
seven o'clock, and creeping uj) tothe station, which was 
built of Cottonwood logs, and being newly con- 
structed, had not been 'chinked" with mud, the}- 
opened tiro through the crevices between the logs, 
and at the first vollo^' killed Lozier and sevei'ely 
wounded Applegate, he being shot through the 
fleshy partof the thigh, the ball ranging up and coming 
out through the j)Ocket in his pants. Leaving Lozier 
dead in the station, the three men, .McCanless. ,\]iple- 
gate and Bald}', fled from the )>lacefor dear life, with 
the Indians in hot |)ursuit. Ajiplegate, at the out- 
start, had handed his revolver to Bald}-. Alter run- 
ning about a ijuarter of a mile, McCanless' squaw in 
the meanwhile i-uiining between them and the 
Inilians, and endeavoring to keep the latter back, 
Applegate, who was badlj- wounded and was fast 
failing from loss of blood, knew that he could not 
hold out in the race, and halting he askeil Bald}- for 
the revolver, and rather than be overtaken by the 
red devils, who were close upon them, and di-eading 
the torture they would inflict, placed the ])istol to his 
ear and deliberately blew his brains out. .McCanless 
and Baldy continued to run 'for their lives. In 
order to lighten themselves they fairly stri|i]ied to 
their underclothing, and after a most desperate 
flight of several miles managed to outstrip the 
Indians, who gave up the chase. The two men con- 
tinued on at their utmost speed until they reached 
the station at Jiobert's Creek, thirty miles distant 
from Dry ("reek. Here they found a Spanish cook 
and the ]>oiiy rider, where they remained until mid- 
night, when the four left for Diamond Springs, 
thirty miles further on, reaching that jioint at 
sunrise the ne.xt morning. It was here that Mr. 
Egleston met them, and he promised Baldy and 
McCanless that the two men killed by the Indians 
should be proju'rly buried when he and his parly 
reached Dry Creek. I'pon arriving at Dry Creek 
nearly a week later, search was made for the bodies. 
That of Lozier had been dragged from the house 
and horribly 7niitil;ited. The coyotes had torn it to 
pieces. The scattei'ed remains, with the e.\ce])tion of 
the lower ]iortion of the left leg, were found, 
gatherc<l up and buried on the spot where .\])i)legate 
was found — near where he fell. .\]i|)legate's body 
had been only slightly mutilated by the coyotes, and 
the two men were buried together and a monument 
of stones piled over their grave. 

This is the history of the affair as detailed to us. 
McCanless, shortly after the fight, returned to Dry 
Creek, and taking the s(|uaw, over whom the trouble 
originated, to Salt Laki% married her, and the two 
lived together and had several children. .\p|jlegate 
was a native of .Michigan, and Lozier was from 
Iowa, the former aged twenty-two, and the latter 
twenty-one years at the time of their death. The 
statement that the station was burned is a mistake. 
It is standing to-day, if it has not been destroyed 
recently. 



178 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



GRAVELLY FORD MASSACRE IN 18G1. 

The account of this affair was obtained from 
Charles Stebbins, now of Austin. 

In the latter part of the summer of 18G1, four fam- 
ilies from the States stopped for three weeks at the 
trading-post of Stebbins, in Euby Valley. There 
were thirteen persons in the part}', among whom 
were four or five children, and their conveyance con- 
sisted of four wagons drawn by oxen. There was 
one little girl about ten years old among the num- 
ber, who became strongly attached to Mr. and Mrs. 
Stebbins, and they tried ineffectuallj- to persuade the 
])arents to leave her with them. There was a squaw 
named Maggie about the place at the time, working 
for Mr. Stebbins, who also became attached to this 
little girl, and knew of the effort being made to get 
the parents to leave her behind when thej- left. 

The next day after the emigrants had resumed 
their journey, Maggie also disappeared from the sta- 
tion. Several days passed, when late one night some 
one rapped at the door of Mr. Stebbins' house, and he 
went to see who the intruder could be, and found a 
squaw standing thei-e whose face and head were so 
swollen and cut that he did not recognize her. She 
stepped inside and sitting down on a stool in front of 
the fire, commenced a doleful moaning cry accom- 
])anied by a buck and forward, swaying motion of 
the body, as though racked bj* mental and physical 
torture. It was a long time before she would utter 
a word, but finallj- the harrowing details of a fiendish 
outrage was drawn in broken sentences, mixed with 
sobs, from the sorrow-stricken old Shoshone mother. 

Before the emigrants had left Eub}' Station, Mag- 
gie had become sus])icious that certain young warriors 
of the tribe intended to massacre the party before 
thej' passed beyond the Shoshone countrj', and she 
determined to follow the wagons and rescue the lit- 
tle girl should her suspicions prove correct. Her 
fears were realized; the whites were suddenly at- 
tacked in Yago Cafion, which connects Pine Valley 
with the Humboldt River, near Palisade, a few miles 
southeast of Gravelly P^ord. As the struggle, or 
massacre, was going on, the faithiul Indian woman 
rushed in among the combatants, and, seizing the 
little girl, made good her escape from the scene that 
ended in the murder of all the whites. Throwing the 
child across her shoulder, she sped along the trail on 
her way back to the home of Mr. Stebbins, but there 
were many a long, weary mile lying between these 
fugitives and safetj-. Through the balance of the 
day and the following night she fled with her burden 
of innocence, and as ho])e of success began to dawn 
in the hearts of the fugitives, they were suildcnly 
made aware of the immediate presence of two Indians 
in pursuit. They were overtaken, the Indian woman 
was beaten until she was senseless, and the child was 
tied to a slake driven in the ground, when a knife was 
used to aid the savages in committing a nameless 
outrage upon her, and thus the little martj-r died. 

When Maggie came to her senses she found her 



assailants gone, and the dead body of her little 
charge slaked to the ground as the brutish fiends 
had left her. Then she had staggered along, heart- 
stricken, the remainder of the way to bear the sad 
news to her white Iriends. 

Mr. Stebbins immediately set out with a few men 
to see if what he had heard could be true, and find- 
ing the little one he had loved so well, with her 
open, dead eyes staring, horror-stricken, heavenward, 
he knew that all he had been told was a terrible 
reality. The next year the two savages, who had 
thus brutally murdered the little girl, presented 
themselves at Fort Ruby, not being aware of the fact 
that it was known to the whites who had committed 
the deed. They were seized; one was hung and the 
other shot in attemjjting to make his escape. 

EASTERN NEVADA — TROUBLES IN 1862. 

That portion of the Shoshone tribe living in Ruby 
Valley, in what is now Elko County, had for a chief 
in 18G1, an Indian named Sho-kup, who was friendly 
to the whites, in November, or during the first 
daj's of December, of that year, he died of consump- 
tion at the house of Charles Stebbins, and the fol- 
lowers of the dead chief pro])osed, in accordance with 
their usual custom, to kill Sho-kup's squaw, so that 
she would accompany her dead lord to the happy 
hunting-grounds. She fled to the trading-post kept 
by Stebbins, at Ruby Station, on the Overland Stage 
road, and claimed his protection, which being given, 
caused such an excitement among the Indians that 
assistance was asked from Governor James W. Nj-e, 
who sent Colonel Wasson to that section with author- 
ity to take such action as the circumstances de- 
manded. 

The following is Colonel Wasson's report to the 
Governor, made after his return. The report is 
given in full, because of the manj- interesting facts 
containetl therein, relating to the Shoshones at that 
time: — 

Carson City, June 28, 18C2. 

Ills ivvcELLENCY, James W. Nye, Governor and 
Ex (Jj/icio Superintendent of Indian Affairs, Nevada 
Territory — .S'lV.- I have the honor to submit this 
re])ort of my trip, etc., to Ruby Valley. In accord- 
ance with your instructions under date of December 
16, 1861, I started bj' overland stage on the evening 
of the eighteenth of December for Ruby N'alley, 
and arrived at Smith Crock, Hecember 19th, eight 
o'clock p. M. This is the first station in the Sho- 
shone country. The summit oi'the mountains west 
of Smith ('reek being the boundary' bclwoen the 
Pah-Utes and the Shoshones. 

On the twentieth of Doci'mber, six o'clock, a, .m., I 
arrived at Reese Hivei- whoiv I met the chief To-to-a, 
and about one hundred of his liand. I had a very 
satisfactorj- interview with them. The chief assured 
me of his I'ricndshii) for our Government, and that 
none ol' his band woulil, under any circumstances, 
molest the stage or telegraph lines, or any whites 
that might want to visit or reside in his country. 
He seemed to regret that tlure was any <listurl)ancc 
between the whites and ShoshoTies, and volunteered 
to go with me and assist in bringing about a settle- 



HOSTILITIES IN EASTERN NEVADA. 



179 



munt. I thanked him but did not itvail myself of 
his prort'orod serviios, ailhoUi,'h I shoiihl have done 
so had I deemed it neeessarv. His hand numbers 
between throe and four hundred, are very destitute, 
having no manner of property exce])t tire arms 
obtained from the emijjrants and traders, and the 
usual rude instruments used by savages in the collec- 
tion of seeds, roots, fish, game, etc. 

I left Reese River on the morning of the twenty- 
first; passed Simjisons Park, Dry Creek, (irubs Wells 
and arrived at Roberts Creek five o'clock i>. m. Hero 
I found about fifty or si.xty half-starved Indians, and 
I observed from fifteen to twent}' -five at each of the 
last-named stations in a most deplorable condition, 
subsisting principally upon the indigested barley 
obtained by washing the manure from the overlan<l 
stables in baskets after the manner of 8e])arating 
gold from earth with a \nw. 

I may as well state here that 1 met -Mr. Cook, 
Assistant Treasurer Overland Mail C^ompany, from 
whom I learned that he had given orders to station 
keepers to issue rations of grain to the Indians at 
such points as it seemed necessary, and in quantities 
sufficient to prevent starvation. J remained only 
one hour at IJoberts Creek, arriving at Jiuby Valley 
on the twcntj--second, at eight o'clock a. m. Here I 
found about IIH) Indians, headed bj^ a young chief, 
by the name of ■• Hack." They were subsisting 
chiefly upon the charities of the Mail Company and 
other settlers in the valley. 

1 was informed that about half of the Indians 
belonging in Ruby Vallej' had left for the '' White 
Knife " country*, on the upjier Humboldt, on account 
of the late difficulties con8e<iueiit upon the death of 
their chief, Sho-ku]), the circumstances of which 
were substantially as follows, to wit: Previous to 
Sho-kup's death, and after he had become satisfied 
of bis rapidly a])]iroaching dissolution, he expressed 
the desire that Buck should be successor to his posi- 
tion as chief; that he should take his wife (a vcrj- 
intelligent squaw named bj' the whites, Julia) also 
his horses, arms, and other efi'ects. Now this dis])0- 
sition of the estate did not accord with the old estab- 
lished and time-honored custom of the tribe; so 
immediately upon the death of Sho-kup, his friends 
jiroceeded to slay his horses, and collect his 
arms and other effects, and to complete the 
horrid rite the almost frantic widow must bo added 
to the funeral pyre, that she might accomjiany her 
husband to the haj)])}- hunting-grounds of the (ireat 
Spirit. Rut she shrank from the dreadful sacrifice. 
She fled to the mail station, asking jirotection of 
the whites, which was granted. The Indians fol- 
lowed demanding her surrender, threatening to burn 
the ))lace and kill everj white man in the valley if 
they would not give up the woman, which the whites 
refusing to do, they proceeded to |)lace a guard 
ai'OHiid the station. The e.xcitemcnt increased until 
a young Indian of the White Ivnife band shot and 
killed an old favorite Indian doctor of Sho-kup's. 
Whether the doctor's death obviated the necessity of 
killing Sho-kup's widow or not, I cannot say, but 
certain it is that the excitement ceased, and upon 
the jiromise of the Indians that they would not kill 
her,she was given upbytlic whites, and Buck escorted 
her to the Indian cani|» about one-half mile distant. 
Ruck returned to the station in the evening, and in a 
few moments the repi)rt of a gun was heard in the 
rection of the Indian camp. It was rumored that 
.lulia was killed. Buck ran to get on his horse, but 
was ordered by a white man to stop or he would shoot 
him, at the same time firing at Buck with u revolver. 



Buck reached his horse, but was prevented from 
mounting him by another white man who was ahead 
of him. and v.'ho nK)utited Buck's horse, and gave 
chase, at the same time shooting at him with a 
revolver. But the chief, through the tieetness of his 
logs and the darkness of the night, escajted unhurt. 
It was soon ascertained that the alarm was false and 
that Julia was also safe. Buck returned to the 
station the next daj', and the difficulty was amicablj' 
settled. 

Ca])tain McLean, with his detachment, arrived on 
the twenty-seventh of J)ecember. 

The dangers of interruption by Indians to the 
mail and telegra]ih lines. a])preheiided in the com- 
ing spring, are from a band of the Shoshones, called 
■' White Knives," occupying the couTitry between the 
upper Humboldt and the ]iresent mail road; also 
from the Gosh Utes, who reside east of Ruby Valley. 
The former are ipiite numerous, and said to be very 
hostile. I sent for them to come and meet me at 
Ruby Valley, but bad weather ])revented them from 
coming, and the same reason prevented me from 
visiting them. I would res])ectfull}- recommend that 
they receive early attention in the spring. 

The remaining provisions sent out bj- you for the 
Indians. 1 placed in charge of Mr. G. \V. Jacobs, the 
road agent, who will see that it is properly issued 
to the Indians from Reese River to Roberts ('reek; 
and wo estimated that it would be ample for their 
necessities until spring. In view of the vast number 
of wild Indians in the eastern portion. of this Terri- 
torj- who were not included in the estimate for the 
expenses of this superintendencj* for the present 
year, and the increasing necessity for prompt action 
to keej) them quiet from the fact of the rapid settle- 
ment of that portion of the Territory by the whites, 
and for the protection of the mail and telegraph 
lines, as well as the overland emigration, 1 would 
most respectfullj' suggest that this Congress be 
urged to make at least as large an ajipropriatioit for 
this service as for the Pah-Ute and Washoe tribes. 

I would also recommend two more Indian Reser- 
vations, one to be located near (iravelly Ford, on 
the Humboldt, and the other in the neighborhood 
of Keese River. 

I have the honor to be very respectfully, 
Your obedient servant, 

Warren Wasson. 

The recommendations of Colonel Wasson, regard- 
ing appropriations, were not carried out, and there 
was considerable trouble with a portion of the 
Shoshone Indians along the Humboldt River that 
year. Kragmentaiy accounts have been obtained 
of attacks upon emigrant trains in which white 
men wore killed and stock driven off, these bloody 
events, hero as elsewhere, running current with 
all frontier history. Mr. Henry Butterfield, an 
interpreter of the Shoshone language, and familiar 
with the tribe, reports that two diU'erent emi- 
grant ])arties were massacred that fall between the 
south foi-k of the Humboldt and Gravelly Ford, 
both at nearly the same time. One of them was 
attacked near the South Fork, and there was left 
a Chicago wagon, three ox-yokes, and some let- 
ters, to tell of the tragedy enacted there. The 
other emigrants, consisting of two men, their wives, 
and nine childre!). were slaughtered within ton 



180 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



miles of the Ford, and no survivors from either 
party to tell the story of their fate. 

George L. M. Comstock, a resident of Nevada since 
1800, relates that in the fall of 1S02 news reached 
Unionville of an emigrant train that had lost, by 
Indians, all tiunr stock at Gravelly Ford; and 
were held there besieged by the Shoshones. Thirty- 
two men immediately set out for their relief under 

Captain Pool, the narrator being one of the 

relief part}-. Thej' found the train as represented, 
and so great was the joj- of the besieged at the 
appearance of assistance, that strong men broke 
down and wept like children. The next morning 
after their arrival, Captain Pool's command went on 
a little scout and succeeded in surprising an Indian 
camp of about sixty warriors, of whom thirteen 
were killed. The same day five of Pool's men sur- 
prised sixteen more Indians, and killed five. This 
was the last train through that fall, and the end 
of hostilities that year. 

OOSII-UTE WAR IN 18G8. 

The (tOsh-Utes. under their war chief White Horse, 
began hostilities by killing the keeper of Eight- 
mile Station on the twenty-second of March, 1863. 

The overland stage, bound East, that day con- 
tained four passengers, Judge G. N. iMott, of Nevada, 
and an old man on his way homo to the States 
from California, accompanied by his two little sons. 
The driver on this occasion was Henry Harper, 
who was better known on the overland road as 
'•Happy Harry." 

A/j the stage arrived at the scene of the tragcdj' 
it was received by a volley from the savages, who 
were concealed in and about the house, followed 
by the Indian wai'-whoop that once heard is never 
i'orgotten. Awnj- dashed the frightened horses 
guided by the unerring hand of the driver, whoso 
lil'e-l)lood was flowing from a mortal wound. The 
old man, struck with an arrow, sank into the bottom 
of the coach-boot unconscious, and tlfV) onlj' chance of 
escape that remained for any of them rested in tlie 
nerve, skill and bravery of the hero outside. Cling- 
ing to the lines and fighting against the death that 
was creeping around his vitals, the driver urged 
forward those maddened animals in his struggle for 
hho safety of those whose lives were intrusted to his 
charge, until a film gathering in his eyes he called 
to the Judge to come out and take his |)laco. While 
the stage was flying at the lop of the horses' speed 
Judge Mott made his way by dinging to the sides of 
the coach to the driver's assistance, and as he 
grasped the lines lla|)py Harry sank dying under the 
seat, whence the dark angel summoned him to a 
place beside tiie world's forgotten heroes. 

Judge iMolt arrived at l)eep Creek Station with 
the dead driver, the wounded old man, wiio after- 
wards recovered, and the two little boys. One of 
the horses died from the effect of wounds received 
in the race for life. The Indians burned Eight-milo 



Station, drove ofl'the stock, and thus was commenced 
the Overland War of 1SG3 in Nevada. 

With hostilities begun, it required but a few days 
for the incipient spark to kindle a of flame war along 
the whole route, from Schell Creek to Salt Lake 
City, a distance of 225 miles. Three days after the 
death of Hajipy Harry, Company K, Second Cal- 
ifornia Cavahy Volunteers, Captain S. P. Smith 
commanding, was marching from Camp Douglas, 
in Utah, for the scene of the disaster, but having 
divided the company, the main bodj' under C'aptain 
Smith did not arrive at Fort Ruby until the last 
of April. 

In the meantime, Henry Buttcrfield, who had been 
recently appointed by Governor Nye as Indian 
Agent at Euby Vallej', sent out two friendly In- 
dians as spies to find out what tribe had committed 
the act, and where the depredators could be found. 

Maj' 5th, Company E, Third California Infantry 
Volunteers, left Camp Douglas to guard the Over- 
land Stage road between Salt Ijake and Austin, a 
few soldiers being left at each station, usually about 
four. As the stage arrived at a station two of the 
soldiers posted there accompanied it to the next 
stopping-place, and then guarded the next return 
stage back; this dutj' being performed by the infan- 
tr\', while the cavalry was left free to scout through 
the country and patrol the road. 

Soon after the destruction of Eight-mile Station, 
where Ilappj' Harry was killed, a stage was am- 
bushed in the night, while passing through a caiion, 
a short distance east of Schell Creek. At tho time 
there were a number of passengers on board, among 
whom were two women and five soldiers. The vol- 
ley from the Indians was returned with a will by the 
latter, as the coach dashed past, and a mile farther 
on tho only victim of the assault — a horse — fell dead 
in the road from its many wounds. 

As soon as the two spies sent out by Henry But- 
tcrfield returned with the desired information, prep- 
arations Were made for a movement to chastise tho 
guilty jiarties. In jtursuance of this [)roject, Captain 
S. P. Smith's Companj- of California Cavalry moved, 
Jlay 1st, from Fort Huly, and the next morning at 
daylight it had reached Schell Creek, having marched 
sixty miles. During the day they kept as much as 
j)ossible secreted; but as soon as the shadows of 
7iight rendered concealment jjracticable the expedi- 
tion moved south in Steploe Valley, along the base of 
Schell Creek Mountains. Ever^^thing was conducted 
with tho utmost caution to guard against their pres- 
ence in the country being known to the enemy. 
The morning twilight found the command camped 
in a deep eafion, secure from observation, where 
they remained during the day, while their Indian 
allies were out searching for the (iosli-l'tes. About 
sundown the Shoshonos returned with the informa- 
tion that a number of them were about ten miles 
farther to the south in the valley, camped upon 
Duck Crook. As soon as the darkness was sufficient 



HOSTILITIES IN EASTERN NEVADA. 



181 



to conceal the operations of the cavalry they moved 
from their daj-'s bivouac to ctt'ect a surprise, if pos- 
sible, of the unsuspecting bostiles. One division 
crossed the creek, three miles below, and ])asseil up 
on the south side; and aided by the other actinjf on 
the north side of the stream, encircled the slumber- 
ing band with a cordon of steel, and then awaited 
the approach of daylight to begin the work of death. 
A pistol shot was to be the signal for the onslaught, 
and when twilight came, and the shai')) note of 
attack broke the stillness, the cavalry, on foot, with 
a ringing shout, made a wild dash upon the sleeping 
Indians. Let us draw the screen, and not look 
u|)on the scene that Ibllowed; it lasted but a short 
time, and but two escaped. That morning's sun 
looked down upon a dead camp, where twenty-four 
warriors lay sleeping their last sleep; and Happj- 
Ilany was avenged. 

Captain Smith remained until the next morning 
in the vicinity of the scene of the massacre, believ- 
ing that more Indians belonged to this band, and 
that they would probably straggle into camp during 
the day. Ilis camp, meantime. May 4th, was on 
Duck Creek, where the valley by that name 0|iens 
into that of Steptoe. This place was in front of 
where now stands the Caldwell House. To the south 
is rising ground, and in that direction pickets were 
posted to observe the surrounding country, and 
about 2 p. M. the}- signaled the a))])roach of Indians. 
Immediately some twenty cavalrymen mounled, and 
dashed u]) the hill, arriving there just as live return- 
ing tiOsh-Utes reached the summit, and an imme- 
diate struggle ensued, resulting in one wounded 
cavalryman and tive dead Indians. 

The next morning Company K moved u]> the 
stream, and crossing the divide separating Duck 
from Steptoe Creek, moved eastward and over the 
Schcll Creek Mountains, reaching Spring \''alley 
just at da3iight on the morning of the sixteenth, 
after a march of one day and a night. Here they 
surprised another Indian camp in a cedar swam]), 
south of the present Cleveland ranch. The cavalry 
charged down upon the hostile band, but were 
brought to a halt by the swampy character of the 
ground. Many horses were mired, but some floun- 
dered through, and the consequent confusion, with 
temporary delay, enabled most of the Indians to 
esca])c. Twenty-three were found dead after the 
short, sharj) conflict which ensued. The casualty to 
the whites was a soldier wounded and one horse dis- 
abled. From the scene of the last encounter the 
command returned to Fort Ruby, where it arrived 
May 10th, with the report that through its efforts 
fifty-two Cfosh-Utcs had been permanently converted 
to a peace jiolic}-. 

On the twentieth of the same month, when the 
overland sta^e was passing through a cafion east of 
Deep ("reek in the day-time, it was fired upon from a 
cliflT of rocks, and Riley Simpson, the driver I'ell from 
his seat in the stage-boot mortally wounded. Major 



Kgan, who was sitting by his side at the time, 

seized the lines and dashed forward, carrying the 
living and the dead away from the scene of the dis- 
aster, j)ursued a long distance by the yelling savages. 
In conse<iuenco of this attack, Company K was 
ordered to Deep Creek, and during the remainder of 
the year made that place the base of its operations. 

ATTACK ON CANON STATION IN 1SG3. 

Eight miles east of Deep Creek on the Overland 
Stage road, near the Utaii line, there was in ISOS a 
dry station that was siip]>liedwith water bj* hauling it 
under guard with a team from Deep Creek slough. 
The Indians had liiiriu'd this station, killed the man in 
charge and driven oil' t he stock on the daj' succeeding 
the death of Ilappj- Harry. 

At this ])oint four soldiers of Companj- K, Third 
California Infantrj', were left as that com]jany ])assed 
the station on its wa}- to Fort Uuby from Salt Lake, 
in Maj' succeeding this event. The sad fate of three 
of the men left there and the heroism of. the other, 
entitles them to a place in the memories of the past. 
Their names were Jacob II. Elliott, Jacob Burger, Ira 
Abbott, and Corporal William S. Hervey, all from 
Columbia, Tuolumne County, California. Besides the 
four soldiers were two men there at the time to 
take care of the Overland Stage stock, one of them 
being called " Deaf Bill," and the other was his 
assistant. 

During the last days of June, Abbott and Ilervey 
guarded the stage one day from Deep Creek to 
their home station. Before starting, the latter, 
whose courage was bej^ond question, remarked to 
a ladj- passenger that he dreaded the duty, as ho 
had a presentiment of impending misi'ortiine. The 
journey was made, however, without an inci- 
dent occurring unusual or suspicious, and when the 
stage had gone the}- set out with the water wagon, 
in company with Deaf Bill as driver, to procure 
water, leaving Klliott and Burger with the assistant 
hostler to take care of the station in their absence. 
Thej- ])i-ocured the water, and were within 4(10 j-ards 
of the station, on their way back, when Hervey 
again recurred to his presentiment of the morning, 
which was growing stronger with him, and said: 
''I dreamed last night that I was going to be shot 
and killed by Indians to-day, and — ." As this last 
word was coming from his lips a bullet pierced his 
brain, and he fell from his seat into the road a 
corpse.* 

The Indians, eighteen in number, had ambushed 
the little ]iarty of three, and poured a volk'y into 
them fVom ln'liiiul llu' sage-brush, at short range, 
killing one (Ilervey). giving a wound in the right 
shoulder to ,\bbott, which knocked him out of the 
wagon, cut oft" a thumb of Deaf Bill, and wounded 
one horse in the breast. The frightened animals 

' " I wiiiilil t.iko my "atli that tlii'so wore the laat wiinl.i of 
my (lid coiiiriiili', as liu fill iIl:uI," aaiil Ira .Milxitt, wlu'ii narrat- 
ing th««e events for the [inriKiHe of cnrreoting some Htatements 
received from other parties uu thia suhject. 



182 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



sprang forward, but were stoppoci within a couple 
of iiundred feet by Deaf Bill, who was not 80 deaf 
but he knew the meaning of a thumb shot off; and 
he opened on the (iosli-Ftes with his gun, bringing 
down one of them with a severe wound. Abbott 
sprang to his feet, and seeing the blood oozing from 
the forehead of his dead friend, took a quick glance 
around and saw the savages on the side of the road, 
less than a hundred feet away. He ran to the 
wagon for his gun, and, on obtaining it, killed one 
Indian. He then turned back to get the body of 
the unfortunate Hervey. Meanwhile, the Indians 
were firing, and he received a wound in each log. 
Kegardless of this he reached the body of his friend, 
seized his undischarged gun. which was 13'ing beside 
him, and fired upon his assailants, but did not kill 
any of them, the wagon having run over and bent 
the barrel. He then tried Hervey's revolver, but 
the wound in his shoulder had begun to paralyze 
his arm, a.nd his fire was ineffectual. After two or 
three shots he ceased firing, picked u]) the body of 
his friend, and started for the wagon. The Indians 
still continued the fusillade, and he was wounded 
twice more — once in each side — but finallj' succeeded 
in getting all the weapons into the wagon, as well 
as the bodj' of the dead soldier, when Deaf Bill 
whipped up the horses, and the half-crazed animals 
dashed away to the station. 

On their arrival Ihoy were met by the assistant 
hostler only, Elliott and liurger having gone out 
hunting sage hens soon after the water party had 
loft. Looking towards a knoll in the direction taken 
bj' the absent men, Abbott saw and recognized the 
glistening barrel of Elliott's rifle in the possession of 
an Indian, and knew that the missing men were 
dead. A sharp but short engagement, lasting but a 
few minutes, ensued, when the Indians retreated and 
were seen no more that day. 

In about half an hour after the departure of the 
Indians, an emigrant train came to the station, 
bringing the body of Elliott, which had been found 
in the road a short distance from there. With the' 
emigrants, fortunately, there was a surgeon, who 
dressed Abbott's five wounds; and to this opportune 
arrival that lirave soldier an<i true friend owes his 
life. The next day, the body of Burger was found 
on the hill-side, evidently the first victim. The 
brave Klliott had evidently made a desperate 'run- 
ning fight, struggling heroically i'or life. His body 
was badly mutilated, his whiskers having been torn 
from his face in j)lace of scalping his head, which 
was bald; and his heart had boon cut out and taken 
away. 

MASSACRE AT CANON STATION. 

On the sixth of Jul}', a few days after the pre- 
ceding occurrences, another and more successful 
attempt was made to capture that station. At this 
time there were six men at the place, Wm. I?ilej', 
known as Deaf Bill, his assistant, and four soldiers of 
Company E, Third California Cavalry, named Tarsey 



Grimshaw, Michael McNamarra, Anthony Myers 
and Lewis Pratt. 

About sunrise Deaf Bill was currj-ing a horse in 
front of the barn, when he was shot dead by a con- 
cealed foe. At the noise of the gun the helper 
rushed out of the barn, and at the same time one of 
the soldiers came from the " dug-out," and both were 
shot as they appeared. 

The three soldiers still in the "dug-out," or cabin 
built underground, decided to make a rush for the 
barn, which thej- did, and one of their number was 
killed on the way, leaving but two of the original 
six to continue the fight. The two survivors built a 
breastwork from the sacks of grain, and for an hour 
beat off their assailants; but the wily foe finally set 
a stack of haj' on fire, close to the barn, and the 
result of the conflict was no longer in doubt. It was 
Myers and Pratt who had thus far escaped the fate 
of their comrades, only to be burned at last 
unless they rushed forth from behind their defenses 
to be shot down finally like wolves in a dei^perate 
struggle for life. 

They at once decided to mount horses and make a 
dash. As one was a favorite fleet-footed anVmal, 
they drew lots to see which should ride it. Fortune 
seemed to favor Lewis Pratt, as he drew the favorite 
horse. Shaking each other by the hand they mounted 
for the desperate ride for life. Out of the barn and 
down the road like the wind they flow, with Pratt in 
the lead, while from every sage-bush along the route 
seemed to come the leaden missiles. A hope of life 
was springing into the hearts of the flying men 
when Myers suddenlj' threw up his arms and rolled 
from the saddle. His horse went a little farther and 
i'ell, both of them struggling with their death 
wounds. The bullets whistled about the receding 
form of the gallant Pratt like hail as ho was passing 
out of the range of the Indian rifles, until he disap- 
peared down the road towards Willow Station, thus 
far the only white survivor of the conflict. 

That day a train of emigrants passed this last- 
named station on its way to California. As it reached 
a point about one mile west of that place, a dead 
horse was found lying in the road, and beside it lay 
stretched the unconscious form of a soldier mortally 
wounded. It was the last survivor, the gallant 
Pratt and his noble animal, and the two lay there 
together, siiie b}' side, the dying and the dead, shot 
through and through. He lived to be carried to 
Willow Station, where the sad tale of the massacre 
was told, and then ho died. 

Company K, stationed, as before stated, at J>eop 
(Jreek Station, went in pursuit of the band who had 
committed this last depredation, but I'ailed to come up 
with them; and after a two weeks' scout returned 
with the report of having killed two Indians in 
Pleasant Valley. 

END OF THE (iOSII-VTE WAU. 

But few events worthy of note transpired on the line 
of the overland road after those given above. Among 



HOSTILITIES IN EASTERN NEVADA. 



183 



these were the hanging of a Shoshone in Jiilj", by 
the military authorities at Fort Huby, and the shoot- 
ing of another — both participants in the outraging 
of the little twelve-year-old girl, murdered in ISiJl on 
the trail from Ruby Valley to (iravell^' Ford. In 
August, Company E, Third California Infantry, under 
Lieutenant llosmer, altaeked a eam]) of Indians 
about twent}- miles north of Cherry Creek, in Step- 
toe Vallej', and killed five of thorn; and in October 
the Gosh-X'tes asked for ])eace, which was granted 
them, and they returned to the stations begging for 
their rations as usual. 

The loss to the Overland Stage Com]ia'iiy in I'tah 
and Nevada from this war, was one hundred and 
fifty horses, seven stations burned, and sixteen men 
killed. Nevertheless the staires never failed to make 
their regular trips, and seldom were behind their 
schedule time, although beset with all those dangers 
and calamities. 

The following is an extract from a letter from one 
of tha agents of the Stage Company: — 

One verj- strange feature of this Indian trouble 
during the j-eur 18(J3 was that verj- nearly all of the 
depredations committed were against the Stage Com- 
pany, its properly and employes, and why this 
should have bee!i the writer is at a loss to under- 
stand, for the Indians were always treated kindlj', 
and fed and given emploj'ment at the stations. The 
policj' of the Company was to treat them kindly, and 
the onlj' object that can be conjectured was ])luniler 
of the Company's stations that were well supjilicd 
with jjrovisions, arms and ammunition, and their 
stables full of fat horses. Kespectfully yours, 

Len Wines. 

Henry Butterfield's theory of the cause of the 
war is that it was instigated by the Mormons. In 
support of this position Mr. Butterfield, who was 
conversant with the language of the red men and 
had for a long time lived in their country, relates 
that in 1SG4, while he was sub-Indian Agent, he met 
by appointment the Gosh-L'te chief, White Horse, at 
Desert Station. The chief upon being asked whj- he 
had begun the war, disclaimed having had anj-thiiig 
to do with it. He said his tribe had been told from 
time to time by the Mormons that the Gentiles were 
holding back and a]ipri)priating to their own use their 
Government annuities, and that the only way for 
them, the Indians, to "get even" would be to begin 
killing the whites and stealing their property. Under 
such advice his people had broken the bonds of 
restraint, and contrary to the desire of himself and 
other chiefs, taken the war-path. Such is the Indian 
excuse, however poor it is and little entitled to 
credence, for having committed their barbarous and 
brutal acts along the overland road. 

EASTERN NEVADA WAR PANIC IN 1875. 

In the early part of September, 1875, two Indians 
of the (rosh-Ute tribe informed A. J. Leathers and 
James Tollard that they knew the locality of a val- 
uable mine which they would point out for a consid- 



eration, to which the two men agreed was fifty 
dollars for the services, and in pursuance of the 
agreement the four went to the point, and the ledge 
was found all as the Indians had described, except 
that it proved to be woi-ihlcss. Because of this last 
fact the whites refused to pay their guides, who 
thinking they had been unjustly dealt with, in 
revenge killed Tollard, the other white man making 
his escape to A. C. Cleveland's ranch in Spring 
Yallej', White Pine Countj-. Cleveland immedi- 
ately took the war-path, and captured an Indian 
whom he took to his ranch, intending to deliver him 
over to the civil authorities for trial, but the abor- 
igine in attem])tiiig to make his escape came to an 
untimely end from the efl'ects of a bullet from the 
revolver of Mr. Cleveland. -Xnother Indian was met 
with by some of Cleveland's herders, who ordered 
him to give up his gun, and upon his refusal to dose, 
thej- killed him. The Gosh-Utes were at the time 
assembled in considerable numbers in the nut-pine 
forests of the neighborhood, and were very much 
alarmed because of the summaiy killing of the mem- 
bers of their tribe. 

These circumstances created somewhat of a panic, 
or " scare," throughout Central and Kastern Nevada, 
and the most exaggerated and extremely sensational 
reports were circulated and jtublishcd. Volunteer 
troops were raised at Eureka, Pioche, and other 
places, equipped and sent to " the front." Gov. 
L. R. Bradlej-, believing the danger to be imminent, 
issued orders to captains of volunteers to seize horses 
and necessary supplies for the troops; and the 
"militarj^, " under command of Maj. John H. 
Dennis, left Eureka September (Jth, for Spring Valley 
to rescue Cleveland and those with him supposed to 
be beseiged at his ranch. Governor Bradley also 
telegraphed to General Schofield as follows: — 

E1.K0, Nevada, September G 1875. 
To M.\.TOR-GENEu.\r, SciioFiKi.i). San Francisco — 

Information most authentic from Pioche, Eureka, 
and Spring Valley, all unite in denKuuis for troops 
and arms. Am unable to furnish them. Dispatch 
just at hand signed by all Commissi(.ners of Lincoln 
Count)-, says that 'MW Indians surround Patterson 
and Cave Valley, and that all the Indians in eastern 
Nevada appear to be on the war-])ath, and ask for 
20(» guns and ammunition. Most reliable informa- 
tion from Cherry Creek assures me that I am not 
misinformed. L. K. Bkaih.ev. 

Major Dennis and his command made a hasty 
march to Spring Valley, a])]iearing to the frightened 
Gosh-Utes an overwliclniing armj'. Either the 
arrival of so formidable a force, or as the Indians 
asserted, no intention tipon their part to begin war 
with the whites, they being assembled there for 
the ])urpose of gathering ])ine nuts, and not for 
hostilities, there was no conflict. The name of the 
Indian who killed Tollard was To ba. He was 
demanded of the tribe, delivered bj- them to the 
soldiers, and from them was taken by citizens and 
hung. Thus ended the last I ndian " war "in Nevada, 



1S4 



fflSTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



resulting in more ridicule to its instigators than 
glory to the military participants. 

ANECDOTES AND INCIDENTS. 

While the predatory bands were raiding in the 
north, the Indians in the more densely peopled part 
of the State were ])rofessing warm friendshij) for 
the whites, seeking and receiving aid. The move- 
ments of quite large bodies of soldiers, and the 
severe punishment inflicted, bj' some denounced as 
merciless, had a most beneficial effect in overawing 
the great masses of .savages, predispo.sing them to 
peace. They asserted that the thefts, murders, and 
other outrages, were committed by the Bannocks, 
Pit Ifiver, Modocs, and other Indians of Oregon, 
Idaho and California, and not by the Pah-Utes. 
Notwithstanding this assertion, It was well known 
that the Pah-Utes formed the majority of the hostile 
bands, although instigated and assisted by the 
othei-s. On the fifth of June, 180.5, Captain George, 
a Pah-Ute chief, and a delegation from his tribe 
called at the office of Governor Blasdel, in Carson, 
with professions of peace, saj-ing the Pah-Utes had 
been called in from all points in the State where 
hostilities existed. A few days thereafter the Gov- 
ernor met several hundred Sho.shones and Pah-Utes 
in convention, or pow-wow, at Jacobsville. in Lander 
County, as reported in the lieene River Reveille, and 
through the interpreter, S. H. Gilson, made a 
long speech, demanding their obedience to the law, 
and respect for the rights and property of the 
whites; assuring them of protection in all their 
rights, and of severe punishment for wrong doing, 
at the same time explaining to them their rights 
and duties. The speech was well received, and 
the Indians appeared satisfied. Governor Blasdel 
returned to Carson, arriving ihere on the fourteenth 
of June. Meantime, troops were arriving, and posted 
at the most advantageous localities. On the six- 
teenth of June, Company B, St-cond California Cav- 
alry, comprising sixty-five men, under command of 
Lieut. R. A. Osmer, arrived at Carson, en route to 
Fort Churchill, where thej' remained several months, 
and were then sent into the Humboldt country. 
On the thirteenth of August, Lieut. Col. Ambrose 
Hooker, assumed command of the sub-district of 
Nevada, by order of'CJeneral McDowell. 

INDIAN DE.MAND KOK SATISFACTION. 

About this time the Walker IJivor Pah-Utes made 
hostile demonstrations in the vicinit}' of lone, then 
the county seat of Nye Count}'. Several hundred 
of them entered the village and demanded a certain 
sum of money from the whiles for indignities ottered 
one of their tribe by a bevy of hilarious sports. The 
situation beginning to wear a serious look, the ])romi- 
nent citizens contributed to the Indians' demands, 
and they departed without shedding blood. 

TWO .MEN KILLED IN THE SOUTH. 

The same fall a |>arty of whiles, among whom 
were Thos. Shaw, Mc Bride, Broom, Wil- 



liam Garhart, with others, started from lone for 
Gold Mountain, south of Lida Valley, and at the 
northern extremity of Death Valley. One night, 
after having arrived at their destination, they were 
attacked by InJians. Broom and McBride were 
killed, and Garhart was shot with an arrow through 
the wrist, the remainder of the party escaping 
unharmed to Silver Peak. 

SARAH WINNEMUCCA. 

On the eighteenth of May, 1867, Naches, the Pah- 
Ute chief, came into Carsop City with a message from 
Old Winnemucca, to the effect that the latter wanted 
to make peace with the whites, and go upon the 
Pyramid Lake Reservation to live. Subsequently, 
through the efforts of Naches and Sarah, a daughter 
of Old Winnemucca, who had married Lieutenant 
Bartlett of the regular army, terms were made with 
the old chief, and he with a portion of his tribe were 
settled upon a reservation be^'ond the limits of the 
State. Subsequentlj', the Pah-Utes, who had been 
induced to go to the north, becoming dissatisfied with 
the Indian Agent, tired of their northern home, and 
longed to return to the scenes of their earlier life. 
Sarah Winnemucca, who had been educated at San 
Jose, California, and developed considerable orator- 
ical talent, was ever ready to eloquently advocate 
the return of her people to Nevada; while on the 
other hand the Indian Agent was most desirous that 
they should remain where thej- were. Sarah Winne- 
mucca since that time has delivered several lectures 
at San Francisco and other places upon the condition 
of her people, and their abuse by Indian Agents, 
and created much S5-mpathy in behalf of her race. 

INDIAN WAR AVERTED. 

Mrs. Ellis, then Mrs. Dietenreider, residing in Car- 
son Valley, relates that in the spring of 1855, 
Xumaga, a Pah-Ute chief, with about 300 warriors, 
came to her with a note from Asa Kenyon, to give 
them arms and ammunition with which to fight the 
Washoes. She did not comply with this request, 
but gave them an order on Mr. Mc.N[arliii for 100 
pounds of flour. They went to Da3'ton where they 
were feasted by the miners, and persuaded to aban- 
don Iheir projected war. 

FIRST LOTTERY IN NEVADA. 

Jlr. Jose])h F. Triplett, a well-known citizen of 
eastern Nevada, and one of the ])ioneer residents of 
Carson Valley gives the following account of the 
first ••Gift Enterprise" occurring in the (Jreal Basin, 
which indicates considerable native shrewdness of 
the Washoe savage: — 

"In 1857, Captain Jim, chief of the Washoe tribe 
of Indians, went around among the white settlers 
in Carson Valley, and notified them that upon a 
certain day his tribe would give a big ' fandango,' 
or dance, and invited all to attend, stating that he 
would give each white man a buckskin; adding, that 
'may-bo-so white man bring one sack, two sack 
flour.' As it was the policj- of the settlers to con- 



JittH-?..* , . 




RESIDENCE OF J. W. HAINES, GENOA, Duu^l-d CO., NEV. 



SjtrS'ti'Vc' 




RANCH X RESIDENCE o«JAME5 COMPSTON. 

ON CARSON 4 BODIE ROAD, ESMERAUJA CS'.NEV. 



HOSTILITIES L\ EASTERN NEVADA. 



185 



eiliato the red men wo nearly all of us attended his 
fandanijo, takinj; along, as the chief suggested, a 
Buck of flour. As each white man dismounted from 
his horse, and laid his sack of flour on the ground, 
an Indian letl otf and secured the horse. The whites 
were allotted seats on the ground, in a circle around 
the daneei"s. After a while the dancing ceased, and 
Captain Jim appeared in the circle, followed by a 
big Indian, laden with buckskins, and with much 
ceremony presented one skin to each of the visitors. 
Buckskins were worth about one dolhir each, while 
a sack of flour was worth about eight dollars. 
The wily savage made a good thing by the first 
gift enterprise ever gotten up in the sage-brush 
country, and the whites made fast friends of Iho 
tribe." 

TOUNO WINNE.MUCCA. 

This redoubtable chief, who had command of the 
Pah-Utes in muTij- a battle and foray, died of con- 
sumption at Wads worth, on the fifth of November, 
1871, leaving a son about twentj' years of ago, who 
bore the unromantic name of " Mike." On the 
eighth of December following the death of the chief 
a successor was elected, bearing the name of George 
Curry. 

ATTACK ON EMIUR^VNTS. 

On the morning of the ninth of Jul^^ 1859, an 
emigrant train comprising twelve men, two women 
and four children, halted in a large canon near a 
place called Cold S])ringon the Sublette (-'ut-off for 
tiie ])ur])oso of doctoring a sick horse. While thus 
engaged and not expecting a hostile attack, a large 
number of Indians made their appearance upon each 
side of the caiioii and began to tiro upon the party 
eneamju-'d. W. F. Hheppard, Ferguson Sheppard, J, 
D.Wright, William Diggs, and Clayburn Rains were 
killed. Mrs. Wright was seriously wounded, receiv- 
ing a bullet in the back. JJeing helpless, the Indians 
came t9 the wagon where she had been shot, 
dragged her out upon the ground and then beat and 
kicked her until she became unconscious and they 
supposed her to be dead. They then amused them- 
selves by torturing her husband, who lay dying 
unable to move, in sight of his wife, and in tossing uj) 
their infant ciiild of eighteen months by the heels into 
the air and letting it fall upon a pile of rocks. Not 
being prepared for defense, the men of the party 
who were not shot down fled and secreted them- 
selves as best they could. One of these iti running 
caught UJ) an infant child of Mrs. Shc)>pard, and 
after running several miles laid it in some bushes 
where it remained until some ])assing emigrants 
found and rescued it the next day. Mrs. Shcp])ard 
concealed herself in a thicket not far from wliei'e the 
attack was made, and the savages being intent ujjon 
I)lunder — stripping the wagons of everything they 
could carry of!'— failed to discover her. The two 
remaining children, one a boy of eight and the other 
five years, also were eflectuall}' hidden in the brush. 
Upon the departure of the Indians Mrs. Sheppard 



started on foot, and after, traveling about seven 
miles, overtook the train of a Mr. Pierce, who 
returned the next day and relieved the sufferers. 
On the twelfth day of Se])tember the remainder of 
the ])arty, through the kindness of .Major F. l»odge, 
the Indian Agent, wore enabled to arrive at Placer- 
ville, California, Mrs. Wright still unable to sit up 
on account of her wound. The survivors of the 
massacre related the occurrence to the editor of the 
Placerville Ohse.rcer. in which jiapcr it was published 
September 14, 185!). 

PUNISHMENT KOH AHULTERY. 

An incident which illustrates the natural crucltj^ 
of the Indian race occurred at Coyote Creek, Washoe 
Count}'', in the year 18G1. A squaw of the PahUte 
tribe was charged with adultery, and being deemed 
guilt}' was sentenced to death by burning. While 
living her body was pierced with scores of pitch- 
pine splinters which were set on fire and kept burn- 
ing until .she died. 

INDIAN .MUIIDEREU EXECUTED. 

In 1S(>8, Mr. W. K. Johtison was killed by an 
Indian in Mason Valley, in Esmeralda County. The 
savage escaped to the north, but was pursued and 
captured at Peavine, in Washoe County, taken 
thence and hanged in (Jarson Valley, at the ])lace 
then known as Widow Newman's Kanch, about half 
a mile below Gary's Station. 

FATE or A MEDICINE MAN. 

In the year 18(5() there was an Indian who fre- 
quently came into Aurora, Esmeralda County, who 
pretended that he was a "medicine man," and prac- 
ticed his art upon some of his ci'edulous brethren, 
most of whom died while under treatment by him. 
The deaths becoming so frequent the wise men of 
the tribe came to the conclusion that his was "bad 
medicine," and ho must die. A delegation of braves 
thereupon seized the unfortunate doctor at Aui-ora, 
on the eleventh of October, and while some of them 
held him, others beat out his teeth, plucked out his 
eyes, crushed his skull, and finally cut his throat. 

INDIAN I'UNISII.MENT. 

In 187-1—75, among the characters met with in tho 
towns of \*estern Nevada was a Pah-Ute Indian 
man, tall ami finely proportioned, who dressed in 
squaw costume, lie was not recognized by tho 
people of his race of either sex; the Indian children 
shunned him; he was an object of ridicule for mem- 
bers of other tribes and of the whites, and moodily 
and disconsolately wandered around. Tradition 
said, that upon an occasion, many years before, he 
had shown himself a coward in battle, and that a 
council of his tribe had sentenced him to death 
therefor; but that tho sentence was afterwards com- 
muted, and ho was doomed to don tho dress of a 
woman as long as he lived, llo finally disajipeared, 
and it was re[)orted that his dead body was found 
in a mountain gulch. 



186 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



INDIAN KETRIBUTION. 

In November, 18G7, a Pah-Ute squaw residing 
near Fort Churchill, impelled by past grievances, 
gave her liege lord and master a dose of poison, 
and he died. Subsequently, she was residing, with 
others of her tribe, in a camp near Virginia City, 
when, on the second of December following, a brother 
of the poisoned brave learning of the whereabouts 
of the murderess slipped into the camp at night, 
and after many savage gashes with a dull knife 
severed her jugular vein, and death quickly ensued. 
The act was approved by the Indians, saying it 
was their custom. 

ARREST OF NACHES. 

Naches was a man of some importance among 
the PahUtes; was tall, and of commanding appear- 
ance, and was usually called by the whites a chief 
although he appeared to have but little authority. 
When there was no more call for his scalpingknife 
on '-the tented field," his many moons were wasted 
about the kitchen doors and waste places of the 
mining towns wherever he wandered, presenting 
but little of the beau ideal of a warrior. In Jan- 
uary, 1874, it was represented that he was inciting 
the Indians on the Humboldt to commit some dep- 
redation; also, that he declined to remain on the 
Reservation at Pj-ramid Lake, preferring the vaga- 
bond life among the interior towns; consequently, 
on the twenty-seventh of that month he was, by 
order of Captain Wagner, in command of Fort 
McDermit, arrested, and sent to Fort Alcatraz, in 
the harbor of San Francisco. There he was treated 
with much consideration, shown the -sights," and 
the power of the whites, and sent home rejoicing 
after a short detention. The newspapers of Nevada 
represented Naches as a good and peaceable Indian, 
and attributed his arrest to the Indian Agent Pate- 
man, who wished to compel all the Pah-Utee to 
reside on and swell the list of the Reservation, 
This was denied by Mr. Pateman; but the charge 
was made by Naches that the Agent wronged his 
people and the (lovernment, and that he and his 
band did not like to live with him. In June, 1878, 
he resigned whatever chieftainship he possessed, and 
Captain Charley, of Wadsworlh, reigned in his stead. 

The fate of this latter chief may bo surmised 
from the following paragraph in the Carson Appeal 
of February 20, 1880: "The PahUtes have disposed 
of the slayer of Captain Charley— an execution 
without loss to the State." 

THE VAIl-NAR-A-OAT INDIANS. 

The Pah-rana-gat Indians are a branch of the 
Utc family, and derive their tribal api)ell:ition from 
the cultivation of the water-melon, which in their 
language is called Pah ran-a-gat (pah, moaning water, 
and ran-a-gat, melon, or vine-growing). At the time 
the prOBjiectors first entered the country occupied by 
them they found this band inclined to peace, and 
engaged after their rude manner in tilling the soil. 
Although they raised a small quantity of wheat and 



some corn, their principal crop was the squash. A 
diminutive species of sun-flower was also planted 
for the seeds it yielded, and some water-melons were 
also to be found in their cultivated patches. Grass 
seed was also largely used by them as food. To 
irrigate the land under tillage they had constructed 
several ditches, which were creditable to those prim- 
itive engineers. Crystal Sj)ring, which flows an 
estimated head of GOO inches of water, was the 
source of supply for the largest of these ditches, and 
at its head the canal was eight feet wide on top, six 
feet deep, and several miles in length. To dig this 
they had procured iron from the abandoned emi- 
grant wagons in Death Valley, which they had 
tiently cut and shaped and fastened with strong 
twine upon wooden handles, to be used for picks and 
spades. As winter approached crops wore carefully 
gathered and cached for future use, and they were 
thus enabled nbt only to live well themselves, but 
were also prepared to trade agricultural products to 
their mountain neighbors who depended for a living 
upon the results of the chase and pine nuts. The 
Ash-Utes were the more constant dealers with the 
Pah-rau-a-gats, and supplied the latter with much 
dried meat, buckskins, etc. The Indians, however, 
soon traded off to the whites the land they had 
tilled, and adopted the vagabond life common to the 
race. 

In the latter part of the summer of 1865 Pahran- 
agat Alining District was for a time nearly deserted, 
the early locators there having sought other fields. 
At the time of which we write, about the only white 
persons remaining there wore W. H. Sales, Indian 
Agent, C. W. Wandell, William Woodman, Ransom 
Brooks, S. S. Sputt, Isaac Borton and Doctor Grub. 
The Indian Agent Sales had sometime previously 
promised the Muddy tribe of Indians, who lived some 
distance south of the mines, that he would visit them 
and dispense their annuities, which ])romis^he failed 
to fulfill. This, with the small number of whiles in 
the vicinity, was a sufficient inducement to start 
these untutored sons of the de.sert upon the war- 
path, and every Muddy warrior capable of bearing 
arms became a member of an expedition of extermi- 
nation against the little colony of white men at 
Pahranagat. The tribe occupying the valley at 
that time — the Pah-ran-a-gat.s — were divided into 
two bands, one of which was headed by a chief, called 
by the whites "Butternut," and the other by Chief 
Pah-vitch-ick. An Indian, who had been brought 
up in a Mormon family and whn was known by the 
sobriquet of " Buck," led the hostile Muddys, 
Reaching the lower end of the valley Buck halted 
his forces near the lake, and sent a runner to the 
Pah-rana-gat camps inviting Butternut and Pah- 
vitch-ick to a council of war. The result must have 
been satisfactory to Buck, for, a few days after that 
time, the whites became aware that something 
unusual was browing, from the fact that many of the 
I'ah-rau-a-gats had absented themselves. One of the 



HOSTILITIES IN EASTERN NEVADA. 



1S7 



rotinue of Afjent Sales wan a Meadow Valley Indian, 
called Jack. Sale.'* considered tins man Inistwortby, 
and therefore imparted his suspicions that trouble 
mi^lit bo brewini^. Jack undertook to find out the 
truth. Leavinj^ the white camp he absented himself 
three days. Upon his return he related to Sales the 
state of affairs as detailed above, and the prospectors 
were forewarned. Not beiiit; prepared for an ex- 
tended fight, it was thought best to leave for some 
of the outlj'ing Mormon settlements, and by ten 
o'clock of the next daj- after .lack's return, quietly 
and with as little bustle as possible, the white men 
broke camp at Logan, and at noon halted at Crystal. 
Thence thej- went to Pah-hoc, reaching there at 
eight o'clock. So cautiously had they moved that 
they did not think they were followed by the 
allied Muddys and Pah-ran-a-gats, and therefore 
sought repose in fancied security from molestation. 
About midnight Jack was awakened by the apparent 
"too-whoot, too-whoot" of an owl, to which with- 
out hesitation ho returned an answering " too- 
whoot." A few minutes thereafter a dusky form 
appeared in the gloaming, and soon Pori, a Pah-ran- 
a-gat sub-chief, came stalking into camp. This 
Indian reported that the Muddys were upon the 
trail; that they were divided into three parties, one 
of which was detailed to cover the spring at which 
the party obtained water; the second to raid the 
camp, while the third would gather up and run ofl" 
the stock. Immediatelj- all was bustle in the camp; 
kegs were taken to the spring, filled with water and 
]iut in the wagons, of which there were three. A 
party was sent out to bring in the animals, and 
everj-thing was packed and preparations made for 
defense. Bj- the time defensive operations were com- 
plete Buck and his band appeared. Finding that 
they could not surprise the camp, a strategetic 
movement seemed to be in order, for I?uck an<l three 
of his men walked boldly in, as though no mischief 
had been contemplated. Shortly after ten others 
followed. At this rate the eight white men wf)uld 
soon be overpowered, and some decisive measure 
must be taken. The whites immediately covered 
the thirteen Indians with their guns, comjielled Buck 
to order them to lie down in a pile and to warn 
the Indians outside of the camp not to approach 
un<ler penalty of having their prostrate companions 
shot dead. These vigorous mcasui-es checked the 
contemplated attack, and the remainder of the 
night_ was ])assod in guarding the prisoners and 
keeping off their friends. Buck in the meantime 
made two attempts to escape, and was once pre- 
vented by Doctor (irub and the other time by i{an- 
som Brooks from so doing. When morning came 
Agent Sales gave the Indians what annuity goods ho 
had. and by that and other means they were induced 
to take the trail and return homeward. After the 
departure of Buck and his warriors the white men 
started upon their Journey to the settlements, and 
the ne.\t day arrived at Panaca without further 
trouble. 



One or two months after the occurrence of the 
incidents above related, all of these men, with the 
exception of Agent Sales, returned to the mines, 
and with them came many others, attracted by 
reports of mineral wealth. 

That same year, an Indian of the Pahranagat 
tribe, named Oh-kas, murdered a white man named 
George Pogers, to get possession of a fine hOrso 
which the latter owned. Another Indian informed 
the whites of the transaction; the murderer was 
caught, compelled to disclose the place where Rogers' 
body was secreted, and then hung. 

Early in the spring of 1800, a camp of Muddy 
River Indians was made near (Ruin's Cafion, in the 
Shen-nic-a-rah mountains, in the White Pine range. 
These Indians began to steal and run off stock from 
Pahranagat, and other places. Agent Sales being 
absent, the miners thought to adjust the matter 
without his assistance, which they did in a summary 
manner. A party of six white men was organized, 
and one of the number, named Iloppin, was chosen 
Captain. The services of two friendly Pahranagats 
were enlisted, and one evening, about dark, the 
party left their camp for the hunt on horseback. 
Early in the morning afier the second night out, 
while in Quin's Canon, they discovered " signs " of 
the enemy. Leaving their horses in charge of one 
of the party, named N. H. Carlow, the others care- 
fully reconnoitered until they located the Indian 
camp. They then divided, two in one squad and 
three in the other. The two wont directly towards 
the Indians, while the three others had cautiously 
slipped around and were approaching in the rear of 
the camp. Th^ Indians seeing the two white men 
approaching made fierce gesticulations, and dared 
them to tight. The three men in the rear were not 
seen by them until they had come within twenty 
j-ards and delivered a well-directed vollej- from 
their rifles. There were twelve Indians in the camp. 
After the fight eleven of them lay dead, and the 
remaining one had escaped only to die, for he was 
mortally wounded. 

The number of Indians in Lincoln Countj' in 1870 
was estimated bj' the Indian Agent to be 1.2;!.">. 
Since then they have fallen off rapidly, and probably 
do not at this time number more than one-half the 
above figure. They are Pah-l'tes with various local 
tribal names. Though gcnerall}- peaceful, they occa- 
sionally commit depredations. In December, 1S74, 
a party, supposed to belong to Tem-pah-lUe Bill's 
band of Indians, attacked and killed two white men 
about seven miles from Iliko. The names of the 
two men killed were Peter Dawson and Charles 
Olsen. Another man, named William Ilannan, was 
at the same time shot and wounded in the shoulder, 
but escaped and told the story of the murder. The 
settlors of Hiko immediately gathered together, and 
a scouting partj- went out after the Indians, with 
fruitless results. On the sixteenth of Dei'ember, the 
following appeared in one of the Pioche papers, over 



188 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



the siE;nature of J. S. Hoag. Under Sheriff: M. Fuller, 
District Judge: J. H. Cassidy and George Gold- 
thwaite: — 

"The Indians have killed eight jiersons, including 
one woman and three children, within the last few 
days in this county, on the Muddy Reservation and 
near Iliko. We have no arms and no protection. 
Wc wish arms and that the Indians be punished." 



CHAPTER XXIV. 

TRANSPORTATION OF LUMBER BY "WATER. 

Early Mutliods in Ccilifornia — Diitieultics of Inventors — The 
V Flume — Capacity of the \' Flume — Flume (^ompanies iu 
Nevada. 

The V flumo is a Nevada institution. Transpor- 
tation by artificial water-courses is nearly as old as 
civilization. Artificial channels were dug by the 
ancient Egyptian, Chinoso and Hindoo nations, 
though the lock, or elevation, from a lower to a 
higher level, is a modern improvement. In the canal 
system of California and Nevada, for the carrying of 
water to remote mitiing places, the project of trans- 
jiorting lumber and other materials was early con- 
sidered. Many of the early residents had seen the 
"Clinton Ditch," as Thomas Jefferson had termed 
the Erie Canal, also the great crops of grain moved 
to the sea-board by means thereof, and had early 
thought of utilizing the streams in the trans])nrta- 
tioii of lumber and wood. But a canal along a com- 
paratively level country like Now York, and on the 
dizzy heights of some of our mountain canons, were 
two different things. In our mountain; cafions sharp 
turns had to be inade where the lodging of a stick of 
floating timber would cause an overflow which in an 
hour would sweep away the earth where repair 
would be next to iinitossihie. Again the ditch, or 
flume, would be set up on the side of a steep hill on 
one leg in such a careless manner that no man with 
liis life uninsured would have a right to travel ovei-it, 
and it is not strange that most of them were failures. 
Captain J. C, Ham, of Amador County, California, as 
early as 1834 undertook the construction of a flume 
which was hoped to be useful tor transportation both 
ways. The flume was four feet wide on the bottom, 
five at the top, and thirty-two inches in depth. The 
lumber was floated from the mill, and the aqueduct 
built some fifteen miles to the place where the water 
was to be distrilnited, the fall being about five feet 
to the mile. The flume was completed and consid- 
erable timber floated down, but it did not answer 
expectations. The lumber otlon lodged, causing 
overflows that would wash out considerable distances. 
The ])aB8age " up the flume" was still more problem- 
atical. This was to be accomplished by a boat of 
peculiar construction. There was to bo a railway, 
or gunwale, on each side of the flume, on which 
traveled wheels turned bj- a water-wheel on the 
same axle in the roar of the boat. The model worked 



well enough but when the working-model was put in 
it proved a failure, and no passengers or other freight 
'• went up the flumo." A flume in Calaveras County, 
in California,, was also built on the plan to float 
lumber, and a great quantitj' was floated to Mokel- 
umne Hill and other mountain towns. IJut most 
of the first attempts were failures in consequence 
of the washouts which more than offset any profits 
from cheap transportation, and the bull-whacker 
still flourished and dragged his loads through the 
rough canons or over the hot sands of the plains. 
Not until recent years was the discovery made 
that revolutionized the transportation of lumber. 
This was the V flume. Like all inventions of 
importance this is claimed by several persons, but 
was really a growth resulting from the wisdom 
and experience of many. Several men are still 
living who first suggested the building of the Erie 
Canal, yet posterity has agreed in giving the greatest 
credit to De Witt Clinton, who was able to carry 
through the undertaking. Though Whitney, as early 
as 1S40, )>roposed building an overland railroad to 
Oregon, and thousands after him plaiinod how it 
might be done, the countiy is dis|)osed to give the 
chief credit of the great enterprise to the projectors 
of the Union and Central Pacific Railroads, who 
brought the theories together and out of the dis- 
cordant elements wove, matured and executed this 
great trans-continental enterprise. So, also, posterity 
will give the honor of the discovery of the V flume, 
not to him who first suggested it, but to him who 
had the energy to build one and make it a tangi- 
ble and operative fact. Timber slides are old affairs. 
A hundred years ago a German, by the name of 
Rapp, constructed, from an inaccessible mountain top, 
a timber-slide to a lake three miles awa}'. This was 
so much like a V flume that it ought to have sug- 
gested it. but it did not, or anything else of impor- 
tance. This trough was about three miles long and 
was whollj- constructed of timber. The trees wore 
divested of their bark when put in, and were usually 
some minutes in making the transit, though in 
rainy weather, when the trough was slippery, trees 
had been known to go through in one minute and a 
half A hunili-ed years later the principle was 
developed on the opposite side of the globe by men 
who probabi)' never heard of the name Rapp. Any- 
thing pertaining to the development of this form of 
transportation not only has a jiresont interest but is 
likely to be of importance hereafter. In the 
Douglas Count}' Banner, November 21), 18G5, was 
the following notice: — 

A surveying ))arty composed of R. W. Norris, Civil 
Engineer, and others passed through Genoa last 
week engaged in surveying the route for a flumo 
from Gary's Mill (better known as Wade's Mill), on 
the West Carson Piver, in .\l])ine County, California, 
to Empire City. From Colonel Norris we learn that 
the distance from the initial ])oint to the terminus 
is thirty-two and a half miles ; that the fall in that 
distance is 97G feetj; the estimated cost, 8150,000. 








C 



A. C. Cleveland. 

The subject of the following sketch is a native of the State of Maine, and was born at 
Skowhegan, Somerset County. He remained in his native State until he reached the 
age of seventeen. During his life there he acquired a fair education, and in January, 
1858, started for California on the steamer Star of the West, the boat that was the first 
fired upon by the rebels during the war of the Rebellion. Upon reaching the Pacific 
Coast, Mr. Cleveland engaged in mining in Tuolumne and Calavaras Counties, until 1SG2 
when he went to Plumas County and engaged in the stock business. In May, 18G3, 
he crossed the mountains to Nevada, and located in Virginia City. His business at that 
place was principally mining. In 18()5 he went to Washoe County and engaged in the 
lumber trade. He was one of the first to build a V Hume for the purpose of conducting 
wood and timber down from the mountains, having had one in operation as early as 
18G8, at Simonds' place on Simonds Creek, at theb.ead of Little Valley, near Lakeview 
Station. This fiume was two and one-quarter miles in length. 

In 1866, Mr. Cleveland was elected a Commissioner for Washoe County, and was a 
delegate to the State Convention that year, and during a contest before that body, 
between the Winters and the Blaisdel delegations from Storej' County, Mr. Cleveland was 
a member of the committee that decided the matter, and held the deciding vote. This 
he cast for Blaisdel, in strict conjunction with his instructions by the County Convention, 
he having pledged himself to do so, although Winters was his special friend and em- 
ployer, and pecuniary benefits, as well as threats, were used to deter him from doing so. 
It was threatened that the patronage of the Kentuck Mining Company would be taken 
away from him unle.ss ho disobeyed his instructions, but he stood firm, and consequently 
lost their patronage. General Clark says of him: "Hia word is of more value to him 
than money." 

In 1868, Mr. Cleveland was elected to the Assembly of the State Legislature from 
Washoe County. In the fall of 1868, he went to Hamilton, and has since been a resi- 
dent of White Pine County. During the winter of 1868- G9, he built the toll-road run- 
ning fiorth from Hamilton. In 1870, he was elected to the State Senate from White 
Pine County,andin 1871, he was appointed to prosecute the claims of the State at Wash- 
ington, District of Columbia, and succeeded in getting an appropriation for the State of 
$60,000. In 1873. he moved to his present ranch, in Spring Valley, where he is engaged 
very extensively in stock-raising. 

In the pursuit of this bu.siness he has taken great pains to improve the breeds of his 
cattle, and has imported a number of very valuable thoroughbred animals. The enter- 
prise displayed in this, and the success attending it, has .set the example to the graziers 
of the State that will result in great public good. Having an extensive and valuable 
range, and great faith in the adaptability of the country and climate to the rearing of 
superior stock, he has entered upon the business with confidence and judgment supple- 
mented by his usual energy. 

He was married January 19, 1868, to Miss Kate M. Petei-s, of Carson City, Nevada. 
He has seen much of life, and it is universally admitted that he is "true as steel." 



TRANSPORTATION OF LUMBER BY WATER. 



IS'J 



Governor II. H. 151iiK(lul, J. \V. Ilaines aiul J. F. 
Sehultur, are named as interested parties. 

The following Ajirii another project was inaui;ii- 
rated by Goft". Elliott, Pray, and Spencer, who ]m-o- 
po.sed to take the water from Clear Creek and carrj- 
it to Empire, a distance of ahout thirteen miles, the 
cost being estimated at 820,0(10. This was also 
intended for the transportation of wood and lumber. 

The first-named company filed their articles of" 
incorporation about the first of -May, IStlO, witii .1. 
W. Haines, J. B. Winters, Frederick Schulter, 
Thomas Wade, and George F. Jones, as Trustees; 
the ])i-iiicipal place of business being Carson City; 
John B. Winters, President; Thomas Wells, Secre- 
tary; George F. Jones, Treasurer. 

Maj- 5th, "Ijake Tahoe and Emjiire Flume Com- 
pany," tiled articles of incorporation, electing as 
officers, A. W. Pray, J. II. F. (iort; and K. M. Clark. 
The first being President, the second Superintendent 
of Construction, and the last Secretary. The com- 
pany designed beginning work at once, and to com- 
plete the flume the following September. This com- 
pany proposed beginning one mile and a half east 
of Lake Tahoe, at a point near the head-waters 
of Clear Lake, and carry the works to within a mile of 
Empire Citj'. The Surveyor General for l.S()!)-70 
speaks of an increased interest in the method of 
"transporting lumber from the sources of 8U])])!y in 
the mountains to the mills. The old method by 
wagons involved the construction of costly roads, 
which were of little use after the timber was 
exhausted. The best of roads were soon cut u)) with 
the pressure of the enormous loads, and the winter 
rains completed the ruin. The transportation at l)est 
was slow and expensive, while that b}- flume was 
ra]iid and cheap. 

lie reports, altogether, in the vState at that time, 
about twenty-five miles of lumber flume, and recom- 
mends that the flumes be extended. Three of these 
were in Ormsbj- County. One belongs to II. 11. Yerring- 
ton & Co., and commences at the end of the rail- 
road, about two miles west of (Jarson Vhy, and 
extends up the mountain sides about four miles. 

The second, owned by Chamberlain & Co., com- 
mences near the last, and also extends four miles to 
near the summit. 

The third, belonging to the "Summit Fluming 
Companj'," commences in the mountains near the 
head-waters of Clear Crook, following down Clear 
Creek to the base of the mountains; thence along 
the base of the mountains towards Carson City. 
This, when completed, was about twelve miles long. 
The oldest enterprise in the State was said to liavo 
been that of J. \V. Haines, and (!. A. \iu\ (Jorder, 
in Douglas Count}', which was completed in 1SI19. 
Xo mention is made of the fact that there were V 
flumes, by the Surveyor General in his report, ])rob- 
ably because the advantage of this kind of flume had 
not as yet attracted much attention. 
24 



These remarks have been with referetice to the sub- 
se([uent claims for the invention of the V, and the 
names above mentioned will ajjpear again in this 
connection. 

The Summit Fluming Company had filed articles 
of incorporation the fifteenth of June jireviously, and 
had during the summer, or up to the time of making 
the report, constructed four mile-', connecting Elliott's 
Mill with Carson City, showing a vigorous working 
capacity. Somewhere in these years it was discovered 
that the V shaped flume was the most efficient in car- 
rying wood and lumber, and in 1859 one was first 
adopted for such use without lapping the boards. 

The princi])le involved, or rather, evolved, in the 
V flume, or slanting sides, was that when the lumber 
or wood lodged from any cause, the water acccumu- 
lating would, in raising it up from the slanting sides, 
free it, a result not accomplished when the flume was 
with ])erpendicular sides, which in co!itradistinction 
might bo called a U flume. 

The question is still unsettled as to who first 
invented the V flume, and although the Court decided 
adverse to the claim of patented privileges by J. W. 
Haines, it did not appear that he was or was not the 
originator of this peculiar form of transportation, but 
it did appear that he was the fii'St in Nevada to use 
it as a wood and lumber carrier. 

Litigation of this character involving the right of 
an individual to the benefits of a valuable improve- 
ment that is of importan<'e, and advantageous for 
general use, often brings to the surface a flood of 
truth and its opposite, and not unfrequently i-esults in 
injustice to the inventor. 

So it was with Whitney's cotton-gin, which made 
cotton-raising profitable. Though fifty machines 
were running at the time within hearing of the 
Court, he could not ])rove that his machines were in 
general use. The invention was worth millions to 
the cotton States, but Whitney died poor notwith- 
standing. The invention was of too much value to 
be enjojed by one man. So it was with the shuttle 
of the sewing machine, the horizontal sickle of the 
reajier, the revolving cylinder of the rifle. Even 
such a little thing as an improved saw-tooth became 
the subject of costly and vexatious suits, and not 
until a fortune was expended was Spaulding, the 
inventor, allowed to enjoy the benefit of the in- 
vention. It was sworn that the same form of tooth 
had been in common u.se for years, but the Sujireme 
Court held otherwise, and he eventually obtained a 
recognition of his rights. It is not always the case, 
however. Smart lawyers and hard swearing will 
sometimes carr}' the day. 

In August, 1872, J. \\ . Haines brought a suit at 
Carson City, in the United States District Court, 
against William Sharon and others, to determine 
his right to benefits as an inveiUor of the V flume, 
ho having obtained a patent as such, September 20, 
1870. 



190 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



The followincr facts are compiled from the notes 
of the tcstimonj' taken by the Judge presiding: — 

The value of the V flume as a means of transporta- 
tion is shown bj- the following: Yerrington & Co.'s 
flume was constructed in 1809, and has been run- 
ning since December, 1870. It is used for running 
wood. The owners passed 30.000 cords through it 
between December 1, 1870, and January 17, 1872. 
The cost, including repairs and attendance of men, 
would not exceed one dollar per cord. The cost by 
the old method of transportation would have been 
several times as much. The following, on the struct- 
ure of the flume, is from the testimony of W. N. 
Leete: The flume is constructed of ])lanks nailed 
together in the shape of the letter V, with the 
ends of the section butted together, so as to form a 
smooth channel. It has been in existence since 
December, 1870. 

On the part of the defense (Sharon et al.) it was 
denied that the plaintiff (J. W. Haines) was the 
original inventor, or that he maintained a continu- 
ous use of it. Ho was brought on the stand and 
testified that he conceived the idea in 1868, 
and made a model in Julj^, and constructed a 
working flume in October of the same year, above 
Genoa. 

G. W. White, carpenter, testified that he knew of 
a V flume in Simmon's Canon in 1808; that it was 
owned by A. C. Cleveland; that it was made of 
inch and a half lumber, one board sixteen inches, 
the other seventeen and a half inches wide, nailed 
together at the edges, so as to form a V; that it 
was commenced in June, and finished the following 
July; that it was 6,700 feet long, and was used 
for floating wood. Prom the diary kept by himself 
he found that the flume was commenced June 22d, 
and finished July 21st; that when forty or fifty 
lengths were finished that it was tried and found 
to work well, '-not clogging more than anj- floom." 
From this it would appear that the V form was 
used because it was cheapest; and that it was found 
to run about as well as anj^ other shaped flume. 
It would run about twenty-five cords a day. 

A. C. Cleveland, the proprietor, was put on' the 
stand, and confii-med the statements of the previous 
wittioss. Some particulars as to the connection of 
the boxes were elicited. The [ends were not butted 
together, except in a few instances, but lapped. In 
the bends of the line of fluming the jogs would 
sometimes make the sticks of wood jump out. To 
remedy this, wedge-shaped pieces, three or four feet 
long, were nailed in, which produced a smoother 
current, and made it do better work. They ran sev- 
eral hundred cords of wood through the flume, and 
then sold it to the Overman Silver Mining Com- 
pany. He also testified that he saw Haines' flume 
in May previous; that ho got his idea of a V flume 
from Haines. An older V flume still was hunted up. 
J. II. Knox testified that he had a V flume in 
1864, at Musgrovo Cafion, which was about 600 feet 



long, the boards being from fourteen to eighteen, 
inches in width. It was used to run oft' saw-dust 
bark, and other waste material. Sometimes slabs of 
eon.Kiderable size would fall in and go through, 
though it was not intended to put lumber in it. 
Some of the joints were lapped and some butted 
together. This was in full view of the public, and 
was not considered a thing to conceal. 

Another man, Lonkey, testified to having used a 
V flume in 18G4, in Washoe County, twelve miles 
northwest of Carson. This was also used to carry 
waste away from the mill, though occasionally con- 
siderable pieces would fall into it and go through. 
A second flume was built of larger dimensions, the 
planks being twenty-two and twentj'-four inches, 
and was two and a half miles long, extending from 
Little Valley to Franktown, and cost about $2,000 
])er mile. The ends of the sections were butted 
together, and altogether the flume was a good picceof 
work. Cord-wood, sawed lumber, and almost every- 
thing went through; one piece recollected was 
twelve by sixteen inches, and twenty-four feet long. 
This would seem to fix the early date of V flumes; 
but this last was not constructed until July, 1870. 
The lapse of time from the building of the first to 
the building of the second flume was as much as 
was required for Napoleon to change the map of 
Europe, and does not show any connection of the 
two events. 

The reader will readily discover that the first per- 
sons who used the V had no idea of its being an im- 
provement on the box flame; that it was made of 
that shape because it was cheaper. Thy state- 
ments of other parties will be given, and the reader 
will draw his own conclusions. 

Charles Gillis, of Genoa, states that he, in connec- 
tion with J. H. F. Goff, built some 200 feet of V 
flume, at Glenbrook, in 1805, for the purpose of test- 
ing its carrj'ing advantages over the box flume, which 
choked badly; that it worked admirably, but they 
could not get capitalists to recognize its merit, and 
the project was abandoned. 

Mr. Cleveland, who operated a V flume in 1808 on 
Simmons Creek, thinks that Haines' flume was in 
operation a few weeks previous to his. (ieneral 
Marletto, also, is of the opinion that Haines had 
the first V flume in the State. Colonel A. C. Ellis 
says that several flumes of the shape in ([uestion 
were in operation at the time that Haines applied 
for a patent, which should and must invalidate the 
patent. Ellis was attorney for the defendant in the 
case of Haines and others versus Elliott Brothers, 
and may be prejudiced; though if the flumes had 
got into general use before a patent was applied for 
it would certainly militate against his claims as an 
inventor. Application lor the patent was made in 
the spring of 1860. Mr. Haines' storj^ is that he 
first conceived the idea of fluming wood in 1800; 
that he constructed a box flume for that |)urpose in 
Kingsbury Cafion, one mile in length, which proved 



THE CHURCHES OF NEVADA. 



191 



iinsncccssful. In 186G he tried a lap-over V flumo, 
placing it in the old box flume; that it proved emi- 
nently successful; that ho extended it into the 
mountains durintj the next four years some twelve 
miles. During the time, or about 1808, he changed 
it at the section from a lap-over to an abutting 
joint. There maj- be a saving claim in the matter. 
The witnesses who saw his flume at the time speak 
of it as a square box; did not see the diamond- 
shaped bottom. 

Judge Field, of the Supreme Court, decided that 
the fact of the flumes having been in common use 
previous to the application would invalidate the 
patent, and a verdict was rendered for the de- 
fendants. 

It will be seen that few, if anj', of the persons 
using the V had, at first, any idea of the value of 
the improvement; that, when it became known, 
numbers claimed the honor, so that it is uncertain 
who did originate the change. 

However much doubt maj- rest on the author of 
it the utility cannot be questioned. By means of it 
the forests in the remote and almost inaccessible 
canons may now be utilized. It admits of almost 
any grade; maj' be run on a slight or down a steep 
incline with full assurance of success. Millions of 
dollars have been spent in California to work out 
the problem of lumber transportation. The V was 
known to all. They had passed over it, used it in 
one way and another, getting now and then a glimpse 
of its utility, only to abandon it for something else. 
Within the last few years an entire revolution of 
lumber transportation has taken place. Instead of 
costly wagon-roads, and toiling mules or oxen, the 
wood and lumber is put into a box, and is hurried 
by its own weight to its place of destination. One 
of the largest of these is owned by the Pacific 
Wood and Lumber Flume Company, the principal 
owners being John Mackey, J. G. Fair, and J. C. 
Flood. It was built in 1875 at a cost of $250,000, 
is fifteen miles in length, standing most of the way 
on trestle work, and contains 2,000,000 feet of lum- 
ber, having a carrying capacity of 500 cords of wood, 
or 5(1(1.000 feet of lumber ]>er day; or, to make the 
matter plainer, it would take 2,000 horses to do tte 
work of this flume. It was projected and built by 
John B. Hereford in ten weeks. The company 
owns 12, ()()() acres of timber lanil in the vicinity of 
Huft'aker's Mill, north of Lake Tahoo, where this 
flume begins, its termination being near the Vir- 
ginia and Truckee liailroad in Washoe Valley, 

The Surveyor General for 1879-80, Andrew J. 
Hatch, reports the wood and lumber flumes as fol- 
lows: — 

Miles in 
cowNrr. Ko. length. Wood flumed. Lumber flumcd. 
Douglas... 2 .. 80,000 cords IC, 000, 000 feet, 
Ormsby... 2 25 88,0(J0 " 17,(I(MI,()(M) " 

Washoe... G 55 58,000 " 300,0((0 " 



Total... 10 80 171,000 



33,300,000 



CHAPTER XXV, , 

THE CHURCHES OF NEVADA, 

[bv col, henry a. siiaw,] 

Mormonism in the A.Ivaiice — 'I'lie First Marri.agc — Early Chris- 
tian Missionary Work — The rionocT I'reachers— Contempt 
for the Fourth Ciunmanilmeut — 'J'rihulations of a Young 
Scotch Divine at Klko — A Funeral .Sermon Over the Wrong 
Man — An Anecdote of the Lightning Express — Practical 
Praying in the Legislature — Floating Denominations in 
Nevada. 

The church history of Nevada begins at as remote 
a period as the earliest settlement in its Territory 
of white men. The term "church," as employed in 
this chapter, must be taken in its most compre- 
hensive sense. It is intended to cover every phase 
of religious belief; whether that of Jew or Gentile, 
Christian or Buddhist, Mahometan or Spiritualist, 
or any other adopted or practiced by men. It may 
mean a society organized for the propagation of any 
particular faith, a system of theology itself, or a 
building devoted to public worship. There is as 
great a diversity in the creeds of Nevada as there 
are varieties in the assay of its ores. The Mosaic 
character of its population fitly typifies the religion 
of its people. The superstitious rites of the aborigi- 
nal inhabitants and the Chinese pagans are practiced 
side by side with the sublime teachings of Chris- 
tianity. The proportion of professing believers to 
non-sectarians, however, always has been and is 
very small. A glance at the census tables, con- 
trasted with the returns of membership in the dif- 
ferent denominations, shows this to bo the case. 
But it must not therefore be assumed by the reader, 
who may not be conversant with the conditions 
under which civilization has been planted in our 
remote Territories, that the social atmosphere of 
Nevada is oppressive on this account. Her men 
and women make up in good works whatever they 
lack in seeming faith. If not theoretically religious, 
they are for the most part practically so. The 
trials so often endured bj' the ]iioneers of a new 
country, develop a spirit of charity, forbearance, 
and good-will, toward one another; and all the graces 
of Christian love and tenderness are frei|uently illus- 
trated in places where no spire ])oints the way to 
Heaven, anil where no man of God teaches the 
inspired truths of salvation. But if the testimony 
of zealous distributors of Biblical literature in earlj' 
times in Nevada be ontitlod to any weight, there is 
not very much for the faithful historian to record of 
the piety of its inhabitants. As late as 1874 the 
Rev. H. Richardson, the agent of the California 
Bible Society, in his report of bis operations in 
Nevada, used this language: — 

The work of Hiblo distribution has special claims ' 
upon us here, on account of its special needs. Is 
there a State in our whole Union where there is so 
little religious restraint, such ignorance of the Bible, 
such flaunting at its teachings, such Sabbath-break- 
ing, such heaven-daring i)r<)fanity. such common 
drunkenness, such unblushing licentiousness, and 



192 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



such glorying in shame — in short, is there another 
State* whore people so generallj' feel as though they 
were almost or ijuito oiitof tiod's moral jurisdiction? 

Mr. Richardson may possibly liuvo ])ut too many 
Eembrandl touches in this picture of utter depravity 
in his desire to serve his society and to still iurthcr 
Btimuiate its zeal in the matter of providing reckless 
miners and ))rospectors with free copies of the 
unrevised Scriptures. Those who will carefully fol- 
low the story of the progress of the various Christian 
denominations, as ])rcseiited in the succeeding jiages. 
will probably come to the conclusion that Uichard- 
son's sketch is just a trifle over-drawn. 

ADVANCE OF THE MORMONS. 

The Mormons were the i)ioneer settlers in the 
country. The}', of course, brought along with them 
their peculiar doctrines, and Mormonism was there- 
fore the (irst religion introduced bj- white men in 
this Territory. All of the ))resent ><'evada was then 
known as Carson County, Utah Territory. In 1847 
the first settlemenl cstablisliod by the Mormons in the 
couiitj' was at FraiiUtown, Washoe Valley. In.hine, 
1854, another company of Mormons, headed by 
Elder Orson Ilydo. arrived in Carson Vallej-. Two 
years later, another i)arty, emin-acing about twenty 
families, arrived from eastern Utah, and settled 
chiefly in Washoe Valley. In 1857, Brigham Young 
issued his ])roclamation recalling all the wandering 
members of his tribe to Salt Lake, to tight the expedi- 
tion sent out bj- the United States (iovernment under 
Col. Albert Sidney Johnston. Ilis adherents in Car- 
son and Washoe Valleys obeyed his summons, and 
abandoned their fartns which they had brought 
under cultivation. Subsequently other bands of 
apostate Mormons returned and took possession of 
these once prosperous settlements. The original 
settlers in Meadow and Clover Valleys, were all of 
this church, and came from Utah in 18(i4. Thej- 
were in charge of Hisbo]i Samuel Fioo about two 
years, and at first numbered about thirty-five fami- 
lies. In 1872 they had increased to seventy families. 
The settlement now numbers about thirty families, 
and is in charge of Bishop Luke Syphus. The 
first Mormon settlement in Kagle Vallej- was in 
charge of Bishop M. Hatch, but is now in the 
jurisdiction of Bishop Syphus. The Mormons in 
Nevada are known as Josc])hites, the distin- 
guishing feature of which is ojiposition to the doc- 
trines of polygamy. They style themselves mem- 
bers of the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of 
Latter Day Saints. Alexander 11. Smith, son of Joseph 
Smith, who was the founder of this sect, is a mis- 
sionary on the I'acific Coast of this branch of the 
Mormon Church, llo is about forty-seven years of 
age, an<l occasionally visits the Josephites of Xevada, 
who number to-day probably about three hundred 
all told. 

EARLY MISSIONARY WORK. 

The discovery of gold and silver in Nevada Terri- 



tory, and the Washoe mining excitement turned the 
tide of emigration eastward across the Sierra. By 
the new-comers were borne the standards of other 
Christian denominations. The Methodist Episcopal 
Church organization was the first to establish a reg- 
ular missionary outpost. The lioman Catholic 
(Jhurch had its priests on the ground soon after- 
ward. Later the Protestant Episcopal Church turned 
its attention to this inviting field for missionary 
labor, and after them successivelj- came the Pres- 
byterians, the Baptists and the Congregationalists. 
The history of these dift'erent denominations is fully 
set forth further on under their respective headings. 

Something may be generally sot down here of the 
characteristics of missionary work in Nevada in 
early times; of the dillicultics of Church work en- 
gaged in by the men who pioneered the gospel in 
those daj's. No more self-denying labor was ever 
accom])lislie(l than that performed by these heralds 
of religion. These jtioneer ministers did not come 
to gain material wealth. Most of them are very 
])Oor to-daj'. Their successors are in about the same 
condition. Had they been worldly-minded they 
might have been rich. The pioneer ministers saw 
the rougher side of life. They had few comforts. 
They were glad to have a board shanty to live in, 
and a tent for a ])lace of worship. These men and 
their associates not onl}' founded churches, but every 
one of them was an earnest advocate of a sj-stem of 
public education. They sought not their own, but only 
the highest welfare of their communities. Nevada 
might lose all its mineral wealth and not encounter 
any such loss as it would were the initial work of 
the pioneer ministers absolutely stricken out. They 
stood in their places not only for religion but for 
education, law, justice, for temperance, honest indus- 
try, and for eternal principles of right to \ny at the 
very foundations of the State. The Right Reverend 
(). W. Whitaker, the Episcopal Missionary Bishop of 
Nevada, in his eleventh annual rejjort, jiubiished in 
1880, indicates in a general waj- the difliculties with 
which all ministers in his country have contended. 

•' In the good providence of (iod," he writes, "I 
am permitted to see the end of the j'ears of mission- 
ary work in Nevada. They have been years of 
almost unremitting lalior, much of which has been 
attended with manifold discouragements and appar- 
entl}' meagre results. The continual change which 
is taking place in the population of our towns, and 
the almost universal disregard of Sunday as a day of 
rest and worship, have everywhere combined to 
retard the progress which it should seem the Church 
ought to have made during this time. If the ]ieoplo 
of Nevada were attached to the places in which they 
live, instead of constantlj' planning for removal, it 
would be much easier for them to become identified 
with Church work; and if they could be ])ersua(led 
to relax their labors for one day of the week, a much 
larger attendance ujnm Sunday services could be 
easily secured. Whether this will ever be in this 



THE CHURCHES OE NEVADA. 



103 



generation i8 very doubtful. It iw certain that but 
little progress has been made in this direction in the 
last ten yeai-s." Again, in a report issued two years 
before, the same gentleman remarks: " No one who 
has not lived in a country where there is no Sunday 
for the workingman, where the controlling desire of 
almost every man and woman is to get rich quickly, 
where few have anj- local attachments or think of 
making for themselves a permanent home, has any 
just conception of the diflicultj' in maintaining a high 
standard of Christian character in one's own life, or 
of leading others to strive to attain it." This tcsti- 
monj- of Bishoj) Wliitaker is concurrent with that 
ottered by all ministers of tlie gos])el who have ever 
labored in Nevada. The institution of Sunday- 
schools has accomiilishcd much toward securing a 
better observance of the Sabbalh. These have been 
planted in many localities where no tJhureh organi- 
zation exists. They have been maintained by devout 
men and women an.xioua to co-operate in the work 
of the religious training of the young. The natural 
desire for rest on one day in the week has also 
served the cause. Business men and their clerks 
have found the need of relaxation, and by common 
consent the stores in Virginia City, Carson, and 
other towns, are now kept closed on Sundays. Thus 
much of the cause of complaint on this score on the 
part of clergj'men has been removed. 

PIONEER I>REACniNO IN KI.KO. 

One or two illustrations of the jiecuiiar conditions 
under which the pioneer ministers first laborer! will 
suffice to show the character of missionary- work in 
Nevada. In 1S70 the Rev. John Brown, then a 
graduate fresh from the Glasgow University, Scot- 
land, arrived at Hlko to take charge of an organiza- 
tion of Presl)}-terians just formed there. He arrived 
late one Saturday night. On stejtping into the rail- 
road depot and making inquiries for a certain 
gentleman, whom he had been told, before he left 
San Francisco, he would find to be a strong pillar 
in his church, he was directed to a faro bank. 
There, amid the gambling crowd, he found the 
"strong ])illar" gambling " with the boys," and evi- 
dentlj- one of them. From the gambling-table this 
young minister was led by this '-brother" to Sister 
K., whom he was informed he would find to bo a 
true mother in Israel. Sister R. was a queer mixture, 
physically, morally and spiritually — half French and 
half Indian. She had some good points, but they 
were terribly com])f>unded with |ioinls that were 
not quite so good. But for a foundation the young 
Scotch divine had to take such timber as ho could 
get in those daj's. It was ])retty crooked and 
knotty but he could get no better. Next morning 
ho preached in the Court House to as manly a 
set of fellows as could l)e found aiij'where between 
the Atlantic and the I'acifie. Returning from wor- 
ship to his room ho stumbled over a dead Chinaman 
who had been shot by one of his own fellowconntry- 
men, and as that was regarded as a matter of small 



consequence the body was left where it fell till a hole 
could bo dug somewhere for its reception. During his 
first week in Elko Mr. Brown spent his time pros])ect- 
ing, not for silver, but for proper material to build a 
Presbyterian Church, lie was convinced that it was 
there, if ho could only got it mined and separated 
from its surroundings. The Railroad ('om|(any gave 
him four nice lots, so, when he stood up to jtreach 
on the second Sabbath, ho told his hearers that 
they were going to build a church, and that right 
awaj'. lie invited his congregation to meet iiim 
next morning to clear away the sago-brush. They 
obej-ed the summons, though there was not a dollar 
with which to begin oj)erations, and $2,500 at least 
would be required. In tho crowd was a character 
known as "Parson Cook." He could drink his whisky 
straight, could hunt Indians, make bricks, build 
houses, or exhort the "boys" on tho street from the 
top of a drj'-goods box. This rough and shaggy pio- 
neer rose and declared that the church had to bo 
built; and if he w'as ])ledged a benefit night — that is an 
occasion to exhort and take up a collection when the 
church was built — he would give the bricks and build 
the foundation. It was unanimously agreed to accept 
his offer, and to proclaim the "parson" the best 
fellow in all the town. He was as good as his word, 
and when the church was completed he got his 
benefit service. Life in Elko in those days was very 
different from the correct and somber existence to 
which the young I'resbyterian minister had been 
accustomed among his native hills of Scotland. It 
was the custom in Elko, as it is elsewhere in Nevada, 
to give everj- one who died " a good send off"; " that 
is, to take him to church and preach a funeral ser- 
mon over his remains. This had to be done even for 
the worst characters in the i>lace, and it used to try a 
clergyman's soul exceedingly bard to find out just the 
right thing to say on such occasions. Once Mr. 
Brown was called on vcr}' suddenly to preach a 
funeral sermon over the remains of a poor gambler 
who had committed suicide. As gambling was a 
great vice then in the town, ho had pre])arcd a ser- 
mon on the subject which he had not 3-et delivered. 
He knew there would be a big crowd of just the 
class that ought to hear it, so he decided to deliver it 
over the body of the suicide. The procession moved 
in solemn silence through the main street to tho 
church, and filled u]) every corner of the building. 
Somehow or other tho Eeverend Mr. Brown got tho 
wronir man in his mind. The man whom he thought 
was lying dead in the cotlin before the pulpit was 
alive and in tho audience. After moralizing some- 
what on the evils of gambling, tlie minister became 
rather personal in his obituarj- discourse. Instead 
of sending the man, whom ho thought was dead, to 
heaven, a glorified saint, he sent him in the other 
direction; and referred in such plain terms to his evil 
life and destitute family, that tho individual alluded 
to and all ])resent realized that Mr. Brown was 
preaching hU funeral sermon. This, of course, 



194 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



made him mad. He finally rose, and shaking 
his fist at the minister, swore vengeance and left the 
house. Others followed him muttering as they 
went out that tbey would shoot Mr. Brown on sight. 
It was not until all was over that the hapless clergy- 
man know whom he had buried. Explanations and 
apologies were subseijuently made, and peace again 
was restored in the camp. Mr. Brown tells another 
good story of his experiences at Elko. In those 
days queer sorts of fellows used to come along 
preaching the Gospel, or temperance, or something 
else. One day a little old fellow visited Mr. Brown's 
study, and asked him to go with him to hold services 
on the street opposite the gambling saloons. The 
pastor declined. The stranger went himself, and 
while he was in the midst of his sermon his wife 
drove into town on the top of a load of wood. When 
she saw the partner of her joys and sorrows she got 
down, and seizing him by the neck dragged him 
in tlic dust, and after pounding him well with her 
fists, told him to go home and provide for his starv- 
ing children. The little old man got up and shook 
himself, remarking that that sort of thing was not new 
to him. Another day a man called on Mr. Brown 
to ask him for the use of the church, in which to lect- 
ure on temperance. lie was accommodated. In his 
lecture he offered to bet 81"<l there was not a single 
drop of whisky in Elko that would burn. No one 
took him up, but next day the fellow was as drunk 
as a piper, dancing in the streets, and challenging 
the community to climb on him by thousands. The 
Elko whisky burned a big hole in his character, and 
ho had to leave on short notice. The only pair ever 
married by Mr. Brown in the church remained to- 
gether about twenty-four hours. Something hap- 
pened, and they parted for ever. He received more 
money in marriage fees in Elko than he has ever 
received since. When a boy in Glasgow, Mr. Brown 
used to join other wicked little fellows in |)laguing 
the Mormon missionaries that occasionallj- preached 
over there in the streets. One day a fine silk hat 
was knocked off one of them, and Brown did his 
part in trampling it in the mire. "God moves in a 
mysterious way his wonders to perform." A Mor- 
mon woman came to Elko from Utah, when he was 
there, and set up a laundry. She told a sad tale, 
and got five dollars out oi' the clergj-man. To pay 
it back she wanted to do his washing, lie gave 
her a big load of soiled linen, but never saw her 
again. The Mormon church more than got even 
with him, and he resolved that he would never again 
interfere with its missionaries. Elko was a hard 
place for a minister to do much good. The Rev. J. 
II. layers, who preached there long after Mr. Brown 
had left, testifies that the people there were gen- 
erally kind, but, as a class, very wicked. Mr. Byers 
also tells a good funeral story of JOIko. The Hon. 
II. II. Peyton, formerly amemberof the Legislature, 
was buried on June 3, 187G. This was the <lay the 
pooi)lo of I'viko were expecting the passage through 



the town of the famous lightning train from New 
York to San Francisco. The funeral was set for 
2 o'clock p. .M., but the train was not expected till 
about 4 o'clock. The bell had tolled, and the church 
was about half full of peo])le, with more coming in 
sight. Tiie corpse rested on chairs before the pul- 
pit, the pall-bearers and friends of the deceased 
were present, and Mr. Byers was in the pulpit select- 
ing the Ii3'mn8 appropriate to the solemn occasion. 
He was just rising in the pulpit to begin the serv- 
ices, when some called out, near the door, and said: 
" The fast train is coming." To the minister's utter 
astonishment there was a general stampede. Ever^'- 
body lelt the church, citizens, pall-bearers, friends of 
the deceased, and the sexton, the minister alone 
remaining. As the last mourner disa]jpcared through 
the door the solitary clergyman glanced at the coffin, 
and thought, for a moment, he detected a movement 
K on the part of the corpse also as though it, too, 
would follow the crowd if it could. The people all 
ran to the depot, and waited about fifteen minutes, 
when the train came. The train-men and the few 
passengers stoj)ped there for dinner, but not a 
man or woman returned to the church till the 
train was gone. Mr, Byers meanwhile walked about 
the church, full of anxiety whether the dead man 
would be buried or not. About the time the train 
left he began to toll the bell again, when the people 
began slowly to return to the church, but not as 
many as had been there previous to the coming of 
the train. He then preached a sermon from Amos, 
4th cliajjter. 12th verse, after which the body of H. 
II. Peyton was carried to the hill above the church 
and buried in a lonely spot among the sage-brush. 
The people of Elko, though quite hospitable, were 
much like the Athenians. Thej' always craved for 
something new. The ]ilace was too fast to adhere to 
old things, even though they wore superior. A spirit- 
ualist came along once and almost depicted the 
church for a time. Sabbath-school teachers deserted 
the Sabbath-school and church, and almost everybody 
was carried awaj- with table-rappings and communi- 
cations from what they supposed was heaven, but 
indeed was so near hades that the pastor felt it was 
unsafe to follow his congregation. Mr. Byers says 
he never had any deacons at Elko as he had no 
material out of which to make them. And the reader 
may set down Elko as merely a prototype of all 
other now mining towns. With some variations, the 
same amusing stories may bo told of missionarj- work 
all over Nevada. 

PHACTICAL PUAYINd BY A CHAPLAIN. 

Sometimes even clergj-men themselves were in- 
fected bj- the spirit of the times. One extreme case 
will illustrate our meaning. Some years ago during 
a session of the Legislature at Carson, an ungodlj' 
representative was heard complaining in the street 
of the folly of having prayers b}' the chaplain at the 
0])oning of the session each day. The chaplain, he 
thought, was taking up unnecessary time. If his 



THE CHURCHES OF NEVADA. 



105 



pniyors wcro onlj- ]iriK'(ic-al it iiiiLjht do sfuno tjood. 
The meinbor, thus oom]>lainiiin, was a miner, and 
declared he could stand praj'injj provided some good 
could be derived from it; for instance, if bj- pravins^ 
for it the rock in his tunnel would be softened, or the 
water flowing therein made more plentiful. Some- 
body told the Rev. T. II. MctJrath. a Methodist 
minister and the chaplain at the time, what had been 
said bj- the petulant solon. ^ext morning when the 
Assembly was called to order, Mctirath offered up to 
the throne of grace the following prayer: — 

On Lord: We pray Thee to remember member 

. Make the rock in his tunnel as sofi as his 

head and the water in his ditch as abundant as the 
whisky he daily drinks. Amen. 

McGrath is now Sexton of the Odd Fellows Oeme- 
ter}- at Virginia City. lie was a zealous and hard 
worker during his connection with the Methodist 
ministry. In 1878 he had imbibed ideas at war with 
its doctrines and he abandimed the fold. lie there- 
upon organized " The Liberal Religious Society of 
Nevada," whose bond of union was the golden rule. 
Its first board of trustees were 0. C. liutlermiin, G. 
E. Caukin and E. A. Schultz; William Krause, Treas- 
urer; and Dr. U. Smith, Secretary. Services were 
held for awhile in Virginia City, but the society did 
not long survive its birth. 

I'RE.\CIIEKS -Wn POLITICIANS. 

A genial spirit of fraternization is one of the 
marked characteristics of the Nevada clergj-. A 
feeling of mutual respect has alwaj's prevailed 
among the ministers of the various denominations. 
It is a common practice for the Protestant pastors to 
exchange ])ulpits, and whenever one church is de- 
stroyed by fire the others are invariably ])laceci at 
the disposal of the burnt-out congregation. The 
frequent fires in Virginia City and other towns have 
often illustrated the kindly relations sustained by 
the churches toward one another. As a class the 
pastors are men of the world, hard-working, ener- 
getic, sensible toilers in the Ijord's vineyard, accus- 
tomed to roughing it, and inured to every form of 
hardshi|)and personal ])rivation. Intellectually they 
are far superior to the light-waisted theologians 
whose cburchly triumphs are indicated by the num- 
ber of embroidered slippers in their possession. 
Most of them have built their own churches, and 
after a year or two of experience in the sage-brush 
country, they succeed in picking u|> a great deal of 
practical business knowledge which fits them for any 
avocation. Some after a while turn to mining, and 
others to politics. One clergyman was elected State 
Mineralogist, another State Superintendent of I'lib- 
lic Instruction, and others have served the commu- 
nities faithfully in the Legislature. 

EVANGELISTS AND PUBLIC.\TI0N8. 

Neither revival gatherings nor camp-meetings 
have ever obtained much headway in Nevada. In 
1867 the Rev. A. B. Earle, an honored evangelist of 



the Baptist Church, visited the State, and hold 
revival services in Virginia, Carson and other towns. 
Ho succeeded in doubling the membership of the 
Methodist Churches; and his admirers in Storey 
County put a thirty-pound silver brick in his hat on 
the night of his departure for his Eastern home. 
The ordinaiy Church instrumentalities have gener- 
ally been relied on to save sinners. A novelty was 
inaugurated by a minister in Gold Hill in 1864. In 
May of that year the I^ews came out every afternoon 
with scriptural texts distributed among its local 
news paragraphs. The editor subsequently ex])lained 
the mj-sterious publication of Biblical text in the 
columns of his paper, which had excited so much 
newspaper comment, by saying it was published as 
an advertisement and paid for by the resident minis- 
ter of Gold Hill. The only attempt ever made in 
the State to issue a regular religious publication was 
made in 1S74 by the Rev. Geo. B. Allen, Rector of St. 
Peter's (Episcopal) Parish. He published a monthly 
magazine entitled T//e Nevada Pidp'U for one year. 
It was ably edited, an advocate of no creed, liberal 
and independent in its views, and was open to a free 
expression of opinions from all sides. It was a suc- 
cess, but Mr. Allen's jiarochial duties would not per- 
mit him to continue its publication, and The Nevada 
F'ldpit ceased to exist with the number for Deeember 
1874. 

The Rev. H. L. Foote, subsequently Rector of the 
same parish, during his incumbency (1S7(!-7S) pub- 
lished a little pa])or called the Parish Guide, for the 
exclusive use of the Episcopal Churches in Nevada. 

nilU.E SOCIETY. 

An important auxiliary to church work in Nevada, 
mention of which may be made in this connec- 
tion, were the California and Nevada Bible Societies. 
The California Bible Society was formed in 184!). 
Its first chief agent was the Rev. Frederick Buel, 
who died in October, 186:5. As the only agent on 
this coast for many years ho served not only Cali- 
fornia, but Oregon, Washington Territory, Utah and 
Nevada. In 1868 the Rev. N. Reasoner was ap- 
pointed by the American Bible Society as agent for 
Nevada, Utah, and a jiortion of northeast California. 
Having continued in that relation lor two j-ears ho 
resigned, leaving the field with no general agency 
apart from that of the California Bible Society. The 
Storey County 15ible Society was organized in 1872, 
and made a good record of its doings until 1873, 
when it was merged into the Nevada Bible Society, 
which organized on the nineteenth of October in 
that year, at a meeting held in St. Paul's (Episcopal) 
Church, Virginia. The oHicers elected were A.J. 
Ralston, President; W. H. Hurrall, Vice-President; 
C. H. Osborne, Treasurer, and Hishop Whitaker, 
Secretaiy. These with I'evs. \. X. Ilurd (I'resbytc- 
rian), G. W. Kitcli (Methodist E])iscopal). and C. L. 
Filch (Baptist), constituted the Executive Board. 
Operations were entirely carried on by the voluntary 
contributions oi" the friends of the Bible, rather 



196 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



than by anj- profits on its books. The parent society 
in New York u;ranted the societ}- S2,(i00 worth of 
Bibles, and the Hev. H. Richardson was engaged 
to canvass the State of Nevada. This gentleman, 
writing of his work in 1874, said: " Of the sixty tons 
and more of Bibles which 1 have circulated the last 
ten yeai-s in California and this State (Nevada), 1 
thank God that they have been in nearly twenty 
different languages." 

FLOATING DENOMINATIONS. 

Before relating the special history of the principal 
denominations in Nevada, it is ))roper to briefly refer 
to those religious organizations that have come and 
gone from time to time, and which may be more 
apjiropriatelj- designated as floating societies. The 
Spiritualists have occasionally come to the surface. 
In Virginia City several attempts were made to 
organize them on a material basis, but all have 
failed. Along in 1874-75, services were regularly 
held on Sundays in Miners' Union Hall, Virginia 
City, in the Welsh language, by people who pre- 
ferred to commune with their Redeemer in that 
ancient tongue. The Reverend Mr. Moses officiated 
at these gatherings. In 1873 a sect of Bible Chris- 
tians under the Rev. C. R. Klein, held sway for 
awhile in Virginia Cit}-. At Winnemucca, a branch 
of the Presbyterian Church known as the Cumber- 
land Presbyterians, organized in 1S78, but after two 
oi- three j-ears labor fell away to zero, and have lately 
disappeared altogether. The Hebrews in Nevada 
have never erected a synagogue, and do not very 
strictly adhere to the teachings of Moses and Abraham. 
Occasionally they invite a rabbi from San Francisco 
to visit them, and hold services on the anniversaries of 
their most important festivals. On April 23, 1878, the 
Jewish citizens of Reno organized a society called 
the Chobra B'rith Sholom, for religious and benevo- 
lent purposes. Their property was destroyed in the 
conflagration of 1879, and the society went out of 
existence; but on August 10, 187'.), the Reno Hebrew 
Benevolent Society was organized with twenty-one 
members, for the same objects. It owns a cemetery 
near Reno, and is the only Jewi^h religious society 
existing in Nevada to-day. The spiritual care of the 
Indian tribes in Nevada is genorall}- left to the 
Government Agents, who are invariably Baptist 
ministers. The Rev. C. A. Bateman, at present pastor 
of the Hajttist Church. Nevada City, California, was 
serving in 1.S74 as Indian Agent of the Pyramid Lake 
Reservation. The Indians, however, are not easily 
converted to Christianit}'. The Roman Catholic 
C;hurch is the only denomination in the State that 
has done anything to try and teach the Washocs and 
Pah-Utes, but only to a limited extent, and mostly in 
Storey County. 

VVc will now proceed to a detailed account of the 
rise and subsequent career of those various denom- 
inations in Nevada which have established thcm- 
BclvcB on a permanent basis. 



CHAPTER XXVI. 
PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH. 

First Service — Value of C'liureh I'rojierty — Defection of a Min- 
ister — Work Among tlie CliinesL — Tlie Diocesan .Scliool — 
Gift of Miss C. L. Wolfe— Bishop Whitaker'a .School- 
Damage by Fire — Church at (;olil Hill — .Silver City — Day- 
ton — Austin — Hamilton — Pioche — Eureka — Reno— Belmont. 

Population had been flowing into the new Terri- 
tory of Nevada for some {wo or three yeai-s before 
the attention of the Protestant Episcopal Church 
was called to it as an inviting field for missionary 
labor. As early as 18C1 a church service was held 
in Virginia City, by an Episcopal clergyman of the 
California Diocese, temporarily visiting that lively 
camp; but it was not until the spring of the follow- 
ing year that the American Church Missionary 
Society selected the Rev. Frat.klin S. Rising, of New 
York, and sent him out to this then remote region, 
to begin the work of church organization. How 
successfully he labored in this field, and the results 
of his work, are fully set forth in the particular 
history of the parishes, under their respective heads. 
The first visit of a high dignitary of the church was 
that of Bishop Talbot, now of the ])iocese of Indi- 
ana. In 1863, he was Missionary Bishop of all the 
northwest Territories, and in the fall of that year 
he extended his annual tour from Nebi-aska as far 
west as the Sierra. The first services held by him 
in Nevada Territory were at Aurora, Esmeralda 
Count}', on Sunday, October 4, 18G3. This was then 
a mining camp of great promise, and bade fair to 
become a conspicuous center of po|)ulation. A parish 
was organized there, and on December 22d the Rev. 
William II. Stoy became its regular minister, at a 
salary of Sl.'iO per month. The society, however, 
was short-lived, and fell to pieces a few weeks later. 
Bisho]) Talbot, during his visit, hold services at 
Austin, and other places, and consecrated the Epis- 
copal Church at A'irginia, the first edifice of the 
denomination built in the Territory, Until Nevada 
was created a separate Missionary |)iocese, but little 
effective work outside of the Comstock was accom- 
plished. The gentleman whose name is most closely 
identified with the growth of K]>iscop:ilianism in 
Nevada, is the liiglil liev, Ozi William Wliitaker, 
the present Missionary Bishop. A man of liberal 
culture, of genial nature, and recognized executive 
ability, he has endeared himself, not only to those 
of his own church, but to the people generally. He 
is a native of New Salem, Massachusetts, where ho 
was born on May 10, l!S30. He graduated at .Middle- 
bury College, Vermont, in 185G, and lor nearly four 
j-ears served as principal of the High School at 
North Brookfiold, Massachusetts. In 18(!3. ho was 
graduated at the (ieneral Theological Seminary, Now 
York, and ordained a deacon at Grace Church, Bos- 
ton, on July 15th, of that year. On August 7th fol- 
lowing, he was ordained a priest at St. Ste]ihen's 
Chapel, Boston. He was immediatel}- detailed for 
missionary work in Nevada, and proceeded at once 




PIONEER STABLE, W^ MOONEY, VIRGINIA, NEV. 




OFFICE OFTHE GOULD&CURRY AND BEST & BELCHER. 

MINING COMPANIES, VIRGINIA, NEVADA. 



THE CHURCHES OF NEVADA. 



197 



to his new sphere of aetivity. His hibors as mis- 
sionary ami rector are fully set forth in the succeed- 
ing pages. Ill 18G5, the Rev. Robert J. Parvin was 
ek'cteil Hishop of Novuiln, but he was not confirmed 
by tlie House of 15ishoi)s; then the Rev. M. A. De 
Wolf Howe, D. D., was chosen, but he declined the 
honor, as well as the exacting labor which the office 
then promised to entail upon the incumbent. 

VAI.I E OF CIUKCII PROPERTY. 

In ISliS, the Rev. Mr. Whitaker, who up to that 
time had borne the brunt of establishing on a firm 
footing the church in Nevada, was elected Mission- 
ary Hishop of the Diocese. JIo received the degree 
of Doctor of Divinity from Kenyon College, Ohio, in 
1SG9, and was consecrated a Bishop in New York 
on October 13, ISO!). Last year (1S80) Bishop 
Whitaker closed the tenth j-ear of his missionarj- 
work in Nevada. An extract from his last annual 
report to the Board of Missions of the J'rotestant 
Episcopal Church shows very clcarlj' the progress 
of the denomination in Nevada during the last 
decade. Dr. Whitaker says: — 

When I entered ujion the performance of mj- 
duties as Missionary l^ishop there was but one 
clergyman belonging to the jurisdiction; now there 
are seven. There were then three churches; now 
there are ten. There were then two rectories; now 
there are eight. There were then 100 communi- 
cants, there are now 340; there were then thirty 
Sunday-school teachers and 320 scholars; there are 
now ninelj--three teachers and 1.242 scholars. Dur- 
ing this time there have been 1,199 infants baptized, 
and 143 adults. There have been confirmed 368 
persons, and 580 marriages have been solemnized. 
The number of burials has been 1,129. The total 
value of church property in Nevafla ten years ago 
was 830. 400; it is now .?12.').0()0. In making up this 
valuation 1 have deducted SlO.OOO from the actual 
cost on account of de|)reciatii>n in the actual value. 
But were all the church ]n-oi)erty to be destroj-ed 
it could not be restored to its ])resent condilion for 
less than 812'), 000. Of this amount 1 have received 
i'rom sources outside the Slate, and mainly from 
friends in the Atlantic States, §33,071. Subtracting 
from the present value that of ten j-ears ago, we 
have an increase of value in ten j-ears of 888. COO. 
Deducting from this §33,071, the amount given from 
outside sources, we have left §.').■). r)29. But in <leter- 
miniiig the amount given in Nevada for church 
])roperty there should be added to this the §10,000 
deducted for (lepreeialion in value, and §9.000 which 
had been given by the congregation of St. I'aul's 
("hurch, Virginia Cit}'. for enlarging the chuirh just 
before the great fire in 1S7."), but does not appear in 
the present valuation. This gives §74,r)29. From 
this amount must be deducted §8,000. the present 
total indebtedness, which leaves 8106,529 as the total 
given in Nevada for church pro])ertj' in the past ten 
J-ears. Krom this it will be seen, that for every 
dollar received from abroad for building churches 
and schools our own peojile have, in ten years, given 
somewhat over two dollars, and have altonether 
given almost three-fourths of the present total value. 
This amount is over and above what has been given 
for current ex[)enses. 

The foregoing is a fair report in a few words of 
25 



Ejii-scopal i)rogress in Nevada. The history of each 
parish is treated separately. It is to these that 
the reader must look for the entrances and exita 
of the worthy men who have in their time striven 
under all sorts of disadvantages to build up and 
sustain an Episcopal community in the sage-brush 
land. In common with all other Christian denomi- 
nations who have tried to promote the cause of 
religion they have only been able to hold their own 
by the severest labor, and by overcoming almost 
insurmountable obstacles. These diflieulties have 
alreadj- been pointed out in the introductory observa- 
tions in this chaj)ter. The building of church edi- 
fices does not tell the whole story. Ministers have 
done a great deal of work outside their own parishes, 
and have traveled to neighboring settlements and 
wherever two or three could be gathered to hear 
the beautiful services of their creed. While Vir- 
ginia City, having the largest ])0])ulation, was the 
scene of the earliest work of the church, other points 
have not been neglected. The faithful Bishop, while 
doing \york as a missionary, held services at many 
places outside the Comstock Lode. In 1864 the 
Rev. Mr. Whitaker ])reaclied at Como, which now 
has only six or eight inhabitants, but which was 
then a mining camp of st^veral hundred people. 
Occasional services were also held in these daj-s in 
Galena, Franklin, Mill City, Ophir Citj", and other 
places now almost abandoned to the solitar}- com- 
panionship of the roaming coj-ote. When Washoe 
Citj- was in the zenith of its ])rosperity, the Rev. 
W. H. Dj-er, now in California, labored there for 
awhile as an Ejiiscopal clergyman. 

DEFECTION OF A CLEKGV.MAN. 

The Rev. Johnston McCormac, who came from 
Oregon in 1880, and who officiated as rector of St. 
John's Parish, Gold Hill, for about a year, is the 
only minister of the Protestant Episcopal Church 
ever connected with the Nevada Diocese who 
left the church to serve in another denomina- 
tion. Mr. McCormac in 1S74 wasoHiciating as ])astor 
of the Reformed Episcoi)al Church, at Ottawa, 
Canada. A temporary offset to his defection was, 
however, subsequentlj' secured in the ])erson of the 
Rev. George W. Fitch, of the Methodist E|)isco])al 
Church of the Nevada Conference, who was con- 
firmed by Bishop Whitaker at Reno, on Jul}- 7, 1878, 
but who al'lerwards returned to the Methodist faith, 
and is now pastor of the Methodist Episcopal Church 
at Auburn, California. 

I'ROSEI,YTI.N(i WITH TIIK CHINESE. 

Among the enterprises undertaken by the Protes- 
tant E|Mscoj)al Church in Nevada, was that of mak- 
ing pro-ielytes of the Chinese population; but this 
experiment met with no very encouraging success. 
The Chinese on the Pacific Coast make very good 
professing Christians, and that is about all. The 
suspicion has been more than confirmed that these 
people rarely, if ever, abandon the doctrines of Con- 
fucius. They take readily to the Missions and Sunday- 



198 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



schools estiiblishud by wcll-incaiiing people lor their 
benefit, but as soon as they have obtained a fair mas- 
ter}^ of the English language they cease to take that 
fen-id interest in Gospel teachings which distinguishes 
their early ettorts to seek the light. There are some 
rare exceptions to this rule, and it is generally 
admitted that the Chinaman's highest conception of 
church missions is that they are primarj' schools in 
which he may incidentally learn something of "the 
meek and lowly Jesus," while learning the language 
which vastly improves his chance of remunerative 
employment in this land of promise. On September 
23, 1874, a Protestant Episcopal Chinese Mission 
was established in Carson City. On that day Bishop 
Whitaker formally opened the " Chapel of the Good 
Shepherd," a small building with a seating capacity 
for fii'ty persons. It was built at a cost of S'iyMi, all 
of which was raised by Ah For, a Christian eolpor- 
ter, who zealously labored to convert his country- 
men residing in Virginia City and Carson City. Of 
this amount nearly S300 was subscribed by China- 
men in western Nevada, and the balance was con- 
tributed by the American jteople. In 1875, Ah For 
built a second chapel in Virginia City. It was his 
custom to gather his countrj^men in these houses, 
and preach to them on alternate Sundays, and to 
teach them on the evenings of week days. Toward 
the cost of the chapel in Virginia City, §150 was sub- 
scribed by people residing in the Atlantic States 
through Bisho]) Whitaker, and the balance by China- 
men and friends of the underlaking in Nevada. A 
part of the expense of maintaining the services was 
assumed by the Sunday-school of St. Paul's (Jhurch, 
Virginia City, and the Chinese Chapel in that town 
was under the Bishop's charge. With the assistance 
of the Reverend ^fr. Jenvey, Ah For translated the 
Order for Evening Prayer into Chinese, and used it 
at his services. He was familiar with the Bible and 
apt at illustrating its texts. His Chinese Mission at 
Carson (Jity was never very successful, and was soon 
abandoned. The one in Virginia City was fairly 
sustained for about a year, when in the conflagration 
of October, 1875, its (Jhajjcl was destroj-eil with the 
whole Chinese quarter of the city. On this there 
was no insurance. Ah For became discouraged, and 
no efforts were made to rebuild or resume the work 
in which Ik; was engaged. Through the influence of 
Bishop Whitaker, Ah For secured a missionary 
appointment from the Established Church in 
England, and is now serving as a missionary in his 
own country under its direction. 

GENEaOSITY OP MISS C. L. WOLFE. 

The Diocesan School for girls at Jteno, conducted 
under the ausj)iccs of the Protestant Eiiiscojial (-'hurch 
in Nevada, is a standing tribute to Bishop Whitaker's 
executive abilit3% and the resolute purpose which 
marks the man in whatever he undertakes. lie had 
recognized the constantly increasing need of a church 
school for the education of girls — an institution 
that could not fail to prove a most valuable aid 



in the work of evangelization, and productive of 
the richest blessings to the people of his church. 
As early as 1870 he commenced the agitation of 
this subject, and in 1873 he made an appeal for 
aid in carrying out this cherished scheme, but all 
that he received was 8300, which came from 
friends across the continent. He was grateful 
for this because it showed there were some who 
were willing to stretch out their hands to help 
the project. Two years later, however, a substan- 
tial pledge gave assurance of success. Miss C. L. 
Wolfe, a Now York lady, informed him she would 
give 810,000 for the school, upon the condition that 
the Bishop would raise an equal amount. In no part 
of the country was such a school more needed. There 
was none of such a character in the State. Its 
establishment would place the opportunity of a 
Christian education within the reach of many who 
would otherwise grow up in ignorance, for it was 
anticij)atod that the patronage of the school would 
be derived mostly from sparsely settled, agricultural 
valleys, and little mining camps, in which i'ow facili- 
ties for securing an education could be enjoyed, and 
in which religious instruction is seldom given. 

The munificent offer of Miss Wolfe encouraged 
Bishop Whitaker to renew his exertions to found 
such an institution. Success crowned his ettbrts. 
The people of Reno gave 84,000; a friend of the 
school in Nevada gave 82,500; Mrs. M. A. Gros- 
venor, of New York, gave .?],(tOO, and the balance of 
the required ."?10,U00 was given in smaller sums, 
partly by residents of Nevada, and partly by friends 
at the East. Half a block of land was given by the 
Central Pacific Ixailroad Conipanj', and the remain- 
ing half was purchased and donated by the wide- 
awake citizens of Reno, on condition that the pro- 
posed school should be located in their town. The 
construction of the building was begun on Juno 1, 
lS7(i, and on October 12th the school was opened, 
and has since boon in successful operation. We pre- 
sent on another page an illustration of the school 
and its surrounding grounds. It is 40x88 feet on the 
ground, and three stories in height. It was warmed by 
steam, supplied with hot and cold water and all modern 
conveniences before it opened its doors. The cost of 
construction reached 828,000, leaving a debt of 88,- 
000. It has accommodations for forty-five boarding 
and fifty day pupils. Miss Kate Hill is the worthy 
princi])al, and she is assisted by an admirable corps 
of assistants. Since the school was opened over 
82,000 have been expended in j)ermaneiit im])rove- 
ments, nearlj- half ot w bich was applied to the 
expense of securing a ])ormanent and abundant sup- 
ply of water for tlie use of the school, and for irriga- 
ting the grounds. Towards the ]>ayment of the debt 
in 1880 Miss Wolfe gave 82.5(10, Mrs. M. A. Gros- 
venor, 81,000, and Mr. Daniel Cook, of San Fraticisco, 
81,000, and several others have given smaller sums. 

Bj' the aid of those generous gifts the financial 
condition of tho school is bettor than at any previous 



TTTE r-TTTTHPTTES OF NEVADA. 



199 



limo since it was opened. Of the orif^innl builiiint; 
debt all has been j)aid but 84,000. There is a. float- 
ing debt of .?2, 31 0.7(5, which has been incurred for 
improvements, and by reason of deficiencies in the 
income, so that the total indebtuess is now 80,310.70. 
The school property consists of seven acres of land, 
and a building admirablj- ada]itcd to the purposes 
for which it was designed. It still has many needs. 
Among them a larger library, apparatus, and a sep- 
arate building for a gj-mnasiuni; but it needs, first 
of all, the payment of its debt. For all these, the 
Bishop, with whom the supervision of this school is a 
labor of love, looks to the friends of f^hristian edu- 
cation, hoping they will give him the means i'or sup- 
plying them. Owing to the present depression of 
the mining industry in Nevada, he cannot hope that 
the ini^titution will do more than ](rovide for its 
current expenses; and any one familiar with the 
condition of Nevada, will bear testimony that it is 
doing nobly when it does even this. Its beneficial 
influence is already felt in almost every town in the 
State. Whatever is given to this school will yield 
a rich return in the mental and spiritual benefit of 
those connected with it. Could the surplus of its 
income be employed in making needed improve- 
ments, instead of being used for the payment of 
interest and the reduction of the debt, the school 
would become each year better provided with the 
necessary means for doing still better work than it 
now performs. 

The regular course of study occupies four years. 
Each scholar on entering the school is assigned to 
the class for which she is found to be qualified. 
Eegular exercises in reading, writing, spelling, defin- 
ing, and composition, are continued throughout the 
course. Especial attention is given to English com- 
position, and the formation of a correct taste in 
reading. 

TERMS AND EXPENSES. 

The school year is divided into two terms; one of 
sixteen weeks, and the other of twenty-four. The 
Advent term begins on the last Thursday in August, 
and the Faster term on the first Thursday in Janu- 
ary'. The charge per month, for board, washing, 
fuel, lights, class lessons in vocal music, penmanship, 
free hand drawing, and tuition in Fnglish and Fatin, 
is thirty dollars. For day scholars (for the same 
instruction), six dollars; day scholars in preparatorj' 
department, four dollars. Those taking lessons upon 
the j)iano or organ, or private lessons in singing or 
drawing, or French or German, are charged at the 
following rates: — 

Piano or organ lessons, and use of instrument, 

per month 810.00 

The same, to those furnishing their own instru- 
ment 8.00 

Private lessons in singing 8.00 

FreiK'h and German, each 4.00 

Private lessons in drawing 4.00 

" " in painting 6.00 



When there are two boarders from the same 
family, a discount of ten per cent, is made from 
the above charges, for each. All jiaronts having 
daughters to educate, and all friends of Christian 
education, are invited to visit the school at any 
time, and observe the manner in which its work is 
carried on. 

Catalogues containing full information will be fur- 
nished upon application. Letters of inquiry should 
be addressed to Bisnof Wiiitakek, 

Virginia, Nevada. 

THE nONEER CIlURCn OP NEVADA. 

The following is the historical record of the various 
parishes in Nevada, considered in the chronological 
order of their foundation. 

The first Protestant Episcopal service held in 
Virginia was by the Rev. H. Smeathman, a visitor 
from California. The congregation met for divine 
service in the United States District Court-room, 
on September 11, 1861. While he was here a parish 
was organized and designated as St. Paul's Church. 
Its members made application to Bishop Talbot to 
assign to it a Eector. In March, 1802, the Rev. 
Franklin S. Rising, of New York, a brother of 
Judge Rising, now of Virginia City, was sent out 
by the American Church Missionary Society to 
Nevada Territory, arriving in Virginia City on April 
18, 1862. Mr. Rising hold his first service on the 
following Sunday (Faster), in the United States Dis- 
trict Court-room. On August 19th the erection of 
a frame church edifice, 34x00 feet, was commenced 
at the corner of Taj-lor and F streets, the site of 
the present church. 

On Christmas-day it was temporaril}' occupied by 
the congregation for the first time, and on February 
22, 1863, was permanently and formally opened for 
divine worship. It cost 830,000; the whole amount 
having been contributed by individuals connected 
with the parish. The first Sundaj'-school was organ- 
ized on May 11, 1862, with five teachers and four- 
teen pupils. In October, 1868, Bishop Talbot visited 
Virginia City, and consecrated the church. Ho 
also held in the same month a confirmation service, 
on which occasion he conferred the apostolic rite on 
thirteen ])ersons. The Rev. F. S. Rising was heart- 
ily sustained by his parishioners from the start, lie 
continued with them until January, 18()6, when his 
health failing he resigned, and returned to his home 
in Ni;w York. The esteemed gentleman lost his life 
in a collision between two steamboats on the Ohio 
River, in November, 1868. The sad news of his 
tragic death was received with sincere and genuine 
expressions of grief among his former parishioners 
of Virginia. The Rev. 11. D. Lathrop, D. I)., now 
of Fureka, California, and in 1866 in charge of the 
parish at Gold Hill, was invited to take charge of 
St. Paul's Church, and held afternoon services until 
the twenty-first of April, 1867, when he was relieved 
by the Rev. Ozi W. Whitaker. Mr. Whitaker, like Mr. 



200 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



Rising, came out as a missionary of his church, and 
was subsequently called as Rector of the parish. 
In the same jear. Bishop Talbot was elected Bishop 
of Indiana; and the missionary district of Nevada 
Territory being left without oversight was placed 
temporarily in charge of Bishop \V. Ingraham Kip, of 
the Diocese of California. In October, 1867, Bishop 
Kip visited St. Paul's Parish, Virginia City, remained 
over two Sundays, and confirmed twenty-four per- 
sons presented b^' the Rector. In the summer of 
1868, a fire starling in the church tower, damaged 
the church building to the amount of 82,700, which 
was covered bj' insurance. In September, 1S72, the 
church building was enlarged, and the interior rear- 
ranged, the seating capacity being increased six 
pews. In S<'])tember, 1874, the edifice was, at an 
outlay of SO.OOd, again enlarged, an extension of 
twenty feet being adiled to the east end, and a gal- 
lery constructed across the west end. At the same 
time a large ]iii>eorgan, costing 83,000, was erected 
in the gallery. The Sunday-school now numbered 
350 ))upils and twentj-four teachers, and the congre- 
gation tilled the cliuri'h at all services. The school 
room was in the basement of the church, 80x22 
feet. In the general conflagration of October 
26, 1875, the church building and rectory were 
entirely destroj-ed, together with the homes of two- 
thirds of the members of the congregation. The 
rectory was rebuilt as soon as the weather ]>ermitted, 
and the church edifice was rebuilt in the summer 
of 1876. The foundation was laid in Jul}', and the 
structure completed in December. The new build- 
ing was ten feet longer and two feet wider than 
the old, with a sealing accommodation of between 
350 and 400. The total cost, including furniture, 
organ, etc., reached S25 000. Towani meeting this 
the sum of 812 000 insurance, recovered on the 
burned building, was applied, together with 813,000 
raised bj' subscriptions. An indebtedness of 82,00(1 
still (1881) remains uncancelled. On December 10, 
1876, the new church was formally opened for divine 
service. 

The Rev. Mr. Whitaker has continuously served 
St. Paul's Paxish as Rector since he first took charge. 
In October, 1868, he was elected Bishop of the 
Missionary Diocese of Nevada and Arizona, lie 
accepted the office in Februar}', 1800, and on Octo- 
ber 13th was consecrated as a Bishop at St. George's 
Church, New York. During his absence from Vir- 
ginia his place was filled by the Rev. Arthur Law- 
rence, who was visiting the coast. Since entering 
upon his larger duties as Bishop of an extensive ter- 
ritory the right reverend gentleman has had to rely 
upon the services of assistant ministers in the man- 
agement of St. Paul's Parish. His first resident 
assistant minister was the IJev.J. VV. Lee, of ]?oston, 
who did duty in the parish in 1870, and left early in 
1871. Mr. Lee is now (1881) Rector at Bristol, 
Pennsylvania. In April, 1871, the Rev. William 
Henderson, now in Iowa, acted as the Bishop's 



assistant, and remained until the following October, 
when he removed to Eureka, Nevada, and took 
charge of the pari.sli there. Next came the Rev. 
Rush S. Eastman, early in 1872, from Philadelphia, 
who remained until 1874. 

In 1877, Mr. Eastman was chosen rector of Gold 
Hill Parish, where he remained until called to the 
rectoi'ship of Austin, which he now holds. In 1874, 
the Rev. W. R. Jenvey, from Pennsylvania, with Mr. 
Eastman acted as an assistant minister of St. Paul's, 
and in 1878 left to take charge of the Reno Parish. 
In July, 1879, the Rev. George N. Eastman, a younger 
brother of Rush, was installed as assistant, the duties 
of which office he at present discharges. In addition 
to his labors in connection with Virginia City, the 
assistant minister holds regular services at Daj'ton 
and Silver City on alternate Sundays. The present 
membership of St. Paul's, Virginia Cit}', embraces 
about eighty persons. It never exceeded one hun- 
dred. Like all parishes in the mining regions, the 
population is constantly changing. As illustrative 
of the effect of this peculiarity upon church life, 
attention is called to the fact that in a single j-ear 
one pew in St. Paul's, Virginia, was in possession of 
five families consecutively. Judge Rising is the only 
member of the ]iarish to-day who was a pew-holder 
when the first church was built. 

The Sundaj'-school (after the great fire) held its 
sessions in the basement of Beardsley's building, 
nearlj- opposite the Presln-terian Church. Bishop 
Whitaker held morning services in the Presbyterian 
Church until the Odd Fellows Hall was rebuilt, when 
services were held regularly in the latter building 
until the church was again readj- for occupation. 

GOLD niLL. 

The Rev. Franklin S. Rising held a service at Gold 
Hill on Maj' 18, 1SG2, after which a Sunday-school of 
five members was organized. The Second Protestant 
Episco])ul ('hurcli service ever held in the town was 
h;i(l in the (iold Hill Theatre on July Sth. when the 
parish called St. John's was organized, with Mr. 
Rising as rector. On November 9th. the congrega- 
tion changed its base from the theatre building to 
the school house. A gambling game was carried on 
night and day in the former, and the ownei-s of the 
lease refused to allow the church i>eo])le the further 
occupancy of it. " One of us " ho said, " has to quit: 
these things don't run together." On October 18, 

1863, the Rev. O. W. Whitaker succeeded Mr. Rising 
as rector, and remained in charge until June, 1865. 
The erection of a church edifice was begun J»\y 18, 

1864, and finished in the fall. It was a liand.some 
brick structure, of the (iotliic order, and su|)))orts an 
S2(i pound bell. When completed cost about 813,000. 
It was at that time in a pleasant and most desirable 
location surrounded by residences, but is to-day 
almost lost to sight among the ruins of olil hoisting 
works. It was first opened for divine worship on 
December 18, 1S64. In April, 1865, the church was 
draped in mourning for thirty days in memory of 



THE CHURCHES IN NEVADA. 



201 



President Lincoln, assassinated in that month. In 
June, ISijS, the J{ev. ])r. 11. D. Lathrop. from Ohio, 
took charge of the (iold Hill Parish and remained in 
charge until September 1, 18(57. when he accepted a 
(•all to San Franci.sco. On October 13, 18G7, St. 
John's Church was consecrated b>- Bishop Kip, Pro- 
visional Bishop of the Nevada Diocese. The Rev. 
0. W. Whitaker, of Virginia City, was invited to 
again take charge of the parish in connection with 
his own, which he did. This involved the most 
arduous labor, as it entailed upon Mr. Whitaker the 
responsibility of caring for throe jiarishcs at the same 
time — Mrginia, Carson and Hold liili. lie held serv- 
ices at the latter place as often as practicable until 
187(», when the Kev. J. McCormac, from Oregon, 
accepted a call from the parish. On the Fourth of 
July, 1870, the rectory vvas burned, and soon after- 
wards rebuilt. Mr. McCormac resigned on June 
30, 1871, and Bishoj) Whitaker again was called 
upon to hold the services as often as he could. 
During the following j'car the Bishop and Pev. 
(Jcorge B. Allen, of Car.son City, held occasional 
services in Gold Hill, and on July 2, 1872, Bishop 
Whitaker was requested by the vestry to take 
full charge, which he did, and jirovidod regular 
Sunday services until 187G, with the assistance of 
the Reverends Rush S. Eastman and W. R. Jenvey. 
These three divines managed among tlioni to keep 
up regular Sunilaj- worship in Virginia Citj', Gold 
Hill, Silver Citj-, and Dayton. In lS7tl, the Rev. 
Rush S. Eastman was elected Rector of Gold Hill, 
and continued to serve as such until December 1, 
1879, when he resigned to accept a call from Austin. 
Since his time there has been no regular rector at 
Gold Hill, but occasional services have been held 
there by Bishop Whitaker and bis assistant, the Rev. 
George N. Eastman, The Sunday-school connected 
with the ])arish has never missed a regular session 
since it was first organized in June, 1803. At one 
time ponding repairs to its school room, the school 
held its session in the street. It was mainly through 
the exertions of the Hon. N. A. II. Ball, deceased, 
who for a long time was the Senior Warden and the 
Superintendent of the Sunday-school, that the 
church was built and the school maintained. He 
died on August 28, 1870, and his loss was deeply 
mourned by all classes, and the Gold Hill Church suf- 
fered an irreparable loss. The Sunday-school at the 
time of his death numbered twelve teachers and l.")(l 
pupils. 

SILVER CITY. 

Chr3'sopolis Hall was the scene of the first gather- 
ing for public worship of the l^piscopalians of Sil- 
ver City. The Rev. Mr, Rising was the pioneer 
clergj-man of the order here, as well as elsewhere. 
He held his first services in the above hall on June 
C, 181)2, his congregation nunilieriiig from 70 to 
loo ])er.sons. The walls were lined with muslin, and 
two common candles inserted in the necksof a coujile 
of empty beor bottles, shod a dim religious light 



upon the proceedings. The pulpit consisted of a 
round table, and the smoke from the flickering can- 
dles now and then drifted into the reverend gentle- 
man's face. Services were held in Silver City with 
great regularity until December, 1873, when they 
were discontinued for a short time. From April, 
1871, to February, 1872, Bishop Whitaker continued 
to conduct the services every Friday evening. The 
Pev. W. R. Jenvey, assistant minister of St. Paul's, 
Virginia City, began holding regular Sunday services 
in the public school house at Silver City in 1874, and 
in September of the following year began the erection 
of a church building. Soon after the general con- 
flagration in Virginia Citj' in October, 1875, the par- 
tiallj- constructed edifice at Silver City was utterly 
wrecked in a fearful storm of wind, rain and snow, 
which lasted ten days. It fell to the ground on 
Saturday night, November 13th, Undismayed by 
this disaster, Mr. Jenvey at once went to work and 
rebuilt the church, and had it ready for occupancy 
on Christmas-day, 1875. Mr. Jenvey continued 
holding services here until he removed to Reno in 
August, 1878. Since that time the Rev. George N. 
Eastman has regularly held bi-weeklj- services in the 
church at Silver City. 

C.\R.S0N cm'. 
On September 25, 18G2, the Rev, Franklin S, 
Rising held the first Protestant E])iscopal Church 
service in Ormsby County, in the Court House at 
Carson City, On October 29, 1SG3, the Rev. W. M. 
Riley, now of Haddonfield, New Jersey, entered 
upon his duties as the first Rector of St. Peter's 
Parish, Carson City. His services were held regu- 
larly in the Court House, and 'ho remained as Rector 
until April. ISOt), when, engendering the dislike of 
his flock on account of his ultra iiro-Soutliern senti- 
ments, he resigned. After his departure the Rev. 
Dr. H. H. Lathrop held a weekly .service at Carson 
every Fridaj' evening, from August IStili, to Sep- 
tember, 1867. In July, 1867, the vestry determined 
to build a church edifice, which was completed dur- 
ing the following summer. Between Seiitember, 
1867, and July, 1868, the Rev. Ozi W. Whitaker, 
Rector of St. Paul's, Virginia City, held a regular 
week-day service at the State Capitol. At that 
time the ponj'-express was in operation between 
Reno and Virginia; and the reverend gentleman in 
those daj's was often seen riding in hot haste across 
the countr}' on the fleet-footed animals employed b}' 
the express company. In October, 1867, Bishop 
Kip visited Carson, and at a service held in the 
.Methodist Church, confirmed twelve condidates. 
In May, 1868, the Rev, tieorge B. Allen, of Pennsj-I- 
vania, received a call from the parish, and entered 
upon his duties as |{e(U()r on August !'th. It was 
on that day that the newly erected church was 
occupied for the first time for divine worship. On 
June 10, 1870, Trinity Church was consecrated by 
the Right Rev, O. W. Whitaker, Bishop of the .Mis- 
sionary Diocoso of Nevada. It was a plain but 



202 



HISTORY OF THE STATE Of NEVADA. 



substantially constructed building, put up at a cost 
of 85,500. In December, 1873, it was enlarged 
twenty-lour feet, making the auditory seventy feet 
in length. Two wings of the same height, 58x21 
feet, were added to the main building, for a lecture 
and Sunday-school room. The auditory, consisting 
of fifty-nine pews, were arranged in three rows 
with two aisles, and all the stained-glass windows 
were donated by different merabcre of the congre- 
gation. The cost of the entire improvements, includ- 
ing the expense of furnishing, amounted to nearly 
812,000, only half of which was paid at the time. 
The first service in the church after it was enlarged 
was held by the Rev. Mr. Allen, on Easter Sunday, 
1874; and on the following Sunday, Bishop Whitaker 
formally re-opencd it for divine worship. On Decem- 
ber 3l8t, Mr. Allen was transferred to the Diocese 
of northern California, and is at present oflBciating 
as J{ector of the Protestant Episcopal Church at 
Petaluma, Sonoma County. The Eev. Samuel P. 
Kelly next officiated at Carson for some months, 
and was followed, on October 11, 1870, by the IJev. 
H. L. Foote, from Stockton, California, who remained 
in charge until Maj- 11, 1878, when he resigned, to 
accept a call from Clinton, Massachusetts, his pres- 
ent post-office address. During Mr. Foote's time 
in Carson City, it was a period of great financial 
depression, which quite seriously affected the pros- 
pects of the church. The heavy debt, however, 
upon the property, was somewhat reduced. 

On October 13, 1878, the Rev. George R. Davis, of 
Nevada City, California, took charge of the parish, 
and is the present Rector. He found the church 
83,000 in debt, and the object of his energetic minis- 
tration was to lift this incubus. The ladies of St. 
Peter's Parish, who have always taken an active 
interest in the business details of the church went 
to work zealously, and in eighteen months after Mr. 
Davis' arrival canceled the entire debt. The church, 
which in 1878 had forty communicants, and 125 pupils 
in the Sunday-school, now numbers sixty communi- 
cants and 100 children in the school. 

DAYTON. 

A parish was organized at Dayton on December 
26, 1863, under the name of the Church of the 
Ascension; but a year before that date sersMces had 
been occasionallj' held by the Rev. Mr. Rising in 
the Court House. The Rev. O. W. Whitaker who 
organized the parish began his labors there on 
November 15, 1803, and held regular services with- 
out intcrmi.ssipn until June, 18G5. The Rev. W. H. 
Dyer was in charge from November, 1865, to April, 
1866. In the summer of 1867 the Rev. O. VV. Whit- 
aker began holding regular Wednesday evening ser- 
vices in the Methodist Kpiscopal Church, and after 
that year services were held occasionally until 1874. 
The Rev. W. R. Jenvey officiated at the Court House 
regularly until his removal to Reno in August, 1878. 
In July, 1879, the Rev. George N. Eastman began a 



bi-weekly Sundaj- service in Dayton which he con- 
tinues to the present day. 

AUSTIN. 

When Bishop Talbot made his missionary tour in 
Nevada Territory in 1863 he stopped at Austin a 
few days and held a service there. It was not until 
18GG that regular worship according to Episcopal 
forms was established. In that year Mr. D. M. God- 
win began a lay service in the Court House on Sun- 
days. In March, 1868, the Rev. Marcus Ijane, now 
in Michigan, began holding services at Austin, which 
he continued for one 3'ear. It was not until 1873 
that a regular parish was finally organized and des- 
ignated as St. George's. The Rev. Christopher S. 
Stevenson, from New York, served as Rector one 
year. He died in Brooklyn, New York, in 1880. 
The Rev. S. C. Blackiston, from Colorado, now at 
Fort Benton, Montana, succeeded Mr. Stevenson as 
Rector in September, 1874, and lubored at Austin 
five years. In May, 1879, he was succeeded by the 
Rev. Samuel P. Kelly, who officiated as Rector of St. 
George's Parish for a few months. Mr. Kelly is to- 
day an active and leading member of the journalistic 
profession, and at last accounts his talented pen was 
in the service of the Oakland Tribane. The Rev. 
Rush. S. Eastman, the present Rector at Austin 
took charge of the parish on Easter, 1880. 

A view of St. George's Church, Austin, is given ol 
another page of this work. It is of the Gothic 
order of architecture, is built of brick, and is one of 
the handsomest church buildings in Nevada. It was 
erected during the rectorship of the Rev. Mr. 
Blackiston, and was consecrated to the service of the 
Lord on Tinnity Sunday, 1878. The story of its 
construction is an interesting one. For years the 
services of the church in Austin were held in the 
Court House. On Easter Sunday, 1877, the Rector, 
after the sermon, called attention to the fact that the 
great need of the parish was a house of worship. 
The Easter offerings, he said, would be applied to a 
building fund. A lot had alreadj- been purchased, 
and the members of the congregation had graded 
the same and had built the foundation. Those who 
would pledge themselves to sub.scribe any sum 
toward the cause were asked to designate on a card 
the amount they could att'ord to give. After the 
contribution plates had passed around a pleasant 
surprise was in store for the wardens when they 
counted the offerings. One member of the congre- 
gation had pledged himself in a letter to build the 
church at his own expense if the others would agree 
to furnish it. This was the Easter offering of Mr. 
Allen A. Curtis, the Superintendent of the ilanhat- 
tan Mine, Austin. It is needless to add that the 
offer was accepted, and that the liberality of Mr. 
Curtis stimulated the generosity of others. Mr. 
John A. Paxton and Mr. W. S. Gage united in the 
gift of a fine bell for the stecjile. Mr. James S. 
Porteous presented the church with an excellent 
pipe-organ, which cost him 81,000, and which was 



THE CHURCHES IN NEVADA. 



203 



built by Alexjiniifr Mills, New York. The whole 
cost of coinpk'tiiij; and furiiisliiiiij the ohun-h was 
815,500, of which all but 85(H) was nivon by residents 
of Austin, or by those havintj business interests 
there. 

The members of the cons^regation of St. George's 
Parish, without exception, contributed jrenerously 
toward the cflst of the new church which is com- 
pletely and eletjantly furnished and entirely free 
from debt. The erection, however, of such a build- 
ing was possible onlj- though the libcralitj- of Mr. 
Curtis whose donation aggregated from first to last 
$9,500. Later the bank at Austin loaned the society 
$750 to erect a wall to maintain the grade around 
the church. A rectory was built before the erection 
of the church, and the total value of the church 
property at Austin is put at 817,000. 

II.VMII.TON. 

On Sunday afternoon, June 20, 1869, Bisho]) Whit- 
akcr held the first Episcopal services in White Pino 
Count}-, in Broker's llall, Treasure City. On the 
evening of the same day he held the first services at 
Hamilton, in the court-room of Justice Hotzel. The 
next service was held b}- Bishop Whitaker on Aug- 
ust 7, 1870, in the City Hall at llainilton. and on the 
following Sundaj- at the Court House. The Bishop 
oflRciated her > fur the ensuing two months, and until 
the arrival of the l^ev. Samuel P. Keli}- from Khode 
Island. On September 24th a meeting was held at 
the house of S. M. Van Wyck, and St. Luke's Parish, 
Hamilton, organized, of which Mr. Kellj^ was ciioseii 
as Uector. Two weeks previously Bishop Whitaker 
had organized the Sunday-school. In October, 1870, 
a house was purchased and fitted up as a rectory. 
During 1871, owing to the exertions of Mr. Kellj-. a 
neat frame church was erected, which was conse- 
crated July 14, 1872. A month later Mr. Kellj' 
accepted a call to Eureka, and he was succeeded by 
the liev. John Cornell, now of the American Prot- 
estant Chapel at Nice. About the end of September, 
1873, Mr. Cornell resigned. Since his time the 
parish has had no rector, though services are held 
there occasionally by the bishop and the clergymen 
of Eureka and Pioche. The population of Hamilton 
has almost melted away, but an l';pisc(j|(al Siinday- 
Bcbool is still maintained there. Hamilton is still in 
a vcr}- depressed condition. 

nocHE. 

It was in a drinking saloon that the Protestant 
Episcopal Church first made its advent in this 
once notorious camp. The proprietor surrendered his 
establishment to the use of praj'er and praise on 
the occasion of Bishop Whitaker's first visit, there 
being no other place large enough to accommodate 
a congregation. Amidst the strange surroundings 
of vice and its train of evils the impressive services 
of the church were read to a congregation of rough 
miners on September i:!, 1870. About 15(1 |>ersons 
densely packed the saloon, and on the sidewalk in 
front was gathered an equally largo crowd unable 



to obtain admission. In the summer of 1871 Bishop 
Whitaker revisited Pioche, and twice held services 
in the cam]). During this year the Rev. J. W. Lee 
officiated here a few months. The Rev. H. L. Bad- 
ger, from Ohio, who had accejited a missionary 
appointment, arrived at Pioche in September, this 
j-ear, and commenced the work of his mission. 
Three days before his arrival the entire town was 
reduced to ashes. For several months afterwards 
Mr. Badger held services wherever he could secure 
accommodations, meager as they were, first in ono 
house and then in another. A neat little frame 
church and rectory was completed on July 21, 1872, 
at a cost of 83,679.54. After four years earnest 
labor in this camj) Mr. Badger resigned, on account 
of the continued illness of his wife, and was suc- 
ceeded by the Rov. H. H. Kline, who served as 
Rector from September 1, 1875, to January. 1877. 
He was then transferred to northern California, but 
after a year's absence returned in 1878, and con- 
tinued in charge of Christ Church, Pioche, until 
the summer of 1879, maintaining regular services 
on Sunday, though engaged during the week in 
teaching. There is no Episcopal minister at Pioche 
to-day. The Sunday-school, with an average attend- 
ance of fifty pupils, was maintained up to the close 
of 1880. 

EUREKA. 

Public worship, according to the rites of the 
Protestant Episcopal creed, was first had in a can- 
vas tent on Main street. Eureka, on Septeml)er 28, 
1870. During meal hours the tent was occupied 
as an eating-house, bearing the sign of the Antelope 
Restaurant. The services were announced to take 
place at 7 o'clock in the evening, but owing to the 
failure of Bishop Whitaker to arrive at the hour 
designated the people returned to their homos. It 
appears that the right reverend gentleman was on 
his way to Kureka, from Hamilton, that afternoon, 
but the stage-coach breaking down on the road a 
delay ensued. It was nearly 9 o'clock when he did 
arrive at Eureka, but notwithstanding the lateness 
of the hour the people determined to have a soi-vico 
at anj cost. So messengers wore sent out. and be- 
fore 9 o'clock about fil't}' persons assembleii in the 
tent. This was Eureka's Epi8co])al baptism. In the 
ensuing winter the I'ev. Samuel P. Kellj- ofticiuted 
several times, and through his exertions a buililing 
lot was secured for the erection of a church. The 
corner-stone wiis laid in May, 1871, bj- Bishop Whit- 
aker, and St. James' ])arish organized. The Hishop 
spent several weeks in lOureka that summer, dur- 
ing which the building of the church was pushed 
forward, and a comfortable rectory constructed. In 
August the Rev. W. Henderson took charge of the 
parish. I'ntil November, 1871, the services were 
conducted in a tent, which on week days was used 
as a school room. In Jul3^ 1S72, the Bishop visited 
the ])ariHh, and contirmed fifteen persons. On the 
twenty-eighth of that month the church edifice. 



20-1. 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



built of stone, was Kolemnlj- consecrated. Mr. Hen- 
derson resigned the rectorship in August, and on 
September 1st was succeeded by the Rev. Samuel 
P. Kelly. In March, 1875, Mr. Koily extended an 
invitation to the Kev. C. H. Marshall, of Wyoming, 
to become assistant minister of the parish, which 
was aecepled. On April r)th Mr. Kelly was elected 
State Superintendent of Public Instruction; and, 
resigning his charge, removed to Carson City to 
enter upon the discharge of his jniblic duties. Mr. 
Marshall, thereupon, was called to the rectorship, 
and assumed ciiarge. He resigned in February, 
1877, to accept a call as Rector of the Episcopal 
C^hurch at Denver, Colorado. The Eureka Church 
was closed for six months; but in August, 1877, the 
Rev. C. B. Crawford, from i'cnnsj-lvania, the present 
Rector, assumed charge. Since Mr. Crawford began 
his labors the parish has been entirely self-sustain- 
ing, which it never had been before his time. St, 
•lames (!hurch has a flourishing Sunday-school. 

IIENO. 

Bishop Whitaker held the first services at the 
school house in Reno, on October 16, 1870. His 
second service at the same place was held on April 
12, 1872. In January, 1873, he began holding serv- 
ices in the Court House on alternate Sundays, which 
were continued until the arrival of the Rev. William 
Lucas, fromTillin, Ohio, on the fifth of May, The 
parish, under the name of Trinity (!liurch, hud been 
organized by the Rishop in the previous February. 
J. C. Ijcwis was elected Senior Warden; A. J. 
Hatch, Junior Warden; B. F. Leeto, Secretary; D, 
A. Bender, Treasurer; .1. S. Shoemaker, Joseph De 
Bell, and C. 11. Eastman, Vestrymen. Regular serv- 
ices wore begun and held in the Court House by 
Bishop Whitaker, Rev. George B. Allen, of Carson 
City, and Rev. H. S. Eastman, ol <rold llill. In the 
meantime the Rev. Mr. Lucas had been called to the 
])ermanent rectorship of the parish. On May 5, 
1S7:5, he entered upon the discharge of his duties. 
In July of the same year a lot was purchased for 
$400, and a rectory built, which was ready for oecu- 
])ancy in October. The first confirmation service 
ever held in the parish took ])lace in the Court 
House, September (j, 1H74, when six candidates were 
presented. On May 24, 1875, the corner-stono of the 
church building was laid, and the work of erection 
begun. It was vigorously pressed, and on Decem- 
ber 12th of the same year the church was regularly 
opened by liishop Whitaker for i>ublic worship. It 
is constructed of wood, ;!2 x 7(( feet, with a sipiaro 
tower at the right hand corner, Slill the church 
was not completed. This had yet to 1)0 done, as 
well as the laboi- of extricating it from debt. The 
entire cost of the building was about §4,500, On 
April 1, 187G, a set of chancel furniture was received 
I'rom some church friends in the East, at the head 
of whom was Miss Carrie E. Darlington, of (Jerman- 
town, Pennsylvania. The Rev. Samuel P. Kelly 
completed this valuable gift by presenting a beauti- 



ful baptismal font as a thank-offering for the recov- 
ery from a severe illness of his child, Helen. In 
September, 1878, the Rov. William Lucas, run down 
by hard work and enfeebled by sickness, was com- 
pelled to temporarilj' resign his charge. The Rev, 
W, R, Jenvey, then assisting Bishop Whitaker in 
Virginia Citj% was called to the parish as Rector 
pro lent, on September o, 1878. His first undertak- 
ing was the completion of the church building, the 
interior of which had remained unfinished and un- 
carpeted. During the six weeks the carpenters 
were at work services were held in Mr. Richmond 
Smith's Opera House, that gentleman kiudlj- donat- 
ing the use of the building. On December 17lh, the 
church was again formally re-opened by Bishop 
Whitaker. There was not a dollar of indebtedness 
upon it, and it was ready for consecration, which 
solemn service took place on June 8, 1878. Mean- 
while the Rev. Mr. Lucas decided that he could not 
return to the parish, and Mr. Jenvey, at present in 
charge, was called to the permanent rcctorshi]). 
The total cost of the church building has been about 
80,000. It is free from debt. The Sunday-school 
connected with Trinity Parish has fourteen teachers 
and KiO scholars, 

BELMONT. 

The Rev. Samuel P. Kelly held the first services 
of the Protestant E])iscopal Church in Belmont in 
1872, The Rev. S. B. Moore ari-Jved there from 
Pittsburgh in the following year, and officiated as 
Rector of St. Stephen's Parish during the next four 
years. The parish organization, however, dates its 
corporate existence from February 10. 1874. In the 
following year Belmont lost fully one-half of its pop- 
ulation by removal. But by the indefatigable per- 
severance of Mr. Moore, a neat church was erected 
and jiaid for. It is of wood, and capable of seating 
about i;iO persons. The entire cost was §3,790, of 
which §2,750 was given in Belmont, It was con- 
secrated on the third Sundaj- after Easter, 1875, 
Mr. Moore was succeeded in 1870 by the Rev. Daniel 
Flack, now of Rochester, ^<ew York, who had charge 
a little over a year. Mr. Flack resigned the rector- 
ship at Faster, 1S7!^. the business of Belmont having 
so far declined that a clergyman cduld not well be 
8upi)orted there. The church was thereupon closed 
for nine months; but in December, the Rev. Samuel 
P. Kelly undertook to revive the drooping spirits of 
St, Stephens, and zealously served as Rector of the 
])arish until called to Austin on June 1, 1870. Since 
that' date there has been no resident Ei)isi'opal min- 
ister at Belmont, though, through the efforts of Mrs. 
R. M. King, the Superintendent, a flourishing Sun- 
day-school, in connection with the ilenoniination, is 
still niaintaineil. It was discontinued after Mr. 
Kelly left, but this zealous churchwoman reorganized 
it in October, 1880. The average attendance is 
about forty-five pupils. Bishop Whitaker occasion- 
ally visits the place. 



THE CHURCHES OF NEVADA. 



205 



CHAPTEE XXVII. 
THE ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH. 

The Pioneer Piu-at — First Iliuiscof Worsliip — Kll'cctDf a Washoe 
Zephyr — Father Maiiogiie — First C'hurcli at Iteiio — ."^t. Vin- 
cent deSt. Paul .Society — Sisters of Charity — Father Mano- 
giie's Biography. 

The Rev. Father II. V. Gulla.uhor, now of Sun 
Francisco, was the pioneer priest of the Roman Cath- 
olic Church in Nevada Territory. His first hibors 
were performed at Genoa, in Douglas County, though 
he took genera! charge of the spiritual interest of the 
fiiithful in this region, holding regular services at 
Virginia City, Carson and Genoa. The historj' of 
the Catholic Church in Nevada dates from the erec- 
tion, by the Rev. Fallicr (iallaglier. of its first house 
of worship in Virginia, i!i the summer of 1800. It 
was built without anj' precautions or calculations in 
guarding against the heavy winds and violent gales 
which occasionally visit this region, and, conse- 
quently, the first angry Washoe zephyr found it an 
easy prey, prostrating it to the ground. About the 
same time Father CJallagher had another church con- 
structed in Carson, and another in Genoa. The one 
in Cai"son was shortly afterwards blown down in a 
hurricane, and the lumber was taken away bj' those 
who had a claim for wages. 

The Genoa Church was not jjaid for, and whatever 
lien was on it was removed by some parties who 
had it appropriated for a Court House. In June, 
18G2, the Rev. Patrick Manogue took charge of the 
Virginia Parish, and erected another edifice at a cost 
of §12,000, which was consecrated under the name of 
•' St. Mary's of the Mountains." The Passionist 
Fathers, in the winter of the following year, built a 
frame church on the divide between Virginia City 
and tiold Hill. It was opened for services on Decem- 
ber 20, 1863. This building was afterwards trans- 
ferred to Gold Hill, but was found inadequate to the 
wants of the congregation, and in the s]>ring of ISC-l 
the Rev. Father P. O'Reilly built a large and more 
commodious church. Mass was celebrated in it for 
the first time on May 13th, and on July 201 h it was 
dedicated. Father O'Reilly afterwards took a trip 
lor the benefit of his health, and during a voyage 
from Honolulu to Valjiaraiso, died on board the 
steamer, and was buried at sea. The Rev. Father 
Monteverde, now of Eureka, established in 18G4, St. 
Augustin's Church in Austin, now in charge of the 
Rev. Father Josc])h I'helan, and afterwards, dur- 
ing the White Pine excitement, built a church at 
, Hamilton. In 1805 a church was commenced in 
/ Aurora, Esmeralila County, and raised a few feet 
over the ioundation by the Rev. Fallier Walsh, and 
then abandoned because of the rajiid depopulation of 
the place. The foundation is still standing there, a 
relic of early limes. In 1808 the congregation of the 
Virginia City Church became so numerous as to 
require a larger house of worship. A brick church 
was thereujHin erected by the Rev. Father Manogue, 
at a cost of 865,000. This was considered both an 
26 



ornament to the cit_v as well as a credit and honor 
to the Catholics. Immediately afterwards the Rev. 
Father Manogue was a])poiiited Vicar-General of the 
Diocese of Gra.ss Valley, which includes in its juris- 
diction all of the Stale of Nevada. 

CIICIICIIES BUII.T. 

Earl}- in 1870 was built by the Rev. Father 
Thomas tiracc, now in Marysville, the ])resent 
church in Carson City, known as St. Theresa's, at a 
cost of S5,000. In 1871, a Catholic Society was 
organized by Father Scanlan at Pioche; and on April 
ir)lh, that year, they completed a fine frame church 
and parsonage at a cost of 84,000. The Rev. Father 
William Malonoy, of Cherry Creek, now (1881) holds 
services there once a month. At the time of organ- 
ization the church at Fioche had a incnibershii) of 
300. To-day the number does not exceed thirty- 
five, but a Sunday-school, with a good attendance, 
is maintained. In 1872 a church was organized at 
Belmont, of which the Rev. Father Monteverde had 
charge; and in 1874 a church edifice was built at a 
cost of 83.000. There has been no priest stationed 
there, and they have never had regular services. 
The Rev. Father Phelan, of Austin, now visits Bel- 
mont once or twice a year. No Sunday-school 
has been in session there since 1874. In 1871, 
Father Monteverde built a frame church (St. Bren- 
dan's) at Eureka. Three years later a brick church, 
with a stone foundation, was erected b}' Father 
Hj-nes, at a cost of 85,000, the better to meet the 
needs of an increasing congregation. The first 
church at Reno was built by the Rev. Father Mer- 
rill in 1871. In the great conflagration at Mrginia 
City, on October 26. 1875, the magnificent church 
built by Father Manogue in 1808 t'ell a pre}' to the 
flames, and was totallj* destroyed. The present 
edifice, a neat Gothic structure, considered to have 
the finest interior finish on the coast, was built in 
1877 by Father Manogue at a cost of 800,000. This 
elegant structure is on the same lot as the old 
church which was burned down, fronting on E 
Street, and running along Taylor to F Street. The 
church has a membership of about 2,500 regular 
attendants. The communicants average 100 a 
month, and at Easter time increase to 1.200 or 1.500. 
Like other mining towns, the ])opulation of ^'irginia 
City exhibits many fluctuations and vicissitudes even 
in a single decade. The Catholic portion offered no 
exception to liiese mutations. For the jiast fifteen 
j-ears they might have been considered as number- 
ing active and nominal from 8,000 to 5,000 souls. 

In 1879 the first Reno church was burned down in 
the great fire which devastated that town. The 
erection of the present church al Reno was com- 
menced hy the Rev. I'^ither .lames J. Callan, the 
present Pastor. The latest addition to the list of 
Catholic churches in Nevada is the one just finished 
at Cherry Creek, While Pine, by the Rev. William 
Maloney. The Reverend Father rode over 4,000 
miles through Nevada and Utah in his expedition to 



206 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



collect the necessary funds. And now, after all his 
labors, he has the pleasure and satisfaction of having 
erected one of the prettiest churches in eastern 
Nevada. The foregoing accuratelj' i-eprescnts the 
surface progress of the Catholic church in the State. 
No trouble has been taken by the priests to collect 
statistics nor are anj- attainable by which a satisfac- 
tory exhibit could be made of the growth in numbers 
from time to time of the church or the actual value 
of the property owned in this portion of the Diocese. 

EARLY CLEROVMEN. 

Neither has it been possible to secure a satisfactory 
list of all the Eoman Catholic clergymen who have 
labored in the State at different times since the 
beginning. Those, however, who are enumerated 
have been those who remained the longest and 
accomplished the hard work of church building. 
From 18G5 to 1874 the Reverend Father Mevel, a 
French priest, held missions in the interest of the 
Catholic Church in various places in Nevada and Cal- 
ifornia. Father Mevel preached during that time 
entirely in the French language. He assisted 
materiallj- in building several churches in this State 
and elsewhere. In March, 1874, he left this countrj- 
for Hayti. Those who are oflSciating to-day are the 
Revs. Patrick Manogue and Daniel O'SuUivan, at 
Virginia City; the Revs. John Nult}^ and Patrick 
O'Kane, at Gold Ilill; the Rev. James J. Callan, at 
Reno; the Rev. Luke Tormey, at Carson City; the 
Rev. Andrew O'Donnoll, at Winnemucca; the Rev. 
Joseph Phclan, at Austin; the Rev. D. Montevcrde at 
.Eureka, and the Rev. William Malonej- at Cherry 
Creek. 

BENEVOLENCE ANI1 EDUCATIONAL. 

A vital and beneficial feature of Catholic Church 
work in Nevada, as well as elsewhere, will be found 
in its various agencies for the alleviation of human 
suffering, the care of the orphan, and the relief of 
the sick and destitute poor. Nearly eveiy parish 
has its benevolent organization. A reference to one 
or two will suffice to explain the character of all. 
The altar and rosary societies connected with the 
Virginia City Church are united in one, and is chiefly 
composed of ladies. The members of these societies 
pay one dollar admission fee and fifty cents a month 
afterwards, and all funds arising therefrom are ap- 
propriated for the interior decoration and embellish- 
ment of the church, altar and sanctuar)\ The St. 
Vincent de Paul Society of Virginia is composed of 
both ladies and gentlemen, and numbers about five 
hundred members. This society is both benevolent 
and charitable, and though all the members are 
Catholics its works and charities are extended to all 
cases of want, suffering and distress without any dis- 
crimination on account of creed or nationality. Suf- 
fering humanit}' in every phase and complexion is 
the object of this laudable society. Resides a Pres- 
ident, two Vice-Presidents, Secretary and Treasurer, 
five men and three ladies are appointed as visiting or 



investigating committees, whose duty it is to hunt 
up and report all cases of want, suffering, sickness 
and distress. Members pay one dollar entrance fee 
and fiftj- cents monthly dues. This society was 
organized in 1863 by the Rev. Father Manogue, who 
is still its President. 

The Catholic institutions consecrated to the sacred 
cause of charity and education in Nevada are the 
Nevada Orphan Asylum, St. Mary's Hospital, St. 
Mary's School for girls and St. Vincent's School for 
boys in Virginia, and Mount St. Marj-'s Academy at 
Reno. The Orphan Asj'lum and the Virginia schools 
are situated a few blocks from the church, fronting 
on H street. These are all conducted by the Sisters 
of Charity. About one hundred orphans and half 
orphans are cared for here, supported recentlj- by 
private contributions and charities. It was the first 
asylum provided for orphans in the Tenntory of 
Nevada, but as soon as the latter was admitted as a 
State the politicians went to work and secured the 
passage of a bill creating an orphan asylum under 
the control of the State. Hence since that time no 
State aid has been received by the Nevada Orphan 
Asylum. The St. Mary's and St. Vincent's schools 
are attended daily bj' about two hundred girls and 
one hundred boj-s. The schools arc separate and 
boys only under the age of twelve years are admitted. 
These buildings were commenced in 18G4 by the 
Rev. Father Manogue, and in October of the same 
3'ear a branch of the Sisters of Charity, Market 
street, San Francisco, occupied and opened the 
school and asylum under the charge of Sister Frede- 
rica, who is still Superioress. St. Mary's Hospital, 
in the eastern suburbs of Virginia Citj^ was com- 
menced in 1875 by the Rev. Father Manogue, and 
the exterior was nearlj' completed when the great 
fire broke out in October of that year. The hospital 
fronts Union Street and is nearly opposite the Interna- 
tional Hotel. It is well situated, surrounded b}- 
pleasant grounds, ornamented by trees and shrub- 
bery, and during the summer months affords a 
charming view from the city. This fine brick 
building cost about 845,000, and is under the care of 
the Sisters of Charity. The grounds were purchased 
and presented to Father Manogue by Mrs. Mackay. 
Mr. John W. Mackay has aided in its erection, and 
his generositj' and liberality toward both the Nevada 
Orphan Asylums and St. Mary's Hospital are well- 
known and gratefully acknowledged. The Convent 
school at Reno, known as Mount St. Marj-'s Academy, 
is under the charge of the Dominican Sisters. It is 
a three-story 45x65 frame building with a brick 
basement. It was built in the winter of lR78-71t, and 
narrowly escajtcd destruction bj- fire soon after it 
was completed. The Catholics of Nevada contem- 
plate the building of a college at Reno but, owing to 
the prevailing depression in all branches of business 
in the State, nothing yet has been done toward 
carrying out such a project. 



THE CHURCHES OF NEVADA. 



207 



BIOGRAPHY OP BISHOP MANOOUE. 

The Rev. Father Patrick Maiioijue, who in Novem- 
ber, 1880, was appointed by the Holy See Coadjutor, 
Bishop of the Diocese of Grass Valley, with the 
right of succession, has been at the head of every 
impoi'tant Catholic work in Nevada during the last 
twenty years, and whose portrait is here pre- 
sented. Bishop Manoguo is a stalwart-limbed man 




Rev. P. Manogue. 

of gigantic build, and a heart as warm as the 
tropics, and as big as his body. It is said that there 
is not a man, woman, or child that does not know 
and venerate the man. Jle has had an eventful 
career. Born in County Kilkenny, Ireland, March 
15, 1831, he emigrated to the United States in 1849. 
After residing two years in Connecticut he went to 
Chicago, where he spent about four years in the 
University of St. Mary's of the Lake. In 1851, he 
drifted out to California, and for three years earned 
his daily bread by hard work in the mines near 
Moore's Flat. Having saved enough money to 
defray the cost of a more advanced ecclesiastical 
education, he left for Prance, where he entered the 
Seminary of St. Sulpice, at Paris, for a four years' 
course of instruction. On Christmas, 1861, ho was 
ordained a priest of the church by ('ardinal Morlot. 
In 18(12, be left Paris for Virginia City, where 
he arrived in June of that year. His labors in 
that parish have already been detailed. In 1868, 
Father Manogue was promoted to be Vicar-Gene- 
ral of his Diocese, and in November, 1880, he was 
appointed as Coadjutor to Bishop O'Connell, of 
Grass Valley, whose advanced ago makes a helper 
necossary. A pleasing incident of bis exaltation 



was tho reception of a congratulatorj- address 
signed by all the priests of the Diocese. On Janu- 
ary 16, 1881, at St. Mary's Cathedral, San Fran- 
cisco, Bishop Manogue received the rile of consecra- 
tion at the hands of Archbishop Alemany. A com- 
plete history of the dangers Bishop Manoguo has 
faced during his Nevada career, would form a vol- 
ume as large and exciting as the history of the old 
crusaders. During the first two years of his service 
he traveled over the entire Territory, preaching, 
organizing, baptizing, ministering to tho sick and 
dying, andtending to the burial of the dead. Among 
tho rough, turbulent spirits that first populated the 
Silver State, hundreds of whom only recognized tho 
existence of religion and priests as things to bo 
scoffed at, his position was often hazardous. On one 
occasion, after a hard ride of 180 miles, to prepare for 
death a man under sentence of hanging, ho found 
that the man was not as guilty as was represented, 
and without a moment's delay he retraced his steps 
in the face of the bitter winter blasts, and never 
halted until he had procured a reprieve from Gover- 
nor Nye, which was followed by a pardon. On 
another occasion, after a long and dangerous ride, he 
was compelled to force a pistol from the hands of a 
brutal husband, who refused to allow him to admin- 
ister the last rites of the church to his dying wife. 
His saving of Bonner, when the miners were about 
to hang him, and his successful efforts in settling the 
difficulties between the miners and the (Chinese are 
oft-told tales. His services during the awful scenes 
at the mouth of tho shafts following tho fires in tho 
Yellow Jacket and Belcher mines, are well romem* 
bered by all in Virginia City and Gold Hill. 



CHAPTER XXVIII. 
METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH. 

The Pioneer Preacher— His Hat Passed Around — The First 
Church — First Nev.-ula Conference— The Colored People's 
Churcli — Dayton — Washnf City — Gold Hill — Starve<l to 
Death — Austin — Carson City — Hamilton — Winnemucca — 
Union ville — Keno — Eureka — Kuby Hill — Tuscarora — Elko 
— M.iaon's Valley — De.ith of V^alentine Kightmyer — Church 
Work in Various Sections — Review — Defection in the 
Church. 

The pioneer of Methodism in Nevada was one 
Jesse L. Bennett, a local preacher, wlio labored in 
Carson Valley as earlj- as 185!t. This was then a 
portion of Utah Territory, and the designation of 
Carson Valley at that time in .Methodist annals was 
generally understood to comprehend all the territory 
now embraced within the present boundaries of the 
State of Nevada. Carson Valley was one of the 
Methodist stations of the California Confei-once aa 
far back as 1855. It was, however, a neglected fold 
until Bennett, like John tho Baptist of old, came 
preaching to tho people in tho wilderness four years 
later. In 1^57, the J{cv. Ira P. Halo had been 
assigned to Carson Valley by the Conference, but 
there is no record in the subsequent minutes of that 



208 



HISTORY OF THE STATE 01 NEVADA. 



body that he ever labored at this post. At the Con- 
ference meetinsr in the following year the sum of 
S400 was apjiropriatod out of the church mission 
funds to aid the work in Carson Vallej*. Bennett 
preached occasionally at Genoa and Eagle Ranch, on 
which Carson City now stands. In September, 1859, 
the California Conference pushed out the Rev. A. L. 
S. Bateman to Genoa, where he organized a society 
and labored for six months. He then departed for 
the East, and the society dissolved. Meanwhile, 
Jesse L. Bennett organized a society at Carson 
which also was in the throes of dissolution for want 
of members after he left in .luly, ISfiO. Some of the 
devoted band wandered ofl' to other camps, and 
some who remained joined the Presbyterian Society. 
Thus at this time only two of the old members 
remained. Bennett arrived on the Comstock in 
the year following, and preached the first sermon 
ever heard in Virginia City. It was delivered 
on C Street one Sunday morning. It is related 
that after Jesse L. Bennett had concluded his 
discourse, he passed his hat around among the 
crowd. The preacher was astonished on its return 
to him when he found it almost filled with gold 
and silver. The collection amounted to several hun- 
dred dollars. Times were "flush," and the presence 
of a preacher was a welcome novelty for the wild 
and reckless men who then constituted the popula- 
tion of Virginia. The Rev. Samuel B. liooney, from 
Stockton, California, was the first regular Methodist 
pastor in Virginia. He had withdrawn from his 
connection with the Methodist Episcopal Church in 
1857; but at the Conference, in September, 1861, 
resumed his relations with that organization, and 
was assigned to Virginia City, at which place he 
had labored on his own rcsjionsibiiitj' some months 
before. At the same time Bennett was ai)pointed to 
take charge at Washoe, then rising into prominence 
as the most imi)ortant town in Nevada, next to Vir- 
ginia. Rooney was an earnest, indefatigable worker. 
He labored in season and out of season. He 
preached in lodging-houses and in blacksmith shops, 
in fact, the ruilest shelter aft'orded accommodations 
to the church-goers of that day. Rooney built 
the fii-st church in Virginia. It was a little 
wooden structure at the corner of D and Taylor 
Streets, the site of the present edifice. It was an 
unpretending aft'air, put up during the summer of 
1861, and cost about 82,000. At this time the regu- 
lar membershiji of the Virginia ("hurch numbered 
fifty-one j)crsons. There was also a Sunday-school 
attached, having a roll of fifty pupils. The socictj' 
at Carson, meanwhile, had been revived, and re- 
ported twenty-one active members. At the Califor- 
nia Annual Conference in September, 1861, a new 
district was created and designated as the Nevada 
Ttirrilory District, under the presiding eldership of 
Rev. N. E. Peek. From this time it will bo neces- 
sary to consider the se|>arate record of each church 
organization, the better to trace and appreciate the 



steadj' growth of the Methodist Episcopal Church 
in Nevada. 

VIRGINIA CITY. 

Rev. Samuel B. Rooney's church did not long an- 
swer the ambitious needs of its congregation. He 
was succeeded in the pastorate bj^ Rev. C. V. An- 
thony in the winter of 1862, who, in the j-ear following, 
erected a commodious and elegant brick edifice at a 
cost of 845,000, which was dedicated to jmblic woi-ship 
on February 14, 1864. A parsonage adjoining was 
also erected at the same time, at a cost of 82,000. 
Rev. T. S. Dunn, now at Alameda, California, suc- 
ceeded Mr. Anthony and served two years, ilean- 
while at the General Conference of the chuix-h in 
1864, the district was erected with an independent 
Conference, embracing the State of Nevada and that 
part of California lying east of the western slope of 
the Sierra. The first session of the Nevada Annual 
Conference was held at the Methodist Church in 
Virginia in September, 1865, and its sixteenth session 
was held in the same place in September, 1880. The 
Rev. James E. Wicks relieved Mr. Dunn of the charge 
in 1866. The membership of the church had now 
grown to 100 persons, and the Sundaj'-school in like 
proportion. In 1868 Mr. Wicks was succeeded by 
Rev. A, F. Hitchcock, who served about filteen 
months, and who was removed because he loved 
a fair member of his flock not wiselj' but too 
well. He was followed by Rev. T, H. McGrath, who 
is now the Sexton of the Odd Fellows Cemetery at 
Virginia. This work deals more full}' on his connec- 
tion with Nevada Church history elsewhere. Mr. 
McGrath was a great worker, and gifted with a rude 
eloquence which nearly alwaj's commanded for him 
a large audience. He remained in charge of the 
Virginia congregation ov,.'r three years, and during 
that time the societj' passed through many vicissi- 
tudes, 

WASnOE ZEPHYRS, 

About one j-ear alter McGrath began his labors, a 
Washoe zejihj-r very effectually wrecked the church 
building. The wind came up about midnight, and 
before morning the roof had fallen in and the wall 
on the north side fell, demolishing an adjoining 
wooden dwelling, the occupants of which, asleep in 
bed at the time, narrowly esca])ed with their lives. 
The J{ev. MctJrath set to work repairing the disaster. 
Four weeks later the debris had been cleared away 
and all was ready for the brick-masons, when a fire 
burned down the wrecked edifice. The bricks were 
next sold, and a frame church built by McGrath, at a 
cost of about $8,000, on the same site. On Christmas 
Eve, 1872, another Washoe zephj-r inflicted some 
damage on the building. The front doors were 
blown in, the plastering of the walls and ceilings 
shaken down, and the inside of the church generallj' 
wrecked. The interior, in fact, looked after the 
storm like the breaking up of a hard winter. Re- 
pairs were eflecled at a cost of about 8.'i.000. The 
Rev. George W. Fitch, now Pastor of the Methodist 




RESIDENCES AND RANCH OF 1500 ACRES.OF MES5RS.BARRETT SlMALLETT. 

ESMERALDA CO.,MASON VALUE Y, NEV. WITH VIEW OF MR. BARRETT'S RESIDENCE AT DAYTON. 



THE CHURCHES OF NEVADA. 



209 



K]ii>coi)al Cliurcli at Auburn, Caliroriiia, succeeded 
McGrath in the pastorate in 1S73, and was relieved 
by Rev. C. McKelvoy, of Canada, in 1875. The lat- 
ter took chariio of tlie pastorate a few weeks before 
the great conflagration of October, 1875, in which 
the church building fell in the general ruin. This 
made the second destruction by fire of the Methodist 
Church building in Virginia. 

In 187(1, a new and handsome frame church was 
erected on the old site at a cost of about 820,000, 
which still stands there; the fourth edifice erected by 
the Methodists on the same lot. It is called the Cen- 
tennial Methodist Church, in honor of its erection 
and dedication in the Centennial year. Mr. McKel- 
vey remained three years and was succeeded, in 
September, 1878, bj- the present I'astor, the Rev. W. 
C. Gray. The church indebtedness amounts to 
S7.000. It has a membership of ninety-two persons. 
The Sabbalh-school is an encouraging feature, 350 
children being members thereof As an illustration 
of the floating nature of the population, it is a sig- 
nificant fact that there are not six members on the 
church-roll who were members in 18G6. The organ- 
ization has never lacked in liberal givers when aid 
was sought. Among those who contributed gener- 
ously toward the construction of the first brick 
church, and who ultimate]}- paid the entire indebt- 
edness, amounting to S1(J,000, were John C. Fall, 
and Ex-Governor Biasdel. 

AFRICAN CHURCH. 

In 1873, the colored people of Virginia organized 
a church society under the jurisdiction of the 
African Methodist Episcopal Conference, and in 
June, 1875, erected a small frame church on E street 
between Union and Center streets. It was destroyed 
in the conflagration in the following October, and no 
attempt was made to reorganize the society, which 
never had more than a feeble existence, until 1879, 
when the Rev. Mr. Wier was appointed Pastor, and 
remained less than a j'car. Because of lack of finan- 
cial support no pastor was subsequently appointed. 

As early as 18G2, an effort was piacle to organize 
a branch, in Virginia City, of the Methodist Church 
South, but the ])roject was abandoned. Beyond the 
occasional visitation of a minister of the denomina- 
tion seeking to build uji a society, nothing ever was 
accomplished in this direction. 

DAVTON. 

The second Methodist Episcopal ('hurcli l>uildin<'' 
erected in Nevada Territory was completed at 
Dayton, in 18<;3. In the previous year. J. Kilpatrick, 
a local i)reacher, ofliciated at Dayton. In l.S(j.j, the 
Rev. J. H. MadJox took charge of Silver City and 
Dayton, and the church building was erected by 
Maddox. The cost was 83,0(10, and it was a neat 
frame structure. The Rev. A. F. llilclicock suc- 
ceeded Maddox in 18U4, and after him in succession 
came the Revs. Warren Nims, \V. C. Gray, and 
A. N. Fisher. The town having run down, the 



charge was abandoned in 1873. Three j-ears later 
a tramp set fire to the church building, and it was 
reduced to ashes. 

WASHOE CITY. 

J. L. Bennett, who afterwards was elected as 
Justice of the Peace at Washoe, and the local 
preacher, already referred to, had charge of the 
Washoe Vallej' Station in 1801. In the following 
year he was relieved by Rev. W. G. Blakelj-, who is 
now in Arizona, preaching and mining, and practic- 
ing law by turns. In 1863, the Rev. T, II. McGrath 
relieved Blakel}' of the charge at Washoe. In the 
same year he built a frame church and parsonage, 
at a cost of $4,500, and remained in charge until 
SeptemVier, 1S(')5, when ho was succeeded l)y Rev. 
A. I^'. Hitchcock, who labored here two j-ears; fol- 
lowed by Rev. Warren Nims, who left in 1869. 
Washoe soon afterwards began to decline, and, in 
1872, was going down rapidly. The charge was 
finally abandoned, and the church building donated 
by the Conference to the School Trustees for a 
school house, and the free use of all denomina- 
tions. It is still standing, and is doing good service 
at this time as a district school house. 

(iOLD HILL. 

In 1865, the fourth Methodist Church building in 
Nevada was erected at Gold Hill. It was a frame 
church and the cost was about 84,500. In those 
daj's building material was very expensive, and an 
improvement of any description was worth about 
three times the present cost. From this may be 
formed an approximate idea of the character of a 
85,000 building sixteen years ago in Nevada. The 
Rev. A. F. Hitchcock was Pastor at tJold Hill when 
its first Methodist Church was dedicated. After him 
came the Revs. A. Shaw, L. Case, R. A. Ricker, Colin 
Anderson, A. Taylor, George Jennings, V. Right- 
myer, T. S. Uren, and George W. Fitch. During the 
pastorate of the latter in lS7ti, the church building 
was sold to a company in the fire de])artment and 
moved one block further south, whore it has since 
boon occupied as a hose-house; fighting fire in a new 
direction. A lot was jnirchased nearer the center of 
the town and a new church with parsonage adjoining 
built at a cost of about 80,000. The Rev. Warren 
Nims succeeded Fitch. Next came the Rev. John 
Willis, and after him the Ivev. Do La Matyr, the 
present Pastor, who took charge on >May 21, 1881. 
The population of Gold Hill has declined so rapidly 
within the last two years as to make it highly ])rob- 
able that the charge hero will be aliandoiied. 

STARVED TO DEATH. 

The Rev. Valentine Right myor, who was Pastor of 
the Gold Hill church in 1873, died at his ]iost on the 
eleventh of April of that year. Ho was a retiring 
gentleman of an extremely mild and sensitive dis- 
position. It was given out at the time that the cause 
of his death was pneumonia, though those who took 
the trouble to investigate the matter, subsequently 



210 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



made the painful discovery that Mr. Rightmyer had 
died of inanition, or want of sufficient nourishment. 
It appears that he had a large family and a small 
salary. To keep them properly fed and clothed he 
denied himself the necessaries of life. To outsiders 
he never once complained of his hard lot, and he died 
of starvation among a people who had plenty and 
would have only too freely and generously relieved 
him had they known his true condition. In those 
da^-s, as at present, the story of distress had onlj' to 
be once known to bring immediate and substantial 
relief to the suflfcrers. The widow of Mr. Eight- 
mj'er, now residing in (California, has been in receipt 
of a small pension from the Nevada Conference ever 
since her husband's death. 
' / The only other instance of a Methodist clergyman 
dying in harness in Nevada was that of the Rev. H. 
D. Slade, who had charge of the ^Aurora Station in 
ISfiS, and who died there in April, 1864, after ten 
months' service at that point. He was a native of 
Cayuga County, New York, and was thirty-one years 
of age. 

AUSTIN. 

Church work at Austin began in 1864, when it 
was created a charge by the Conference, and the Rev. 
C. A. £. Hertel assigned as its Pastor. He remained 
here two years, and was followed by the Rev. J. L. 
Trefren, who built the finest Methodist Church edifice 
in the State in the following year. Trefren exhibited 
shrewd business tact in this achievement. The 
communitj' was rich in prospective treasure but 
exceedingly poor in pocket. The Pastor found every- 
body willing to contribute toward the erection of a 
church building, but nobody could pledge ready 
money for the cause. Nearly every man approached 
to subscribe was the owner of mining claims. If the 
Pastor would accept an interest in these claims ho 
was welcome to them. A brilliant idea seized the 
reverend canvasser. He would accept donations of 
this character. The next difficulty was how to con- 
vert these claims into cash. At last Trefren hit 
upon the idea of pooling the claims, and organizing 
a Methodist Mining Companj'. The church was 
subsequentlj' built on this magnificent claim, and 
considerable surplus capital remained with which to 
carry on operations underground. It is interesting 
to recall how the jiastor converted his securities 
into coin. He made a journey to the gi-anite hills of 
New Hampshire, his native soil, and diligently 
labored with the brethren there. Ho unloaded on 
his brother j)ar8on8 in New England. lie pointed 
out to the faithful the brilliant ])rospecls of his mine 
in the silver hills of Nevada, and the stock could not 
be disposed of rapidly enough for the demand. They 
saw, as though by intuition, how they could at the 
same timq serve the Lord, do good, and make money. 
Such a mine would pny dividends in heaven as well 
as on earth. There was a " boom," and Trefren 
realized over 8250,000 on the sale of the stock. Tho 
result was the erection in Austin of tho largest 



brick church building in the State, with the excep- 
tion of tho Roman Catholic Church at Virginia Citj'. 
A splendid organ was also purchased, and a brick 
parsonage built. The amount expended on these 
improvements aggregated over 885,000. Trefren had 
sold hie stock on the installment plan. Before the 
final installments were paid the "wild-eat" collapsed, 
and there was no money to pay the last claim 
against the church, and a debt of $6,000 was left on 
it. Tho property was sold to the county for a Court 
House, but was subsequently redeemed by the Church 
Extension Society of the Methodist Episcopal Church, 
which advanced money to pay the indebtedness, most 
of which has been repaid, and the societj^ is now 
almost out of debt. The Rev, J, L, Trefren is now 
in Santa Cruz. In 1S68 he was transferred at his 
own request from the Nevada to the California Con- 
ference, The ministers who followed him at Austin 
were, successively, the Revs. W, A. Cheney, Warren 
Nims, John D. Hammond, W, C. Gray, and C, W. 
Crall, who resigned on Juno 12, 1881, 

CARSON CITY. 

Allusion has already been made in this history to 
the fact that Carson Valley was the scene of the 
first Methodist activities in Nevada, and that the 
term was comprehensive enough to cover a greater 
area of country than is now understood by the desig- 
nation. Though as early as 1859, Bennett, the 
pioneer Methodist preacher, had labored in the 
present capital town of Nevada, it was not until 
eight years later that the little community of .Meth- 
odists there had risen to the dignity of owning a 
house of worshi]), the sixth church of that denom- 
ination erected in the State. For this reason Carson 
City is placed in chronological order after much 
younger towns. The historical truth is that she was 
the cradle of Nevada Methodism, though it cost 
her people of this faith a long and desperate strug- 
gle before they were able to put a roof over their 
heads. In the fall of 1861, the Rev, W G, Blakely 
was the Pastor in Charge of the station. At a 
quarterly Conference meeting held on November 4th 
of that year, at which among others in attendance 
was Gov, James \V, N}-e, a subscription jiaper was 
drawn up to bo circulated in tho town for tho 
purpose of raising funds toward the cost of building 
a house of worship. The first Trustees were Judge 
Turner, Dr, II, II. llerrick, W, D, Chillson, Dr. 
Hugh V, Hudson, Wm, P. Harrington, and Mr, 
McLane, Over 8500 was raised on the first efl'ort. 
At a meeting of the society on November 1, 18()2, the 
Pastor, Rev, T, II, McGrath, reported but one male 
and three female membei-s, including his wife, as the 
strength of his congregation, A Sunday-school was 
organized for the first time a few days later, with 
six officers and teachers and thirty pupils. In 1863, 
tho Pev, Warren Nims took charge of tho station, 
and before the summer of the ensuing year, a ])ar- 
sonago costing 8f^00 was erected. In December, 
1864, Governor Blasdel and R. L, Higgins wore 



THE CHURCHES OF NEVADA. 



elected Trustees of the society', and early in lS(jr> a 
block of land was purchased for 81,000 as church 
property, and preparations made to build a stone 
church. During the remainder of that j'car, 
the Pastor, the Rev. Warren Nims, niitjht have 
been seen every week-da}- driving a two-horse 
team hitched to a lumber wagon, on which ho 
hauled all the rock used in the construction of 
the edifice. Nims was made of the right kind 
of timber for a pioneer preacher, and his indom- 
itable ])huk won for him the admiration of all 
classes of men outside as well as inside the church 
circle. In its issue of January 22, 1874, the Carson 
Appeal, then edited by the late Harry Mighels, in 
recalling Nims' work nine years before, remarked: 

Many is the time we have seen this brave, cheer- 
ful, prayerful, little man's plug hat looming up from 
the springless seat of a stone-laden mule-cart. 

In fact 80 earnestly did this heroic clergyman 
address himself to the task of building his church 
that the people stood by him with all possible and 
needed financial help. It was a protracted and 
laborious task. In June, ISfiG, the structure, still 
incomplete, had involved an outlay of S5,000. In 
the following November, the Itev. J. W. Stump suc- 
ceeded Nims as Pastor in Charge, and for the greater 
part of the year 1867 the work of building dragged 
its slow length along. At the ipiarterly Conference 
meeting, held on August 27, 1807, the Pastor re- 
ported the membership vastly increased as the result 
of a powerful revival of religion under the leader- 
ship of Rev. A. B. Earle, an honored evangelist of 
the Baptist Church. At that time the congregation 
enjoyed the use of the Pi-esbj'terian Church building 
while awaiting the completion of their own. The 
edifice was finally ready for occupation on Sunday) 
September S, 1807. and on that day was dedicated by 
Bishop Thomson. Its total cost was 810,000. In 
the following j-ear, however, a marked falling off 
in church membership was reported, but, as an entry 
in the conference minutes discloses, then- was not 
"a proportionate decline of spirituality." Another 
report of a church elder of the period significantly 
adds: " We are not as pious as we ought to be, but 
might be much worse." The relative degree of piety 
or impiety prevailing in Carson in 1807 is thus left 
to the reader's imagination. In 1808 the Rev. J. D. 
Hammond, at this writing Presiding Klder of the 
district and one of the Senators from Urmsby County 
in the Nevada Legislature, succeeded Mr. Stump. 
In 1809, through the liberality of Gov. II. G. Bias- 
del, the church debt, amounting to over 81,500, was 
discharged, and an old lot behind the Presbyterian 
Church belonging to the society was sold. Ham- 
mond was succeeded by Rev. A. N. Fisher in 1,S71. 
The Bociet}- was then feeble as to membership and 
not specially flourishing as to congregation. The 
Rov. A. N. Fisher remained three years in charge. 

In May, 1874, the church building was repaired. 



re-painted, the windows stained, and the pews and 
choir-gallery re-modeled. In November the Rov. A. 
H. Tevis was returned as Pastor, and stagnation 
followed, as there was much friction between him and 
his flock. In 1S70 the Rev. J. I). Hammond was 
appointed Pastor in Charge and Presiding Elder. An 
attempt was made to heal existing difficulties, but it 
was not largely successful. Hammond remained till 
the end of the Conference year of 1878, when the 
charge was left to be supplied. Ho ])reached occa- 
sioiiall)- during the winter, and in the s])ring of 1879 
the Rev. J. T. Ladd, came from Chicago and sup- 
plied the charge until the meeting of the Conference 
in that year, when he was relieved by Rev. E. C. 
Willis, the present Pastor. 

The church has flourished under the pastorate of 
Mr. Willis. The membershij) has been largly aug- 
mented, the Sundaj'-school doubled its roll of mem- 
bers, and the congregation is much larger than for 
some years before. 

HAMILTON. 

In the winter of 18G8, when the White Pine 
excitement was at its height, and there were over 
15,000 people in the district, the Rev. T. H. M<-Grath 
was the only preacher in the camj). liev. W.J. 
White followed for one j'ear, and was succeeded by 
W. C. Gray, during whose pastorate a hall at 
Treasure Hill, used by mining brokers, was bought 
by the Methodists in 1872, and converted into a 
place of worship. It has long since been abandoned. 

WINNE.MrcCA. 

The first preacher in Winnemucca was the Rev. 
L. Ewing, a reformed California gambler, who, after 
his conversion returned to the East and studied for 
the ministry. In 1872, he appeared at Winnemucca 
and held services in the school house. He was fol- 
lowed bj' Rev. T. S. Uren, and after the latter came 
the Rev. George B. Ilinkle, who built a frame church 
at a cost of 84,000. Next came the Rev. W. Carver, 
who built and furnished a ])arsonage at a cost of 
8800. The Rev. Goo. W. Fitch succeeded him and 
the Rev. F. M. Warrington was the next Pastor. 
The latter was succeeded b}- liev. John B. Willis, 
the present Pastor, in March, 1881. 

UNIONVILI.E. 

The Rev. L. Ewing, who operated in 1872 between 
Winnemucca and Unionville, built a frame church 
at the latter town in that j-ear. John ('. Fall, whoso 
liberality in aiding in the construction of the first 
brick church in Virginia City has already' been 
mentioned, ofl'cred to contribute one dollar for every 
dollar given by others toward the construction of 
the Unionville (Jhurch. In this way he defra3'e<l 
half the ex])ense of the building, the total cost of 
which was 82,800. After Ewing, canio in the order 
named, the Revs. A. P. White, Colin Anderson, 
(loorge Jennings, and John W . Pendleton. Like a 
great many once flourishing towns in Nevada, 
Unionville has almost faded from the niaii. \'>ry 



212 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



few of the old settlers remain, and no Methodist 
pastor has had an abode there during the last two 
years. 

RENO. 

The decline of Washoe City was contemporaneous 
with the rise of Reno as a populous center. Washoe 
Valley, of which Rono is the enlrepOt, was not. how- 
ever, neglected by the Methodists in the early days. 
In 1863, the Revs. F. M. Willis and G. B. Hinkle 
preached in the valley, and a small society was 
organized soon afterwards, but no regular ser^'ice 
was held for some three or four years, till the town 
of Reno was located. A societj' was then organized 
in Reno, and services regularlj' held in the school 
house. In 1870, the erection of the church building 
was commenced by the Rev. A. R. Ricker; was com- 
pleted in, the following year, and dedicated on July 
30, 1871. The cost of the building was S4,000. In 
1873, the Rev. A. J. Wells was transferred from 
Fort Wayne, Indiana, and stationed at Reno. He 
secured a lot on West Street, and built a very neat 
parsonage. In the following year Mr. Wells moved 
to California, and was followed bj* the Rev. Mr. 
Arnold. At the Conference of 1875, the Rev. G. W. 
Fitch was appointed Pastor, and was succeeded in 
1876 by the Rev. Thomas S. Uren, who also remained 
one year, and was followed by the Rev. W. C. Gray, 
in 1877. The present Pastor, the Rev. C. Mclvelvey, 
began his labors at Reno in 1878. The church build- 
ing at this time was much in need of repairs, but the 
society was small, and most of its members in mod- 
erate circumstances; but, by persevering efforts, 
81,(100 was raised, and exjiended in thoroughly 
re-fitting, carpeting, painting and papering the 
interior, building an addition for the choir, and in 
fencing in the lot. Tlie society now has a vary neat, 
tasteful, and commodious church building, which 
escaped the ravages of the great fire in 1879. Mr. 
McKelvey, the present Pastor, is a native of Canada, 
and spent some seven j'ears in the Methodist min- 
istry in the Dominion. He came to Nevada in 1875, 
at the request of Bishop Peck, to take charge of the 
Virginia City Church. He was there at the time 
of the conflagration in October, 1875, in which all 
the church property was destroyed. He re-built 
both the church and the ])ars()nage, but before occu- 
pying them he was burned out again, and lost all 
his pei'sonal jjrojierty, including his library. 

El'KKKA. 

The Rev. Arnold was the first I'astor. Rev. L. Case, 
second, and the Rev. John l)e La .Matyr, third. 
They preached in the Court House. Mr. Arnold 
organized the first society. A frame church costing 
83,50(1, and a ])arsonage costing -SOUd were built at 
Eureka by Rev. John A. Gray, the Pastor, in 1875. 
It was burned in the firnt great fire in 1879, and 
during the pastorate of Rev. R. A. Ricker, was par 
tially rebuilt, and occupied a few months, when it 
was again comi)letely destroyed in the general con- 
flagration in the summer of 1880. The Rev. J. T. 



Ladd took charge of the congregation here in Sep- 
tember, 1880, and owing to his zealous labor, a new 
and handsome little church was built in the spring. 
It was dedicated on Sunday, April 17, 1881, the Rev. 
C. W. Crall, of Austin, delivering the dedication 
sermon. The entire cost of the new church was 
82,500. Mr. Ladd assumed an unpaid indebtedness 
of S250, and the Eureka Church stands entirely free 
fnom all liabilities. The present edifice, it will be 
seen is the third one built on the same lot in less than 
two years. 

RCBV HILL. 

The only instance on record in Nevada of a church 
building going up without the active aid of a pastor, 
is to be credited to Ruby Hill. In 1876 the mem- 
bers of the Methodist Society, planned, built and 
paid for a church building, before a pastor made his 
ap])earance. The Rev. R. A. Ricker, the first to 
labor at this station, was assigned to the charge by 
the Nevada Conference, at its meeting in September, 
1880. 

TUSCAROKA, ELKO COUNTY. 

At this place a Methodist Church Societj- has very 
recentlj' been organized, and the Rev. T. W. Pendle- 
ton apjiointed to act as Pastor in Charge. Soon after 
Mr. Pendleton arrived at Tuscarora ho found the 
congregation was not able to support a minister, and 
for some time, to make both ends meet, he was 
obliged to work in the Grand Prize mine during the 
week, and preach on Sunda5's. The society built a 
parsonage costing $500. 

mason's valley. 

Mason's Vallc}- and Pine Grove comprise one 
charge. The first Methodist Church service held in 
Mason's Vallej' was by Rev. R. Carbcrry in 18G(!. 
He was succeeded by Rev. Mr. Orn, who was fol- 
lowed by Rev. Thomas Bartley. The last-named 
minister organized the church society in 1874, when 
it started with two or three members. The society 
now numbers twenty-five souls. The church build- 
ing was erected in 18S0 by the Rev. J. T. Ladd. It 
is a frame structure, 25x40 feet, and cost 81,700. 
.1. .1. Fox. V>. F. Rj-mers, C. Hernlabin and I)r. 
Richardson were active workers in the enterprise. 
vSince the Rev. G. B. Hinkle, the present Pastor, look 
charge, which was in November, 1880, he has built a 
neat frame parsonage costing 8600. 

ELKO. 

This is a .Methodist station, and the society consists 
of about twenty worshipers. The Rev. Mr. Ewing 
labored at Elko at one time, and the Rev. George 
Jennings acts as a su])ply at the present time. There 
is no church building at Elko. 

REVIEWS. 

The foregoing completes the list of Methodist 
Church Societies now in existence in this State, and 
of those which have ceased to exist. It is interest- 
ing to review the growth of Methodism in Nevada 






-^ 



^Z^/., 



James C. Hagerman 

Is a native of the State of Virginia, having been born at Malleu, Kanawha County, 
August 22, 1837. Mr. Hagerman traces his parentage, witii lauilable pride, to a long 
line of ancestors prominent in the history of his country, and beai-s relationship with 
many of the distinguished personages of the present da}'. Those who are familiar with 
the hi.story of Maryland, Virginia and Ohio, will well remember the ancestral name. 
His father was a native of the State of Maryland, removing into Virginia when quite 
young. Upon his mother's side he springs from the distinguished family of Tluirman, 
one of the oldest and best known of the Old Dominion, and now of world-wide fame 
through the veteran statesman of Ohio. ' 

The gentleman of whom we write enjoyed the usual advantages of the j'outh of the 
prominent families of Virginia in acquiring an education, which advantages were well 
improved, giving him an education fitting him for any rank in life. Among his earliest 
steps upon entering the arena of life, and perhaps liis wisest one, was in taking a partner 
for his toils and triumphs, a sharer in his joys and sorrows, from among the fair maidens 
of his native place. In 1860 he was married to Miss Catherine Walker, daughter of 
Frederick Walker, Esq., one of the oldest families and prominent merchants of Maiden. 

Thus prepared ami supported for life's contest, the young couple sought new homes 
amid new scenes on the shores of the Pacific. It is a bold move at any time to leave 
friends, the customs and associations of the past, and to cast one's lot with strangere, 
but it is that class who settle and create new countries and keep the ball of civilization 
rolling onward. Mr. and Mrs. Hagerman moved to California in 1800, making their 
home in Marysville, Yuba County, where Mr. Hagerman entered upon the business of 
a merchant. This he continued until the fall of 1867, when he came to Nevada. Soon 
after, following the excitement of the time, he went to White Pine, and there engaged 
for a short period in business, but, after one year's experience in that region, retraced 
his steps westward, and .settled for a permanent home at Reno, where he now resides, 
one of Reno's most respected citizens and prosperous merchants. 

Mr. Hagerman, like all citizens of active life, intelligence and patriotic impulses, 
takes a prominent part in the political questions of the day. He was on the Presiden- 
tial Electoral Ticket of 1876, and was a delegate to the National Convention at Cincin- 
nati in 1880. Though he has never been a candidate for any office of profit, he has 
borne his share through the political contests, and has twice made the canvass of the 
State through two Presidential campaign.s, giving trenchant blows for the supj)ort of 
his party. 



THE CHURCHES OF NEVADA. 



21 :} 



since it was firet fairly planted twenty years ago. A 
comparison of the statistical returns submitted at the 
Nevada Conference of 1880 with those oxhibilinir the 
condition of the Church in Nevada Territory in IStJd, 
the first of which there is any official record shows 
very clearly the progress accomplished. In ISiio 
there were in the Territory seventy church menihcrs 
and four local preachers, bcini; seventeen and one- 
half members to each clergyman, and in 1880 the 
number was 470, with thirteen preachers, or about 
thirty-si.K members to each clergj'nian. The average 
for the whole United States is one minister to 141 
members. In 18t;0 the value of the church property, 
consistinj' of one lot was S300. The ('onferencc 
returns of 1880 represent its total value as 8G2,300, 
which includes eight churches and eight parsonages. 
To this should be added new improvements since the 
last meeting of the Conference, consisting of a 82,500 
church at Eureka, and a SdOO parsonage in Mason's 
Valley; also the church at Ruby Hill valued at 82.000 
and which by some inadvertance is overlooked in the 
official returns. This would bring the total value of 
the property of the Methodist Church in Nevada at 
the present time up to 807,400. It should bo borm^ in 
mind, however, that this docs not represent the 
aggregate amount expended in church-building 
between 18(>0 and 1880. A careful summing up 
shows that the losses bj' fire during these twenty 
years amount to 859, UOO, and by abandonment of 
church |)ropertyiii deserted camps abf)ut 8'!.500 more. 
Thus the value of property destroyed and unavail- 
able is nearly equal to the present total assets of the 
church, and the expenditures for real estate and 
improvements in twenty years amount to about 8284 
per capita on the basis of the existing membership. 

The Board of Church Extension of the Methodist 
Episcopal Church, second only in importance to its 
Missionary Society, if not indeed a part of it, has 
contributed liberally to the practical work of church 
building in Nevada. Whenever the Conference has 
asked for aid it has been cheerfully given. It has 
not onlj- erected new churches in destitute places 
but has contributed toward the rebuilding of those 
which have been destroyed l)y fire. Its last donation 
was §1,000 to the Methodist Church Society of 
Eureka, whose property was twice destroyed by firo 
in one year. The work of ])romoting the growth 
of the denomination in Nevada is still zealously 
carried on. Wherever a new mining camp springs 
uj> their plans are at once laid to extend the 
influence of the Society. The organization of the 
Methodist Episcopal Church is so thorough that no 
territory, however remote, is neglected. Its traveling 
preachers are over on the go. The circuits are as 
large as the area of many of our Eastern States, and 
as means of conveyance the preachers still largely 
rely on the saddle and the buck-board. Under the 
torrid heat of the summer sun and the fierce and 
searching wintry' blasts these noble, unselfish, and 
ill-paid men, exposed to all degrees of physical dis- 
27 



comforts, labor incessantly in the service to which 
they have devoted their lives. 

In this connection it is worthy of remark that 
Genoa, the county seat of Douglas County, and 
the oldest town in the State, as well as the head- 
(juarters of a rich and extensive farming region, 
has never had a Methodist Episcopal (!hurch. A 
movement, however, has been recently inaugurated 
having for its object the erection of a church build- 
ing in Genoa. The Hev. .7. D. Hammond, who held 
services in that town on March 28, 1881, mentioned 
this fact and said he believed that before fall the 
i-esidents of the valley would have a suitable place in 
which to woi-ship. 

A project was agitated in 1878, and at the Nevada 
Annual Conference in that year a resolution was 
adopted to build a University in the State under 
Methodist auspices. Bej^ond the appointment of a 
committee and the selection of IJeno as the loca- 
tion, nothing further has been done. The scheme, 
it is conceded, has been abandoned. 

nKFECTION I.N THE CHURCH. 

The historj^ of Methodism in Nevada would be 
incomplete which ignores mention of the defections 
in its ministr}- during the period covered by this 
narrative. The first of which there is any record 
is the case of the Rev. Thomas H. McGrath, who 
had been conspicuously identified with the material 
progress of the order from the earliest times. The 
story of his active labors as a church builder has 
already been told. In the summer of 1873. Air. 
McGrath's doctrinal views having become more lib- 
eral in character than the tenets of his persuasion 
permitted, he resigned his charge in Virginia, and 
organized a liberal society of Unitarians, in the same 
town, and which is referred to under its proi)or head. 
Curiously to say, his successor in the pastorate of 
the Methodist Episcopal (Jhurch of Virginia, the 
|{ev. George W. Fitch, also abandoned the Methodist 
order some yeare later. Mr. Fitch resigned charge 
of th') society at Winnemucca, in June, 1878, and on 
July 7th of the same year, was confirmed by Bishop 
Whitaker, of the J'rotestant Episcopal order, in 
Trinity Church, Reno. On the following day ho 
became a I'of'tulant, and on July 2.3d was admitted 
as a candidate for Deacon's orders. He is now 
(1881) serving as Pastor of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church at Auburn, ('alifornia, having, in 1870, 
recanted his Episcopalian profeshions, to rejoin the 
Methodist Episcopal Church. 



214 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



CHAPTEIJ XXIX. 
THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. 

The New School Branch — First Meeting — Call for a Church at 
Carson — Ornaniz.ition in Virginia City — Clmrches in Vari- 
ous I'arts of the State — Keniuuiation of a Minister — Gold 
Hill — Austin — Klko — Eureka — i'iochc. 

TnE Presbyterian Church in Nevada was started 
by what was known as the New School Branch of the 
denomination. In the spring of ISfJl the Eev. VV. 
\V. Brier, explorino; agent of the Assembly's Com- 
mittee of Home Missions, visited the Territory of 
Nevada in his official capacity, and called a public 
meeting at the stone school house, in Carson City, 
on May 19th of that year, to organize a society. 
This was the initial movement to plant Presbyterian- 
ism in the State. The Rev. \V. W. Brier is at the 
present time a resident of Centerville, Alameda 
County, California. He organized the churches at a 
later date at Virginia and Austin. The work of 
building up the Presbyterian Church in Nevada has 
been expensive, and not as a whole successful. To- 
day there are only four church buildings in the State 
under the control of the denomination — at Carson 
City, Virginia, Elko and Eureka. All the congrega- 
tions occupj-ing them are self-sustaining except the 
one at Elko. At other places societies have been 
organized, but they are now practicallj- extinct. The 
growth of all has been exti-emoly slow — barely per- 
ceptible. For a long course of years they seem 
stationary or declining. Church organization as an 
experiment or an ex])edient maj' have been carried 
too far. Previous to Jul_v 14, 1870, the Presbyterian 
Churches of the State of Nevada belonged to a 
Presbytery called Sierra Nevada, and the Presbytery 
belonged to a Synod called Alta California. At the 
same time there was another Synod on the Pacific 
Coast called the Synod of the Pacific, which had 
several Presbyteries. These two Synods in large 
part were extended over the same areas of country. 
Both assumed to occujiy I he same magnificent 
domain, which included California, Nevada, Oregon, 
Washington, Idaho, Utah, and Arizona. 

In the vast Territories sloping eastward and west- 
ward from the backbone of the continent, now 
known as Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, New Mex- 
ico, western Dakota, and Nebraska, were six Pres- 
byterian Churches, without Presbj'terian connection, 
extremely weak, flickering lights amidst the wide- 
spread darkness. These six churches, added to the 
Synods of Alta California and the Pacific, i-epresentcd 
thirteen years ago, the entire strength of the Pres- 
byterian Church in the western half of our country. 
In 1S7(), after tlu^ Old and New School Branches in 
the northern States had been united into one body, 
the two Synods on the Pacific Coast were consoli- 
dated and called the Synod of the Pacific. In Julj-, 
1870, this Synod convened in San Francisco and 
divided the whole country embraced within its 
limits into five now Presbyteries, without much, if 



any, regard to the boundaries of any former Pres- 
byteries. These were separate and distinct from 
each other, lying side by side, but not overlap|)ing 
one another. According to this arrangement all 
Presbyterian ministers and churches belonging to 
either of the old Synods, and now located within the 
geograi)hical limits of any one of the new Pres- 
byteries, were to be regarded as belonging to those 
within whose bounds they might happen to be 
located. So when the Sacramento Presbytery 
was formed on July 14, 1870, as well as four 
others, by the Pacific Synod to include about 
twenty-four counties in the northwestern part of 
the State of California, the State of Nevada, and 
the Territories of Utah and Idaho, the Pres- 
byterian churches in Nevada came under the care of 
the Sacramento Presbytery. These churches were 
those of Carson City, Virginia Citj% Elko, Austin, 
and Hamilton. Two other churches have been 
formed since; one at Eureka and the other at Pioche. 
Below are presented the separate history of each of 
the above-mentioned societies, except th(S one at 
Hamilton, in regard to which there is not much to 
be said. Jn July, 1870, it was understood that it had 
only six members. In April, 1871, Mr. John Mar- 
chant was Ruling Elder, and was elected by the Sac- 
ramento Presbj'tery an Alternate Lay Commissioner 
to attend the Presbj-terian General Assembly in 
Chicago in Maj^ of that 3'ear, jjrovided the Iluling 
Elder from the Elko Church, Mr. E. V. Robbins, 
could not attend. The Hamilton Church, however, 
never made any report to the Sacramento Presbytery. 

CARSON CITY. 

On the nineteenth day of May, 18G1, a meeting 
of Presbyterians was hold in the stone school house 
in Carson CitJ^ It was addressed by the Rev. W. 
W. Brier, who urged u])on his hearers the projiriety 
of forming a church organization in connection with 
the Constitutional General Assembly of the Presby- 
terian Church of the United States. At this meet- 
ing. Judge Flenonkan officiated as Chairman, and 
the following gentlemen were elected as Trustees, to 
procure a site anil erect a house of worsliip: G. A. 
Sears, J. Gasharie, S. Frasor, Wm. M. Stewart, and 
H. B. Pomeroy. The Board of Trustees organized 
by the election of G. A. Sears as Chairman, and after- 
wards procured a ]ilan and drew u]) specifications for 
a building. Subscri])tions to the amount of about 
85,000 wore immediately thereafter obtained. On 
Juno 2, 1801, the following written request was pre- 
sented to the Bev. Mr. Brier: '• We, the undersigned, 
desiring the ordinances of God's house, do hereby 
request j'ou to organize us into a church of Jesus 
Christ, to be known by the name of the First Pres- 
byterian Church in Carson City, and to be placed by 
you under the care of the Presbj-lery of Sierra 
Nevada, and of the Synod of Alta California." This 
document was signed by Mr. G. A. Sears, Mr. J. D. 
Sears, Mrs. Mary E. Sears, Mrs. Mary A. W. Sears, 
Mrs. Phebo Pierson, Mrs. Lydia S. Helm, Mrs. H. A. 



THE CHURCHES OF NEVADA. 



215 



Thomus. .Mr. S. Friiser, Mrs. N. G. Boyd, .Mr. A. T. 
Taylor, and Mr. S. G. Lam. All except Mr.'*. Boyd 
had been members of various evangelical churches, 
and Mrs. Boyd had been baptized. A mcotinij; was 
held on the same day, and all th(.'reu|ion united in 
church fellowship. S. Fraser and A. T. Taylor wore 
unanimously elected Rulin<; Elders, and ordained 
after service that evening. Mr. Brier returned to 
California and made a statement of the circum- 
stances attending the organization of the society, 
and of the importance of the tield for usefulness, to 
the Rov. A. F. White, of Gilroj-. On September 
12th, Mr. White arrived at Carson, and began his 
labors as temporary- supply, on the second Sabbath 
of that month. It was thought to be too late then 
to erect a house of worship before the closing in of 
winter, and the enterprise was post])oned until the 
following summer. 

On August 3l8t a second meeting was held in the 
District Court-room for the election of a Board of 
Trustees, the term of the first Board having expired. 
The election resulted in the choice of S. Fraser, G. 
A. Sears, Orion Clemens, William Corbett, and Judge 
E. C. Dixon. The Trustees were instructed to initi- 
ate efticient measures for the erection of a house of 
worship with as little ilelaj' as possible. A new 
subscription jjaper was circulated, and about S5,000 
pledged. A site was now purchased, money collected, 
and the work of building commenced. Before the 
approach of winter the brick walls were up and 
secured. During the spring and summer of 18G8 
but little was done towards its completion owing to 
the financial depression in the community. In Feb- 
ruary, 1S04, a contract was made with responsible 
parties for the completion of the house entire by the 
first day of May following. On the second Sabbath 
of May, 18(i4, the church edifice, which was of brick, 
was duly dedicated by the Rev. A. F. White, assisted 
by the Rev. William C. Pond, of Downieville; and 
the Rev. Warren Nims, of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church, Carson City. Mr. White remained as Pas- 
tor until April 12, 18G8, when he was succeeded by 
the Rev. Mr. Alexander, who discharged the duties 
for three months. The Presbyterian clergymen 
who have since his time orticiated as Pastors of the 
church at Cai-son City were as follows: Rev. T. W. 
Atherton from July 8, 18(58, to November 8, 18(i8; 
Rev. J. Fraser from November 8th to December, 
18«i»; Rev. I. N. Ilurd from December, 18G9, to 
May, 1871; Rev. James Woods from September, 
1872, to December, 1874; Rev. J. P. Egbert from 
February 21, 1875, to May 7, 1875; Rov. John Jiaird 
from May 7, 1875, to June 12, 1876; Rev. Josiah 
McClain from September, 187U, to April, 1880. From 
the latter date until the beginning of the present 
year (1881) the pulpit has been vacant. In January 
last, the i{ev. H. V. liice, from Brooki^-n, New York, 
arrived and took charge of the church as its Pastor. 
There are at the present time two l-jldors in this 
church, Mr. William Anderson, and John J. Single- 



ton. The number ul church nienibcrn reported la.-^l 
May was sevent^'-nine; the number of pupils in the 
Sabbath-school was 120. 

VIUtllNrA CITV. 

On the twenty-first of September, 1802, a Presby- 
terian Church Society was organized and a meeting 
held in the Methodist Episcopal Church for that juir- 
posc. Sixteen persons were present. The Rev. W. 
W. Brier, of the Home Missionary Society, consti- 
tuted those present into a Church. Messrs. Nelson 
W. Winter and E. Caldwell were elected Ruling 
Elders. In December, 1802, the Rev. D. II. Palmer 
arrived from New York, and entered upon his duties 
as the first Pastor of the Presbyterian Church in 
Virginia City. He was succeeded by the Rev. W. 
W. Martin on November 10, 1864. The Pastors who 
served afterwards, and the dates on which they 
assumed charge were as follows: Rov. J. E. Tay- 
lor, August 9, 1807; Rev. li. Sloat, January, 1809; 
Rev. W. W. Macomber, March 18, 1870; Rev. I. N. 
Hurd, May :31. 1872; A. C. Gillies, November 17, 
1875; E. Graham, June, 1878. The latter resigned 
in Novombor, 1880, and his successor, the Rev E. F. 
Walker, the present Pastor, took charge in April, 
1881. It was a long time after the first organization 
of the society boforo a meeting house was built. It 
was not until earlj' in 1807 that actual operations 
were commenced having this end in view. On July 
7, 1807, tho church was dedicated. It had cost 
84,700. The funds which enabled the society to rise 
to the dignity of owning a meeting house were secured 
through a successful mining speculation. Tho Trus- 
tees had received from some friends on tho inside 
what is known as a point, on the stock market. 
With tho little money in the treasury they purchased 
a few shares of stock, which rose in a few weeks 
several hundred dollars in value. They sold out 
before the crash, and with tho proceeds bought four 
lots on C vStreet, the principal business thoroughfare 
in Virginia. On cither side of the meeting house 
they erected buildings, rented out for stores, and 
from which they have since derived an annual rental 
nearlj' suflicient to pay tho salary of their minister, 
and meet tho running expenses of the society. This 
church has three Elders, A. B. Elliott, John S.Grant, 
and Andrew Fraser. The organization reported 
last -May, 105 members, and the Sabbath-school 2(tfl 
pupils. The church building being located outside 
tho district ravaged by tho conflagration of 1875, 
escaped damage "b}' the fire. Until the date of its 
erection ilio congregation worshiped in the District 
Court-room. 

OOI.D IIII.I,. 

Tho Presbyterians organized their first society in 
Gold Hill at Odd Fellows Hall, on Sundaj' morning, 
November 1, 1803, and a week later elected as 
Trustees, E. Caldwell, (iiles H. Gray, S. H. Robin.son, 
Dana Walcott, and C. P. Bartlctt. Soon after tho 
organization, tho Rov. W. W. Macombor, from tho 
East, arrived and took charge of the congregation 



\ 



216 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



for several months. At the first service held in Gold 
Hill, the sermon was preached by the Rev. Fred 
Buell. No meeting house has ever been built by the 
denomination in this town, and the society has led 
a feeble existence since its birth. There is no Pres- 
byterian organization in Gold Hill at the present 
time. 

AUSTIN. 

The first Presbyterian organization in Lander 
County was established with forty-five members, at 
Austin, on Sunday, January 3, 18G4. The Reese 
River Reveilk, of December 12, 1863, had published 
an announcement that at the Court House services 
would be held by Jlev. L. P. Webber, a Presbyterian 
minister, in the morning, and by the Rev. E. Jv. 
Miller, a Methodist minister, in the afternoon. The 
society prospered up to 18G8, at which time manj- 
of the members left the place, and those remaining 
found it impossible, without a church building, to 
kee|) up the organization. An effort was made to 
raise funds to build a church. Several hundred dol- 
lars were collected for the purpose, but the edifice 
was never built. The Austin Society was assigned, 
on July 14, 1870, to the Sacramento Presb^-torj-. 
At that date it had about thirtj^-six members, but 
it never afterwards made any reports to the Presby- 
teiy. In 1873, the church organization was broken 
up. No Presbyterian Society exists at Austin to-day. 
The Ruling Elders of the Austin Church have been 
J. S. Slauson, Elijah Stanford, and John Marchant. 
The Trustees were J. S. Slauson, John liorue, and 
A. Nichols. The Presbyterian clergymen who have 
successfully oflieiatcd at Austin, were the Revs. L. 

P. Webber, Taylor, II. H. Hill, E. Willard, 

J. P. Pinney, and A. M. Stewart, deceased. 

ELKO. 

The Rev. John Brown, a young Presbyterian min- 
ister, a graduate of Glasgow University, Scotland, 
and of Union Theological Seminary, New York, 
arrived at Elko early in March, 1870. On the twenty- 
sixth of that month he organized a church society 
with a membershi]) of seven persons. The rail- 
road company gave him four lots on which to build 
a church, toward the cost of which $1,200 were con- 
tributed by church members outside of Elko count}'. 
The total amount expended in its construction was 
$2,500. In the introductory portion of this chapter 
the amusing incident which culminated in the build- 
ing of the Elko Presbyterian Church is related. The 
organ used by the congregation was presented to 
them by the Rev. Henry Ward Beecher. The Rev. 
Mr. Brown, who is now in Jacksboro, Texas, was 
succeeded by the Rev. C. 1). Roberts in August, 1872, 
who remained in charge until October, 1875, soon 
after which time ho died, and on November 20th of 
that year the Rev. Joseph II. Bj-ors succeeded to 
the pastorate of the church. The Society at that 
time consisted of only four members — Mrs. Yeatos 
and her two daughters, and a Mrs. Van Alste5-n. 
Mr. Byors remained at Elko till the twenty-seventh 



day of August, 1877, and is now in Lawrence, 
Kansas. During his ministry he received eighteen 
additions to the church. The eldest was John Seitz, 
seventy-five years, the youngest, Essie Thebo, ten 
j'ears old. Her parents, Mr. Byers complained, were 
unbelievers, and soon forced her to leave the church. 
Four others were converts from the Mormon faith. 
During his time Mr. Byers married twenty couples 
and oBiciated at twenty-one funerals. He had but 
one Elder in his church and he lived at Palisade, 
thirty miles awaj'. He never had any Deacons, 
being destitute of material out of which to make 
them. Earlj' in 1878 the Rev. Robert McCulloch 
assumed charge, but discontinued preaching regu- 
larly in Juno, 1879, occasionally visiting the congre- 
gation for some time afterwards. There was a 
vacancy until April, 1880, when the Rev. A. J. 
Compton was appointed Pastor, and continued in 
that relation until the last of September following. 
The Society owns a parsonage which was built some 
time after the church. The present Trustees are J. 
H. Rand, U. R. Bigelow, James Clark, L. H. Morgan 
and James Brain. The number of members reported 
in May. 1879, was twenty-five, but the number since 
that time has been reduced to six. The Sabbath- 
school reported in 1879 eighty-six pupils, but there 
were at last accounts but sixty-three in regular 
attendance. The Elko Church has suffered of late 
years by being frequently left without a minister, 
and by the steady waning of the population of 
the town. It has no Elders to-day. In 1871 an 
Elder of this church, Mr. E. V. Ilobbins, was elected 
by the Sacramento Presbj'tery as Lay (Commissioner 
to represent it in the Presbyterian General Assem- 
bly, which mot in Chicago in May of that year. 

EUREKA. 

In August, 1873, the Presbj^terian Church was 
organized at Eureka, by six members. The Sacra- 
mento Presbytery entered it upon its roll of churches 
on October 4th of that year. The Rev. W. C. Mc- 
Dougal was the first Pastor. Ho was succeeded in 
the following year by the Rev. Josiah McClain, who 
remained at Kureka until the summer of 1876. The 
Rev. Samuel M. Crothers then took charge until 
May, 1879, when ho was followed by the Rev. Geo. 
W. (iailagher last year. 

The present Elders are, Mr. John Ilorno and Mr. 
Thomas Evans. The number of church members 
reported last May was thirty-nine. The number of 
pupils in the Sabbath-school was ninety. The 
societj- has a meeting house which was erected soon 
after the organization was cftectod. It escaped 
destruction in the last disastrous conflagration which 
reduced half the town to ashes. On March 26, 1881, 
the Rev. Mr. Gallagher oxj)loded a theological bomb- 
shell among his congregation by simultaneously 
renouncing the tenets of orthodoxy and resigning 
his charge. The causes which impelled Mr. Galla- 
gher, who was groati)' esteemed in Eureka by his 
own people and the public generally, to sever his 



THE CHURCHES OF NEVADA. 



217 



relations with the Presbyterian failli were given by 
him in a letter as follows: — 

1 dissolved my connection with the Prosbj'terian 
Church of this place last ni.nht, and will send mj- 
renunciation of the standard doctrines of the t'hurch 
to the Presbytery of Sacramento by to-nifjlit's mail. 
The cause of my severing my connection with the 
Presbyterian Church is mj' divergence from the 
confession of faith in these points: In that 1 do not 
believe in the doctrines of eternal punishment, of the 
Trinitj-, of the inspiration of the Scriptures, nor in 
the orthodox view of the atonement. i[y views now 
are what may be termed Unitarian, and when 1 join 
a Church hereafter it will be the Unitarian Church, 
for that faith, in my view, is truest to nature, to 
reason, and to true religion. 

Mr. Gallagher's action created a general sensation 
among the church people of the town, and created 
no little interest in all parts of the State. A general 
desire was expressed by all that the gentleman, who 
was noted as a very eloquent speaker and a sound 
logical rcasoncr, should publicly give his reasons for 
his sudden and unlooUed-for ste]>. To this end an 
address, signed bj' nearly one hundred of the most 
prominent citizens of Eureka, was presented to him, 
requesting him to deliver a discourse upon the sub- 
ject connected with his renunciation of the doctrines 
and teachings of the Presbyterian faith. Ou the 
evening of March 30th 'Mr. Gallagher delivered an 
elaborate address in explanation of his course at the 
Eureka Opera House. 

PIOCHE. 

In 1873, a Presbyterian Society was organized at 
Pioche. The Jlev. J. P. Egbert, now of San Jose, 
California, was the first minister, and he remained 
about six months. lie held his first service on .Jan- 
uary 20, 1.S73. The organization started with twelve 
members in the following April, but it never enjoyed a 
prosperous career. The decline of business at 
Pioche, the de])arture of most of the population to 
other camps, and the fact of not having ministers to 
labor there, soon made it impossible to keep up the 
society of Presbyterians. In October, 1879, it was 
taken off the roll as one of the churches of the 
Sacramento Presbytery. The Rev. Mr. Egbert was 
succeeded by the Rev. II. B. .McBride, now of Colusa, 
California, in July, 1873. 

A recapitulation of the strength of the i'resby- 
terian Churches of Nevada shows that in May, 1879, 
the date of the last official returns, the total mem- 
bership was less than 300, and the roll of all the 
Sunday-schools combined numbered about 500 
children. Since that time there has been a steady 
decrease, and there is rea.son to believe that about 
one half the above number would more accurately 
represent the real strength of the Presbj-terian 
denomination in Nevada to-day. A fair estimate of 
the total value of the church property places it at 
about 815,000. 



CHAPTER XXX. 
BAPTIST AND CONGREGATIONAL. 

The Colonxl C'liurcli — T;ilx!niacle H.ijiti.st Churcli — First Service 
ill (.'arson — The Congregational (.'hurcli — Us Organization — 
The Mrst Pastor. 

The first Baptist Church in Nevada Territory 
was organized in Virginia City by the Rev. Mr. 
Satchell, in 18li3. With the exception of one pei-son 
all the members were colored people. Mr. Satchell 
remained their Pastor a little over one year. Dr. VV. 
II. Stevenson, from Rhode Island, was then ordained 
Pastor, and continued in that relation about two 
years. In 186G, the church having become dissatis- 
fied with its Pastor, divided, and the meeting house 
was sold and moved away. That body was never 
reorganized. About the year 18G5, the Rev. Mr. 
McLafferty came from the East and organized a 
society called the Tabernacle 15ai)tist Church, which 
worshiped in the Court House. Mr. McLafferty 
remained about two years and went to California, 
when the organization died. On the first day of 
June, 1873, Rev. C. L. Fisher, of Santa Clara, Cali- 
fornia, arrived in Virginia City in response to an invi- 
tation from an ac(iuaintance with a view to the estab- 
lishment of a Baptist Church. He entered at once 
upon his mission. For two months services were 
held in the District Court-room. Tlienco the con- 
gregation was removed to the Miners' Union Hall, 
after three months and for better convenience they 
again removed to the Washington Guard Hall. A 
third removal three months later found them hold- 
ing weekly services in the parlor of Sister Cochrane. 
During these months eighteen members had signed 
the roll, and on December 14, 1873, a council was 
called. It consisted of the Rev. C. A. Bateman, the 
Rev. H. Richardson, Bible Agent of Nevada, and the 
Rev. C. L. Fisher. The sermon was preached by 
.Mr. Bateman, Mr, Richardson acting as Moderator, 
and Mr. Fisher as Clerk. At the conclusion of the 
exercises it was announced by the Jl(odcrator that 
the First Baptist C!hurch of Virginia, Nevada, was 
duly organized. The Rev. C. L. Fisher accepted the 
pastorate. In Aj)rilof the same year, a lot was pur- 
chased for 8800, of which 8300 was paid and the 
Trustees gave their notes for the balance. On 
June Ist a contract for a church edifice was let at 
82,100, and the building was ready for occupa- 
tion on July 12th. It is located on C Street, 
is forty feet long and twenty-three feet wide and has 
a seating capacitj- for 150 persons. Subsei|ucntly 
the basement of the church was fitted up as a lodg- 
ing house at an oxi)enso of 81,207, making the total 
cost of the church and lot amount to 84,107. On 
October 1, 1875, the Rev. C. L. Fisher tendered his 
resignation on account of ill-health. During his min- 
istry thirty members were added to the church. On 
December 30, 1S75, the Rev. James Wells, of Cali- 
fornia, accepted the pastorate, which he resigned on 
May 12, 1870. The Rev. G. W. Ford took charge of 



218 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



the church on June 4, 1876, aiiddiHcharj<ed ihc duties 
of Pastor one year. From August 1, 1877, to March, 

1878, the Ilev. T. J. Arnold, oflleno, held a monthly 
service in Virginia. From March, until November 
3, 1878, the chunth was closed. On the latter date 
the Hev. T. J. Arnold became Pastor, a relation which 
existed until May 15, 1879. During his ministration, 
six united by baptism, two by letters and one by 
experience. On January 1, 1880, the Rev. H. VV. 
Read, the present Pastor, arrived from Clayton, Jeffer- 
son County, New York, and entered upon his ministry. 
Mr. Read had served as a volunteer chaplain in the 
Union Army and was held for some time a captive 
at Libby Prison. He had led an eventful life during 
a long career as missionary of the Baptist Church. 
His congregation now numbers but thirty-six per- 
sons. The church society struggles under a debt of 
$1,200, due the American Baptist Home Missionary 
Society. Mr. S. B. Reid is the present Clerk of the 
church. 

In the summer of 1874, a few Baptists in Carson 
City began holding services on Sunday under the 
ministry of Major Sherman, who had been licensed 
to preach. On November 1st, in that year, the Rev. 
C. A. Bateman preached a sermon at Car.son City on 
the occasion of the regular organization and recog- 
nition of the first Baptist Church in that town. Six- 
teen members signed the Articles of Faith and the 
Covenant. The Rev. C. L. Fisher officiated as Clerk 
and the charge was delivered bj' the Rev. H. Richard- 
son, the Moderator. The consecrating praj-er was 
offered by the Rev. Mr. Read. Early in 1876, the 
Rev. J. (f. Burchet settled as Pastor, but remained 
only a few weeks. The church soon died for want 
of support. 

On November 28, 1875, the Rev. C. L. Fisher, 
having left Virginia City, organi/.ed a Baptist 
Church in the Oj)era House, Reno. Fifteen mem- 
bers signed the roll. In January, 1871!, the society 
built, at a cost of $2,800, a small meeting house, 
assembling in it for the first time on May 7th of 
that year. The Rev. C. L. Fisher soon afterwards 
resigned the pastorate and departed for California. 
For a short time the Rev. C. A. Bateman preached 
to the congregation. In 1877, the Rev. T. J. Arnold 
acted as Pastor for fourteen months and then went 
to Virginia City. In the contlagration of March 2, 

1879, the little meeting house at Reno was reduced 
to ashes; but on July 12th, of the same year, the 
society began the erection of a larger house of wor- 
ship. It now has a church building which will cost 
it 81,000, when an unpaid debt of §2,500 is cancelled. 
In the summer of 1880, D. Hanks McKenzio, a tem- 
perance advocate concluded to become a preacher, 
and was ordained by I. S. Kalloch and some mem- 
bers of the ilctro])olitan (-'hurch in San Francisco, 
as the Pastor at Reno. But he remained with the 
church but a few days after his ordination, return- 
ing to California, and again leaving the Heno 
Baptists without a Pastor. His hasty departure loft 



the im])re8Mioii on the congregation that he had only 
sought the office of Pastor to serve an ulterior pur- 
pose. He secured the title of Reverend to his name, 
thereby giving, as he hoped, greater ecUU to his 
work as a temperance orator. The present Trustees 
of the Reno Baptist Church are Jason Smith, John 
Smith, Cajitain F. Cook, W. W. Morton, and W. 
Sanders; Captain F. Cook is Treasurer, and Robert 
Ash, Clerk. The largest number of members it has 
had at anj' one time was seventy-five. It has not 
fifteen at present, but has recently secured the serv- 
ices of the Rev. Scott as Pastor. Besides the 

two buildings at Virginia and Reno there are no 
other Baptist Churches in the Stale. The present 
value of the church property is about $5,000, against 
which there is an indebtedness of almost equal 
amount. 

The Rev. Winfield Scott has recentlj' taken charge 
of the Baptist Church at Reno, and is building uj) a 
large congregation, besides materially reducing the 
church indebtedness. 

THE C0NGRE0.\TIONAL cnUROH. 

In response to a call issued on June 7, 1870, a 
Council of Congregational Churches met at the 
school house, Reno, on February, 18, 1871. The 
Rev. J. E. Benton, of California, was chosen Mod- 
erator of the Council; and J. C. Jlagerman, of 
Reno, was elected Scribe. A petition was then 
presented on behalf of the society organized on 
January 20, 1871, to sustain -'an independent Con- 
gregational form of worship in the town of Reno." Of 
thatsocietj^ S. M. Webber was President; I). B. May 
Vice-President; and N. C. Kinney, Secretary. On 
the next day, Februarj' 10th, the First (!ongrega- 
lional Church of Reno was organized. The original 
members were J. C. Hagerman, Kittio Hagerman, 
Sophia Scott, ^Aiwy F. Poor, Annie L. Poor, James 
C. Weston. Nellie Kinncj-, Marj- Fairchild, Marj- C. 
Kinney. The Rev. A. F. Hitchcock was elected 
Pastor. A house of worship was soon built, and 
owned jointly with the Independent Order of Odd 
Fellows of Reno. It was dedicated to public wor- 
ship on Sunday, June 20, 1873, by the Revs. James 
Woods and C. A. Bateman. The J'astors who have 
rogularl}' officiated since the organization of the 
church were the Revs. A. F. Hitchcock, L. R. Ros- 
boro, F. R. Girard, VV. J. Clark, C. H. Rope, A. 
Drahms, and G. F. G. Morgan, at present in charge. 
Excepting temporary intervals, the church has been 
in active operation since its establishment. The 
edifice is free from debt. A Sunday-school is regu- 
larly maintained in connection with the church. 



SCH(M)L H[ST(1RY OF NEVADA. 



210 



CHAPTER XXXI. 

SCHOOL HISTORY OF NEVADA. 

[by I). K. SKS.SION.S.] 

Sketch of Pioneer Schools — Scarcity of Data — Sources of Kcv- 
eniie — Buel Shoe Kiiiul — Report of First Su|ierinteiuleiit — 
School at Virginia t'ity--Sierra Seminary at Carson — 'IVrri- 
torial Law Helative to Text-books — Teachers' Wages — Athihe 
School Houses — Statistical Exhibit of l.S(i4— State University 
— Mining College — Uniteil States Land (Jrants — Elko Se- 
leetetl as the Site — Scarcity of Pupils — Ell'orts of First Prin- 
cipal- — Kegents of — Eilierality of Congress — Public School 
Fund — State Educational OlUeers— County School Boards — 
Duties of State .Superintendent — Compulsory PMucati<m — 
Non-sectarian Schools — Private Schools — Catholic Orphan- 
age—List of School OHicers — List of Teachers — (Jualitica- 
tion of Teachers — Colored Children — Ne.;r.>es, Chinese and 
Indians — Ueturns of Teachers ami School Trustees lor ISfiO 
— Value of School Property — Financial Transactions of 
Schools by Counties. 

Data for the compositions of the beginning of 
school hi.-^tory are scarce and hard to collect. The 
chief reliance for this information is the "oldest 
inhabitant." Few of the old pioneers are left, and 
those who still linger, have better memories for 
events more startling than for the affairs of rudimen- 
tary education. From 1859, and up to this date, 
when all Nevada was a county of Utah Territory, 
and thinly settled in occasional I'ertile spots by Mor- 
mons, nothing definite can be known with regard to 
the condition of education in the sage-brush land. 

What incidental scraps of such information might 
have been obtained, liave not been acquired for the 
reason that those who have been depended on 
to make the necessary research in their respective 
localities, have, in almost every instance, failed to 
assist the writer in this undertaking. The most 
then that can be done is to give an outline of the 
school history of this State — a skeleton as well 
fleshed as the conditions render practicable. 

The first report of Superintendent of Public 
Instruction, made to the State Legislature, was made 
by A. F. White, December 12. 18()4. Jle speaks of this 
report and the condition of public school educa- 
tion as the third that had been made, the two 
preceding having been made annually to the Leg- 
islature of the Territory. These cannot now be 
i'ound. From ilr. White's report, referred to, the 
following statistics are gleaned: At the beginning 
of the State Government, in 1864, there were 
ten counties organized, in which there were but 
twelve school districts, eight school houses and 
eighteen schools. In 18G2 the whole number of 
youths between four and twenty-one years of age 
was 1,134. In the latter part of 1804 this number 
had increased to 3,057. In 1802 there were ])r()bably 
two hundred pupils attending school, and in 1804 
nearly 1,000. 

As to the cost of maintaining schools in this new 
country, an approximate estimate may be formed by 
taking the total amount expended in Storey and 
Jjyon ("ounties — the only counties from which any 
financial report was received — which is 871,73!( 70. 
As to the grade of schools, in 1802 there were but 
five primary classes in the Territory, lu 1803, 



the record shows six ])riinary schools, two inter- 
mediate and one grammar. 

Under the State organization the public school 
system took new life immediately, and toward the 
close of 1804 there were in Xevada twenty pri- 
mary schools, four of mixed grade, four intermediate 
and one grammar, the whole number of schools 
being thirt3--scven. The school communities, how- 
ever, were small raining camps merely; hence it 
may be justly inferred that the grades were not 
eharply defined, and, compared with what we 
regard as graded schools now, there were as yet 
scarcely any thoroughly graded schools in the State. 
The condition of ]niblic education was as preca- 
i-ious and unsettled as the states of society, at 
a time when nobody contemplated making a home 
in '-Washoe," as all Nevada was familiarly styled 
by ('alifornians, but followed the uncertain drift 
of mining excitement, looking forward to the time 
when he should make a " stake," and return home 
to live in " America." But few absolutely free 
schools were maintained. The fixed sources of 
school revenue were merely nominal; but already 
the seed of love for our great national institution 
of free public school education was seen trans- 
planted and germinating hardily under the difficul- 
ties and obstructions of our peculiar mining life. 

THE BtlEL SHOE FIND. 

In this great and good work the people showed 
themselves deeplj' and thoroughlj- in earnest. Ap- 
peals to their liberality were seldom made in vain. 
The demand for private contributions was almost 
always cheerfully met, nor were rate bills regarded 
as onerous. Indeed, the maintenance of the schools 
in the early days of Nevada was rather a personal 
affair, and was in substance more of a private 
than of a public character, though they were entirely 
free in effect, for none suffered for the want of 
tuition merely because they could not bear a part 
in its expense. As illustrative of the pioneer spirit 
for the managoniont of education among the chil- 
dren, an incident may bo cited of early times at 
Austin, the county seat of Lander County: In the 
fall of 1803, the first action was taken toward start- 
ing a school in this camp. Trustees were elected, 
and a committee was appointed to raise funds. A 
collection of S030 was made. In the spring follow- 
ing, the Buel Shoe Fund was added to this sum. 
The origin of this fund is humorous and suggestive: 
Col. D. K. (-'Dave "J Buel, still alive and active, 
was a prominent and successful jiioneer. lie was a 
man of prodigious stature and symmetrically built. His 
feet, of course, in order to corres])ond with the other 
parts of his frame, were enormous; and his shoos, 
which he wore loose, as a sensible man ahva3-s 
does, excited surprise and admiration. On the 
evening of May 20. 1804, a pair of the Colonel's 
shoes were l)orne from their seclusion and ])iit up at 
auction for the benefit of the public school fund. Tom 
Wade, us uuctionoor, sold and re-sold them, until 



220 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



810C.05 was realized from the sale. Another inci- 
dent strangely characteristic of the period, but 
earlier by about two years, occurred in Carson City. 

CARSON ROWDY FUND. 

It was when Cai-son was in her flush, and when, if 
she could have looked forward to her present law- 
abiding and staid social condition, she would have 
blushed for her then horde of faro dealers and 
"short card" fiends. Two prominent citizens, whose 
names are withheld, conspicuous for their success in 
the mani])ulation of mining shares, as well as for 
startling bravado, took possession of a theater one 
night. They swaggered down the main aisle, armed 
with six-shooters and bowie-knives, to the terror 
and consternation of the audience, composed in 
small part of women and children, and ordered 
the curtain dro|)])ed. Their singular command not 
being instantlj^ obeyed, they made a rush for the 
stage. The actors fled in dismay, and the curtain 
fell, wherupon the con((uerors proceeded to reduce 
it to ribbons with their formidable knives. For this 
act the}' paid, no doubt cheerfully enough, for it was 
not consonant with the times to set anj^ high 
value on money, 81,000 for the benefit of the com- 
mon school fund of the town. 

(IROWINti scnooLS. 

In Virginia City, the largest town, there were only 
seventeen children attending school in October, 1862. 
In the same month of the following year there were 
420 school children in the county, of whom 300 
were at Virginia, and 60 at Gold llill. The school 
house at the latter place was a very creditable build- 
ing, furnished with seats and desks from San Fran- 
cisco. The Territorial Legislature passed a law in 
December, 1801, authorizing the incorporation of the 
Sierra Seminary at Carson City. The incorporation 
has never been made; but Miss II. K. Cla])p, one of 
the earliest ladies to take up her home in Nevada, 
and who instituted the project, started a private 
school about that time, and has been teaching a 
private school for boys and girls continuously' ever 
since, under the name of the Sierra Seminary. It 
may be remarked, in passing, that the conditions in 
Nevada are not such as to render it practicable for 
the higher grade instructions of learning to be sue 
cessful. The State is too sparsely' settled, and the 
competition with old established colleges and semi- 
naries in California and Kastern States cannot be 
withstood. This fact will be fully illus' rated in the 
history of the I^niversity of Nevada farther on. 
Associated with Miss Clapp in founding her school 
were Mrs. E. G. Cutler (now Mrs. Haydon) cele- 
brated as a singer and elocutionist, and Miss E. C. 
Babcock. The first com])rohensivo statistical cxliibit 
of school affairs was made by Rev. A. F. White, Ter- 
ritorial Superintendent, and also the first Superin- 
tendent under the State (Tovernment. This exhibit, 
given on the following page, will show at a single 
view the condition of the common schools in 1864. 



For the sake of still further insight into the con- 
dition of public education in the ten counties thert 
organized, the following supplementary statement is 
subjoined, being abstracts from the reports of County 
Superintendents, whose names are appended: — 

ORMSBY COUNTY — WILLIA.M B. LAWLER. 

In this county there are 512 children between the 
ages of four and twenty-one. Only 173 attend 
public schools. About 12.T attend private schools. 
About fortj' out of every 100 receive a street educa- 
tion, which is one of idleness, and often of wicked- 
ness and crime. Within the j-ear one school dis- 
trict has been organized, and will soon have a com- 
fortable school house. At present there arc but 
two school houses in the county. Schools have 
been sustained six months during the j'ear, in each 
district. Amount paid teachers, 81,780; highest 
sahuy paid teachers, 812.") per month; lowest, 840 
per month. In Enijiire District the books re]iorted 
in use are Standard First and Fourth Headers, 
National First and Second Keaders, Primer, Ele- 
mentary and Standard Spellers, Mental and Practi- 
cal Arithmetic, probably Thompson's. 

STOREY COUNTY — JUDGE FRANK TILFORD. 

The receipts of the Board of Education from 
December 7, 1S03, to October 30, 1804, amounted to 
847,82<^).70. The exijenditures for the same period 
were 840,121.31, leaving a balance of 81,009.39. The 
existing indebtedness of the Board is 83,300, con- 
tracted by their ])redecessors in office, 82,000 of 
which amount is evidenced by outstanding bonds, 
and the remainder. 81,300, is secured by mortgage 
on the pro])crty of the Board in the city of Virginia. 
There are 1,243 children in Storej- 0)unty, between 
four and twenty-one years of age. The public school 
in Virginia District has one Grammar School, two 
First Intermediate Schools, one Second Intermediate 
School, and three Primary Schools. In (iold Hill 
District there is one First Intermediate and one 
Primary School. In Flowerj' District there is one 
mixed school. The number of children enrolled in 
the various schools, is 390. Average dail^- attend- 
ance, 27."). Te.xt-books in use: Sj)ellers, Sargent's 
and Webster's; Algebra, Davies'; Geography, Cor- 
nell's; Penmanship, Payson, Dunton, Scribner's; 
Grammar, Green's course; History, Ijossing's United 
States; Natural Philosophy, Comstock's. 

WASHOE COU.N'TY — REV. T. H. .m'ORATII. 

This county is divided into seven districts. There 
are .")4!t children and youths between four and 
twenty-one years of age — 2.")3 males and 24.J females. 
There are 130 children under lour j'cars of ago — 
fifty-five were born in Nevada. Number of pupils 
attending school, 248. The average dail^' attend- 
ance has been 197. The whole number of teachers 
emploj-ed during thej'car was thirteen — eight males 
and five females. The highest salary paid for teach- 
ing was 812.') ])er month; the lowest was fifty-two 
dollars. Thewhok^ lime taught was fifty-six months. 
The whole amount of public funds received was 
83,340.2"). Whole amount raised in the districts by 
contribution was 8129.75. Amount expended for 
teaching, 84,070; for other jjurposes, 82,315.75. 
There is no jjrivato school in the county. The 
schools are primary. Hut few of the te.xt-books 
recommended by the Territorial Board of Educa- 
tion are used. A list of the books in use not given. 





<::?^^ie^t>(/^ 




^>yo 



Hon. Andrew J. Hatch 

Was born April 15, 1827, at Lanesboro, Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania 
and resided at Lanesboro and Great Bend, in that county, until 1 S3(S, when his 
father moved to Chenango County, New York. In this beautiful and romantic 
country the young Andrew Jackson grew to manhood. Those were great 
Jackson days when the Surveyor was born, and like many another scion of 
Democratic lineage born in the period when " Old Hickory " was a power in the 
land, carries the initials of the hero of New Orleans and the " Sage of the 
Hermitage." In the excellent academies of Oxford and Norwich, where 
gathered the ambitious youth of Chenango, Broome and Otsego, he acquired 
that first-c]a,ss training which enabled him in later years to become the skillful 
surveyor and engineer. 

Grown to manhood he sought the exciting scenes of the Pacific Coast, and in 
September, 1852, he went to Tuolumne County, California, where he was 
engaged in mining and teaching school until 1857, when he entered the Gov- 
ernment .surveying service under Col. A. W. Von Schmidt. In 1858 he was 
appointed United States Deputy Surveyor, by Surveyor General Mandevilie. 

The decade of '49 to '59 had passed, and quietness and stagnation appeared to 
be settling upon California as it had rested upon the o]<i countries of the East, 
but the fates ruled otherwise. Upon the bleak hills of the eastern slope ili.scov- 
eries were made which again aroused the world, and set the energetic people of 
California again upon the go in search of mineral wealth. General Hatch was 
early in the field, crossing the Sierra Nevada in April, 18G0. Then, the State 
constituted a portion of Utah Territory, and was almost without a government 
or a name. The whole region was Washoe; but in Washoe particular he set his 
stake. His earliest entei-prise was mining in connection with his brother, R, S. 
Hatch, on Galena Hill, west of Steamboat Springs. This did not continue f()r a 
lengthy period, as he was soon called to the exercise of his profession. Gen. S. 
H. Marlette was then County Surveyor of Carson County, Utah, and called upon 
our subject to be his Deputy. From that date A. J. Hatch has been, with 
scarcely an intermission, surveying the lands of Nevada, being County Surveyor 
or Deputy Unitecl States Surveyor most of time, and has in person surveyed a 
large portion of the public lands in the State. 

Other offices, however, have called for his services, he having the honor of 
being the first Justice of the Peace in Washoe County, holiling his court in galena 
and Wa.shou City. In 1870 he was elected to the Legislature, serving in the 
.ses.sion of 1871, when he was appointed Chairman of the Connnittee on Public 
Lan<ls, and to him principally may be accorded the honor of having framed the 
present State Land Law. 

General Hatch was married October 4, 1870, at Wellsville, New York, to 
Mrs. Helen F. Thorf)e, widow of Senator S. M. Thorpe, of Lawrence, Kansas 
who was a.ssas.sinated by the notorious (.^uantrell and his murderous band 
in the memorable raid of 1863. He has ri^claimed from a wilderness of 
rocks and sage brush a beautiful little farm in the suburbs of Reno, where 
he has resided with his family since coming to the Statu. His varieil experience 
in his profe.ssion and in public life generally, eminently qualifies him for the 
position of Surveyor General of Nevada, to which office he was elected in 1878 
He has taken an active part in many of the public enterprises of Washoe- County, 
anujug which was the Nevada and Oregon Railroad, of which company he was 
the first President of the permanent organization. This enterprise, connecting 
Reno with the line of valleys along the great plateau of the Sierra Nevada 
through eastern California and Oregon, bids fair to become one of the most 
important of the minor roads of the Pacific Coast, and is the pride of Nevada's 
Surveyor General. 



SCHOOL HISTORY OF NEVADA. 



221 



A UENKKAL STATISTICAL TABLE 
Compiled fkom the KtroBTs of tub Cocnty Superintendents — 1SG4. 



*. < 



•A\ ^ 



(B -ti •* 



n 

3": 3 



5 3 is 

ffi i » 

■-• o I ■- o 

si si 



M s 



ll 

li 



8 



5 



Ormsby . . 

Total, 
Storey . . . 

Totol 
Washoe. . , 



Total. 
DouglaB . . 

Total 
Lyon 

Total. 
Humboldt 



Total. 
l..andcr . . . 



Total. . 
Esmeralda . 
Churchill . . . 
Nye 

Total . . . 



1243 
61 

80 
ISS 
i>4 
3S 

80 

549 

.'j3 
111 

84 
80 

328 

117 

i64 

381 



390 



10 
;t8.57 



* 882 00 

«G4 25 

1,530 00 



377 00 
6U0 00 
202 33 
161 40 



1,340 73 



519 00 
376 00 



100 oO 
216 00 



l,i09 00 

<I19 00 

.•>64 00 

30« 00 

99 00 

,581 00 



?1,780 0() 



$1,780 00 



$47,820 70 



12,905 86 



105 76 
24 00 



770 
[,049 
800 
260 
6S6 
225 



129 75 

473 35 
1,379 25 

360 17 
702 35 



3,476 00 



4,670 00 



476 
600 

502 
570 



3,005 12 



4,345 85 



100 



519 
375 



100 00 
1,050 00 



1,309 OO 



800 00 
170 00 



625 00 
300 00 
300 Oil 
240 00 



4,933 00 



1,365 00 



$01 AM 65 



826,60S 86 



$1,780 00 



1,864 84 
960 00 



47,820 00 



16 76 
1,400 00 



2,375 75 



374 35 

1,379 25 



7,045 76 



379 00 



!,132 60 
653 89 



4,347 85 



500 30 
214 19 
100 00 



925 00 



2,025 25 



2,728 65 



4,093 66 



$46,230 98 



rt,789 79 



I Intcniiediate. 
( Primary. 

Primary. 

Pr'nian'. 



I* tiruiiinmr. 
■ Intermediate. 
( Primary. 
\ iTitL-rmediate. 
( Primary. 
Mixed. 



Primary. 
Primary. 
Primary. 
Primary. 
Primary. 
Primary. 
Primary. 



Primary. 
Primary, 
Primary. 
Primary. 



Mixed. 

Primary. 

Mixed.* 



Primary. 
Primary. 



Prluiarr. 



Primary. 
Primary. 
Primary. 
Primary. 



I Intermediate. 
"( Primar)'. 



DOUGLAS COUNTY — JUDGE A. T. IIAWLEY. | 

There are four school districts in I)ou<^las County 
— one has been orfjanizod durinj^ tiio j-ear. Tiio 
schools arc all in a prosperous condition. There are 
328 children and youth between the ai^es of four 
and twenty-one — l(i.") males and 1G8 females. There 
are 117 children under four years of aj^e — sixty-six 
of whom were born in Nevada. Ninety-cif^ht pupils 
attend school. The average daily attendance is 
seventy-five. Eight teachers have been employed — 
28 



six males and two females. The highest salaiy ])aid 
per month was SlU7; lowest, SCH. Whole num- 
ber of months taught during the year, twenty- 
six and one-half Amount of school fund received, 
81,340.73. Amount raised in the districts. 83,(10,"). 12. 
Amount ex))ended for teaching, 82.215.25 ; for all 
other school purposes, S2,132.<)(). The schools are 
not classified. There are seven negro children 
between four and twenty-one years of ago in the 
county. No report of text-booUs is given. 



222 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



LYON COUNTY — MR. C. M'DUFFIE. 

Lyon County is divided into three school districts. 
The Trustees of Como District made no report of the 
condition of their school. In the two districts from 
which reports were made there were 281 children 
and youth between four and twenty-one years of 
age— 129 males, and 152 females. There are fifty- 
throe under four years of age, of whom fifty-two 
were born in Nevada. There is one child deaf and 
dumb. There are 123 pupils attending school. 
Average daily attendance, eighty-eight. The highest 
salary paid per month was 8135; the lowest, thirty 
dollars. Whole number of months taught, twenty. 
The amount of funds received is not given. Exi)ended 
for teachers' salaiy, $2,412.50; for other purposes, 
§2,214.19. Five teachers have been employed dur- 
ing the year. 

HU.MBOLDT COUNTY — IKA F. KINOSBURY. 

There are seven school districts in this county. 
There are 235 persons between four and twenty-one 
years of age. Only fifty-nine males and fifty females 
are reported. Number of pupils attending schools, 
eighty-four. Average daily attendance, fiftj'-two. 
Three schools have been taught. Highest amount 
paid for salary per month, 8100; lowest, forty dollars. 
Whole number of months taught during the year, 
sixteen. Received from public funds, 81,209. Raised 
in districts, 8100. Paid for teaching, 81,100.25; for 
other purposes, 8925. No list of text-books is given. 

LANDER COUNTY — DR. H. S. HERRICK. 

Lander County ia divided into four school districts. 
There are 308 persons between the ages of four 
and twenty-one years — 171 males; and 137 females. 
Receipts from tbe school funds, 81,581. Raised 
from different districts, 82,020. Total receipts, 
84,093.55. Expended for teachers' salaries, 81,3G5; 
for other purposes, 82,728.55. Number pupils attend- 
ing school, 112. Average daily attendance, sixty- 
three. Whole time taught, fifteen months. There 
were five teachers employed — all females. The 
schools are all primarj'. Number of white children 
in the county under four years of age, ninety-two; 
negro children, five; Indian children, 225 — all born 
in" Nevada. The list of text-books is not given. 

ESMERALDA COUNTY — REV. IRA P. HALE. 

There is but one school district in this county. 
A fine, commodious brick school house is in pro- 
cess of erection. Whole number of children and 
youth between four and twenty-one years of 
age, 191 — males 101, females 90. A school has been 
sustained with Intermediate and Primary depart- 
ments. Number of children under four years of age, 
113; born in Nevada, forty-five. 

No reports have been received from Nye and 
Churchill Counties, except that in Nye County there 
are ten children between the age of four and twenty- 
ono years. A. F. White, Supt. of Pub. Ins. 

TEXT HOOKS. 

Among the obstacles to be removed before a thor- 
ough organization of school work could be effected 
was the difficulty to secure uniformity of text-books. 
The prevalent confusion of school books was, how- 
ever, gradually obviated. Mr. White, in his report 
of 1804, saj's: " But a month or two since a lady, 
well qualified as a teacher, in taking charge of one 
of our mixed schools, found there were but two or 
three of the same kind of books among thirt}' pupils. 
She appealed to the parents, but was told that the 



children could not be supplied with new books. She 
wrote to mo, a.sking if there was no remedy. I sent 
her the law, the list of text-books required by the 
Territorial Board of Hducation, and their instruc- 
tions with regard to introducing the books into the 
schools, and urged prompt compliance with the 
requirements. I have not heard the result, but I 
presume the books were obtained, and the school 
placed on a proper basis. It is needless to say, that 
now the uniformitj^ of text-books used throughout the 
State of Nevada is complete, and rigidly kept so, 
the statute for the violation of this provision of law 
requiring that the school district violating it shall be 
deprived of its apportionment of State school money. 
School houses in the early times were not too well 
furnished, nor were they alwaj's constructed upon 
the most approved models. This was the result 
rather of the want of sufficient means than of ignor- 
ance in the premises. Our pioneers, unaided by pub- 
lic funds, built a large majority of the houses in 
which schools were kept, and in every instance 
provided them with such furniture and conveniences 
as they could afford. In some districts in which 
there is but little wealth the peo])le showed their 
determination by laying foundations and building 
walls, hoping in time to complete the work thus 
resolutely begun. 

PRIMITIVE SCHOOLS. 

In Humboldt and Lander Counties, in which 
building materials were held at fabulous jirices, 
adobe houses were used with earthorn floors, un- 
plastered walls, and, in some cases, with thatched 
roofs. Mr. White tells of visiting a school in which 
there were twenty-five or more pupils, who were 
seated upon boxes, without desks or chairs, or any 
furniture whatever in the room. The inhabitants 
of the district had done all thej- could, but their 
money failed them. There were no public funds, 
and impelled by a deep conviction of the importance 
of education for their families, they gathered the 
boxes, employed a teacher, opened a school, and 
then patronized it; and their labor was not in vain, 
says Mr. White, for their children learned in spite 
of absent helps and conveniences. Another obstruc- 
tion in the way of wholesome school work in the 
early times was the poor pay of the teachers. For 
the j-ear 1863, omitting Storej- County from the 
estimate, the average salary paid the teachers of 
the public schools of Nevada was about forty-eight 
dollars, less than one-half the wages paid minors 
for digging out the crude ore from our mines. 
School teaching, as a consequence, had nothing in it 
of a professional character; it was resorted to merely 
as a temporary make-shift. That the quality of the 
tuition was not always excellent is the unavoidable 
inference. The evils which grew out of this under- 
estimate of the importance and value of the teacher's 
services are numerous and distressing to our most 
vital interest — the diffusion of intelligence among 
the people. Mr. White says: " The majority of 



SCHOOL HISTORY OF NEVADA. 



223 



teachers generally remain in the same situation 
only about three months. A few continue to the 
close of the second term, and 1 have not been able 
to hear of more than three or four who have 
taught the same school during a full year. In some 
instances pei-sons have actually been employed to 
teach for a single month, the salary ottered being 
such a miserable sum that they were unwilling to 
bind themselves for any but the shortest period pos- 
sible." The condition of things in this respect is 
greatly changed for the better now. Still, where 
in the United States, in fact, in the world, are 
teachers adequately remunerated, when the extent 
and quality of their labors are considered in com- 
parison with the market price of the labors of other 
professional men and tradesmen ? The average plas- 
terer or bricklayer is ordinarily paid from one-third 
to one-half more than a first-rate teacher. The 
Constitution of Nevada empowers the Legislature 
to establish Normal Schools. Of course, no such 
institution was thought of in the beginning of our 
school life, nor is it likely, from the present con- 
dition of affairs, that a Normal School will be desir- 
able or expedient for a long time. Nevada could 
not supply material for such an institution in the 
way of pupils even; and to embarrass the rudi- 
mentary S(Jiools l)y diverting any of the moneys 
intended for their maintenance to this pur])0se would 
be little less than suicidal to the foundation work 
of public school education in the State. 

STATE UNIVEKSITY. 

The Constitution made it obligatory upon the Leg- 
islature to provide for the establishment of a State 
University which shall embrace departments for 
agriculture, mechanic arts and mining. The Gov 
ernor. Secretary of State and Superintendent of Pub- 
lic Instruction were designated as the Board of 
Eegents for the first four years, and required to 
immediately organize and maintain theminingdopart- 
ment " from the interest I'rom the first funds which 
come under their control." To aid the State in the 
establishment of a Univei'sity, the treneral Govern- 
ment donated seventy-two sections of land, 42,080 
acres. Another grant was made to Nevada, as to 
the other States, of 30,000 acres for each ilopresenta- 
tivo in Congress — 90,000 acres — for the maintenance 
of a School of Agriculture and the Mechanic Arts. 
This grant was subsequently changed so as to make 
this fund available for the support of a Mining Col- 
lege instead, 0!i account of mining being the chief 
industry in the State. As yet, it may be said, noth- 
ing has been done more than nominally in the case 
of the University or Mining College. lu order to 
preserve the lands thus donated, however, the Uni- 
versity was organized in such a way as formally to 
comply with the conditions of the two grants. The 
site selected is at Elko, in l'>lko County, on the 
Central Pacific Ilailroad, where the citizens, to secure 
the location in their town, built and furnished com- 
pletely, at their own expense, a sightly brick edifice, 



nicely planned, and having the capacit}- to accom- 
modate a hundred ]ni]iils. 

The building was finished in the winter of 1873-74 
and accepted by the Regents; Hon. Jerr}' School- 
ing, Hon. P. H. Clayton and Sylvester H. I'a}-, 
elected by the Legislature to fill the vacancies made 
by the expiration of the term of office of the Board 
named in the Constitution, to serve for the first- 
term of four years. The Regents at present are 
Hon. T. N. Stone, Hon. John S. Mayhugh, and Syl- 
vester U. Day, Esq. 





The subject of this sketch, is one of the pioneers of 
Nevada, he was born in 1830, in Dickson Township, 
Cumberland County, Pennsylvania. In theyear 1850 
ho came to California and located in Nevada County, 
near Grass Valley, where ho followed (juartz and 
placer mining and the lumber business until 185!), 
when he moved to the then Territory of Nevada, 
settling first in Virginia City, where he remained 
about one year, and upon the discovery of the mines in 
Esmeralda County, he went thither, and took an 
active and prominent part in the politics of the times, 
being chairman of the committee that reported strong 
resolutions in favor of the Union, during the exciting 
times succeeding the breaking out of the Rebellion. 
From that time to the present ho has boon an active 
and consistent worker for the Republican party; has 
represented Esmeralda County in the State Legisla- 
ture five regular, and one extra, sessions, from 18(J4 to 
o 18G9. In the latter year he removed to Elko 



224 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



County, and was Justice of the Peace for Elko Town 
Bhip for two years, when he was appointed Kegister 
of the United States Land Office at Elko, by Presi- 
dent U. S. Grant. This position he held five years, 
at the end of which period the offices of Eureka and 
Pioche were consolidated with his office and located 
at Eureka, as a matter of economy on the part of 
President Hayes' administration. In 1878 he was 
elected to the Assembly, by a majority of 303 in a 
Democratic county that gave the Democratic candi- 
date for Governor a majority at the same election of 
352. During the session of the Legislature he was 
the recognized leader of the House, and was chosen a 
member of the Board of Eegents of the State Uni- 
versity for a term of four years, of which institution 
he was one of the founders. His practical experience 
in the selection of Government and State lands, and 
the procuring of titles thereto, places him in the front 
rank of that profession in which he is at present 
engaged. 




Is a native of Lester, Worcester County, ^lassachu- 
BOtts, and fir.st beheld the light of da}' on the fourth 
of February, 1834. Five years of his life were 
spent in the town of Lester, when his parents moved 
to near ItochcHtcr, New York. He was raised o!i a 
farm, his parents being tillers of the soil. At the 
age of eighteen he entered the Brockport Col- 
legiate Institute, whore ho pursued his studies for 



two years, and then attended the State Normal 
School at Albany, and graduated in 1855. 

Soon after graduating he became Professor in the 
Fergusonville Academy, and the next year removed 
to Shawneetown, Illinois, where he followed the pro- 
fession of teacher until the spring of 1859, when he 
crossed the plains to California. During the ensuing 
eleven years he was a miner and school teacher at 
Weaverville and Yreka, and held the position of 
County Superintendent of Schools for Siskiyou 
County for seven years. In 1870 he came to Nevada, 
and located at Elko, Elko County, where he taught 
school for two years. In 1872 he received the 
appointment of Postmaster at Elko, and became 
engaged in mercantile pursuits in the same town. 
The office Avas held by him until the fall of 1876 
when he resigned, and was elected to the State 
Senate. During the session of 1879 he was elected 
one of the Board of Regents of the State University, 
and was chosen President thereof, which position ho 
still holds. He was married September 7, 1856, to 
-Miss Brenda O. Hull, of Buftalo, New York, and they 
have four children, thixse girls and one boy. 



HON. SYLVESTER H. D.\T. 

Mr. Day was one of the first Regents, and has 
always been its earnest friend, devoting his ener- 
gies to the successful disposition and management 
of the lands granted in aid of the University. In 
him the University, as well as other institutions of 
learning and public charities in Nevada, has always 
had a warm and enthusiastic friend; and were it 
possible by earnest endeavor to bring the institu- 
tion to success, his devotion to its interests would 
make it so. For some )-ears he has been Deputy 
United Slates Land Survej-or, and otherwise con- 
nected with ])ublie attairs, and is now residing at Car- 
son Cily. 

In the summer of 1874 D. R. Sessions, A. M. 
and B. P., of Princeton College, was apjiointcd 
Principal of the '-Preparatory Department of the 
Universitj- of Nevada," a name assumed with be- 
coming modesty, owing to the existing conditions, 
lie undertook the mission, and opened the school 
with a class of seven or eight boys and girls, 
the number being divided about equally between 
the sexes. They came to the Universit}' from the 
upper department of Elko public school, or gram- 
mar class, and all had their homes in the town of 
Elko. Ever}- eff'ort was made to induce ])U))ils to 
come into the University from the other counties 
of the State, and from the more remote portions 
of Elko County. In 187(! a wooden building was 
erected for a dormitory, capable of accommodating 
about twenty or twenty-five boarders; and Mrs. 
M. A. Rood, an excellent ladj* and motherly woman, 
was put in charge of it as matron. The building 
was furnished and equipped throughout so as to 
make pu]>ils from abroad comfortable, and to pro- 
vide ibr them the best temporary substitute for 



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SCHOOL HISTORY OF NEVADA. 



225 



their own homes, and although no ehari^e was made 
for tuition or lodging, and although board, the 
only item of expense, was put down to the mini- 
mum price practicable in Nevada, thirty dollars per 
month, no more than three jmpils at any one time 
availed themselves of the opportunities offered, and 
came from other counties to stud}' at the Prepara- 
torj- Department of the State University at Elko. 
But few pupils in Nevada, unless their parents were 
wealth}', proposed to pursue a higher course in the 
liberal studies. These, of course, compared the 
school at Elko, a one-teacher institution, with those 
of California and of the Eastern States (where in 
many instances their relations and friends had been 
taught), having a professor devoted to his specialty 
in every department of study. Long established 
seats of learning have a prestige and a halo about 
them which place them bej'ond the competition of 
schools like that of Elko, struggling under difficul- 
ties to get a foothold. Besides, though the expenses 
of a pupil at Elko were as small as possible, they 
were less almost anywhere else ; and then the 
surroundings at the University at Elko cannot be 
considered sufficiently attractive to over-balance 
much of the prejudice that exists against it. 

The town is small, containing not more than a 
thousand inhabitants. It yet maintains many of the 
features of the mining camp. It has no public 
libraries. There is nothing suggestive of literature 
in its atmosphere. While the country for miles 
around is a waste of sage-brush, which grows grey 
and cheerless in a soil, the abundant alkali of which 
makes the water of the country sweetish and 
unpalatable, and renders it extremely dilHtjult to 
successfullj- cultivate the ordinary sorts of grasses, 
shrubs and trees. The location is unfortunate. The 
time is still far distant, however, when a University, 
or an}' high-grade school of learning can flourish 
in Nevada. The number of ])upils would be larger 
were the University located in any one of the sev- 
eral towns of Nevada that might be named. But 
granting all that the mo.st sanguine upholder of 
home institutions could demand, the efforts to 
maintain a Universitj' in this Slate can result in 
nothing more than nominal results. If all the 
pupils in Nevada who take a college course of study 
could be secured for our State institution (in grant- 
ing which it would be necessary to presume that 
it is on a footing to be at least compared with 
complete colleges elsewhere), they would not num- 
ber fifty in all, to be divided into four classes. In 
order to make a University compete with those of 
other and older States, presuming that we have the 
adequate material in the number of pupils, the ex- 
penses of its sujjport would bankrupt the common- 
wealth before the skeleton of a class could be 
graduated. But Elko won the coveted prize fairly. 
She outdid the other thirteen counties in the otfer of 
inducements, and secured to herself the site of the 
only State institution of learning. By contributions, 



bringing many a time sacrifices to the altar, the 
people of this county contributed, each man what 
he could, towards building the edifice already des- 
cribed, and furnishing it with the most im|)n)ved 
school furniture, at a cost not less than 815,000, and 
possibly $20,000. The location of the University 
there was under solemn contract between the State 
and the county. There is but little reason in policj', 
and certainly none in morals, why it should be, 
now, removed to anj' other site in the State. 

D. R. Sessions continued as principal of the Pre- 
paratory Department (the only department) until 
he removed to Carson, to take charge of the office 
of Superintendent of Public Instruction, January 1, 
1879, to which he had been chosen by the people of 
the State in the election of the preceding fall. 
Starting in with the few pupils spoken of in 1874, 
he strove hard to advance them, and exerted his 
ingenuity in every way to increase the size of his 
class. In the winter he would have about thirty 
boys and girls in school, and at the close of the 
summer term, never more than fourteen or fifteen. 
There were some ver}' talented children in Elko 
(it must be remembered that the school had to be 
recruited from this town and county almost entirely), 
whose intellects he sought to develop rather by 
working with them individuall}' than by class train- 
ing, by studying each one's ])eculiar mental dispo- 
sition, and applying himself directly to its individual 
culture. At the end of the second school year ho 
had succeeded in pushing forward a small class in 
mathematics, so as to distinguish them by their 
accom])lishments as well as by their name (University 
pupils), from any advanced class in the public schools 
of the State. They succeeded in mastering arith- 
metic, algebra, and geometry, and were applying 
the principles of trigonometry to surveying and 
navigation when school closed for the term. The 
members of this class, however, could no longer be 
held, and went out to various occupations, to earn 
their own living. Then, almost at "bedrock." ho 
had to start out on his last two years of pedagogic 
toils, which terminated with pretty much a repe- 
tition of the same results jireviously reached, lion. 
W. C. Dovey succeeded Mv. Sessions, and has been 
in charge of the University ever since. Ho is a 
competent educator, and has done all for his pupils 
that could be exjicctcd of a teacher in the same 
place. Under his care and tuition there has been 
no noteworth}' change in either the number of ]iui)ils 
or in the conduct of the school. As to the fund 
of the University, the 40,080 acres for the University 
proper, and the 00.000 acres Mining College Grant, 
it has not grown large enough yet, tho interest 
alone on the sales of land being subject to expendi- 
ture, to paj' its expenses. The institution is con- 
seciuently maintained by biennial appropriation by 
the Legislature from the (Joneral Fund of tho State. 
The I'rincipal's salary, §15,000 per annum, is tho 
chief item of expense. 



226 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 




^^^^^.^^^^^ 



The present State Superintendent of Public Instruc- 
tion for Nevada, is a native of South Carolina, a 
Bon of Thomas R. and Jane E. Sessions, and was 
born at Georgetown, February 24, 1847. His scho- 
lastic training prior to the war was received in pri- 
vate schools, but after the bruakinir out of the 
Rebellion he entered the Military Academy of South 
Carolina as a cadet. When James Island was evac- 
uated the South Carolina cadets, of whom young 
Sessions was one, acted as the rear guard of the 
Confederate forces that withdrew to Raleigh, North 
Carolina, whence ho was ordered homo by the Gov- 
ernor of his State. This was his only service in the 
Confederate army, as he was but eighteen years of 
ago when the war closed. 

The result to his parents of that struggle was to 
leave them impoverished, and no longer able to ren- 
der pecuniary assistance to their son in his urt'orts to 
obtain a thorough education. He at once turned bis 



whole energj' in the direction of achieving success 
in this line. In Latin a friend gave him lessons 
for three weeks. Having no tutor in the Greek he 
took it up and successfully prosecuted the study of 
that language without a teacher. Eventually he 
entered I'rinceton College, and maintained himself 
there for two years, graduating in 1868 with the 
honor of pre-oxcellence in English literature and the 
modern languages. 

In 187(1, he came to Nevada, and became a teacher 
and journalist. In 1874, he received the appointment 
of Principal of the Nevada State University at Elko, 
and remained in charge of that institution until 
called, by a vote of the people, to the poorly paid but 
important position which he now occupies. 

Mr. Sessions is a married man, his wife being a 
daughter of C. N. Note ware, who was at one time 
Nevada's Secretary of State, and has been from 
pioneer days ono of her prominent men. 



SCHOOL HISTORY OF NEVADA. 



257 



prm.ic SCHOOL funds. 

Tho law provides that " the principal of all moneys 
accruing to this State from the sale of lands hereto- 
fore given or bo([iicathod. or that may hereafter bo 
given or bequeathed for public etchool purpo.nos; all 
fines collected under tho penal laws of the State; two 
per cent, of the gross proceeds of all toll-roads and 
bridges; and all estates that may escheat to the Stale, 
shall be and the same are hereby solemnly pledged 
for educational purposes, and shall not be transferred 
to any other fund for other uses, but shall constitute 
an irreducible and indivisible fund, to be known as 
the State School Fund, the interest accruing from 
which shall bo divided semi-annually among tho 
counties in this State, entitled by the provisions of 
this Act to receive the same, in proportion to tho 
ascertained number of persons between the agos of 
six and eighteen years, in said counties, for the sup- 
port of public schools." 

In addition to this revenue, a State ad valorem tax 
of one-half mill on the dollar is levied on all taxable 
property, to which five per cent, of all State tax col- 
lected is added. The monej- thus raised is appor- 
tioned semi-annually among the counties by the State 
Superintendent. Each county levies the necessary 
supplementary tax. The amount obtained from State 
tax and interest on sales of land on an average pays 
the general school expenses at present of hardly 
more than one month of school year. 

The General Government has been liberal in her 
donations of land to 2vevada for school pui'poses. 
The first grant was of the Sixteenth and Thirty-sixth 
Sections, of which tjl,9l!7 acres have been sold. A 
great deal of the land included in this donation is 
barren, and could not be disposed of, so that Con- 
gress has lately given tho State instead 2, ()()(), 000 of 
acres, to be selected anywhere in the State. The 
Internal Improvement Grant, tho second in order, 
was originally given for that purpose, which the 
term indicates, but was afterwards given directly 
for the benefit of free school education, owing to the 
phj^sical conditions in Nevada. These donations, 
together with an Indemnity Grant of 12,708 acres, 
given in lieu of land under the Sixteenth and Thirty- 
sixth Section Grant, " last in place," make up a 
total which has the seeming of a most munificent 
gift. Tho total number of acres granted is 2,574,- 
CG5. Could it all be sold at the fixed ])rice of §1.25 
per aero, there would be more than a seeming of 
munificence in the gift. It would bo an almost end- 
less task to find out just how much of this land 
has been sold, and it is, of course, imjiossible to tell 
how much moro will be sold. The Irredeemable 
School I'und of Nevada, accumulated almost exclu- 
sively from these sales, however, has to its credit at 
present nearly 8550,000. It is safe to speculate that 
returns from sales now incomplete, and new sales 
to bo made, that this fund will reach Sl,5(l(l,0(l(l 
within the next sixteen years. Of the §550,000 now 
in hand, all but 835,000 is invested in Nevada State 



bonds at four ])er cent. ])er annum interest, ])ayablo 
semi-annually. Were not the land of this State so 
poor, and were not so much of it absolutely value- 
less, the fund realized from these sales would bo 
enough aloTie to maintain her free schools without 
the necessity of resort to State or county taxes for 
their sup|)ort. Tho educational officers of this State 
are Superintendent of Public Instruction, the State 
Board of Education (composed of tho Governor, 
Surveyor-General, and Superintendent of Public 
Instruction), County Suj)orintendents, and School 
Trustees. The State Superintendent is elected for 
four years by vote of the people; and he is paid a 
salary of 82,000 per j'oar. He is required to make 
a biennial report to the Legislature of tho condition 
of public instruction in tho State. He prescribes 
forms and provides blanks for the County Superin- 
tendents, who report to him. With tho advice and 
consent of the Board of Education he may call a 
State Institute once a year. He must visit the 
schools in each countj' onco everj' year, his travel- 
ing expenses being paid by appropriation. 

THE BOARD OP EDUCATION 

Must hold semi-annual sessions, for tho purpose of 
devising plans for the improvement and management 
of the public school funds, arid for the bettor organ- 
ization of the public schools of the State, and such 
special sessions as maj' be called by tho President. 
A full record of the proceedings of the Board is 
required to bo kept by the Secretary, and to be 
embodied in the annual report of tho Sui)erintendent 
of Public Instruction. 

The principal duties of tho County Superintend- 
ent, who is elected by the people for two 3-cars, is to 
audit bills on the school fund, apportion county 
school moneys, visit schools, appoint Trustees in 
case of vacancy, and to act as chairman of the Board 
of Examiners to test the (pialificatioiis of a|)plicant8 
for certificates to toach in the public schools. 

The School Trustees have the appointment of 
teachers and the management of public schools gen- 
erally. A Census Marshal is appointed by the Trus- 
tees in each district, and he gathers all tho informa- 
tion required by the State Superintendent once a 
year. In order that tho provisions made for free 
education in the State might roach thoir fullest and 
most wholesome scope, an Act was jiassed by the 
Legislature in 1873, compelling children to attend 
school. It has proved im])racticablo to execute this 
compulsory law, owing to the unsoundness of the 
statute itself, as well as to tho condition of life in 
Nevada, which render its enforcement arduous imd 
distasteful. The enactment is a dead letter. 

SECTARIANISM IN SCHOOLS. 

The school law in operation since 1S(!5 provides 
that no books, tracts, or papers of a sectarian or 
denominational character shall be used or introduced 
ifi any school establisluMJ umler the |)r<)visions of 
this Act; nor shall any sectarian or denominational 
doctrines be taught therein; nor shall any school 



228 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



whatever receive any of the public ' school funds 
which has not been taught in accordance with the 
provisionB of this Act. 

In this connection it is somewhat singular to note, 
that, up to the present administration, the office of 
State Superintendent of Public Instruction, the head 
of the Deiiartment of Education, has been held by 
ministers of the gospel. Kev. A. F. White, a Pres- 
byterian, was the first incumbent. He was suc- 
ceeded by Rev. A. N. Fisher, a Methodist, who was 
succeeded by Rev. S. P. Kelly, a minister of the 
Episcopal Church. Rev. John D. Hammond, a 
Methodist minister of Carson Cit}', was the candi- 
date for the office on the Re])ublican ticket at the 
election in 1878. It is not improbable that he would 
have been elected, for his party has seemed to be in 
the majority in Nevada, had not the question of 
sectarianism entered into the political discussions of 
the canvass to his disadvantage. 

PRIVATE SCUOOLS 

Are not numerous in Nevada. The oldest one of the 
kind is the Sierra Seminar}-, at Carson, before 
referred to. This school has always, from its early 
organization, been in a healthy and flourishing con- 
dition. Had the energy and ability of its founder. 
Miss H. K. Clapp, one of the pioneer educators of 
this county, received the encouragement and sup- 
port that the people of older States are able to give 
to such institutions, the Sierra Seminary of Nevada 
would have been at the present time, second to none 
of the kind in any of the Eastern States. It is, 
probably, the best in this State of those founded, 
fostered, and built up by private enterprise alone. 
At Virginia City, the " Bonanza " people have 
had a small school for their own children, 
taught by a private tutor. There are one or two 
others in the State; but as a general thing they are 
small, and do not flourish near free and well-con- 
ducted public schools. At IJeno, the Sisters of the 
Catholic Church have a school for girls. They 
have a fine, large building, many pupils in attend- 
ance, and their school is in a flourishing condition. 
At Reno, there is also a seminarj- for girls under 
the supervision of Bishop Whitaker (an Episcopa- 
lian), which is under the immediate charge of Miss 
Sill, the Principal, who is assisted in teaching by 
several lady teachers. The institution is well spoken 
of, and is growing thriftily. There is a Catholic 
orphanage and school at Virginia City, in which 
there are from 100 to 150 girls. It was established 
about sixteen years ago, under the ausjiices of the 
Order of St. Joseph, and placed under the manage- 
ment of Sister Fredorica, who continues at it« head, 
assisted by eleven or twelve Sisters. Too much can- 
not be said in praise of the genuine charitj- and 
good works of these self-sacrificing women. Their 
teaching is practical, and intended to prepare the 
oridians under their care for the actual duties of 
ordinary life. 



A law was ])assed by the last Legislature to helj) 
maintain this benevolent institution in these times of 
business depression by State appropriations. 

To go further into the details of public education 
in this State might have the effect to render the 
subject even less interesting than it is already re- 
garded by the many; hence this cursory sketch will 
bo now ended bj- a brief statement of facts, mainly 
statistical, to show the approximate actual condition 
of education in the State of Nevada at the present 
time. 

The school officers of the State at this writing are: 

Superintendent of Public Instruction — David R. 
Sessions, A. M., Carson. 

State Board of Education — His Excellency, J. H. 
Kinkead, President; Hon. A. J. Hatch, and D. R. 
Sessions, Secretary. 

Board of Regents of the State University — Hon. 
T. N. Stone, Elko; Hon. S. H. Day, Carson; Hon. 
J. S. Mayhugh, Elko. 

Secretaiy of the Board— E. A. Littlefield, Elko. 

Principal of the University, Preparatory Depart- 
ment — Hon. W. C. Dovey, Elko. 

COUNTY SUPERINTENDENTS. 
Counties Superiutemlenta Post-Officc Address. 

Churchill J. W. Allen St. Clair Station 

Douglas John Banning Genoa 

Elko F. F. Midler Elko 

Esmeralda .Ira P. Hale Aurora 

Eureka Gid. J. Scanland Eureka 

Humboldt C. Chenoweth Winnemucca 

Lander J. S. Hammond, M. D Austin 

Lincoln G. R. Alexander Pioche 

Lyon J. E. Bray Dayton 

Nye J. R. Dougherty Belmont 

Ormsby .L. S. Greenlaw Carson 

Storcj- W. W. Booher Virginia City 

Washoe Morgan D. Bowen Reno 

White Pine..L. O. Benedict Hamilton 

The following is a list of the teachers now engaged 
in the profession in Nevada: — 

CHURCHILL COONTY. 

Maud M. Hall, H. N. Hurd, 

A. C. Gilliland, A. C. Gilliland, 

Mary J. Smith, J. W. Ferguson. 

DOUGLAS COUNTY. 

Miss Mott, Miss A. Jennison, 

Miss Everett, Miss A. Lathrop, 

Miss Cook, Miss Davis, 

Mr. Marsh, Mr. Schillingor. 

EUREKA COUNTY. 

G. J. Scanland, Miss K. McLaughlin, 

Miss Emma Wright, Miss R. Frank, 

Mrs. H. M. Atwood, Miss Ella Riley, 

Mrs. A. L. Marsden, Miss Jennie Recce, 

Miss Laura Hardy, John Reynolds, 

Miss Louisa Mau, Miss E. Frank, 
<;. J. Reek. 





6^^y^^!o^' 



Hon. George Washington Baker, 

The subject of this sketch, whose portrait we produce, was born in Wisconsin while it 
was yet a Territory, hLs parents having removed from Oswego, New York, to that part 
of the country in IS-ti. George, who is next to the youngest of a family of eight chil- 
dren, was born in the year 18-t5. He received a common school and academic educa- 
tion, and attended college for a sliort time, but ceased those studies for the purpose of 
commencing the study of the law. This profession he studied with Hon. S. M. Baker, 
at Geneva, Wisconsin, who was one of the most prominent and able lawyers, and one 
of the framers of the first Constitution of the State of Wisconsin. 

George W. Baker, was admitted to tlie Bar, at Elkhorn, in his native State, 
in March, 1869, and immediately thereafter commenced the practice of his profes- 
sion at Decorah, Winneshiek County, Iowa, and rapidly gained a practice in the 
courts of that and adjoining counties. The law practice, however, in agricultural dis- 
tricts, being rather uninteresting, and the compensation being necessarily small, Mr. 
Baker determined to try a new field, and accordingly emigrated to Nevada, where he 
arrived in March, 1872, and settled at Eureka, where he has since resided. He soon 
gained a good practice in his profession, and, being an active Democrat, was ap- 
pointed by Governor Bradley to the position of ])istrict Attorney for the new county 
of Eureka, upon its organization. May, 1873, which^oftice he held until January 1, 1875. 

In 1870 Mr. Baker was elected to the State Senate, on the Democratic ticket, by a 
large majority, and took a very prominent part in the proceedings of that body during 
the session of 1877. Being elected for the short term, he only acted at one session of 
the Legislature. He was conspicuous in his opposition to the attempted change or mod- 
ification of the so-called " Bullion Tax Law," having pledged himself .so to do to the 
convention by whom he was nominated; and, after the law did pass, he was mainly in- 
strumental, after a veto by the Governor, in having the veto sustained by the Senate. 

In 1878 he was nominated by the Democratic party for Secretary of State, but was 
defeated by Jasper Babcock, the present incumbent. The whole ticket, with very few 
exceptions, was beaten, and, it is said, by the " Bonanza " ring. Mr. Baker is at pres- 
ent in the enjoyment of a large and lucrative law practice in Eureka and adjoining 
counties in Nevada, being also interested in railroad and mining industries in his sec- 
tion, and is thoroughly identified with the material interests of the State. He, in con- 
junction with some other gentlemen of Eureka, were .the incorporators and promoters 
of the Eureka and Colorado River Railroad Company, which has resulted in a compet- 
itive line of railroad now in process of construction from Eureka eastward to Salt 
Lake, Utah. This road will add very materially to the prosperity and permanency of 
the mining industries of ea.stern Nevada, and greatly benefit the people of the entire 
State, extending, by other connections, to California. 

Mr. Baker was married July 1, 1873, to Miss Mary A. Hull, and a pleasant family 
blooms around them. 



SCHOOL HISTORY OF NEVADA. 



229 



ELKO COUNTV. 

T. N. Stone, Mrs. J. Taylor, 

Miss Bella Cady, Miss Ida Williams, 

Miss S. J. Mcllvaino, Miss Emma Ramuols, 

J. D. liarnes, Miss II. S. Rice, 

C. \V. Grover, Miss Lizzie Hough, 

Miss A. G. Collins, iliss Adilio lIuiitiT, 

C. \V. Grover, Miss 15. Pritthard, 

J. M. McC'lellan, Mrs. D. Hall, 
Mies Lizzie Dorsey, Jliss Julia Frost, 

Miss Jessie Yeates, Jliss Alliee Smith, 

Miss llattie Edwards,- Miss Sarah Gilland, 

Mise M. Frost, Mrs. M. L. Lemon, 

G. A. Davy, Miss Emma Yeates. 

ES.MERAI.DA COUNTY. 

H. D. Howard, Lou Sprague, 

Clara L. Gregory, Julia L. Hartz, 

Esther Smith, W. T. Buriny, 

Lottie Pierce, Miss M. Ilealey, 

Jennie Malarkie, Mrs. E. trreen. 

HUMBOLDT COUNTY. 

Mrs. M. H. Breck, Annie M. Morrison, 

Myra F. Knox, Mi.'*s M. T. Dunne, 
Florence i). Richardson, Miss Delia AlcCoy, 

Miss Emma Linn, Josie Denio, 

Nancy J. Holt, William Perkins, 

J. B. Case, Marie Stewart. 

LANDER COUNTY. 

John M. Brown, Miss V. Dollarhidc, 

Miss Fannie J. Work, Miss Ida Fleming, 

J. A. Moore, Mrs. Mary Organ, 

Miss Canno Bertrand, Henry M. Warne, 

Mrs. S. Clifford, E. Craine. 

LINCOLN COUNTY. 



E. Wyman, 

Miss Laura Goodrich, 

J. T. Moore, 

G. P. Dykes, 

S. O. Crosby, 



Miss E. Ciprico, 
C. H. Bell, 
Miss Kate Glisson, 
Charles Bell, 
Mrs. A. Gillerland. 



LYON COUNTY. 

Mills Van Waganen, W. W. Boohcr, 

Miss Mora Uornick, Mrs. M. J. Walker, 

Miss Anna Henry, Maggie Holmes, 

J. E. Bray, Carrie McTigue, 

Minnie Leslie. 

NYE COUNTY. 

J. R. Dougherty, Miss M. M. Godatt, 

Miss Kate Campbell. 

ORMSBY COUNTY. 

H. H. Howe, Miss Mary J. Kelly, 

Miss Eva Slingcrland, Miss Belle J{yan, 

Miss Emclyn Walter, Miss Lena E. Patten, 

Miss Stella Gates, Miss E. C. liabcock, 
MissK. G. Bardenwerper, Ed. Farrington, 

Miss Annie Martin, Miss Annie Lathrop. 
29 



STOREY COUNTY. 

C. S. Young, Miss Ilattio May, 

Mrs. C. S. Kendall, Miss A. Habicht, 

iMiss N. A. Everett, Mrs. F. V. McNamara, 

Miss M. McDonald, MissM. E. Cashion, 

Miss Ida M. Lynch, Miss K. Neale, 

Mrs. C. S. Wentworth, Miss A. Holmes, 

Miss G. A. E. Wright, Miss M. E. O'Toole, 

Miss Cassio Henderson, Miss Jennie Brophy, 

Miss M. F. Hurley, Miss Ida Morgan, 

Thomas P. McDonald, Miss Jenniellodgkins, 

Miss (i. Flannigan, Miss F. F. Lynch, 

Mrs. M. L. Gaston, Miss Dettcnreider, 

Miss N. R. Lynch, Miss Mary O'Farrell, 

H. F. Baker, T. B. Gray, 

Mrs. M. H. Swift, Miss K. Connelly, 

Mrs. M. B. Jessup, Miss A. M. Ellis, 

Mrs. A. M. Potter, Miss K. S. Blakely, 

Miss A. M. Sullivan, Miss Julia Michelson, 

Miss M. Buckley, Miss Julia Madigan, 

Miss A. B. C. Davis. 

WASHOE COUNTY. 

W. F. Anglemeyer, Miss Lottie Warren, 

Miss Lizzie Nyles, Miss Frankie Gibbs, 

Mr. Bristow, Miss .Mollie (Jrippin, 

J. Townsend, Aliss Ella McNeely, 

Miss Addie Park, Miss S. J. Wilson, 

Mrs. F. T. Knowlton, ('. B. Murtin, 

Orvis Ring, Miss (Jenie Payne, 

Miss L. R. Royce, Miss Minnie Gibbs, 

Miss E. M. Emery, Miss Flora Norlhop, 
E. A. Barber. 

MlllTE riNE COUNTY. 

Mrs. L. Benedict Mrs. C. L. Walters, 

Miss A. Randall, Mrs. L. Briggs, 

Mrs. E. A. Mczgcr, .Miss May Baker, 

J. Fuller, Miss E. Stanley, 

Mrs. H. Lake, Miss E. Courtney, 

Miss E. Courtney. 

Of this corps of teachers it must bo said that they 
stand favorable comparison with the educators of the 
old States of the Union. They are earnest and 
skillful. In the large school communities, for exam- 
ple, in Virginia, Gold Hill, Reno and Eureka, their 
schools are well graded and advanced almost to the 
maximum proposed in free school education. It was 
remarked bj' the Hon. John Swett, one of the most 
experienced teachers in the United States, and now 
Principal of the Girls' High School in San Francisco, 
while present at an Institute held in Virginia City 
in 188(1, that it was a pleasure for him to meet the 
teachers of this State, that he found them sprightly 
and familiar with the details of their work, and that 
they lost nothing by comparison with the teadiers 
with whom he was a co-worker in (,'alifornia. Were 
it not out of order in giving a mere sketch or general 
outline of school affairs in Nevada, the names of 
some of the teachers might be mentioned who would 



230 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



shine in their profession in the midst of the most 
cultivated educators in the public schools of the 
great cities of the nation, in which the art of teach- 

STATISTICS FEOM EETURNS OF SCHOOL CENSUS MARSHALS 
For School Year Ending August 31, 1880. 



ing is most studied and advanced. The following 
table gives a comprehensive view of the school popu- 
lation for 1880:— 



Counties. 



2; 



23. 






i- 






Churchill. . . . 

Douglas 

Elko 

Esmeralda.. . 

Eurekii 

Humboldt.. . 

Lander 

Lincoln 

Lyon 

Nye 

Ormsby 

Storey 

Washoe 

White Fine. . 



Totals. 



50 
IGS 
463 
147 
359 
232 
289 
27G 
20S 
100 
448 
1,87!" 
424 
180 



5,223 



2i)l 
129 
468 
128 
358 
261 
260 
242 
205 
131 
532 
2,004 
457 
165 



79 
297 
931 
275 
717 
493 
549 
518 
413 
231 
980 
3,883 
881 
345 



5,369 10,592 



18 
158 
435 
162 
445 
386 
376 
304 
214 
147 
592 
2,252 
533 
218 



6,240 



2 

31 

49 

21 

49 

35 

29 

42 

34 

2 

117 

177 

77 

28 



698 



zg 

< cT 



z 


^ 




» = 


es C 




"1 


11 






n 


2: "^ 








S-o- 
























3 (t 






o 








P 


^^ 






4^ 


c •^ 














^ 








Oi 


Km 
c 






^ 


~'< 






« 








^ 










Kr' "^ 














o 


■ o 














o ^ 



65 
371 
512 
265 
514 
507 
569 
410 
311 
245 
1,000 
3,4CM) 
757 
309 



9,295 



11 

52 

154 

53 

106 

106 

119 

11 

53 

21 

213 

379 

175 

78 



1,632 



3 
61 

9 

4 
14 
10 
35 
11 

9 
42 
63 
26 
27 



56 
242 
737 
162 
539 
316 
388 
329 
347 
122 
650 
2,565 
610 
243 



314 7,306 



l-lj B 
•-J C 

5' 3. 



11 
1 

10 

34 

51 

14 

69 

13 

9 

96 

543 

102 

I 



970 



op- 

E.05'' 



2 a 
&^ 
IK 2 

c 

o C-. 



20 

36 

112 

71 

156 

122 

135 

115 

53 

30 

179 

763 

168 

87 



2,047 






S5 (6 
CD 

-I 

P- 2 

(K ex 



z 

O to —- 






3^5 
O P 3 

r^ ft 



as: 

□I § 

cr 

"I 
5 % 

K or. 



> P 



z 



W 



3 
P. 



38 

70 

92 

171 

193 

191 

160 

52 

446 

1,532 

351 

127 



3,495 



13 
20 



37 

184 

50 

3 



360 



13 
63 
29 
20 
34 
50 
29 
25 
1 
11 
70 
311 
34 



690 



In this statement nothing is reported separately 
concerning children not white, i. e. black, copper- 
colored, and yellow. Under the statute, when 
Nevada was admitted into the Union, there was no 
provision made for the education of any but white 
children. The color line is now rubbed out. In 
January, 1866, the first school for negro children was 
opened in Virginia City by a white man — Doctor 
Waterman. Several other similar schools were 
started, but they died out, owing to the smallness of 
the negro population in Nevada. Now, all colors are 
being educated together in the same free schools. 
Into whatever part of the State you visit the schools 
you may see a sprinkling of pupils whose progenitors 
unmistakably hailed from Ethiopia, or thereabouts. 
There are exceedingly few Chinese children in 
Nevada, a mother among them in this countiy being 
noted as a rare spectacle. In one or two instances 
children of this race have studied in the public 
schools of the State, but not ever long enough to 
become educated in our language. Some Indian 
children have sat stolidlj' in the public schools here, 
but their efforts at education have been of a rather 
sleepy sort, and they have never been known to mas- 
ter the rudiments before the sago-brush and the 
mountains had claimed them back again. 

MISCELLANEOUS STATISTICS FOE 1880. 

Whole number of Primary Schools 81 

Whole number of Intermediate Schools 11 

Whole number of Unclassified Schools 81 

Whole number of Grammar Schools 19 



Whole number of High Schools 3 

Total number of Schools 195 

Total number of School Districts. . 109 

Number of school houses built of brick 7 

Number of school houses built of wood 96 

Number of school houses built of adobe 1 

N umber of school houses built of stone 2 

Number of school houses rented 22 

Number of school houses unfit for use 6 

Number of new school houses erected 16 

Number of teachers — male, 92; female, 105; total, 197 
Average monthly wages paid male teachers. SlOl. 47 
Average monthly wages paid female teachers. §77.00 
Number of schools maintained less than three 

months 3 

Number of schools maintained only three months, 11 
Number of schools maintained more than three 

and loss than six months 29 

Number of schools maintained more than six and 

less than nine months 34 

Number of schools maintained nine months and 

over 88 

Average number of months taught in all schools 

of Nevada '^ttiV 

Number of teachers who have made returns ac- 
cording to law 180 

Number of teachers who have failed to make such 

returns 12 

Amount of money expended for County Insti- 
tutes 8150 



SCHOOL HISTORY OF NEVADA. 



231 



Number of First Grade CertificatcB issued. . 41 

Number of Second Grade Certificates issued . . . 97 
Number of applicants for Certificates rejected by 

County Hoards of Kxamination 33 

Average salarj' of County Superintendents per 



month $48.25 

Number of school visits made by County Super- 
intendents 963 

Average rate of County School Tax on 8100.. .33,'o\ 
Supplementary thereto are the following: — 



STATISTICS FROM THE EETUENS OF TEACHERS AND TRUSTEES 
For the Schooi, Year Ending August 31, 1880. 



COUNTIES. 





^ 


■< 


:^ 


> 


CCcr 


o tr 


O D- 


ot 


o O 


3 o 


B O 


i^ 


1-0 a 


^0 a 




^^ 


Wo 


^-^ 


ffl (0 


0. Boys 
Registe 


=t o 
o ■ 


m 3 

li 
O cr 


" o 


o » 


' cr 




3 




~ o 


' £. 




^ 


f?^ 


; o 

3 




C 


a? o. 


0^ ° 


■ OQ 




^; 


. a 


■ o 


. 3 




O 


' ^ 




, cr. 



> 

1 
O 

a- 





a. 

3 
O 



Churchill.. 
Douglas. .. 

Elko 

Esmeralda . 

Eureka 

Humboldt. 
Lander. . . . 
Lincoln . . . 

Lyon 

Nye 

Ormsby . . . 

Storej' 

Washoe . . 
White Pine 

Totals... 



52 
143 
323 

82 
323 
189 
240 
194 
232 

54 

418 

1,706 

531 

129 



4,616 



19 

87 
340 

75 
270 
181 
217 
175 
229 

67 

511 

1,645 

494 

122 



4,432 



71 
230 
6G3 
157 
593 
370 
457 
367 
401 
121 
928 
3.351 
1,025 
251 



9,045 



51 
176 
449 

120 
581 
303 
371 
278 
271 
99 
546 
2,143 
562 
190 



6,140 



43 
154 

277 
10:^ 
526 
267 
213 
250 
252 
96 
493 
2,001 
525 
102 



5,401 



P P^ 
g,3" 

a 9 



-. < 



d. _ p 

Pa 
00 cr c 



^3 
*k O 

-^ m 

© cr 
^ o 

as o 



10 
19 
11 
22 
25 
41 
17 
7 
3 
41 
63 
13 



274 



8 
5 

f) 7:i 
• 1 Ho 

O 7 1 
" 1 (T 

10 
IOt*, 

H 

61 



mos. 
mo8. 
mos. 
mos. 
mos. 
mos. 
mos. 
mos. 
mos. 
mos. 
mos. 
mos. 
mos. 
mos. 



o 

P 3 

o 3 

(P 3 

m 3" 



P_ 

p" 
•5 



851 25 

71 77 
75 45 

74 00 
95 71 
80 18 

94 50 
85 72 

95 00 

75 00 
88 75 

107 30 
71 19 
83 00 



r* O 

■ 

1 o 



0-! 






«3 , 

P 3 

GO pn 



20 
21 
77 
16 
88 
50 

100 
39 
40 
14 
50 
92 

294 
14 



915 



o ? 

O ~3 

p --- 

3 " 

tqg. 

M •<: 

TO g- 
I'm 

, cr 
, M 
. <» 



57 
17 



23 
3 
6 
4 

10 



30 
.44 
.36 

7 



237 



STATISTICS FROM THE RETURNS OF TEACHERS 
For the School Year Ending August 31, 



AND TRUSTEES 

1880. 



•COUNTIES. 



Churchill .. 

Douglas 

Elko 

Esmeralda . 

Eureka 

Humboldt. 

Lander 

Lincoln 

Lyon 

Nye 

Ormsby 

Storey 

Washoe 

White Pino 



Totals, 





b 


!? 


e-.B 




g-o 


3 P 


►1 


rn) o. 


O 


o "= 


o ^ 


CD 


^-^ 


^^ 


s) 


^E 


P o 


D- 


^ OD 




"^ 


cr 


=0 _ 

o 5 




p 
a 
a 
o 


cr 
p 


o P 
go o. 

• 0) 

! o- 




' 


Q 


■ M 



o 

a 

^^ 
<^ 2 

1 o 

aj — 

3 !J! 






6 


10 


9 


25 


17 


52 


7 


8 


11 


62 


9 


37 


7 


46 


9 


137 


5 


114 


4 


11 


4 


71 


2 


378 


11 


31 


10 


31 


111 


1,013 



18 

89 

267 

82 

541 

185 

189 

106 

162 

46 

69 

.3,138 

379 

47 



5,518 



o-P 



o 



3 



1 

7 
10 



411 

20 



518 



3. == 
o 2. 

'■" 3 

cr 
X B 





6 




8 


39 


19 


1 


7 




11 


29 


111 



10 
5 
4 
4 

2 

11 



97 



<t 3 (0 

W P >_ 

□D Q rr- 

It 

c1- 03 



4 

8 

19 

11 

6 

11 

7 

11 

8 

4 

4 

2 

111 

12 



107 



< « 

p 2. 

p ,) 



12 



<1 

^ p E. 

£ 3 3 
f ^^ 

• 7: 5' 

O 3 

' tr 

■ o ^ 

■ O Sj 



='o 



17 



II 
10 
1 
8 
2 

13 
132 



,500 

,0011 
,12(1 
,100 
452 
400 
250 
,500 
800 
300 
H50 
960 
000 



8271,532 57 



t"^ 



a 

a- 
o 
o 



841 00 



12 00 
40 00 



10 00 
37 50 
52 00 



1,060 00 
4 50 



81,257 00 



-. o 

P 3 

(-»■ 
C 
c» O 



a 

cr 
o 
o 



880 00 
25 00 



.374 88 
. .75 00 
. .25 00 
.100 00 
.313 00 



2,700 00 
49 '66 



83,741 88 



232 



mSTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



Attention is called to the foregoing statement with 
regard to the value of school property in the coun- 
ties. It api)ears that in Storey County alone this 
value, confined to school houses almost exclusively, 
is 8132,850. This speaks for itself, and is sugges- 
tive of the liberalitj- of the people in this respect, 
when it is remembered that there are not 4,000 



school children in this county. The school edifices 
in Storey Countj-, which are the best in the State, 
but which are not much superior to some school 
buildings in other counties, are large, built on the 
best plans, in excellent taste, and comprise all the 
improvements suggested by the art of modern school 
architecture, being well ventilated, and convenient. 



SUOWING THE TRANSACTIONS IN THE SEVERAL COUNTY SCHOOL FUNDS 
Fob the ScnooL Year Ending August 31, 1879. 



COUNTIES. 



Churchill .. 

Douglas 

Elko 

Esmeralda . 
Eureka . . . . 
Humboldt. 

Lander 

Lincoln 

Lyon 

Nye 

Ormsby 

Storey 

Washoe 

White Pine 

Totals . . . 



ISCOME. 






1^ 



'CR 



O 

o 
• o 

3 

p 

3 



> 

III 

3 CO,. 

3 « " 
5 S. ffl 

: ■? g. 






c 2. 
3 < 



$299 

374 
(>5 
2,434 
0,580 
1,994 
2,264 46 

899 40 

520 

469 

375 
3,164 
5,672 
1,801 



826,914 88 



8298 51 

1,159 55 

3,361 71 

1,134 96 

2,294 51 

1,666 46 

1,921 65 

1,876 58 

1,524 22 

803 08 

3,429 48 

15,864 90 

3,593 37 

1,569 28 



840,498 26 



8668 04 
3,850 69 
8,101 95 
3,289 28 
7.S72 62 
4,709 15 
5,006 17 
2.350 14 
7,005 48 
1,682 30 
9,689 59 
51,472 : 
8.662 99 
2,548 70 



8116,909 37 



^==3 ! 



; ^w 

■ 2. -5' 

' « 2 



2:3 



P> to 
ST o 

tS2. 
Zi < 

? a. 



8402 45 

4,943 08 

2.859 64 

910 75 



3,362 15 
1,375 12 



813,853 19 



a :r.3 

o g o 

O g B 

C 3 3 

3: crt- 

- ^ <n 

n g 2. 



83.300 00 

2,503 60 

93 30 



85,896 90 



1-3 

o 



3 

a 
o 

3 

a 



81,265 75 
5,384 26 

11,528 74 
6,858 33 

17.150 33 

13,312 

12.051 
6,036 87 
9,049 77 
2,955 15 

16,794 

76,367 

19,397 
5,919 



92 



30 
63 
56 
21 



§204,072 60 



SHOWING EXPENDITURES FROM COUNTY SCHOOL FUNDS 
For the School Year Ending August 31, 1879. 



COUNTIES. 



Churchill . . 

Douglas 

Elko 

Esmeralda . . 
Eureka. . . . 
Humboldt . . 
Ijandcr . . . 
Lincoln .... 

Lyon 

.Nye 

Ormsby 

Storey* .... 
Washoe . . . 
White Pine 



KXPESDITVRES. 



p_ 

— . o 

' a 
I cr 
I o 



81,251 
4,770 

11,473 
4,045 
9,610 
5,817 
6,243 
5,001 
6,083 
1,767 

12,535 



11,829 
3,418 



Totals $83,848 06 $9,930 74 



p — ir 

3 3 ■ 

5 P §: 

6 S'o. 



$305 33 



500 00 

2,806 25 

2,793 74 

122 25 

1,505 95 



1,837 22 



p P 



p 

3 



$36 38 



$36 38 



Wg 



X ?-J- 



$200 06 



1 



604 
712 
510 
732 
418 
883 
212 
2,918 



902 33 
630 98 



$9,726 67 



X 

O 

3 



$1,251 

5,275 

11,473 

4,649 

11,823 

9,230 

9,769 

5,542 

8.472 

1,980 

15,453 

75,737 

14,569 

4.048 



8179,278 88 



o o 

O 3 

a p 

S = 



$13 

108 

55 

2.208 

5,327 

4,0S2 44 

2,282 20 
494 74 
577 10 
974 86 

1,340 35 
630 00 

4.828 28 

1.870 23 



$25,793 72 



kJ £. c- 
o o ® 

•^°> ■s 

' o & 

' <B 

! ® p 



Unknowu. 



$367 5» 



245 46 
3,000 00 



135 17 



$3,748 13 



* Could get no fuller report from Trcisurer. 



ANCIENT ORDER OF F. AND A. Jf 



233 



As showinj; the fiiiiincial transaotioiis of the schools 
by counties the foregoing table is valuable. It is 
taken instead of a similar report for 1880, as in this 
year there was no report from Storey County, which 
is the most important in the State. 



CHAPTER XXXII. 
ANCIENT ORDER OF F. AND A. M. 

The Order of Freemasonry — Speculative Freemasonry — Ma- 
sonry on tlie Pacific Coast — Carson Lodge, No. 1 — Washoe 
Lodge, No. 2 — Virginia Lodye, No. 3 — Amity Lodge, No. 4 
— Silver Star Lodge, No. 5 — Esmeralda Lodge, No. (i — Kscu- 
rial Lodge, No. 7— Lander Lodge, No. 8 — Valley Lodge, No. 
9 — Austin I^dge, No. 10 — Oasis Lodge, No. II — Douglas 
Lodge, No. 12 — Reno I»dge, No. IS — White Pine liodge. 
No. 14 — Elko Lodge, No. 15 — Eureka Lodge, No. 10 — Hum- 
boldt Lodge, No. 17 — St. John Lodge, No. 18 — Witinemucca 
Ivodge, No. 19 — Palisade Lodge, No. 20 — Tuscarora Lodge, 
No. 21 — Hope Lodge, N'o. U. I). — The (!rand Lodge, F. and 
A. M., of Nevada — Mount Moriali Lodge, of Utah — Eastern 
Star Chapters — Electa Chapter, No. 5 — Friendship Ch.ip- 
ter, No. 1 — Subordinate Chapters of Nevada — Lewis Chap- 
ter, No. 1 — Virginia Chapter, No. 2 — Austin Chapter, No. 
3 — White Pine Chapter, No. 4 — St. Johns Chapter, No. 5 
— Keystone Chapter, No. (i — Reno Chapter, No. 7 — Gold 
Hill Chapter, No. S — (ieneral Grand Chapter of Nevada — 
Knights Templars — De Witt Clinton Commandery, No. 1 — 
Eureka Commandery, No. 2 — Silver Lodge of Perfection, 
Scottish Rite No. 1 . 

THE ORPER OK FREEMASONRY. 

This is the oldest secret organization in the his- 
tory of the world, and the cdiurities it has disjjensed 
have been of inestimable value to mankind. Its 
spread throughout every clime, and its introduction 
into all civilized communities of the globe, even in 
opposition to bigotry; its steady and progressive 
march and constantly augmenting numbers, is ample 
proof of its unbounded popularity, and its beneficial 
designs. 

The origin, though somewhat enveloped in the 
mists of remote antiquity, is genci'ally conceded to 
date from the time of the building of King Solomon's 
Temple. At that time its members were operative 
architects, and their skill was displayed in every 
structure reared at that period. Operative Masons 
were known to liritain as early as the year 287. 
During the invasion of Britain by the Danes, between 
the years 835 and 870, nearly all the convents, 
churches, and monasteries were destroyed, and with 
them the records and ancient documents of the Order 
which had been deposited in the convents. Fifty 
years afterward, King Athelstan desire<l his ado])ted 
son Edwin, who had been taught the science of 
architecture, to assemble in the year n2(i, in the city 
©f York, all the Lodges of Freemasons scattered 
throughout'the country, that they might be recon- 
structed according to their ancient laws. This done 
he confirmed to them all the privileges which they 
desired, and at the same time presented to the assem- 
bled Masons the immortal document known as the 
Charter of York. Thereafter Freemasonry flour- 
ished to an extraordinary degree in all civilized lands. 

About the year 1G4!), the difterent lo<lge8 in Eng- 
land and Scotland having admitted manj' honorary 
members into the society, generally for the influence 



they wieliled rather than for any <|Ualification ])er- 
taining to the original design of the Order they may 
have possessed, Masonr)' in its speculative character 
became a matter of earnest discussion. With the 
completion of St. Paul's Cathedral, in the cit^' of 
London, the occupation of operative Masons .seems 
to have been brought to a close; for we find that 
in the year 1703, the I^odgo of St. Paul, so named 
because the operative Masons engaged in the erec- 
tion of the Cathedral held their lodge in a building 
situated in the church-j'ard on its grounds, passed 
an important resolution, the object of which was 
evidently to augment its numbers, and thereby 
enlarge the area for the bestowal of its benefits. 
That resolution was as follows: — 

Resolved, That the privileges of Masonry shall no 
longer be confined to operative Jlasons, but be free 
to men of all ])rof'essioiis, provided that the}- arc 
regularly approved and initialed into the fraternity. 

This important decision entirely changed the face 
of the society, and transformed it into what we find 
it to-day — a praiseworthy institution, existing as the 
conservator of art, religion and tradition, and per- 
petuating by the beautiful allegories of its legends 
and symbols, its eminently humanitarian doctrines. 

SPECULATIVE FREEMASONRY. 

In the short space of twenty-five j-ears, specu- 
lative Freemasonry spread itself in a manner but 
little less than miraculous, into nearly every portion 
of the civilized world. J'assing from England to 
France as earlj- as 1725, thence to Belgium, to Hol- 
land, to Germany, to America; subsequently to 
Portugal, Spain, Italy, Switzerland, to Sweden, and 
to Poland. Lodges were to bo found as early as 
1740 in Denmark, in Bohemia, in Russia, in the 
Antilles, in Africa, and in the British Possessions 
in Hindostan. The missing link in Masonry, which 
made the chain complete around the world, was 
welded at Japan, in the year 1874, by the establish- 
ment of a lodge in that country — the only land in 
the world at that time where the Order had not 
established a foot-hold. Masonry now belts the 
globe. Taking pattern from it, all other secret asso- 
ciations have sprung into life; but none have j-et 
reached an equal popularity, and probably the most 
prosperous of these will always remain behind ita 
more antique paternal instigator. ^ 

If Freemasonrj' has ceased to erect temples; if 
it has ceased to engage in material architecture; if 
it no longer exhibits itself in the elevation of spires 
and turrets, or points from which eyes may be 
directed and hopes ascend toward a better and hap- 
jiier world; it has not less continued its work of 
intellectual and moral culture; and its success in 
this respect has been far more satisfactory than 
those who planned its design as a speculative insti- 
tution ever ho])eil to achieve. Its spirit is immortal; 
its wonderful craft is voiced in the towering ])yra- 
mids and monumental obelisks of Egypt. It will 
live and thrive as long as mankind exists. 



234 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



MASONRY ON THE PACIFIC COAST. 

With the argonauts, who came in search of the 
golden treasures of California in 1849, were parties 
who, previous to leaving their homes at the East, 
had formed themselves into companies for either 
mining or commercial purposes, or both, as well as 
for mutual protection. Several of these organiza- 
tions were comprised mainly of Masons, and had, 
previous to setting out upon their journey to the far 
West, applied to the lodges where they were made 
for permits, or dispensations, to open lodges and 
" work " when opportunity offered. These dispen- 
sations eventually became the nuclei around which 
some of the first Masonic Lodges of California 
formed. 

The following incident will show that, although 
no lodges were organized until the spring of 1850, 
the brethren of the mystic tie of the Pacific Coast, 
nevertheless forgot not their charitable duties, even 
among the allurements attendant u]>on those flush, 
golden times of the earlier days: — 

The first Masonic funeral that over took place in 
California occurred in the j-ear 1849, and was per- 
formed over the body of a brother found drowned 
in the bay of San Francisco. On the body of the 
deceased was found a silver mark of a Mark Master, 
upon which were the initials of his name. A little 
further investigation revealed to the beholders the 
most singular exhibition of Masonic emblems that 
were ever drawn by the ingenuity of man upon the 
human skin. There is nothing in the history or 
tradition of Masonry equal to it. Beautifully dotted 
on his loft arm, in red and blue, which time could not 
efface, appeared all the emblems of Entered Appren- 
tice. There were the Holy Bible, the square, and 
the compass, the twenty-four inch guage, and the 
common gavel. There weru also the Mosaic pave- 
ment, representing the ground floor of King Solo- 
mon's Temple, the identical tassel which surrounds 
it, and the blazing star in the center. On his right 
arm, artisticallj' executed as the others, were em- 
blems pertaining to the Fellow Craft, the plumb, the 
square, and the level. There were also the five 
columns, rei)rcsenting the five Ordci's of Archi- 
tecture — the Tuscan, Doric, Ionic, Coritithian, and 
Composite. 

In removing his garments from his body, the 
trowel presented itself, with all the tools of opera- 
tive Masonry, besides all the emblems pertaining to 
the degree of a Master Mason. Conspicuously on 
his breast were the Lights of Masonry. Over his 
heart was the Pot of Incense. On the other parts 
of his body were the bee-hive, the book of constitu- 
tions, guarded by the Tyler's sword; the sword 
pointing to a naked heart; the all-seeing eye; the 
anchor and ark; the hour-glass; the forty-seventh 
problem of Euclid; the sun, moon, stars, and comet; 
the throe steps, emblematical of youth, manhood 
and old ago. Admirably' executed was the wce])ing 
virgin, reclining on a broken column, upon which lay 



the book of the constitutions. In her left hand she 
held the Pot of Incense — emblem of a pure heart — 
and in her uplitted hand a sprig of acacia — the em- 
blem of the immortality of the soul. Immediately 
beneath her stood winged Time, with his scythe by 
his side — which cuts the brittle thread of life — and 
the hour-glass at his feet — which is ever reminding 
• us that our lives are withering away. The withered 
and attenuated fingers of the destroyer were deli- 
catelj- ])laced amid the long and gracefully flowing 
ringlets of the disconsolate woman. Thus were the 
striking emblems of mortality and immortality beau- 
tifully blended in one pictorial representation. 

It was a spectacle such as Masons never saw 
before, and in all probability such as the fraternity 
will never witness again. A large concourse attended 
the burial; the impressive service of the craft was 
read; the sprig of acacia was dropped into the grave 
by the hands of men from all quarters of the globe; 
the grand honors were given, and the stranger was 
entombed in the last resting-place allotted to man- 
kind. His name was never known. 

CARSON CITY LODGE, NO. 154. 

This was the first lodge of Masons established 
between the Rocky Mountains and the Sierra Nevada. 
On the third day of February, 1802, a dispensation 
was granted by the Grand Lodge of the State of 
California, upon the petition of the following-named 
persons, to organize a lodge: Philip Stoner, II. B. 
Ellis, F. A. Tritle, F. W. Peters, J. W. Wayman, W. 
C. Phillips, Seymour Pixley, D. L. Britton, Herman 
Armer, Wellington Stewart, W. B. King, H. F. Rice, 
Abraham Curry, and Henry Grice. After working 
under the dispensation until the fifteenth day of 
Maj- the same year, a charter was gi-anted, and Car- 
son City Lodge, No. 154, had legal masonic existence 
under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of Cal- 
ifornia. 

Its first officers named in the charter were Marcus 
I). Larrowe, W. M.; Edward J. Smith, S. W.; and 
Henry J{ice, J. W. 

The first lodge meeting was at Carson City, under 
the dispensation, on the thirteenth of February, 
18C2, at which time subordinate olficors were elected 
and by-laws adopted. At its second communication 
on the twentieth of February, ten candidates who 
desired " light " knocked for admission, and it 
thenceforward prospered. It continued its allegiance 
to the authorized power which created it, until some 
time in January, 1805, when the Grand JiOdge of the 
State of Nevada was organized, which ordered new 
charters, with new numbers for all the lodges within 
its jurisdiction. Accordingly Carson City Lodge, 
No. 154, of California, under the new regime merged 
into 

CARSON LODGE, NO. 1, 

Of Nevada. At that time its membership was about 
fifty, which continued to increase until 1877 when 
the maximum of 138 was reached. The Grand 



ANCIENT ORDER OF F. AND A. M. 



235 



Lodge Report of 1880 shows oiilj- 107 names — 
only one of these beinj^ of the originiil c-harter mem- 
bei-8 — that of Ferd. \V. Peters. 

The Iodide has no hall of its own, thoui;h finan- 
cially in good circumstances. Its lodge proportj- 
and cash assets are estimated at $3,500 — probably 
too low. 

Among its Past Masters it numbers the following 
names: Henry G. Blasdel, Charles Martin, Jacob 
Tobriner, Benjamin F. Foster, Horatio S. Mason, 
Benjamin Kdson, JJobcrt \V. Bollen, and Henry L. 
Tickner. 

Its present officers are Benjamin F. Foster, \V. 
M.; Trenmor Coffin, S. W.; John S. Cheney, J. \V.: 
George Tufly, Treasurer; Charles Martin, Secrctarj^; 
George B. Hill,S. D.; Pearls B. Ellis, J. D.; William 
Anderson and John J. Singleton, Stewards ; Ferdi- 
nand \V. Peters, Tyler. 

Its location is Carson City, Ormsby County, and 
its stated communications the third Thursday in 
each month. 

WASHOE LODGE, NO. 2. 

This lodge was authorized by dispensation of the 
Grand Lodge of California on the twentj'-fillh of 
July, 18G2, and on the fourteenth of May, lSt;8, was 
chartered as Washoe Lodge, No. — , of California, the 
charter naming the following officers: George W. 
Brown, W. M.; R. R. Johnson, S. W.; Thomas B. 
Prince, J. W. 

The present Secretary reports the first officers 
(probably under dispensation) to have been I). J. 
Gloyd, W. M.; P. E. Shannon, S. W.; R. R.Johnson, 
J. W.; James H. Sturtuvant, J. K. Lovcjoy and A. 
W. Stowe. 

The fii-st report made by the lodge was in Feb- 
ruary, 1863, giving a membership at that time of 
nineteen. In 1804 the number is given at thirty- 
five. 

In 18G5 in common with all the other lodges in 
Nevada, which had been instituted by virtue of the 
authority of the Grand Lodge of the State of ('al- 
ifornia, Washoe Lodge transferred its allegience from 
its parental Grand Lodge to the Grand Lodge of the 
State of Nevada. Its membership increased to fifty- 
eight in 18G8, and then the number declined gradu- 
ally, until the Grand Lodge Report of 1880 places it 
at tliirt^'-five. 

The financial condition of the lodge is given as 
follows: Ihdl Iniilding and lodge furniture 8800; 
bills receivable, §2,500. Total, 83,300. 

The present officers are Council F. Wootten, W- 
M.; Sanford M. Place, S. W.; William Foote, J. W; 
Cyrus A. Lee, Treasurer; John H. llarcourt. Secre- 
tary; Francis JI. Smith, S. 1).; William Morgan, W. 
D. Hardin, Stewar<ls; Phil. E. Hardin, Tyler. 

Past Masters — William Foote, Charles N. Harris, 
George JJobinson and Council F. Wootten. 

Its location is Washoe City, and stated communi- 
cations are held Saturdaj' evenings of or next pre- 
ceding full moon. 



VIRGINIA LODOE, NO 3. 

On the fifteenth daj- of January, 1863, the Grand 
Lodge of California issued its dispensation authoriz- 
ing the establishment of a lodge at Virginia City, and 
on the Iburteenth of May following granted the 
charter for Virginia City Lodge, No. 162, the officers 
named therein being, William H. Howard (P. G. M. 
of California) W. M.; Joseph De Bell, S. W., and 
James S. Kellej', J. W. 

Membership before a change of jurisdiction was 
made reached 100, and thereafter steadily gained 
until 1878 when it was highest, 213. In IS.'^O ac- 
cording to the Grand Lodge Report it had declined 
to 184. 

Since its organization it has disbursed in charities 
nearly 812,000. The present financial condition of 
the lodge is reported to be good. 

The pi-esent officers are William McMillan, W. 
M.; AVilliam Coyne, S. W.; John Cameron, J. W.; 
George II. Dana, Treasurer; Lee McGowan, Secre- 
tary; Charles Harper, S. D.; J. E. Lawrence, J. D.; 
W. W. Treat and F. C. Bishop, Stewards; Elbert S. 
Kincaid, T^-ler. 

Past Masters — Albert Hires, John C. Currie, P. G. 
M.; Michael J. Henley and James H. Dyer. Loca- 
tion, Virginia, Storey County. Stated communica- 
tions, second Wednesday in each month. 

The great fires which devastated \'irginia in 1875, 
having destroyed all buildings in which lodges were 
held, and leaving no suitable place wherein the 
brethren of the mystic tie could meet, determined 
the Masonic fraternity of Virginia Lodge, No. 3 to 
imitate the earlier jiatrons of the craft who were 
wont to hold their meetings on the tops of the high- 
est hills or in the lowest valleys. Thoj' resolved to 
open the lodge upon a mountain top. This thej' did, 
and the following account of it is taken from the 
Territorial Enterprise of September 9, 1875: — 

THE .MASONS ON THE MOUNTAINS. 

The top of Mount Davidson is by actual measure- 
ment 7,827 feet above the level of the sea. The apex 
from which the flag-staft" rises is 1,622 feet above the 
level of B Street, corner of Taylor. The summit is 
3,500 feet west of the city, so that in a straight lino 
from B Street, corner of Taylor, to the foot of the riag- 
staff, it is a little over 3,857 feet, or not far from three- 
quarters of a mile. But by the traveled route the 
distance is long and tedious. Footmen can go direct 
over the track run by the racers. Horse and foot 
can )iass through Taylor Street and Taj'lor Ravine to 
the ridge, and thence to the summit. Bullion Ravine 
is passable for horsemen by skirting the eastern base 
of the mountain and winding to tho west of the ])eak. 
Besides these, there is the route by the way of the 
Ophir grade to the top of the ridgo to the west, and 
thence back east to the top. This is the route by 
which most of the carriages made the summit. 

THE I.ODliE. 

Never since the morning stars sang their lullaby 
over the cradled earth was there a more perfect 



236 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



representation of a Masonic Lodge-room than the 
one in which the members of Viri<inia. No. 3, and 
their visiting brethren held communication yester- 
day. This existed not only in the charter, the 
greater and the lesser lights, and the number requi- 
site to compose a lodge, but it was literally bounded 
but bj* the extreme points of the compass. Its dimen- 
sions from east to west embraced every clime from 
north to south. Its covering was no less than the 
cloud}- canopy; and it is only where this is wanting 
that the literal supports, the three great pillars of 
wisdom, strength and beauty, are needed. But, 
metaphoricallj', they were all there, for where, in a 
lodge-room, was ever seen such wisdom to contrive, 
strength to support, and beauty to adorn? Verily, 
it was a meeting in the temple of Deity, and the wis- 
dom, strength and beauty which are about His throne 
were present in the symmetry, order and grandeur 
of this primitive lodge-room. It was a lodge, the 
dimensions of which, like the universal chain of 
friendship of the Order, included the entire human 
family. Upon the brow of the mountain, and a little 
south of the flag-staff. 

AN ALTAR OF ROUdll ASHLAR 

Had been improvised, wherein rested the three great 
lights of Masonrj'. Beside them stood the rc])re- 
sentatives of the three lesser lights. Bude chains had 
also been built of rough granite i'or the Worshipful 
Master, Senior and Junior Wardens, while the Dea- 
cons found ample accommodations among the bowl- 
ders around. A large " G " had been cut from sheet- 
metal and nailed to the flag-staff. The Tj'ler was 
indeed in trouble, for in such a jilace how could the 
lodge be duly tyled in accordance with modern usage. 
But, under the direction of the Worshipful Master, a 
row of pickets, designated by white badges on their 
left arms, were stationed all around the summit. 
They were near each other, so that none could pass 
or repass without permission. In that way the 
approach of cowens and eavesdroppers was eftect ually 
guarded against. On reaching the summit the 
brethren busied themselves with dispensing and par- 
taking of 

CORN, WINE, AND OIL. 

A bounteous collation had been prepared by the 
lodge, and members were mostly well ])rovided with 
the means of refreshments, nourishment and joy. 
These were dispensed with a liberal hand. All were 
welcome and partook with an a|)petite sharpened bj' 
the labor of the ascent and the fresh air which swept 
the summit with a freedom known only to Washoe 
zephyrs. While all this was going on, the members 
of Virginia Lodge, So. 3, and visiting brothers, were 
engaged in registering their names. Instead of the 
regular lodge register, large sheets of drawing-paper 
had been prepared to receive the signatures, with a 
view to framing them and hanging them among the 
adornments of their lodge-room when it is ready for 



dedication. This work of obtaining the names of 
those present took upwards of two hours. At length 
the hour of opening having arrived, the craft were 

CALLED FROM REFRESHMENT TO LABOR 

By the sounding of the gavel in the east. The task of 
clothing was also a tedious one. Ample provision 
had been made for this, but some of the brethren 
present were compelled to improvise the emblem of 
innocence and badge of a Mason by making a white 
apron of their pocket-handkerchiefs. It was found, 
however, to be impracticable to satisfy the presiding 
ofiicer that ail present were Master Masons, and a 
special dispensation was granted by Bobert W. Bol- 
len. Most Worshipful Grand Master of Nevada, that 
the lodge be opened then and there, without form, 
for the regular transaction of business. The opening 
ode was therefore sung by the lodge quartette, com- 
posed of Professor E. J. Pasmore, George N. Eells, C. 
L. Foster and G. W. Dorwin; a brief prayer was 
offered up by Bev. J. D. Hammond, and the white 
Masonic flag, more ancient than the Golden Fleece or 
Boman- Eagle, for the first time in the history of the 
world, displaj'ed from the top of Mount Davidson. 
As the wind unwrapt its folds and displayed the 
square, compass and letter G emblazoned thereon, it 
was greeted by three cheers and a tiger that must 
have been heard for miles around. The 

LOD(iE WAS THEN DECLARED DULY OPENED, 

The following officers being present, /o wit: — 

Albert Hires, W. M.; Alexander Dunn, S. W.; 
Charles Harper, J. W.; George H. Dana, Treasurer; 
G. F. Ford, Secretary; Philip Seldner, S. D.; John 
Cameron, J. D.; John Farnsworth, W. P. Blight, 
Stewards; J. A. McQuarrie, Marshal; C. L. Fisher, 
Chaplain; E. J. Pasmore, Organist; E. S. Kincaid, 
Tyler; Thomas P. Jones, E. Chamberlain, Alexander 
G. Cowan, James W. Sill, John Abbott, William J. 
McMillan, David L. Jones, G. W. Bobertson, J. H. 
Dyer and T, X. Goyette, Sentinels. 

It will not be amiss in this connection to state 
that 

THE JEWELS WORN 

By the officers of the lodge have just been subjected 
to a fiery ordeal. They were made of Ophir bullion 
in the j'ear 1863, at the order of the late Col. W. H. 
Howard, and by him presented to the lodge. Their 
cost was S5()(). They were saved from the destruc- 
tion which laid waste the Masonic Hall in the early 
summer, but the fire of last Friday morning found 
them in the hall of the Odd Fellows, where the lodge 
met after being burned out. They were mourned 
over as lost, but Were finally dug out of the ashes 
nearly perfect, but a single one being missing. Some 
of those recovered have had portions melted away, 
but there is enough left to show the original design 
and to carry the identity on down to future genera- 
tions. There were also present at the opening the 
following 




.J^^^-^ /^y^/Z^ 



2^ 



Hon. Thomas Wren. 



The following biography of Hon. Thomas Wren, 
of Eureka, Xevada, is taken from the Nevada Monthlij, 
of September, 1880: — 

The subject of this sketch was born at McArthur, 
Athens County, Ohio, January 2, 182G. His parents 
were natives of Virginia, and, emigrating to Ohio, 
were among the first settlers of that State. They 
both died when Mr. Wren was quite young. Being 
left an orphan at an early age, his advantages of 
education were very limited, especially in the then 
unsettled condition of that portion of Ohio in which 
he lived. lie received but the rudiments of a com- 
mon school education, but early developed a taste 
for reading and study, which he has retained 
through life, and thus stored i is mind with knowl- 
edge. This self-education, aided by talents pecu- 
liarly fitting him for the profession, has enabled him 
to become one of the leading members of the Bar 
of the Pacific Coast. 

He is a man of indomitable will, an inflexible 
firmness of purpose, and untiring industry; and has, 
through these qualities, attained a position among 
the foremost lawyers of the coast, in spile of nuiner- 
ofts obstacles with which he was forced to contend. 
He wont with his eldest brother to Peoria, Illinois, 
in 1835. He inherited some property from his 
mother, and when scarcely more than a boy in- 
herited what was in those days, and in that sec- 
tion, a considerable fortune I'rom his eldest brother. 
Through inexcusable carelessness, and the rascality 
of a lawyer employed as his attorney, this entire 
propertj- was lost before he had arrived at an age 
when he could bo capable of managing his own 
affairs. 

Mr. Wren is a true typo of the Western Ameri- 
can; of medium stature, with broad shoulders; full, 
well-developed chest, and stalwart, manly propor- 
tions; a massive head, with expansive forehead; 
deep-set, brown eyes, out of which beam intelligence 
and determination; and thin, close-set lips, which, 
more than any other feature of his face, denote the 
character of the man; they indicate will-power and 
force of chai-aeter, which would at once impress a 
physiognomist with the conviction that the owner 
of those was a man not to bo trifled with. Mr. 
Wren is one of the kindest-hearted of men, pleasant 
and genial to all with whom ho is brought in busi- 
ness contact or social intercourse; but he is a man 
who will not brook insult or slight; and none who 



know him would daro to attempt to impugn his 
honor or outrage his feelings, ^'otwithstanding that 
his ])rofossion is sedentary, Mr. Wren is a great 
lover of out door exercise and athletic and open-air 
sports. Often on a fine day, at his home in Kureka, 
he may be seen, after the arduous labor of trj-ing 
an important and hotly-contested mining case, out 
in the middle of the street obtaining relaxation by 
playing liall with the school-boys, and as eagerly 
intent, and as ardently interested in the game as 
any of his playmates. Having in his early life 
performed heavj' phj'sical labor, such as mining, 
being blessed with a fine physique and robust con- 
stitution, and never neglecting an opportunity for 
physical exercise, his fifty-five years sit liglitlj- on 
his shoulders; and notwithstanding his battles with 
the world, and the ups and downs through which he 
has passed in the exciting and feverish life incident 
to the I'acific Coast, and especially to the mining 
communities of that section, he is the embodiment 
of health and manly vigor. 

In 185(1 he left his Illinois home, and cro.-^sed the 
plains to California, arriving in El Dorado C^ount}- 
in that year. During the years 1850, 1852, and 
1853 ho was engaged in mining, and in the last- 
named year became interested in a mining ditch 
property, of which he vvas appointed Superintendent 
and Chief Engineer. In 1854 ho was appointed 
Deputy Clerk of El Dorado County, his first active 
participation in politics in his own behalf, though 
always from boyhood having taken an ardent in- 
terest in political att'airs. At the expiration of his 
term ho again engaged in mining, dividing his time 
until 18G3 between mining and the practice of law. 
Ever since his arrival in California mining has had 
for him a fascination, and long alter his abandon- 
ment of that industry as his exclusive business, he 
continued to engage in mining enterprises. His 
practice as a mining lawyer having brought him in 
contact with many knotty questions of geology, ho 
saw that it would become necessary to familiarize 
himself with that science. Ho accordingly entered 
upon the study of geology and mineralogy, and so 
successfully did he master those sciences, that there 
is probably not a lawyer in the United States who 
better underatands them as applied to mining litiga- 
tion. 

In 1803 an excitement was occasioned throughout 
the Pacific States by the reported discovery of rich 



238 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



William J. Smj-th, 


J{. Andrews, 


C. W. Tozer, 


W. H. Gidlow, 


Mark Brown, 


Benjamin P. Smith, 


A. L. Murphy, 


James Morris, 


G. Stevens, 


W. G. Thompson, 


G. H. Winterburn, 


Fred. Harper, 


VISITING 


BRETHREN. 


William Nelson, 


Boaz D. Pike, 


F. C. Lord, 


T. H. Flagler, 


J. D. Hammond, 


S. H. Goddard, 


E. Chamberlain, 


J. M. Hickman, 


T. McGovern, 


I. M. Thaxton, 


H. Donnelly, 


E. M.Long, 


A. Thompson, 


D. Edmonds, 


R. J. Bromley, 


A. Clark, 


J. Wellington, 


Joseph Gruss, 


J. B. Braslaw, 


E. A. Sherman, 


J. Chegwidden, 


E. S. Benner, 


William Collicut, 


William M.Laforce, 


Henry Tonkin, 


H. A. Clawson, 


J. H. Molkcmbahr, 


James Lynch, 


J. G. McKenzie, 


William Wallace, 


G. W. Eobertson, 


J. C. McDonald, 


John Lentz, 


R. H. Taylor, 


A. M. Kruttschnitt, 


E. M. G. Stewart, 


John Eiley, 


L. Lobenstein, 


George FauU, 


John Carpenter, 


H. Falk, 


S. J. Blair, 


I. Z. Kelly, 


J. E. Lawrence, 


Charles V. Boitot, 


T. Deignan, 


Paul Jones, 


Alfred Troude, 


L. 0. Templeton, 


William McCrum, 


S. P. Kelly, 


T. H. Whister, 


I. F. Berry, 


W. W. Dunlap, 


Wm. J. Pendray, 


Thomas Morrison, 


Peter Turnot, 


T. Tully, 


A. G. Cowan, 


John B. Winters, 


G. W. Hammond, 


S. J. Walker, 


E. D. Williams, 


G. H. McKee, 


William Mill, 


H. B. Fay, 


Joseph Sparks, 


George W. Hopkins, 


John Wilson, 


H. C. Jacobson, 


William Avery, 


Samuel Owen, 


E. W. Adams, 


N. C. Kinney, 


Edward Conradt 


A. D. Eitchoff, 


W. D. Sutherlin, 


J. H. Matthewson, 


W. J. Williams, 


Prosper Bruley, 


P. T. Kirby, 


William Webber, 


A. H. W. Creigh, 


J. McCain, 


J. D. Delsort, 


Eobert Keifer, 


George S. Johnson, 


J. F. Lewis, 


John Hewitt, 


E. Jlortenscn, 


B. H. Lentz, 


Wilson King, 


W. W. Filkins, 


Samuel H. Birtle, 


John Canning. 


W. PL Kneebone, 


S. Zenovich, 


J. Gates, 


W. H. Mitchell, 


John J. Oswald, 


James Chegwidden, 


James E. Parker, 


Charles Glover, 


J. H. Heilshorn, 


F. H. Packer, 


E. M. Elliott, 


John J{. Lowe. 


J. D. Hosking, 


Joseph Agostini, 


Sol. Xoel, 


H. M. Cameron, 


C. F. Brant, 


A. D. Praxnin, 


A. H. Hollister, 


J. W. Van Zandt, 


M. W. Hasset, 


G. N. Eells, 


Matthew Elliott, 


J. K. Werldorf, 


E. J. Peters, 


L. G. Chapman, 


Horatio Collins, 


0. B. McDonald, 


Joseph Mitchell, 


John Caublo, 


William H. Cloud, 


S. W. Grant, 


W. J. Westerfield, 


James Eyan, 


A. C. Freeman, 


Hugh Halligan, 


Ananias Maj-, 


J. P. Eugg, 


0. Lavigno, 


S. Humill, 


W. F. Alexander, 


E. Brown, 


C. S. Mott, 


E. Bloomfield, 


J. B. Marshall, 


Adam Gunn, 


Peter Daley, 


William Vardey, 


A. J. Banker, 


John F. Perry, 


C. N. Collins, 


H. 0. Smith, 


Samuel P. Kelly, 


W. H. Smith, 


John T. Bray, 


J. D. Kenney, 


J. C. Turner, 


G. F. Hajward, 


E. P. Lovejoy, 


John B. Fegan, 


Eobert Thomas, 


I. S. Burson, 


B. W. Guild, 


Edwin Frolick, 


E. E. Edge, 


G. W. Cook, 


Thomas Farsen, 


Thomas Frellian, 


Frank D. Turner, 


Henry Lux, 


E. B. Stonehill, 


Joseph Cornelius, 


F. F. Osbiston, 


J. J. Alexander, 


E. G. Westerman, 


John Deman, 


John IL Buitman, 


D. W. Mcintosh, 


Henry Eolfe, 


George Clark, 


E. D. Williams, 


A. T. Hampton, 


John G. Young, 


E. A. Bulm, 


James Jewell, 


H. J. T. Scheel, 


W. D. Husk, 


L. C. Wiggins, 


T. NV. McCroady, 


E. Baird, 


Henry Green, 


E. U. Jeffs, 


Eichard Cook, 


J. E. Cowan, 


J. D. Dessert, 


A. J. Banker, 


William L. Amos, 


W. McKoighan, 


W. Whitney, 


J. B. Conrad, 


Albert Werner, 


Bob Marshall, 


J. Portman, 


J. S. Adams, 


John Chapman, 


F. V. Drake, 


W. 1'. Workley, 


J. S. Coxtor, 


George L. Potter, 


M. A. McDonald, 


Alexander Picken, 


D. Harrington, 


C. A. Washington, 


J. S. Ingraham, 


B. L Tirman, 


M. Banner, 


J. A. Uoher, 


B. Springstod, George B. McLean, 


D. Skerry, 


S. T. Leebes, 


T. H. Williams, 


L. M. Coffin, 


D. McNaught, 


C. C. McLaughlin, 


John Hosking, 


George Du])roy, 


T. A. Atkinson, 


Desire Perier, 


P. J. Aiken, 


William Erskin, 



ANCIENT ORDER OF F. AND A. M. 



239 



Thomas Penroeo, 
J. B. Shay, 
• A. L. Murphy, 
J. H. Ellsworth, 
Evan David, 
John H. Shermier, 
J. R. Jacoby, 
J. H. Hobbs, 
S. B. Ferguson, 
S. B. Connor, 
Charles F. lloffman, 
S. N. Snyder, 
Simon Davis, 
E. D. Kitzmoyor, 
William Garbart, 
Robert Hayes, 
Jacob White, 
Joseph Hallock, 
Charles Thompson, 
George B. Allen, 
S. Longabaugh, 
B. J. Wakefield, 
J. W. Sill, 
W. A. Perkins, 
J. C. Belcher, 

William 



W. H. Bennetts, 
Thomas Jones, 

C. H. Golding, 
G. D. Kend, 

J. E. Coulter, 

D. S. Dow. 
John T. Ueardon, 
Geo.W. Williams, 
James P. Nelson, 
D. D. Donovan, 
J. M. Campbell, 
George Rook, 

D. Stalker, 
Henry FauU, 
B. Benson, 
W. H. Curnow, 
George H. Warren, 
H. B. Loomis, 
George Keightley, 
Peter Frost, 
J. H. Bartlett, 
T. J. Hodgkinson, 
Wm. Sutherland, 
Richard Sala, 
James Bullen, 
Trounce. 



By visitors named above, the following States and 
countries were represented: — 

New York, California, Kansas, Michigan, West 
Virginia, Utah, ^fissouri, Iowa, Wisconsin, Maine, 
Colorado, Now Jersej', Washington (District of Co- 
lumbia), England, Scotland, Minnesota, Massachu- 
setts, Washington Territory, Oregon, Virginia, Nova 
Scotia, North Carolina, Nebraska, Pennsylvania, 
Illinois, Canada West, Idaho, New Zealand, and 
Kentucky. 

AMITY LODGE, NO. 4. 

Silver City Lodge, No. 1C3, begun its existence 
by virtue of a dispensation granted by the Grand 
Lodge of California on the twentieth day of 
March, 1863. 

The same power issued a charter for the organiza- 
tion on the fif'teeiith of May of the same j-ear with 
the following officers: John C, Currio, W. M.; Michael 
J. Ilcnio}-, S. W.; W. B. Ilickock, J. W. 

In the first report of the lodge to the Grand 
Lodge of California it gave its membership as 
eleven. In 18<)5, when a change of jurisdiction 
was effected, there were thirty-four members. It 
prospered and the number steadily increased until 
the culminating point was arrived at in 187G. That 
year the membership was seventy-six. In 1880 
the number had receded to fifty. 

Present officers — Wm. F''rancis F'rame, W. M. 
Loring D. Noyos, S. W.; Fenner A. Angell, J. W. 
John G. Young, Treasurer; Isaac Haas, Secretary 
William W. Sirlott, S. D.; David McAllister, J. D. 
Wellington Bowen and John Cauble, Stewards; M 
W. Colquhoun, Tyler. 



Past Masters — Charles D. McDuffie, James McGin- 
nis, Harvey Randall, Isaac Haas. 

Location, Silver City, Lyon County. Stated 
communications, first Thursday in each month. 

SirA'EB STAR LODOE, NO. 5. 

On the eleventh of April, 1863, William G. Alban, 
E. R. Barnes, Levi W. Leo, M. Frankenheimcr, 
Louis B. Frankol, Sigmund Ettlingor, A. (J. llol- 
lingshead, Hugh McLood, Henry Donnelly, S. A. 
H. Ball, Robert Webber, Charles E. Olnoy and 
Samuel Robinson, petitioned the Grand Lod';.;o of 
California for a dispensation authorizing the organi- 
zation of a lodge of Masons at Gold Hill. In 
response thereto the document for which tlicj' 
prayed was issued on the twentieth of Juno, and 
on the eleventh of July the organization begun 
work with the following officers duly installed : W. 
G. Alban, W. M.; E. R. Barnes, S. W,; L. W. Leo, J. 
W.; S. H. Robinson. Treasurer; S. Ettlingor, Sec- 
retary; L. B. Frankol, S. D,; A. C. Hollingsliead, J. 
D.; M. Frankenheimor and H. McLeod, Stewards; 
H. M. Vesey, Tyler. 

The Grand Lodge issued a charter on the thirteenth 
of October, 1864, to Silver Star Lodge, No. 165, the 
officers named therein being Charles E. Olnoy, W. 
M.; L. W. Lee, S. W.; D. L. Bliss, J. W. 

At the time of the establishment of the Grand 
Lodge of the State of Nevada the lodge h:id 
sixty-six members. Its largest membership was in 
1876, when its roster contained 194 names. In 18S0 
the number was 177. 

The lodge has an interest in the Masonic Hall 
Association Building, which has cost it near S7,000, 
and has §1,200 cash on hand. It has dealt most 
liberallj- with its brethren in distress, having dis- 
pensed in charities during the period of i(s exist- 
ence fully 815,000. 

Present officers — John H. Hubbs, W. il.; Thomas 

A. Menary, S. W.; Byron I. Turman, S. W.; John 
Jones, J. W.; John O. Bennetts, Secretary-; Albert 

B. C. Davis, S. D.; Henry Hughes, J. D.; II. il Lewis 
and Jacob Benjamin, .Stewards; Stewart Logan, 
Marshal; John I. Bramley, Tyler. 

Past Masters — Samuel W. Chubbuck, Jarno.-* McAl- 
lister, Lyman C. Wiggins-, Adam (fillespio, William 
D. Sutherlin, William B. Wheeler, Andrew Ingruiid, 
David Thorburn, 

Location, Gold Hill, Storey County. St itod com- 
munications, first Saturday in each month. 

ESMEOALDA LODQE, NO. 6. 

A dispensation was granted on the twc.ity eighth 
of September, 1863, empowering certain persons to 
organize a Masonic Lodge in Aurora, by llio Grand 
Lodge of the State of California; and on tli j filloenth 
of October following a charter was issu d lor Es- 
meralda Lodge, No. 170, with the followi'ig officers: 
J. H. Richardson, W. M.: John L. CarUr, S. W.; 
Alfred A. Green, J. W. 

The first report made by this lodge was to the 



240 



mSTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



Grand Lodge of California in 1864, when it was 
shown there wore sixty-three members. The exodus 
from that locality about that time of the population, 
caused by the supposed worthlessness of the mines, 
had the oft'ect of greatly reducing the membei-ship 
of this lodge. From then until the present time 
the average yearly membership has been about 
thirty-two. The Grand Lodge Report of ISSO shows 
but twenty-eight members. 

Present officers — D. J. Lewis, VV. M.; James S. 
Mooney, S. W.; Alvin W. Crocker, J. \V.; Frank 
Neal, Treasurer; \V. II. II. Buckle}-, Secretary; 
William Pool, S. D.; J. W. Towle. J. D.; M. I). Mur- 
phy. Tyler. 

Past Masters — M. A. Murphy, John Neidy, Frank 
Neal, I>. J. Lewis. 

Location, Aurora, Esmeralda County. Stated 
communications, third Thursday of each month. 

ESCraiAL LODGE, NO. 7. 

This lodge was instituted under authority of a 
dispensation of the Grand Lodge of California, 
issued by that body on the twenty-second of Jan- 
uary, 1S64. 

A charter for the establishment of Escurial Lodge, 
No. 171, followed the dispensation on the thirteenth 
of October of the same year, naming as the officers 
of the lodge, tieorge W. Hopkins, \V. M.; William 
A. M. Van Hokkeren, S. W. ; Columbus Walker, 
J, W. 

At the time it received its new number, and came 
under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of the 
State of Nevada it had forty-two members. The 
following j-ear it had increjised to sixty, and reached 
its highest number in ISGll — 154. Its membership 
in 18S0 was loG. 

Present officers — Henry IJolfe, \V. M. ; Steven 
Wilkin. S. W.: Robert M. G. Stewart. J. W.; Frank 
Fredericks, Treasurer; Thomas H. Bingham, Secre- 
tary; William Manning, S. D.; John R. Campbell, J. 
P.; William M. Thornton and Alexander P. Pion. 
Stewards; Klbert S. Kincaid. Tyler. 

I'ast Masters — Samuel Owen, Robert H. Taylor, 
George W. Ilopkins, Henry A. Gaston. 

Location, Virginia, Store}- County. Stated com- 
munications, second Thursday in each month. 

L.\MIER I.ODUK, NO. 8. 

This was the last Masonic I.iodge in Nevada 
created by virtue of authority of the Grand Lodge 
of the Slate of Calit'ornia. Its dispensation was 
granted on the twenty-fifth of March, 1804; and on 
the third of June following it begun work with the 
following officers: Isaac S. Titus. W. M.; A. I>. Rock, 
S. W.; tieorge W. Terrill. J. W.; Thomas A. Water- 
man, Treasurer; John W. Jones, Secretary: R. C. 
Gridley, S. D.. K. X. Willard, J. 1>.; A. Metz, Tyler. 

Il» charter bears date October 14. 18t!4, and 
issued to Lander Lodge, No. 172. 

Frv)m a membership numbering twenty in 1865. 
when it received authority from the Grand Lodge of 



Nevada, it had increased, in 1880, to ninety-one. 

Since its organization it has disbursed for charit- 
able purposes about 85,000. Its assets are as fol- 
lows: Hall building, S3,375; other eflfects, including 
money on hand. SI, 000. Total, S4.375. 

Present officers — Marcus A. Sawtelle, W. M.; 
Stephen Buddie, S. W.; Alexander Dron, J. W.; 
Charles P. Soule, Treasurer; James L. Smith. Secre- 
tary; Joel S. Barnard, S. D.; George L. Williams, 
J. D.; Reuben T. Hopkins and Thomas Thomas, 
Stewards; Isiiac W. Davis, Tyler. 

Past Mastei'* — Daniel M. Godwin, William A. Ran 
kin, Andrew Nichols, P. D. G. M.; Henry Mayen- 
baura; De Witt C. McKenncy. G. M.; William W. 
Wixom, Marcus A, Sawtelle, P. D. G. M. 

Location, Austin, Lander County. Stated com- 
munications, tirst Friday in each month. 

VALI,EY LODGE. NO. 9. 

The first Masonic Lodge which came into exist- 
ence by virtue of the authority of the Grand Lodge 
of the State of Nevada, was Valley Lodge, No. !•. 

On the twentieth of February, 1865, several mem- 
borsofthe Masonic fraternity assembled at Dayton for 
the purpose of taking steps toward the organization 
of a lodge at that place. A subscription of S350 
was raised, temporary officers were chosen, and ap- 
plication was made to the tirand I>odge of the State 
of Nevada for a dispensation to work as a Lodge. 

On the seventh of March the dispensation was 
granted, with Charles F. Brandt, W. M.; Henry 
Sweetapple, S. W.; Albert tJallatin, J. W.; and on 
the thirteenth of the same month the lodge organ- 
ized at Dayton, at which time J. C. Hinds was 
elected Treasurer; S. Heidleheim. Secretary; F. H. 
Kennedy, S, D.; J. E. Sabine, J. D. 

On the twelfth of October, 1S65, a charter was 
issued, in which were named nineteen j>ei-sons as 
charter members. The membership increased the 
following year to thirty. It-s highest number of 
members was reached in 1874, being then thirty- 
nine. In 1S80. the number was thirty-two. 

Financially, the lodge is prosperous, having in 
furniture and regalia, S500: and S500 cash. It has 
dispensed in charities, SLllUi. 

The present officers are James L. Camjihell, W, 
M.; Charles F. Brandt, S. W.; William Steaphens, 
J. W.; Manly L. Johnson, Treasurer; George E, 
Jaqua, Secretary; George W. Keith, S. D.; Frank 
B. Mercer. J. D.; William Kean and Henrj- Bishop, 
Stewards; Frank P. Christman, Tyler; John Carlin, 
Marshal. 

Past Masters — James Crawford, Charles F. Brandt, 
George W. Keith. 

Location, Dayton, liyon County. Stated com- 
munications, second Monday in each mouth. 

AUSTIN LODIIK. NO. 10. 

A dispensation was granted by the Grand Lodge 
of Nevada, on the twelt^h of April, 1865, to organize 
Austin Lodge, No. 10, naming as officers, Thomas 



ANCIENT ORDER OF F. AND A. M. 



241 



Wren, W. M.; William S. Thomas, S. \V.: Marcus 
A. Sawtelle, J. W.; atui on the twelfth of the ensu- 
ing October its charter was issued. At that time 
it reported a membership of twenty. Its highest 
number of members was attained in IStlS, tiiat year 
reaching fifty-seven. Thence its numbers declined 
until there were but thirtj'one in 1871; when, by 
a vote of its members, it surrendered its charter to 
the Grand Lodge, turned over its property to Lander 
Lodge, No. 8, located in the same place, and became 
a thing of the i)ast. Its location was Austin, Lander 
County. 

OASIS LODGE, NO. 11. 

On the eighteenth of December, 18C7, in response 
to the petition of seventeen Masons, among whom 
were J. G. Ividdle, A. W. Stowe, G. R. Alexander. 
M. D. Fairchild, D. C. Turner, George W. Merrill, 
James M. Ivennedy, D. W. Cutts, S. Goldstein, E. A. 
Tullen, E. Pettit, John Sharp, J. A. Ball, Peter Con- 
roy, and James O'Brien, the Grand Lodge of Nevada 
issued a dispensation, authorizing them to organize 
a lodge. 

On the seventh of January, 18GS, Oasis Lodge, 
No. 10, held its first regular communication, when 
the following officers were chosen: James M. Ken- 
nedy, VV. M.; D. W. Cutts, S. W.; S. Goldstein, J. 
W.; J. G. Eiddle, Treasurer, John Sharp, Secretar^^; 
E. A. PuUen, S, D.; E. Pettit, J. D.; James O'Brien 
and Peter Conroy, Stewards: J. A. Ball, Tyler. 

The lodge meetings were first held in rooms 
improvised for the purpose in the Combination Com- 
pany's stone building in Belmont. After working 
successfully U. D. for about eight months, a charter 
was granted the lodge, September 17, 18(]8, The 
highest membership was in 1877, then reaching fifty- 
three. Its membership in 1880 was forty-three. 
The lodge has property estimated at §2,500, and 
it has bestowed ui)oii charities not far from ,*;2,.")(I0 
more. 

The present officers are Woodson (Jarrard, \V. 
M.; N. A. (hirvin, S. \V.; Charles U. Engstrom, J. W.; 
Soth 11. Scjuire, Treasurer; Thomas Warburton, 
Secretary; George W. Bennett, S. D.; Albert Fugc, 
J. 1).; Thomas K. Morgan and George Nieholl, 
Stewards; Lewis Roberts, Tyler. 

Past Masters — Samuel P. Kelley, Findley McNeal. 

Location, Belmont, Nj'e County. Stated commu- 
nications, first Tuesday in each month. 

D0UOI,.\S LOIXiE, NO. 12. 

In 18(58, twelve Masons of (ienoa petitioned the 
Grand Lodge of Nevada for a dispensation to work, 
and on the twenty-second of February of that j-ear 
their prayei- was favorablj- answered, and the follow- 
ing officers named: Jtobert W. Bolleii, \V. M.; Silas 
E. Tuttle, S. W.; Hiram Doyle, J. W. 

A charter was given to l><)Uglas Lodge, No. 12, on 
the following seventeenth of September, at w^hich 
time it had thirty-one names enrolled for member- 
ship. This list increased each j-ear until 1S7(!, when 
it was largest — sixty-six. Since that time the num- 



ber has decreased. In 1880 there were forty-six 
members. 

During the first five years of its existence the 
lodge was opened and did its work in the County 
Court House, having no hall of its own. Upon its 
first organization in 1868, a joint-stock company of 
its members was organized for the purpose of erect- 
ing a Masonic building, but after an outlay of con- 
siderable money, from some cause, to the chronicler 
unknown, the undertaking collai)sed. 

In 1874, however, the .Masons did er.ect a credit- 
able brick building, costing about $8,000. In the 
second storj' of this is their present hall, while the 
first floor is occupied for mercantile purposes. The 
hall has been tastefully furnished at a cost of 82,000. 
The lodge has bestowed about S."),000 for charitable 
purposes since its establishment. 

Present officers — Frank Fettle, W. M.; Charles W. 
Drake, S. W.; John B. Dondero, J. W.; John R. 
Johnson, Treasurer; E. D. Bl;u;k, Secretary; .Moses 
Tebbs, S. D.; II. W. Smith, J. D.; William I). Grey, 
and Kopel Rice, Stewards; Henry P. Burnham, 
Tyler. 

Past Masters— D. W. Virgins, Kopel Rice, Fred. 
Furth, R. G. Montrose, E. D. B. Black. 

Location, Genoa, Douglas County. Stateii commu- 
nications, Saturday of or next preceding full moon. 

RENO LODGE, NO. 13. 

The dispensation under the authority- of which 
Reno Lodge, No. 13, was brought into existence, 
bears date January 14, 1809, and its charter followed 
on the twenty-third of Se[)tember of the same year. 
The first officers were James S. Kelley, W. M.- 
.Michael Borowsky, S. W.; George Grisen, J. W. 

Its membership the first year was thirty-four, and 
it has steadily gained from year to year. In 1880 
ninety members were enrolled. 

When first instituted the lodge meetings were 
held in the upper story of a frame building on Vir- 
ginia Street, and later in Alhambra Hall. 

In 1872 an incorporation was formed, within the 
lodge, \indor the laws of the State of Nevada, with 
the object of purchasing land and building a hall, 
A lot on the corner of Commercial Row and Sierra 
Street, Reno, was bought, and on the fifteenth of 
October of that year the corner-stone of an imposing 
brick structure was laid with appropriate Masonic 
ceremonies. Witliin the receptacle of the corner- 
stone were deposited copies of the leading news- 
papers of the States of Nevada and California, 
together with coins, jewels, etc. On the twenty- 
first of February. 1S7.'), the new hall was dedicated, 
and after the .Masonic ceremonies were over the 
occasion ended with a grand ball. 

The lodge is a prosperous one — its property at 
this time being valued at 810,0(10, 

Its present officers are IL L. Fish, W. .M.; George 
II. Fogg, S. W.; F. J. Windrell,J. W.; T. K. Hy- 
mers. Treasurer; B. l-]. Hunter, Secretary-; William 
L. Bechtel, S. I).; I!, S, James, J. D.; Martin Sanders 



242 



fflSTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



and Ij. B. Batchelder, Stewards; N. C. Haslund, 
Tyler; William A. Walker, .Marshal. 

Past Masters — Joseph De Bell, l\ G. M.; L. L. 
Crockett, Henry L. Fish, P. G. M.; J. il. Kinkead, 
F. J. WinchoU, J. C. Ilagerman, Charles Knust. 

Location, Reno, Washoe County. Stated commu- 
nications, Saturday of or next preceding full moon. 

ST. JOHNS LODGE, NO. 13 (COLORED), 

At Carson City, is working under the jurisdiction of 
the Sovereign Grand Lodge of California, Theodore 
A. Lee, D. D. Grand Master for the District of Ne- 
vada. This lodge of colored Masons was organized 
April 20, 1875, and had for its first officers D. W. 
Sands, W. M.; Theodore A. Lee, S. W.; J. Johnson, 
J. W.; W. L. Baily, Treasurer; George Burns, Sec- 
retary; Wm. Davis, S. D.; Oliver Janes, J. D. The 
present officers are B. E. Johnson, W. M.; A. B. 
Gibson, S. W.; George W. Jackson, J. W.; J. Gettys, 
Treasurer; W. L. Baily, Secretary; Wm. R. Brown, 
S. D., and George A. Ray, J. D. There were twelve 
charter members. The largest membership the lodge 
has had at any one time is thirty-two, and the present 
membership numbers twenty. 

The lodge furniture and regalia is estimated to be 
worth SOOO. The lodge has disbursed in benefits, 
charities, etc., 81,500; is outof debtand is in a healthy 
and flourishing condition. 

WHITE PINE LODGE, NO. 14. 

The great influx of population into the White Pine 
region of Nevada in 18Li9, and consequent attendant 
destitution among those who had thoughtlessly rushed 
thither without proper preparation- and among which 
latter class there were of course members of the 
Masonic fraternity — induced the brethren of Treas- 
ure City, Hamilton and Shermantown to organize 
for mutual assistance. This organization was main- 
tained until, in response to a petition to that effect, 
the Grand Lodge i.ssucd a dispensation on the ninth 
of March, 1870, authorizing the institution of a lodge 
for regular working, with the following officers: 
S. B. Ferguson, W. M.; W. W. llobart, S. W.; M. J. 
Henly, J. W. 

On the fifth of April the bodj* organized, and on 
the twenty-second of Soj)tombor following the 
Grand Lodge duly chartered White Pine Lodge, 
No. 14. 

At that time the lodge reported fifty-two mem- 
bers. The number was increased to eighty-four in 
1872, and then gradually declined. In 1880 there 
wore fifty-one members. 

On the night of the second of January, 1872, a 
fire occurred at Hamilton that destroyed the hall 
in which the .Masonic Lodge convened. The building 
was owned by Cook Brothers, whose store was upon 
the first floor. In this fire the lodge lost its orig- 
inal charter, which has been duplicated by the 
Grand Lodge. 

At present the lodge assembles in a stone building 
which it owns, built in 18G9, with the expectation 



that the county would purchase it for a Court House, 
and known as the Walton Building. The hall build- 
ing is estimated to be worth SOOO; and the lodge 
has disbursed for charitable purpose 82,000. 

Present officers— Evan Harris, W. M.; Archibald 
Beaton, S. W.; John ]\IcLean, J. W.; George B. Mc- 
Conkey, Treasurer; Edward Raum, Secretary; Sam- 
uel Liddle, S. D.; Perlia B. Rowell, J. D.; George D. 
Freeland and William Harris, Stewards; Hans 
Christensen, Tyler. 

Past Jlasters — Thomas N. Brown, George P. Mc- 
Conkey, Evan Harris, John L. Robertson, Elllis H. 
Morton. 

Location, Hamilton, White Pino County. Stated 
communications, first Tuesday on or before the full 
moon. 

ELKO LODGE, NO. 15. 

The Masons who had congregated in the vicinity 
of Elko, in 1809, quite early in the year also organ- 
ized for fraternal purposes. They asked for, and on 
the twenty-first of January, 1871, were granted, a 
dispensation by the Grand Lodge, under which they 
begun work on the twenty-fourth of the same month, 
with John D. Treat, W. M.; Herman Armor, S. W.; 
Elijah S. Yeates, J. W.; Robert Oliver, Treasurer; 
Thomas N. Stone, Secretary; J. J. Hofl'man, S. D.; 
and John C. Echnaner, J. D. 

On the twenty-first of September, 1871, a charter 
was granted for Elko Lodge, No. 15 (though accord- 
ing to a report of the present Secretary, it appears 
to not have been issued until the third of November). 

The number of charter membci-s was twenty, but 
the lodge's report made to the Grand Lodge in 
1871, places the membership at forty. In 1874 
there were seventy-five membci-s — the highest. Since 
then, the average yearly membership has been about 
sixty-four. In 1880 the number is given at sixty- 
seven. The lodge property consists of a half interest 
in a brick building, furniture, regalia, etc., of the 
aggregate value of 85,000. Since organizing, the 
lodge has disbursed in charities, 82,500. 

Present officers — John J. -Meigs, W. M.; Joseph A. 
Tinker, S. W.; James McBarnoy, J. W.; William 
Plughoff, Treasurer.; Thomas N. Stone, Secretary; 
F. F. Muller, S. I).; Joseph L. Cox, J. D.; James 
Clark and Thomas Hunter, Stewards; George W. 
Litton, Tyler. 

Past Mastci*8 — M. P. Freeman, Green B. Able, 
Thomas N. Stone. 

Location, Elko, Elko County. Stated communi- 
cations, first Tuesday in each month. 

EUREKA LODGE, NO. K). 

The Masonic fraternity at Eureka, in 1871, also 
formed a ijunsi organization for mutual assistance, 
following the footsteps of their brethren of White 
Pine and Elko. This was the nucleus of Eureka 
Lodge, No. IC, which received authoritj- from the 
(frand Lodge on the fifth of April. 1872. On the 
nineteenth of September, the same year, its charter 



ANCIENT ORDER OF F. AND A. M. 



243 



was issued, naming officers as follows: Daniel B. 
Immol, W. M.; David E. Baily, H. W.; James IJilloy, 
J. VV. 

At the time of recoivini; its charter, the Iodide 
numbered fortj^-two members. It has steadilj' aug- 
mented its membership, and now reports 110. 

A disastrous conflagration at Eureka, on the nine- 
teenth of April, 1S70, destroj'ed the building owned 
by the lodge — a brick structure, 30x100 feet — 
together with regalia, jewels, furniture, and records, 
entailing a loss of S20,000; but S5,()00 of which was 
covered by insurance. 

Its present property is a lot 100x100, in Eureka, 
besides other property, valued at 81,000. About 
$2,500 is annually disbursed by this lodge for cliai-- 
itable purposes. 

The present officers are Reinhold Sadler, W. M.; 
Evan Jones, S. W.; William Stinson, J. W.; Reuben 
Rickard, Treasurer; William P. Steichelman, Secre- 
tary; William A. Darlej', S. D.; John J. Kermeen, J. 
D.; Thomas W. Pearson and Alexander Eraser, 
Stewards; Samuel W. Buckham, Tyler. 

Past Masters— David E. Baily, R. W. D. G. M., 
Alex. D. Rock, John Gillespie, Robert Gillespie, 
Hiram Johnson, Charles J. R. Buttlar. 

Location, Eureka, Eureka County. Stated com- 
munications, Saturdays preceding full moon. 

HUMBOLDT LODGE, NO. 17. 

On the sixth day of November, 1871, M. W., the 
Grand Master of Xevada, by dispensation, empow- 
ered a body of Masons at Unionville to act as a 
Masonic Lodge, which they did in comformity with 
the usage of the craft, and so continued to do with- 
out additional authority up to the twentieth of 
November, 1873, when a charter was issued to Hum- 
boldt Lodge, No. 17, naming the following officers: 
William L. French, W. M.; George F. MuUer, S. W.; 
O. R. Stampley, J. W. 

Its members have never been many — not exceed- 
ing twenty-five at any one time — while the average 
yearly membership has been less than twenty-two. 
In 1880 it reported eighteen members. 

Present officers — George Frederick Muller, W. .M.; 
James A. Hill, S. W.; John Taylor, J. W.; Pablo 
Laveago, Treasurer; Andrew Davidson, Secretary; 
A. D. McCuUough, S. D.; William Carpenter, J. D.; 
Joseph Vivian, Tyler. 

Location, Unionville, Humboldt County. Stated 
communications, second Saturday in each month. 

ST. JOHN LODGE, NO. 18. 

Prior to the existence of this lodge, as far back as 
May. 1870, a Masonic organization was formed at 
Pioche for charitable as well as social purposes, and 
manj' humane deeds were performed by it, and 
much money was used for the relief of weary and 
needy brothers. The officers of this incipient 
lodge were P. McCannan, President; C. Weiderhold, 
Secretary; Robert Apple, Treasurer. Finally, in 
1872, a dispensation was asked for of the Grand 



Lodge, for the establishment of St. John Ijodge, No. 
18. This was granted on the tenth of August, 1872, 
and on the twentieth of November, 1873, was fol- 
lowed by a charter with John F. Gray, W. M.; 
Daniel E. Mitchell, S. W.; Daniel K. Dickinson, J. W. 

It begun with a membership of thirty-seven in 
1872, which in the next two j'cars increased to 
eighty-four. It then began to fall below seventy, 
and in 1880 was only fifty-three. 

The present officers arc Robert H. Elam, W. .M.; 
David Cohn, S. W.; William P. Goodman, J. W.; 
Dana C. Clark, Treasurer; George T. Gorman, 
Secretary; Joseph A. Behr, S. D.; Julius Hoffman, 
J. D.; De Marcus A. Fulks and (feorge T. Finnegan, 
Stewards; Ephraini Dc M. Turner. Tyler; Clinton H. 
Patchen. Marshal. 

Past Masters — James F. Hallock, Charles F. 
Myers, John M. Hanfoi-d. 

Location, Pioche, Lincoln County. Stated com- 
munications, fourth Saturday in each month. 

WINNEMUCCA LODGE, NO. 10. 

The dispensation which gave life to this lodge 
was granted on the seventeenth of Ji^ne, 1874. 
On the eighteenth of November of the same year 
its charter was issued with the following as officers : 
P. W. Johnson, AV. M. ; A. J. Shepard, S. W. ; 
ThomasShone, J. W. 

The first report to the Grand Lodge, in 1874, gave 
the number of members sixteen. In 1877 it was 
highest — fort3'-8even. At no time since 1875 has the 
number of its members been loss than forty-one. It 
was fortj'-five in 1880. 

The present officers are Alexander Wise, W. M.; 
Edmund D. Kelly, S. W.; John E. Bannister, J. W.; 
Michael B. Stanton, Treasurer; James E. Sabine, 
Secretary; Charles S. Osborn, S. D.; Isidor N. Lev}', 
J. D.; C. W. McDeed and George Burke, Stewai-ds ; 
Joseph N. Dowdell, Tyler. 

Past Masters — Andrew J. Shepard, Pleasant W. 
Johnson, Thomas Shone. 

Location, Winnemucca, Humboldt County. Stated 
communications, Saturday on or before the full 
moon in each month. 

PALISADE LODGE, NO. 20. 

This lodge was not organized without opposi- 
tion. Elko Lodge, No. 15, protested its establish- 
ment. On the other hand, Eureka Lodge, No. 16, 
was its friend before the Grand Jjodge, and a 
dispensation was granted to the sixteen .Ma.sons 
who had applied therefor, on the third of June, 
1871!, in which T. F. Lawlor was named Worship- 
ful .Master. It worked U. D. until the thirteenth 
of Juno, 1877, when its charier was given it by 
the (Jrand I.iodgc with Thomas F. L:iwlor, W. 
M.; tJeorgo IJogul, S. W.; .lames E. .Marshall, J. 
W. It hold its first meeting under the charter 
on the twenty-eighth of .luly, . at which time it 
installed all the alii)vo-namcd officers but Georgo 
Rogul and James E. .Marshall as Senior and Junior 



244 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



Wardens, tbcy having removed from thu jurisdiction 
of the lodge. In their stead, W. S. McLlcllau and 
T. K. .Moore were chosen and installed as Senior 
and Junior Wardens respectively. 

The membership has been small— the yearly 
average having been about twenty. The Grand 
Lodge Report of 1880 gives the number of mem- 
bers seventeen. 

Present officers-John N. Hill, W. M.; H. N- 
Fletcher, S. W.; Charles Ross, J. W.; T. V. Lawlor, 
Treasurer; James H. Hathaway, Secretary; John 
Trcgoning, S. D.; J. R. Jewell, J. D.; T. McArdle 
and J. H. Byers, Stewards; Joseph Y. J5rown, 

Tyler. 

Past Masters— T. F. Lawlor, W. S. .McLellan. 

Location, Palisade. Eureka County. Stated com- 
munications, second Saturday of each month. 

TUSC.\110RA LODOE, NO. 2L 

An organization of .Masons was established and 
maintained at Tuscarora for a period of six months 
before the Grand Lodge was asked to grant a dis- 
pensation for a regular body. But, upon applica- 
tion, a dispensation was granted on the twenty- 
seventh of February, LS78, and a lodge forthwith 
established in due form. 

Its first officers were James Z. Kelly, W. M.; 
W. T. Smith; S. W.; W. J. Hamilton, J. W.; A. R. 
Booth, Treasurer; T. R. Butler, Secretary; Charles 
Radcliff, S. D.; J. R. Homes, J. D.; J. M. Wood- 
worth and William .Martin, Stewards; W. H. 
Mitchell, Tyler; R. KHis, Marshal. 

On the twelflli of June, ISSO, a charter was issued 
the lodge, at which time the number of members 
was thirtj'-six. 

Financially it is in a flourishing condition, having 
lodge furniture, regalia, etc., of the value of §500, 
and though only about three years old as a lodge, 
has dispensed in charities 81,300. 

Present officers— James Z. Kelly, W. M.; Henry 
C. Garner, S. W.; William F. Jlichards, J. W.; John 
W. Powell, Treasurer; E. R. Boynton, Secretary; J. 
K. Williams, S. D.; William U.Chellon, J. I).; Robert 
Johnson and I). A. Gilchrist, Stewards; Henry Ben- 
nett, Tyler; Elijah S. Yeates, Past Master. 

Location, Tuscarora, l-'Jko County. Stated com- 
munications, third Saturday in each month. 

HOPE LODGK, U. D. 

The dispensation under which this lodge is work- 
ing; was granted on the soventcenth of July, 1880. 
Uy reason of its small membership at the last meet- 
ing of the Grand Lodge, no charter was issued, but 
the dis])ensation was continued for another year. 

It has but ten members. 

Officers— Sylvester B. Hinds, W. M.; John K. Hart, 
S. W.; Benjamin M. Hague, J. W.; Cliarles W. 
Mallett, Treasurer; Jjorin A. Parker, Secretary; 
Cassius H. Brown, S. I).; Miller Beach, J. 1).; Gran- 
ville L Leavitt and Robert \V. Saunders, Stewards; 
William T. Bunney, Tyler. 



Past Master— Sylvester Benton Hinds. 
Location, .Mason Valley, Esmeralda County. Stated 
communications, Tuesday of or preceding full moon. 

WARD .MASONIC ASSOCIATION. 

In December, 1S7C, there were among the people 
who had congregated in the vicinity of Ward, 
White Pino County, many Masons. It was seventy 
miles to the nearest lodge at Hamilton, and they 
therefore decided to form themselves into a .Masonic 
Association, which they did, and have maintained 
the organization ever since. 

There were forty organizing members. The num- 
ber was increased to fifty-two, but in IHSO there 
were only twenty Masons left to maintain the Asso- 
ciation. 

This Association dispensed about 81.200 for charit- 
able purposes, and now has property valued at 81(10. 

GRAND LODOE V. AND A. M. OF NEVADA. 

On the sixteenth of January, 18G5, a Convocation 
of Delegates from six Masonic Lodges, in this State, 
assembled at Virginia City, and in two days' ses- 
sion organized a Grand Lodge for Nevada, and 
adjourned. 

On the day of the adjournment, the seventeenth, 
the Grand Lodge convened at the same place, with 
the following officers presiding: — 

Joseph De Bell Grand ^Lister. 

George W. Bailey Deputy (Jrand iMaster. 

Henry B. Brady Senior Grand Warden. 

Richard T. JluUard Junior Grand Warden. 

Charles E. Olney Grand Treasurer. 

Charles H. Fish Grand Secretary. 

Benjamin F. Shakspear Senior Grand Deacon. 

William (i. Alban.. Junior Grand Deacon. 

E. Jackson Grand Tyler. 

After ordering new charters for all the lodges 
then in the State, with new numbers, and the trans- 
action of such other business as would bo incident 
to such a body, it adjourned on the eighteenth of 
January, having boon in communication for two days. 
The limits of this work will nut admit of a 
detailed history of the Order, and only a few i)rom- 
incnt events can be mentioned, among which the 
most important is the misfortune by fire that has 
pursued it. Three times in 1S75 the Order was 
visited l>y the fury of this ruthless deslroj'er. First, 
on the nineteenth of May, when the Masonic build- 
in" of Virginia City was burned, and with it most 
of the Grand Lodge Library. The several organiza- 
tions of Masons then moved to, and convened at, 
the Hall of the I. O. O. F.; but on the third of Sep- 
tember this building was nearly destroyed, and most 
of what had escaped before hecame food for the 
flames. On the twenty-sixth of October, still another 
seething wave swept 'over Virginia City that Ktl 
the city a smouldering bed of desolalion, and the 
Masonic bodies only saved the lands they hud on 
deposit in the fire-proof vaults of a bank. 




RESIDENCE AND RANCH OF D.H.DILLARD. ST.CLAIR.CHURCHILL CO. NEVADA. 



C»HSCN LAftE IN IHt OISI»NCt. 



ANCIENT ORDER OF F. AND A. M. 



245 



necauso of these misfbrtuiics the Grand Lodge 
did not meet tliat j'oar, and for a time there was no 
building in which a secret society could congregate. 
Out of this fact, and through the suggestion of J. B. 
Winters, the Masons decided to open and close a 
lodge on the summit of .Mount Davidson, which was 
done; a detailed account of which will be found in 
the history of V'^irginia Lodge, No. 3. 

On the twenly-tifth of January, ISOli, a number of 
Masons residing in Salt Lake City, Utah, petitioned 
the Grand Lodge of Nevada for a dispensation to 
establish an organization in that Territory. In pur- 
suance of this petition the Grand .Master, Joseph Do 
Bell, issued the authority to institute a lodge there, 
to bo known as 

MOINT MORIAII LODliE. 

In the instrument was named as officers: — 

J. W. Ellis Worshipful Master. 

W. G. Higbee . . -Senior Warden. 

W. L. Halsey Junior Warden. 

Before the dispensation issued, the applicants were 
required to give a pledge to admit no Mormons into 
the Order. 

Eventually the Utah bodj- desired to admit a mem- 
ber of that faith, and aj^iilying for permission to the 
Nevada Grand Lodge were denied the privilege. 

In 1,8G7 they petitioned for a charter upon condi- 
tion that the restriction as against that church was 
withdrawn by the Grand Lodge, which was refused, 
and the charter withheld. Upon receipt of this news 
they disbanded. 

This was the first ^Ma.sonic organization in I^tah, 
and the ruling that disbanded it has since been 
affirmed by the Grand Lodge of that Territory. 

EASTERN STAR CUAPTEKS. 

This is an Order of which only a Master Mason, 
or his wife, mother, widow, sister, or daughter can 
become members. It was first established in Franco 
in 1730, and in the United States at a much later 
date, where it flourished as a .Masonic side Degree 
or Adoptive Rite until 1855, when the Order of 
Eastern Star, as now conducted, was established. 

ELECTA CIIAPTEll, NO. 3. 

Wo have been able to get accounts of but two 
of these organizations in this State, of which Electa 
Chapter, No. 3, seems to have been first instituted. 
This Chapter is located at Austin, Lander County; 
was chartered May G, 1877, and the first officers 
were: — 

Fannie J. Work Worthy Matron. 

Matthew ]\. Scott Worthy Patron. 

Jhirtha Starratt Associate .Matron. 

Klvii-a II. Nichols Conductress. 

JIary lleanan Assistant Conductress. 

Elizabeth L. Work Treasurer. 

Andrew Nichols Secretary. 

Eli Mclntire, lleniy II. Cooper, Ch as. TajMor, Trustees. 

There were twenty-nine charter members, and 
the present mombership is 100. 
31 



The property of the organization consists of rega- 
lia, valued at 8100; cash, 8500. It has disbursed 
in charities about 8300. The jjresent officers are: — 

Clara Triplett. . Worthy .Matron. 

John R. Williamson Worthy Patron. 

Mary L. lleanan Assistant .Matron. 

Martha Starratt Conductress. 

Lizzie Dawley Assistant Conductress. 

Margaret Fames Treasurer. 

Fannie J. Work Secretary. 

Andrew Nichols, Thos. Triplett, Joel S. Bar- 
nard - - Trustees. 

FRIKNPSIIIP CHAPTER, NO. 1. 

Although this Chapter is numbered One, its date 
of organization, being .laniiaiy 20, 1880, is later than 
number Three. 

Its location is at Elko, in the county of that name, 
and the first officers were: — 

Mrs. ^larj' Jackson Worthj- Matron. 

W. A. Jackson Worthy Patron. 

Mrs. Rose Steel Assistant Worthy Matron. 

Mrs. S. J. Ellis - Treasurer. 

T. N. Stone - Secretary. 

Mrs. Lizzie Wines Conductress. 

Miss Cecelia Hunter Assistant Conductress. 

James Bruin Warder. 

G. W. Litton - Sentinel. 

There were sixteen persons iiame.l in the charter, 
and the present membership is twenty-nine. The 
present officers are the same as given above. 

SUBORDINATE CHAPTERS R. A. .MASONS OF NEVADA. 

As early as 18G3, when there had been but five 
Blue Lodges organized in the Territory of Nevada, 
a successful effort was made to institute a chapter. 

The movement was inaugurated by a ))etition to 
the Great Grand High Priest, asking authority to 
do so; the request being signed by a number of 
Royal Arch Masons in Carson City, resulted in the 
issuance of a dispensation, dated in May, 1803. 

LEWIS CHAPTER, NO. 1. 

The dispensation issued on the date as above, was 
from Dept. (i. G. High Priest, John L. Lewis, and 
gave authority to form a Chapter at Car.son City, 
Nevada, under the name of Lewis Chapter, No. 1, 
the following being named as the first officers: — 

George W. Hopkins High Priest 

John II. Wayman King 

Joseph Stewart Scribe 

At the same time a disjieiisatioii was issued for a 
cha])ter at Smyrna, in the empires of Turkey; and 
upon this coincidence, combined with llie additional 
fact that the Nevada Chapter had selected the name 
of the Dept. G. G. High Priest as its own, that 
officer in his report to the (ieneral (Jrand Chapter, 
in 1865, says: — 

The undersigned congrutiilates himself in having 
been instruinetitai, in the same work, in planting 
our standard in the distant Orient, and upon the 



246 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



golden shores of the Pacific, and spanned two con- 
tinents with our arch. 

For the gratifying compliment paid him jierson- 
ally b}' his esteemed companions in Nevada, in the 
selection of a name for their chapter, and thus 
connecting him, in imagination at least, with this 
gratifying result, he tenders his grateful thanks. 

A charter was issued to Lewis Chapter on the 
eighth of September, 18C5, by order of the General 
Grand Chapter at Columbus, Ohio. 

In 1874, it had a membership of sixty-six Royal 
Arch Masons, and in 1880, there was reported fifty- 
seven as being carried on the Chapter rolls. 

At present the officers are Horatio S. Mann, H. 
P.; Trenmor Coffin, K.; George Tuffly,. Scribe; John 
E. Cheney, C. of H.; Chas. N. Harris, P. S.; and 
Joseph Burlingame, R. A. Captain. 

VIRGINIA CHAPTER, NO. 2. 

The dispensation for this organization bears date 
of September 8, 1865, and was issued by the same 
body which authorized the formation of Chapter 
No. 1. 

The first officers named in the instrument are: — 

George \V. Hopkins High Priest. 

Samuel W. Chubbuck King- 
Samuel Owen Scribe. 

There were ton other charter members. 

The issuance of a charter was delaj-ed until Sep- 
tember 18, 1868. The membership reported in 1874 
was 113, but in 1880 had fallen to ninety-four. 

The present officers are: — 

Enoch Strother High Priest. 

Jacob Morris King. 

Joseph E. McDonald Scribe. 

Henry Rolfo *. C. of H. 

Charles De Witt McDuffie P. S. 

William Sutherland R. A. Captain. 

AUSTIN CHAPTER, NO. 3. 

In 1866, the Royal Arch Masons of Austin, in 
Lander County, by reason of their comparative 
isolation, petitioned for permission to organize a 
chapter at that place. A dispensation was granted 
them in October of that year, naming as officers: — 

De Witt C. McKenney High Priest. 

William W. Wixom . ..King. 

Henry Mayenbaum Scribe. 

There wore twenty-four other charter members. 

In September 1868, a charter was issued and the 
organization had only increased its membership to 
forty-seven in 1874. For a few succeeding years the 
membership was graduallj' lessened until the tide 
turned in 1878, and in 1880 fifty-one members were 
reported. 

The officers in the last-named year were as fol- 
lows: — 

John R. Williamson Uigb Priest. 

Albert F. Steinbuch King. 

Eli Mclntiro Scribe. 

Peter T. Farroll C. of H. 



Joel S. Barnard P. S. 

John Crowl It. A. Captain. 

WHITE PINE CHAPTER, NO. 4. 

The authority for the formation of this Masonic 
bodj' boars date January 10, 1871, and the organiza- 
tion took place on the ninth of the following month. 
Tho first officers were: — 

Thomas P. Hawley High Priest. 

William Timson King. 

Joseph Tyson Scribe. 

Fourteen in all constituting tho first membership. 

On the twentieth of September, of the same year, 
a charter was granted, and tho records show an even 
reasonable prosperity up to tho present time, when 
the report of 1880 gives the number of members as 
twenty-seven. 

Tho last officers reported in 1880 were: — 

William Timson High Priest. 

John R. Williamson King. 

Archibald Beaton Scribe. 

John C. Russell C. of H. 

Edward Raum P. S. 

Evan Harris R. A. Captain. 

ST. John's chapter, no. 5. 

In 1873 the Royal Arch Masons residing in Eu- 
reka petitioned the Great Grand Chapter for author- 
itj- to organize, and permission was granted them on' 
the tweiitj'-sixth of April of that year. 

The first officers were: — 

Samuel P. Kelloy High Priest. 

G. C. Robinson King. 

F. A. Belknap Scribe. 

Later in the same year tho Grand Chapter of Ne- 
vada was formed, which granted a charter to thia 
subordinate organization on the twenty-first of No- 
vember, all in 1873. 

The charter named as officers: — 

Samuel P. Kelley High Priest. 

David E. Baily King. 

F. A. Belknap Scribe. 

In 1874 the membership is given as thirty-six, and 
in 1880 as fifty-five. The chapter has met with 
financial misfortune in tho loss of all their properly 
in tho disastrous fire in Eureka on the nineteenth of 
April, 1879. 

The present officers, according to report of 1880, 
are: — 

Hiram Johnson High Priest 

Luke W. Thompson..*. King. 

John V. B. Perry Scribe. 

Arthur W. Atchinson C. of H. 

Jason S. Burlingame P. S. 

Daniel McKinnon R. A. Captain. 

keystone chapter, no. 6. 

This, like the White Pino Chapter of Hamilton, 
was working under a dispensation at tho time when 
the Grand Chapter was organized in Nevada. Tho 
dispensation, being dated on the twelfth of June, 
1873, authorized the forming of tho above Masonic 



ANCIENT ORDER OF F. AND A. M. 



247 



body at Pioche, Lincoln County, where it is located. 

The first officers were: — 

Martin \V. Kales... High Priest. 

A. A. Young King. 

G. R. Alexander Scribe. 

At the first meeting of the Grand Chapter of 
Nevada, a charter was given to Kej'.stono Chapter, 
No. 6, dated November 21, 1873, in which were named 
as officers: — 

E. D. L. Cutts High Priest. 

G. R. Alexander King. 

Thos. W. Abrams Scribe. 

This chapter has money on hand and property 
valued at Sl,r)00. It has disbursed for charitable 
purposes about 81,500. 

It started with fourteen members, increased that 
number to fifty, and now, in 1880, reports but twenty- 
three. The i)resent officers are: — 

Clinton H. Patchin High Priest. 

Gustavus R. Alexander King- 

Asbury A. Young vScribe. 

Henry S. Lubbuck .C. ofH. 

Mathew Rogers . P. S. 

Ephraim D. Turner R. A. Captain. 

RENO CHAPTER, NO. 7. 

A dispensation was granted for the organization 
of this body, March 1, 1875, by order of the Grand 
High Priest of Nevada. The name indicates its 
locality in Washoe Countj'. Its first officers were: — 

Frank Bell High Priest. 

Charles Knust King. 

Abraham H. Manning Scribe. 

Levi W. Leo C. of H. 

John Boyd P. S. 

Charles Courtois R. A. Captain. 

The Grand Chapter ordered a charter to be issued 
to this body on the twenty-third of November, 1876, 
and David E. Bailey, D. G. H. P. instituted the same 
and installed its officers on the fourth of January, 
1877. The first three officers named in the charter 
were the same as those given above. 

At present it has thirty-nine members, ton more 
than was given in the report of 1870. 

In 1880 the officers were: — 

Charles Knust High Priest. 

Rufus II. Kinney King. 

Granville VV. Huffakor. Scribe. 

F. J. Winchell.. C. of H. 

Mark Parish .• P. S. 

Thomas K. Ilymers R, A. Captain. 

GOLD II ILL CHAPTEU, NO. 8. 

By direction of the Grand Chapter a dispensation 
•was issued November 23, 187G, authorizing the insti- 
tuting of this chapter at Gold Hill, in Storoj' Count}'. 
In May, 1877, its rej)ort to the Grand ( "hapter gives 
the following named officers, who were probably the 
first filling those jtositions in that organization: — 
Samuel W. Chubbuck High Priest. 



George Robinson King. 

Benjamin Jl. Carrick Scribe. 

Willot C. Davis C. of H. 

James McAllister P. S. 

Andrew Ingrund R. A. Captain. 

The first three officers as above given, were also 
named to fill the same positions in the charter thai 
was issued on the fourteenth of June, 1877. Appar- 
ently this chapter has been the most j)rosperous of 
any of its order in the State, the increase of mem- 
bership having been rapid and continuous. From 
thirty-nine members in 1877, it has increased to sev- 
enty in 1880. 

The ])resent officers are: — 

Willet C. Davis High Priest. 

Byron I. Turman King. 

Patrick McCarthy Scribe. 

Thomas A Menary C. of H. 

A. B. C. Davis P. S. 

Peter C. King... R. A. Captain. 

GENERAL GRAND CHAPTER OP NEVADA. 

In the report of James A. Austin, Gen. G. H. P., 
made in 1871, occurs the following: — 

" In September, 18C9, I received a communication 
from the High Priest of Austin Chapter, No. 3, at 
Austin, Nevada, asking permission to form a Grand 
Chapter for that State. I replied that I would 
willingly grant such permission when I had received 
satisfactorj^ information that all claims standing in 
the books of the General Grand Chapter against the 
three chapters in the State had been fully paid, and 
that said chapters all united in- the petition for such 
permission. I soon ascertained, however, that Lewis 
Chapter, No. 1, at Carson City, had not been insti- 
tuted under the charter granted in 1805, and thai said 
charter had been lost in its transmission. 1 there- 
upon ordered the General (Jraiid Secretary to pre- 
])aro and forward a duplicate warrant. Under these 
circumstances, no further action has been had in the 
matter of said application." 

Josiah H. Drummoiul, (rcn. G. II. P., in 1874, 
refers to tliis subject as follows: — 

" On November 18, 1873, a convention of the 
High Priests, Kings, and Scribes of tlfe four char- 
tered chapters in Nevada, acting under a warrant 
from me, dated the first day of November, 1873, pro- 
ceeded to form the (Jrand Cha]>tor for the State of 
Nevada." 

At the time referred to above, the convention that 
had assembled at Virginia t^'ity organized the (Jeno- 
ral Grand Chajitor b}^ the appointment of the fol- 
lowing officers: — 

George Robinson (i. H. P. 

Edward D. L. Cutts D. G. H. P. 

David H. Baily G. K. 

John L. Robertson G. S. 

Andrew Nichols G. Sec. 

John C. Currie G. T. 

\V. A. M. Van Bokkelen G. C. H. 



248 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



On the twenty -first of the same month, the Grand 
Chapter convened for the first time, and the follow- 
ing gentlemen were chosen as officers for 1874: — 
Samuel C. Wright, of Lewis Chapter, No. 1, G. H. P.; 
John C.Currie, of Virginia Chapter, No. 2, D. G. H. P.; 
DeWitt C. McKenne}-, of Austin Chapter, No. 3,G. K.; 
William Timson, of White Pine Chapter, No. 4, G. S.; 
Samuel W. Chubbuck, of Virginia Chapter, No. 2, 
G. Sec; Horatio S. .Nlason, of Lewis Chapter, No. 1, 
G T.; Edward D. L. Cutts, of Keystone Chapter, 
No. 6, G. C. of H. 

The succeeding officers to date have been, in 
1875:— 

John C. Currie, of Virginia City G. il. P. 

DeWitt C. McKenney, of Austin ...D. G. H. P. 

Chauncey N. Noteware, of Carson City G. K. 

John L. llobertson, of Treasure City G. S. 

George W. Hopkins, of Virginia City G. T. 

Samuel W. Chubbuck, of Virginia City.. G. Sec. 

George liobinson, of Cold Hill - G. C. of H. 

Simon Davis, of Virginia City G. R. A. Capt. 

John D. Hammond, of Carson City G. C. 

E. J. Passmore, of Virginia City G. O. 

Elbert S. Rincaid, of Virginia City G. G. 

FOR THE VEAR 1876. 

DeWitt C. McKenney, of Austin G. H. P. 

Charles Martin, of Carson City D. G. H. P. 

David E. Baily, of Eureka G. K. 

George Robinson, of Gold Hill G. S. 

Enoch Strothcr, of Virginia City G. T. 

Samuel W. Chubbuck, of Gold Hill ...G. Sec. 

Frank Bell, of Reno - '.G. C. of H. 

Simon Davis, of Virginia G. R. A. Capt. 

John D. Hammond, of Carson City . . G. C. 

E. J. Passmore, of Virginia G. O. 

Elbert S. Kincaid, of Virginia G. G. 

FOR THE YEAR 1877. 

De Witt C. McKenney, of Austin. G. H. P. 

David E. Baily, of Eureka. D. G. H. P. 

Philip Seldiier, of Virginia G. K. 

Frank Boll, of Reno G. S. 

John C. Currie, of Virginia G. T. 

Samuel W. Chubbuck, of Gold Hill G. Sec. 

Willet C. Davis, of Gold Hill G. C. of H. 

Chas. J. R.-Biitiar, of Hamilton G. R. A. Capt. 

John J). llamTnoiul, of Carson City .G. C 

George N. Eolls, of Virginia G. O. 

Elbert S. Kincaid, of Virginia G. G. 

FOR THE YEAR 1878. 

J'hili|) Seldiier, ol' Virginia G. H. P. 

David E. Baily, of Kureka D. G. H. 1'. 

Frank Bell, of Reno G. K. 

Horatio S. Mason, of Carson City. . , . .G. S. 

Charles Kiiust, of Reno G. T. 

John D. ILinimond, of Carson City. 6. Sec. 

Treninor Coffin, of Carson City G. C. of H. 

Jonas Soely, of Virginia G. R. A. Capt. 

Samuel P. Kelley , of Carson G. C. 

George N. Eells, of Virginia G. O. 

Elbert S. Kincaid, of Virginia G. G. 



FOR THE YEAR 187'J. 

David E. Baily, of Eureka.. G. H. P. 

Frank Bell, of' Reno '. D. G. H. P. 

Horatio S. Mason, of Carson City G. K. 

Samuel W. Chubbuck. of Gold Hill G. S. 

Charles Knust, of Reno G. T. 

John D. Hammond, of Carson City.. G. Sec. 

Robert H. Elam, of Pioche G. C. of H. 

Hiram Johnson, of Eureka G. R. A. Capt. 

Samuel P. Kelley, of Austin . . G. C. 

George N. Eells, of Virginia G. 0. 

Elbert S. Kincaid, of Virginia G. G. 

FOR THE YEAR 1880. 

Frank Bell, of Reno. G. H. P. 

Chaunccj- N. Noteware, of Genoa D. G. H. P. 

Samuel W. Chubbuck, of Gold Hill G. K. 

William Timson, of Hamilton G. S. 

Charles Knust, of Reno G. T. 

John D. Hammond, of Carson City G. Sec. 

Byron I. Turman, of Gold Hill G. C. of H. 

Joseph E. McDonald, of Virginia G. R. A. Capt. 

William C. Gray, of Virginia G. C. 

(ieorge N. Eells, of Virginia G. O. 

Elbert S. Kincaid, of Virginia G. G. 

KNIGHTS TE.MPLAR. 

The Order of Knights Templar was introduced 
into the United States in 1808. Delegates from 
seven Encampments of Knights Templar and one 
Council of Red Cross, organized in New York City 
on the twentieth of June, 1816, and formed a Gen- 
eral Grand Encampment for the "United States. 
Hon. De Witt Clinton, of New York, was elected 
General Grand Master; and Thomas Smith Webb, 
of Boston, his Deputy. 

DE WITT CLINTON COMMANDERV, NO. 1. 

In September, 1866, the corner-stone of the United 
States Branch Mint of Carson City was laid under 
the auspices of the Masonic (frand Lodge of Nevada. 
A number of Sir Knights living within the State 
were invited by the Order to participate in the pro- 
ceedings; and at the close, upon consultation, it was 
decided to take the necessary steps for the forma- 
tion of a commandery at Virginia City. 

Jacob L. Van Rokkelon was selected to corresiiond 
with H. L. Palmer, (iraiid Master of the Grand En- 
campment of the United States of America, with a 
view of obtaining a dispensation. 

As a result of the correspondence that ensued a 
number of Sir Knights assembled at the Masonic 
Hall, in Virginia City, on the sixteenth of Decem- 
ber, 1866, and took the necessary stops for obtain- 
ing a dispensation, among which w:is the signing of 
a petition for the same, upon which appears the fol- 
lowing names: — 

Jacob L. Van Bokkclen. Horace M. Vosey, Henry 
G. Blasdel, Ansel S. Olin, of Calitbrnia Commandery, 
No. 1. 

John Prescott Smith, Nathaniel A. H. Ball, John 
C. Hampton, Daniel St. C. Stevens, Charles Forman, 



ANCIENT ORDER OF F. AND A. M. 



249 



Leonard X. FerriM, Jonah D. Treat, of Sacramento 
Comiuandory, 2S'o. 2, California. 

John C. Russell, of Pacific Commaiuk'ry. No. 8, 
California. 

John S. Kaneen, George W. Hopkins, of Nevada 
Commandery, No. C, California. 

Charles N. Cook, of El Dorado Commanderj-, No. 
4, California. 

Milton ilygatt, of Palestine Commandery, No. 2, 
Iowa Citj', Iowa. 

After the dispensation, bearing date February 4, 
18G7, had been received, the first assembly was 
held on the succeeding nineteenth of April, at which 
time the organization was coni))leto(l. 

The Sir Knights who acted as otticiais at this first 
meeting were: — 

Jacob L. Van Bokkelen Eminent Commander. 

John P. Smith Generalissimo. 

John C. Russell Captain General j)ro tern. 

Nathaniel A. H. Ball Prelate. 

Paniel St. C. Stevens Recorder ;>?-o (em. 

John C. Hampton Treasurer pro (em. 

Milton Mygatt Senior Warden pro tern. 

Charles AV. Cook. .... . .Junior ^Varden jn-o (em. 

George W. Hopkins Warder pro (em. 

Ansel S. Clin Sentinel. 

The first regular officers were the following, who 
served for 18(>7 and IStlS: — 

Jacob L. Van Bokkelen Eminent Commander. 

John P. Smith Generalissimo. 

John S. Kaneen _ Captain General. 

Nathaniel A. II. Ball Prelate. 

Milton Mygatt Senior Warden. 

Charles W. Cooke Junior Wai-den. 

John C. Hampton _ Treasurer. 

Daniel St. C. Stevens Recorder. 

Ansel S. Clin Standard Bearer. 

Charles Jones Sword Bearer. 

Jonah 1). Treat Warder. 

Klbert S. Kincaid Sentinel. 

This commander}- started with sixteen members. 
The tuimber was eventually increased to ninety-two, 
and at the present time there arc eighty-six. Its 
propertj' consists of a one-fourth interest in the 
Masonic Hail of Virginia City, and the paraphernalia. 

The Recorder reports that this commander}^ 
has disbursed in charities from S2(I,(I(I0 to SHO.dUd. 
The following is taken from a historic pam|)hlet, 
published by the organization, in regard to its own 
past up to 1S7(J: — 

On the nineteenth day of Maj , IS"."), the hall, 
occu])ied as an asj-luni, was consumed by fire, and 
jiart of the jiroperty of the commander}- destri)ye<l. 
The asylum was then, by the courtesy of the Sociely 
of Pioneers of Nevada, established in Pioneer Hall 
until the twenty-sixth day of October, .\. d. 1875, 
when that hall was also destroyed by fire, together 
with fully one-half of Virginia City. Tlie com- 
mandery had everything it owned burned at this 
time, with the exception of the charter, oilicers' 
jewels, and the report of a committee to prepare the 



by-laws herein contained, for publication, which 
were in the safe of the Eminent Commander. All 
the minutes, records, and account books, exce])ting 
that of the Treasurer, were destroyed, so that future 
generations will only know what was done by our 
commandery through the list of membershi]) and 
by-laws, contained in this little volume. The cos- 
tumes of ])robably two-thirds of the members were 
also destroyed. 

Our condition financially, as ascertained from the 
books of the Treasurer, is as follows; — 

Mortgage on Miller lot SI, 500 00 

Montgomery Ave. bonds, San Francisco.. 1,700 00 
Cash 2,138 0(t 

Total $5,338 00 

In 1880, the officers are: — 

Charles Forman Eminent Commander. 

George F. Ford Generali.ssimo. 

Robert H. McDonald Captain General. 

Hen ry Rolfe Prelate. 

Joseph II. Matthowson Senior Warden. 

Michael J. Henly Junior Warden. 

John C. Hampton Treasurer. 

John W. Eckley Recorder. 

Granville W. Huffaker Standard Bearer. 

Thos. K. Hymer Sword Bearer. 

Alexander T. Menary Warder. 

Elbert S. Kincaid Sentinel. 

EUREKA COM.MANDERY, NO. 2. 

This commandery having been recently formed 
has but little history. It was instituted in July, 
1880, under a dispensation from Vincent L. Hurlbut, 
Grand Master of Knights Templars of U. S., with the 
following officers: — 

H. H. Conklin Eminent Commander. 

W. H. Remington Generalissimo. 

W. W. Hobart Captain General. 

A. L. Fitzgerald Prelate. 

Matthew Kyle Senior Warden. 

H. Sadler Junior Warden. 

A. Boungard Warder. 

F. E. Baker Recorder. 

The Grand Encamjiment of Knights Teii)])lars, V. 
S. A., granted a charter to Eureka Commandery, No. 
2, August 19, 1880. 

The present officers are: — 

H. H. Conklin Eminent Commander, 

W. H. Remington . . Generalissimo. 

W. W. llobart Captain General. 

A. L. Fitzgerald Prelate. 

Matthew Kyle Senior Warden. 

R. Sadler Junior Warden. 

II. Johnson Treasurer. 

K. E. Baker -. Hecorder. 

J. 1!. Kendall Standard Bearer. 

L. P. Anderson Sword Hearer. 

A. Boungard Warder. 

SILVER I.OIXiE OF I'EHFEOTION, SCOTTISH KITE, NO. 1. 

This society was organized in Virginia, Storey 
County, on the twenty-third of April, 1874. 



250 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



Its first officers were Hcniy St. George Hopkins, 
T. P. G. W.; Phillip Seldner, S. G. W ; Stephen H. 
Goddard, J. G. "\V. ; John W. Van Zant, G. O. ; Michael 
J. Henly, G. A.; J. C. Hamj.ton, G. T.; Charles E. 
Davis, G. G.; J. B. Pichford, M. of C; James A. 
Maynard, G. G. E. 

The present officers are Phillip Seldner. T. P. G. 
W.; ilichaelj. Henly, S. G. \V.; Stephen H. God- 
dard, J. G. W.; John W. Van Zant, G. 0.; \V. W. 
Filkins, G. A.; E. J. Pasmore. G. S.; J. C. Hampton, 
G. T.; J. H. Matthewson, G. M. C. 

Its total membership since organizing embraces 
about 100 names. 

The lodge has lost by fire about 83,000. Its prop- 
erty is estimated to be worth 8500. Its financial con- 
dition at present is embarrassed. 



CHAPTER X X X 1 II . 
INDEPENDENT ORDER OF ODD FELLOWS. 

Odd FelloH-ship in the two Hemispheres — Washington Lodge, 
No. 1— The Order in 1S7S— VVildey Loilge, No. 1— SilverCity 
Lodge, No. 2 — Mount Davidson Lodge, No. 3 — Carson 
Lodge, Xo. 4 — Dayton Lodge, No. 5 — Esmeralda Lodge, No. 
6 — Nevada Lodge, No. 7 — Waslioe Lodge, No. S — Austin 
Lodge, No. 9 — Virginia Lotlge, No. 10 — Alpha Lodge, No- II 
— Olive Branch I^odge, No. 12— Parker Lodge, Xo. IS — 
Truckee Lodge, Xo. 14 — Genoa Lodge, X'o. 15 — Humboldt 
Lodge, X"o. 10 — Hamilton Lodge, X'o. 17 — Elko Lodge, 
No. 18 — Reno Lodge, No. 19 — Capitol Ix>dgc, No. 20 — Buena 
Vista Lodge, No. 21 — Eureka Lodge, No. 22 — Pioche Lodge, 
No. 23 — iSlmont Lodge, No. 24 — Paradise Lodge, No. 25 — 
Palisade Lodge, No. 26 — Mountain Lodge, No. 27— Tybo 
Lodge, No. 28 — Cornucopia Lodge, No. 29 — Tuscarora Lodge, 
No. 30 — Battle Mountain Lodge, No. 31 — Crantsville Odd 
Fellows' Association — Cherry Creek Odd Fellows' Associa- 
tion — Table Showing Location, Strength and Charities of 
the Indepeniient Order of Odd Fellows — ( I rand I»dge of 
Nevada — Encampments, Indeiiemlent Order of Odd Feflow.s 
— Pioneer Encampment, No. 1 — Carson Encampment, No. 
2 — Piute Encampment, No. 3 — Keese River Encampment, 
No. 4 — Reno Encampment, No. 5 — Ciarden Valley Encamp- 
ment, No. fi — Silver .Star Encamimient, No. 7 — Mount Ver- 
non Encampment, No. 8 — Elko Encampment, No. 9 — Bul- 
lion Encampment, No. 10 — Reports for the Year Ending 
December 31, 1879 — iJrand Encampment of Nevada — Report 
of the Grand Encampment. 

The Independent Order of Odd Fellows, as it at 
present exists throughout the world is an American 
institution of the present century, although the 
Order of Odd Fellows existed in England long ante- 
rior to the orgiinizution in this country. The object 
of the early English organizations appeared to be 
more for convivialit}- than benevolence and the 
advancement of the social condition.' The membei's 
recognized each other in a way mysterious to the 
public, and acted so singularlj- that they were given 
the name of " odd fellows," which long usage made 
the name of the society. In the early part of this 
century Thomas VVildey emigrated from England to 
this country. He had belonged to an Odd Fellows 
Lodge in his native land, and desired to institute a 
similar association in the land of his adoption. For 
this purpose ho ap]ilied for the proper authority from 
the organization he had left, but failed to get it. He 
therefore determined to proceed independently, and, 



then a resident of Baltimore, Marj-land, advertised 
in the papers of that city for any members of the 
Order to meet at a public house in Baltimore, known 
as the '• Seven Stars." Pursuant to that notice, there 
met on the twenty-sixth day of April, 1819, five 
persons, to wit, Thomas VVildey, John Welch, John 
Duncan, John Cheathem and Richard Rushworth, 
and thereon that day organized the "Independent 
Order of Odd Fellows," distinguishing it from the 
" Order of Odd Fellows " of England, being organized 
without a charter or dispensation from any grand or 
older organization. 

With the expanded ideas and nobler aspirations 
that seem to inspire all people as thej- are trans- 
planted to the free soil and free institutions of the 
Great Republic, so did the founders of Odd Fellow- 
ship in America view the greater field, and prepared 
their institution for a wider and nobler scope, with 
'• Faith, Hope and Charity " as its watchwords. 
VV'ith the organization of the Order, at the same 
time and place, was organized 

WASHINGTON LODGE, NO. 1. 

This was a worthy name for the first lodge of that 
Order that was to be in the great future, first in 
love, first in charity, and first in cementing the broth- 
erhood of man. The officers and members of this 
lodge were Thomas Wildey, N. G.; John Welch, V. 
G.; John Duncan, John Cheathem and Richard Rush- 
worth. This was a small beginning, its survival was 
doubtful, and the full scope of its object and powers 
not fully comprehended. For many years the 
growth was slow, but the foundation was solid, the 
object noble, the association fraternal, and the bene- 
fits so real, tangible, and substantial, that when it 
became fully known, the prejudice against secret 
orders removed, then the growth was rapid, until 
now the membership has grown to half a million 
men, and its charities have called for over 827,000,- 
000. The halls, lodges, encampments and libraries 
are in every town of importance in the land, and its 
charities are everywhere. 

In 1821 a convention was held in the same city on 
the seventh of February, for the purpose of forming 
a Grand Lodge, that, because of some obstructions, 
failed to produce the desired result until the ensuing 
twenty-second of May, when that old pioneer lodge 
surrendered its charter and received one from the 
" Duke of York Lodge of England," and became 
subordinate to the general head in America. 

The Grand Lodge of the United States was 
formed February 22, 1S25, at which there were but 
nine subordinates on the continent; and in 1828 
the number of the Order was first stated, there 
being given at the time but SOS as the result of a 
growth of nine years. Ten years later the total 
amount paid out for relief of members that year was 
84,505.85. 

From such a beginning has developed that grand 
beneficiary influence among men, the magnitude of 



INDEPENDENT ORDER OF ODD FELLOWS. 



251 



which pan best bo realized by jrlaiicinij at the sub- 
joined statistics, compiled from re])<irtM of j^rand and 
subordinate bodies, under the jurisdiction of the 
Grand Lodge: — 

THE ORDER IN 1878. 

Grand Lodges.. ... 50 

Subordinate Lodges 6,975 

Eebekah Degree Lodges TM 

Grand Kncampments ,. 89 

Subordinate Kncani])mont8 1,863 

Lodge Initiations 33,860 

Lodge .Members 442,291 

Encampment Members 82,408 

Eelief l.y Lodges 81 .553,726 70 

Relief b}' Kncam])ment8 177,18(1 69 

Relief by itebekah Lodges 9,498 29 

Total Relief 1 ,740,4(15 68 

Revenue of Lodges 3,814,126 98 

Revenue of Encampments 415,934 22 

Revenue of Rebckah Lodges 36,925 32 

Total Jfevenuc 4,266,986 52 

The following is an exhibit of the operations of 
the entire Order, including Australia, Germany, 
etc.: — 

FROM 1830 TO DECEMBER 31, 1878. 

Initiations 1,094,965 

Members relieved 859,126 

Widowed families relieved 115,127 

Members deceased 81,648 

Present membership 450,238 

Total relief §27,468,286 36 

Total receipts 73,504,918 00 

ODD FELLOWS LODGES IN NEV-AD-A.. 

The first organization of Odd Fellows in Nevada 
was at Gold Hill, Storey County, April 1, 1862, and 
it was given the name of Wildey Lodge, No. 1. 
The charter members were Levi Hite, Peter Meyer, 
VV. W. Shelly, J. Pfoutz, Michael Schwartz, O. East- 
man, J. W. Phillips, VVm. 11. Beegan, H. C. Jacob- 
son, A. B. Eider, John Lambert and D. Van Vran- 
ken. Bro. J. W. Phillips was elected N. G. ; J. 
Pfoutz, V. G.; and W. 11. Beegan, Secretary. The 
present officei-s, 1881, are John F. Iluss, N. G; Sam- 
uel Dowling, V. G.; Thomas. \V. Booth, R. S.; \Vm. 
Mercer, Treasurer. 

Silver City Lodge, No. 2, was instituted on 
April 14, 1S(;2, with Broi. P. J. H. Smith, Kas- 
])er Haupt, William (i. Blakeloy, R. C. O'Neill and 
Francis McMahan as charter members. [No report 
of present officers in (irand Lodge Pejjort for 18S1.] 

Mount Davidson J>o<lge, No. 3, was instituted 
at Virginia City, on April 22, 1862, with Bros. 
Erastus Bond, P. (r., Adolplic Philli])son, John 
Steele, P. G., M. Holmes, P. G., J. W. Noyes, P. G., 
W. B. Hull and H. J. Witto as charter members. 
The present officers, 1881, are William 11. Kent, N. 
G.; G. B. Joy, V. G.; William Kimball, U. S.; J. W. 
Noyes, Treasurer. 

Carson Lodge, No. 4, Carson Citj-, was instituted 
on April 25, 1862, with Bros. D. B. Woolf, E. 
B. Rail, J. 11. Wayman, Eli Harkely, Jacob W. 
Uest, B. F. Clark, Morris Bick, Joseph .Mandlebaum 
William D. Noland, F. W. Blake, John Wagner and 



F. A. Tritle as charter members. The present offi- 
cers, 1S81, are A. .M. .Mct'abe, N. G.; David Suther- 
land, V. (i.; J. L. Beam, R. S.; George Tufly, Treas.; 
TI. II. Benco, P. S. 

Dayton Lodge. No. 5, Dayton, was instituted 
June 2, 1863, and had as charter members R. B. Mc- 
Connell, Levi Lamb, Ira G. Harlan, J. B. Brazelton, 
D. C. McQuilty, Timothy .Madden, William Haydon 
and J. E. Sabine. The present officers, 1881, are 
Samuel Stevenson,' N. G.; II. T. Beale, V. G.; J. A. 
Bonham, R. S. ; ^I. L. Johnson, Treasurer. 

Esmeralda Lodge, No. 6, Aurora, was instituted- 
September 16, lSt)3, with Bros. John Fisher, William 
Eichelroth, M. Schwartz, Geo. O. Kies, John W. 
Riens, J. \V . Simpson, Charles Cardinell, E. P. Davis 
and F. Lambert as charter members. John Fisher 
was elected N. G.; Wm. Eichelroth, V. G; Geo. O. 
Kies, R. S.; M. Schwartz, P. S., and John W. Riens 
Treas. The present officers, 1S81, are G. H. Hatch, 
N. G.; George W. Deyo, V. G.; John H. Poor, R. S.; 
D. J. Lewis, Treasurer. 

Nevada Lodge, No. 7, Virginia, was instituted 
January 15, 1864, with Bros. D. B. Woolf, D. M. 
Love, Thomas Ileffron, Martin AVhite, John A. ^Ic- 
Quaid, Isaac Pforshiemer, Jacob Feldberg, Frank 
Denver, R. M. Black and Charles .M. Cornell as 
charter members. The present ofKcers, 1881, are 
Harry Block, N. (;.; J. K. Stephens, V. G; L. Loben- 
stein, R. S.; R. T. Brodok, Treasurer. 

Washoe Lodge, No. 8, Washoe, was instituted 
January 18, 1864, with Jacob Stark, Hiram Bar- 
ton, Louis Wertheimer, Wm. M. Bradley, Thomas H. 
McGrath and C. A. Gibson as charter membei-s. 
The present officers, 1881, are J. N. Barstow, N. G.; 
A. McClelland, V. G.; Nat Holmes, R. S.; A. Sauers, 
Treasurer. 

Austin Lodge, No. 9, Austin, was instituted Janu- 
ary 23, 1864, with J. II. Crane, Frank V. Drake, N. 
R. Davis, A. D. Rock and E. X. Willard as charter 
members. It is the successor to an Odd Fellows 
Association, organized J)ecemhor 12, 1863, with D. 
W. Welt}' for President, and Frank V. Drake, Secre- 
tary. The present officers, 1881, are Charles Currelley, 
N. G.; A. D. Burchficld.V. G,; Charles Lund, H.S.; 
William H. Clark Treasurer. 

Virginia Lodge, No. 10, Virginia, was instituted 
May 18, 1865, with Erastus Bond, P. (J.-, F. B. Smith, 
P. G., W. L. Donation, P. G., 1). M. Love, P. G., 
John S. Kaneen, 10. W. Haines, Wm. Doolin, ('. M. 
Brown, James Steele, Cornelius Finley, tJeorge C. 
Burnett, (Jeorge Downey, Josiah Ivirle, J. H. Rennie 
and J. G. Farrington, charter members. John S. 
Kaneen was elected N. G.; E. W. Haines, V. G., 
Erastus Bond, R. S. ; James B. Ronnie, P. S., and D. 
M. Love, Treas. The ])rcsent officers, ISSl, are A. 
A. Wills, N. G.; C. E. .Mack, V. G.; B. F. Wallace, H. 
S.; J. C. Smith, Treasurer. 

Alpha Lodge, No. II, .\ustin. March 11, 1867, with 
Joseph Fvans, P. Do C'ook. Edward Hudson, |)aniel 
Bowman, William J. Blake, J. W. Goetchus and J. 



252 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



Marchant as charter members. SuiTendered its 
charter in 1871. 

Olive Branch Lodge, No. 12, Virginia, April 4, 1867, 
with C. M. Cornell, H. S. Winn, W. 11. Virden, A. 
AVilliams. J. B. SafTord, 11. Somers, James Estep, R. 
M. Black, Biiri Callaghan. James h. Durant, Mark 
Collins. Thomas Cowin and John Cowin as charter 
members. The present officers, 1881, are J. J. Don- 
worth, X. G.; S. F. Carter, V. G.; W. 0. Gray, R. S.; 
W. J. Luke, Treasurer. 

Parker Lodge, No. 13, Gold Hill, was instituted 
October 8, 18G8, with W. H. Dolman, P. G., G. 
Stockle, D. Young. J. F. Parks, P. G., Edward 
Schaefer, S. E. IL Spurling, John Nelson, and II. 
Motze, charter members. W. II. Ilolman, P. G., 
was elected N. G.; John Nelson, V. G.; S. E. H. 
Spurling, R. S.; Edward Schaefer, P. S.; G Stockle, 
Treasurer. The present officers, 1881, are Charles 
Lanthier, N. G.; Louis Parent, V. G.; Adam Baird, 
R. S.; Conrad llaub. Treasurer. 

Truckee Lodge, No. 14, Reno, was instituted Octo- 
ber 28, 1808, with B. F. Ingram, John Borland, D. 
Lachman, T. F. Lewis, T. P. Sikes, \V. L. lludnall, 
and Geo. W. Cunningham as charter members. The 
present officers, 1881, are H. Brown, N. G.; R. S. 
Osburn, V. G.; F. C. Updyke, R. S.; J. GraflF, Treas- 
urer; G. Cunningham, P. S. 

Genoa Lodge, No. 15, Genoa, was instituted De- 
cember 23, 1868, with the following-named brothers, 
as officers: L. S. (ireenlaw, N. (i.; Joseph Kilpat- 
rick, V. tr. ; Joseph Martin, Secretary, and I. W. 
Duncan, Treasurer. (The Committee preparing the 
history failed, after repeated efforts, to obtain the 
names of the charter members.) The present officers, 
1881, are J. T. Williams, N. G.; R. W. Vansickle, 
V. G.; Philip Clarke, R. S.; A. Livingston, Treasurer. 

Humboldt Lodge, No. 16, Winnemucca, was insti- 
tuted August 29, 1869, with the following charter 
members: James E. Sabine, P. G. R., T. W. Le(Jren, 
P. G., T. V. Jnlien, Joseph Barnes, Charles F. .Moel- 
ler, C. Haupt, James llunkins. The present officers, 
1881, are Jonathan Fulton, N. (i.; Christ Bachtold, 
V. G.; W. Perkins, R. S.; F. Naramore, Treasurer. 

Hamilton Lodge, No. 17, Hamilton, was instituted 
April 26, 1870, with J. B. Dayton, P. G.: J. T. Mat- 
thewson, P. G., J. O. Darrow, John Marchant, J. W. 
Simpson, and R. Sadler, charter members. John 
.Marchant was elected N. (i.; J. B. Dayton, V. G.; 
R. Sadler, R. S.; J. T. Matthewson, Treasurer. The 
present officers, 1881, are S. S. Woodin, N. (J.; Wm. 
Reedy, V. G.; II. Bush, R. S.; C. A. Mathewson, 
Treasurer. 

Elko Lodge, No. 18, Elko, was instituted October 
1ft, 187(1, with A. J. Clark, J. B. Fitch, T. C. Keiiyon, 
F. A. Rogers,' Elijah S. Yeates, John Ainly, C. B. 
John.s, W. A. Harvey, charter members; E. S. Yeates, 
was elected N. G.; F. A. Rogers, V. G.; W. A. Har- 
vey, R. and P. S.; A. J. Clark, Treasurer. The pres- 
ent officers, 1881, are J. P. Edoff, N. G.; E. Burner, 
V. G.; 0. E. Green, E. S.; Walter Chase, Treasurer, i 



Reno Lodge, No. 19, Reno, was instituted May 18, 
1871, with Dan H. Pine, J. S. Sellers, Donald Mc- 
Kay, Will T. Frank, P. B.Comstock. John Harwood, 
N. J. Roff, Thomas Forbes, D. C. Martin, H. P. 
Cowles, N. C. Kenney, and Robert Harrison. N. C. 
Kenney was elected N. (i.; Dan H. Pine, V. G.; W. 
T. P>ank, R. S.; H. P. Cowles, P. S.; David Martin, 
Treasurer. The present officers, 1881, are J. M. 
Fianigan, N. G.; A. Ljman, V. G.; R. F. Hoy, R.S.; 
J. S. Shoemaker, Treasurer; T. E. Tibbetts, P. S. 

Capitol Lodge, No. 20, Carson, was instituted July 
28, 1871, with William D. Torreyson, J. II. Connor, 
C. H. Maish. J. I). Minor, John Trap, D. G. Kitz- 
meyer, J. A. Risdon, G. W. Chedic, J. W. Waters, J. 
W. Robinson, G. W. White, and N. MeD. Kennedy, 
as charter members. D. G. Kitzmeyer, was elected 
N. G.; J. W. Robinson, V. G.; J. D. Minor, R. S.; 
W. D. Torreyson, Treasurer. The present officers, 
1881, are Charles H.Jones, N. G.; John D. Kersey, 
V. G.; Geo. W. Chedic, R. S.; D. G. Kitzmeyer, 
Treasurer. 

Buena Vi.sta Lodge, No. 21, Unionville, was insti- 
tuted October 26, 1871. with S. S. Grass, E. 1). Kelly, 
F. X. Banks, H. A. Waldo, James McCormick, O. R. 
Leonard, and John W. Tyler, as charter members. 
E. D. Kelly, N. G.; F. X. Banks, V. G.; H. A. Waldo, 
R. S.; A. J. Davis. Treasurer. The present officers, 
1881, are D. AV. Johnson, N. G.; John McClure, V. 
G.; F. X. Banks, R. S.; T. J. Hadley, Treasurer. 

Eureka Lodge, No. 22, Eureka, was instituted 
March 14, 1872, with Michael Borowsky, Marquis 
Levy, William Head, E. L. Willard, A. Charson, O. 
Peterson, Paul Kej'ser, Charles G. Hubbard. Q. 
Waidhass, Charles Goll, N. Raffaelovich, William 
Emery, Solomon Aschiem, S. Ridge, M. Fredenburg, 
W. A. Seaton, Samuel Goldstone, E. E. Phillips, 
Edward Schaeffer, Jonathan H. Haslam, and James 
Stewart, as charter members. The present officers, 
1881, are G. W. Douglass, N. G.; Daniel Hastings, 
V. G.; William 11. Davenport, R. S.; Morris Calisher, 
Treasurer. 

Pioche Lodge, No. 23, Pioche, was instituted Sep- 
tember 10, 1872, with J. W. AVright, P. G., E. M. 
Crane, P. G., II. M. Barnes, Harvey Boone, Edward 
Willet, A. Brown, and J. ]{. James, charter mem. 
bers. The present officers, 1881, are R. J. Gordon, 
N. G.; C. M. Hopkins, V. G.; Joseph W. Griffin, R. 
S.; D. A. Fulks, Treasurer. 

Belmont Lodge, No. 24, Belmont, was instituted 
March 5, 1873, with W. S. McCornick, P. (i., Joseph 
Cornelius, P. G., R. N. Oliver, Samuel Black, J. II. 
Hatch, Thomas Warburton, Josiah Burnett, charter 
members. The present officers, 1881, are S. Fergu- 
son, N. G.; J. A. Ohiander, V. G.; A. M. Hawkins, 
R. S.; W. Garrard, Treasurer. 

Paradise Lodge, No. 25, Paradise Valley, was 
instituted October 17, 1873, with R. II. Scott, P, G,, 
Theodore Shiriey, R, F. James, B. F. Riley, T. Mul- 
lineaux, F. Bauman, charter members. T. Shirley 
was elected N. G.; R. F. James, V. G.; B. F. Riley, 



INDEPENDENT ORDER OF ODD FELLOWS. 



253 



Ji. S.; T. I^Iiillineaux, Treasurer. The present offi- 
cers, 1881, are I!. II. Scolt. N. C; W . A. Spcrry, V. 
G.; J. B. Case, K. S.; B..!!. Luther, Treasurer. 

Palisade TiOdge, No. 20, Palisade, was instituted 
April 1:5, 1874, with J. B. Tolley, J. Marehaiit, J. 
Talbott, J. C. Wilkinson, J. B. llosbur<f, C. Zimmer- 
man, W. S. Evans, D. L. Davis, and \V. X. Rabbits, 
charter members. J. Marehant was elected N. CI.; 
W. S. Evans, V. G.; J. C. Wilkinson, R. P. S.; C. 
Zimmerman, Treasurer. The present officers, 1881, 
are A. S. Longley, N. G.; T. R. Jewell, V. G.; J. 
.Marehant, R. S.; E. M. Baum, Treasurer. 

.Mountain Lodge, No. 27, Eureka, was instituted 
May 11, 1875, with C. G. Hubbard, P. G., N. Simon- 
son, Julius Beese, Peter Wagner, T. J. White, R. A. 
Doak, and James Hunkins, charter members. N. 
Simonson was elected N. G.; T. J. White, V. G.; C. 
G, Ilul.hard, R. S.; P. Wagner. P. S.; Julius Beese, 
Treasurer. The present officers, 1881, are J. L. 
Smith, N. G.; J. Straus, V. G.; W. S. Beard, E. S.; 
W. J. Smith. Treasurer; A. J. Dunn, P. S. 

Tybo Lodge, No. 28, of Tybo, Nye County, was 
instituted April 17, 1877, with the following named 
charter members: Simon Rosenthal, John (Jregovich, 
John Whoatley, J. I>. Page, David O'Niel, Richard 
Wheatley, J. S. Hammond, D. B. Austin, William 
Wheatley, R. N. Oliver, and J. T. Walker. The 
present officers, 1881, are A. JlcPhail, N. G.; W. 
Hrougher, V. G.; C. B. Strieberger, R. S.; J. A. 
McPhail, Treasurer. 

An Odd Fellows Association was formed in Tybo 
in December, 1870, of which J. S. Hammond was 
President; W. C. Reveal, Secretarj-; and S. Rosen- 
thal, Treasurer. A hall was built by the organiza- 
tion of brick. I.')x00 feet, at a cost of S:!,0(i(i, which 
was taken and paid for by the lodge after it was 
instituted in 1877, and the association disbanded. 

C'ornucopia Lodge, No. 29, of Cornucopia, Elko 
County, was instituted May 31, 1877, with D. 
Meacham, M. Tobias, A. S. Eiscnberg, W. W. Ilogers, 
S. L. Stark, and W. T. Early as charter members. 
The present officers, 1881, are J. B. Ringgold, N. G. ; 
Jacob Eggers, V. (r.; Samuel Mooser, R. S.; Wm. 
Grafton, Treasurer. 

Tuscarora Lodge, No. .SO, of Tuscarora, I-;iko 
County, was instituted Juno 7, 1878, with charter 
members as follows: E. S. Yeates, P. G., George W. 
Pliillil)s, P. G., A. D. Ayci-s, P. G., A. P. Adams, D. 
B. Higgins, Ticonard Curr}-, Martin Tiffany, P. (J., 
and A. D. Walsh. The following are the officers for 
the first term : Noble Grand, E. S. Yeates; Vice 
Grand, (ieorge W. Phillips; Secretary, .Martin Titf- 
any; Treasurer, A. D. Ayers. The present officers, 
1881, are James Bennetts, N. G.; L. H. Curry, V. G.; 
Elijah S. Yeates, R. S. ; John Jenkins, Treasurer. 

About one year previous to organization an asso- 
ciation of Odd Fellows was formed for the relief of 
distressed members of the Onler. and lor mutual 
benefit. 

Battle Mountain Lodge, No. 31, of Battle Mount- 
32 



ain. Lander County, was instituted on the nine- 
teenth of March, 1S71(. The following named jiarties 
were the charter members: ilobert McHeth, John 
•McWilliams, Joseph Bachelder, Frank Northway, 
P. T. .Mackrow and A. D. Leniaire. The present 
officers, 1881, are Lemuel Egotf, N. G.; F. .M. Spo- 
nogles, V. G.; A. D. Lemaire, R. S.; H. F. Hradshaw, 
Treasurer. 

Grantsvillo Odd Fellows Association of tirantsville, 
Nye County, was instituted November 17, 1878. 
There being no lodge of the Order of Odd Fellows 
nearer than Austin, Lander County, this associa- 
tion was formed for the ])ur])ose of looking after 
and caring for the sick of the Order, the first officers 
were John Irvine, President; R.L.Thomas, Secre- 
tary; and A. J. Fraidclin, Treasurer. The largest 
number of members at any one time was fifteen ; 
present membership ten. The financial condition of 
the organization is good. The present officers are 
E. O. Vaughn. President; A. J. l-'rankliti. Secretary 
and Treasurer. 

Cherry Creek Odd Fellows Association of Cherry 
Creek, White Pine Countj^, was organized in March, 
1880, with the following named gentlemen for the 
first officers: Dr. J. H. Tofibrd, President; E. K. 
Phipps, Secretary; Jacob Weber, Treasurer. 

There were twenty-two organizing members. The 
association was the outgrowth of a desire upon 
the part of the numerous members of the Order 
who lived in that vicinity to be able to render sub- 
stantial assistance to any of their unfortunate associ- 
ates, the nearest regular lodge being at Hamilton, 
sixty-five miles away. The association have, besides 
their organization property,' a cemetery for the 
interment of deceased members of the Order. 

SUBOUniNATE ENCAMl'MENT, I. O. 0. F. 

The first six Encampments instituted in Nevada 
were organized under authority' from the Grand 
Encami)ment of California. No. 7 was authorized 
by the Sovereign Grand Lodge, and the remaining 
three b}' the (irand Encampment of Nevada. 

Pioneer Encampment, No. 1, was instituted in Vir- 
ginia City, Nevada, on the seventeenth of July, 1804 
the following being the charter members: D. B. 
Woolf, Isaac Pforzheimer, Erastus Bond, Warren 
Heaton, Frank Seely, James L. Durant, John S. 
Kaneen. The officers for 1881 are W. W Booher, 
C. P.; William Kimball, II. P.; John Dunn, S. W.; 
J. G. Farrington, S.; J. C. Smith, Treasurer; J. 
S. Smith, J. W. 

Carson Encampment, No. 2, was instituted in Car- 
son City on the eighteenth of November, 1807, with 
the following gentlemen as charter members and 
first officers: A. Wailz, C. P.; John S. Vandyke, H. 
P.; W. D. Torreyson, S. W.; Abraham Curry, J. W.; 
George Tufly, T.; D. B. Boyd, S.; A. M. Clark. 
The officers for 1881 are D. G. Kitzmeyer, C. P.; 
G. F. Vanderhyde, H. P.; George W. Bryant, S. W.; 
G. W. Chedic,S.; George Tufly, Treasurer; Alexander 
Leport, J. W. 



254 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



Piute Encampment, No. 3, -was int^tituted in Vir- 
ginia City, on the twentieth of February, ISGT, and 
the following were its charter members: I). M. 
Love, ( '. Suttorlej-, C. Finlcy. Samuel Rosener, George 
T. Finn, John A. .A[och, George Downey, ('. J. Collins. 
The oflficers for 1881 are Charles Lanthier, C. P.; 
Thomas S. Stephens, H. P.; Samuel Bennetts, S. W.; 
T. W. Booth, S.; H. O. L)auehy, Treasurer; Gordon 
Grant, J. W. 

Reese River Encampment, No. 4, was instituted 
at Austin, in Lander Countj-, on the nineteenth of 
November, 1869. There were seven charter mem- 
bers, and the following-named persons were the first 
officers: F. V. Brake, C. P.; W. A. Rankin, IL P.; 
Henry Barter, S. W.; H. Van Winkle, J. \V.; L. 
Steiner, S.; T. Obenfelder, T. 

The following extract from the reports of the Grand 
Encampment of Nevada, in 1878, was adopted, and 
tells its own tale: — 

AMENDED REPORT OF COM.MITTEE ON I'ETITIONS. 

To the R. W. Grand Encampvient, I. 0. 0. F., of the State 

of Nevada : 

Your Committee on Petitions, to whom was re- 
fen-ed back the report relative to the petition for a 
charter of Prometheus Encampment, No. 4, with in- 
structions to amend their former report, beg leave 
to submit the following: — 

Beno/rei/, That a new charter bo granted to the 
following named Patriarchs: R. L. Horton, Charles 
Lund, .M. ('. McGluniion, James M Rooker, W. H. 
Clark. Jefterson Hull, and A. Sower, for the resus- 
citation of Reese Jtiver Encampment, No. 4, to be 
held at Austin, Nevada, in the stead of a charter to 
the said Patriarchs, to be known as Prometheus 
Encampment, No. 4, as prayed for in the petition; 
and further, that the books, regalia, and other ])rop- 
erty formerly belonging to IJeese River Encamp- 
ment, No. 4, be restored to said Patriarchs as the 
property of the newly restored Encampment. 

\V. H. ViRDEN, 

Jacob Younu, Jr. 

The officers for 1881 are J. S. Hammond, C. P.; 
Frank Bowen, H. P.; J. I). \V. Dow, S. W.: John 
Coder, S.; F. Van Nordeck, Treasurer; (Jeorge AV. 
Dale, J. W. 

Reno Encampment, -No. 5, was instituted with 
the following charter members on the eighth of 
January, 1872: Abram Prescott, A. Trant, Morris 
Ash, J. F. Ferguson, Robert A. Frazier, A. F. Hitch- 
cock, J. P. Richardson. The present officers, 1881, 
arc Thomas Barnett, C. P.; R. F. Hoy, H. P.; J. 
Fredricks, S. W.; D. B. Boyd, S.; G. W. Cunning- 
ham, Treasurer; J. W. Boynton, J. W. 

Garden Valley Encampment, No. fi, was instituted 
at Dayton, Lyon County, Nevada, December 13, 
1873. Its charter members were William H. Hill, 
Patriarch; H. Kennedy, P.; L. L. Crockett, P.; L 
Lamb, P.; L. Stoner, P.; J.Newman, P.; Thomas J'. 
Mack, P.; Thomas Shedden, P.; L. A. Guild, P.; J. 
D.Sims, P.; P. Barnes, P.; James fJates, P.; J. S. 
Dallas, P.; Seth Allen, P. The following are its first 
officers: William II. IJill, C. P.; L. Stonor, H. P.; L. L. 



Crockett, S. W.; Thomas P. Mack, J. W.; J. New- 
man, Scribe; L. Lamb, Treasurer. The present 
officers are J. S. Dallas, C. P.; L. A. Guild, II. P.; 
J. 1). Sims, S. W.; W. R. Davis, J. W.; J. A. Bon- 
ham, Scribe; J. C. (rruber. Treasurer. 

Silver State Encampment, No. 7, was instituted 
also in Virginia City, and on the seventeenth of 
February, 1874, in pursuance of authority from 
the Sovereign Grand Lodge. The charter mem- 
bers were F. V. Drake, H. Black, L. Scheen- 
feldt, J. E. Guild, John Russ, William James, F. 
Schmadeke. The present officers, 1881, are X. 
Stocker, C. P.; I. Goodfriend, H. P.; J. Nichols, S. 
W.; L. Guggenheim, S.; J, W. Noyes, Treasurer; W. 
J. Luke, J. W. 

Mount Vernon Encampment, No. 8, of Pioche, in 
Lincoln County, was instituted on the seventeenth 
of June, 1875, with the following as first officers: 
R. H. Elam, C. P.; H. S, Lubbock, H. P.; J. A. 
Spraker, S. W,; J. N. Curtis, S.; D. A. Fulks,T.; C. 
F. Bowen, J. W. Adding the name of S, W, Steel, 
and the foregoing will include the charter members 

In the annual report of th« Grand Patriarch 
made in June, 1876, appears the following: — 

1 have instituted but one Encampment during the 
recess of this (Jrand Encampment — .Mount Vernon, 
No. 8, in the town of Pioche, I^incoln Countj' — a 
charter having been granted at your last session. 
The petition of five Patriarchs was received and 
passed on by the Committee on Petitions. When 1 
arrived there 1 fouiul one of the Patriarchs (Patri- 
arch Willit) with a traveling card and that out of 
date. Said card was returned to him. There being 
but four Patriarchs, I conferred the three Encamp- 
ment Degrees on three brothers — C. F. Bowen, J. 
N. Curtis and J. A. Sj)raker — to make the necessary 
number for the charter. I instituted the Encamp- 
ment and set them to work. 1 remained with them 
throe days and left them with eighteen members. 
I wish to thank the Patriarchs of Mount Vernon 
Encampment for their friendly greeting and kind 
attention during mj- stay in their mountain town. 
I hope this young encamjunent, the first otl'spring 
of Nevada, will ever maintain the proud ])osition 
that I believe should be accorded to the Patriarchs 
of that place. 

The present officers, 1881, are Louis Sulton, C. 
P.; R.J.Gordon, II. P.; J, llildebrand, S. \V.; C. 
Gebfried, S. ; D. A. Fulks, Treasurer; John Jane, 
J.W. 

Elko Encampment, No. 9, was instituted Septem- 
ber 3, 1877, with fifteen charter members, and the 
following for first officers: M. P. Freeman, C. P.; R. 
R. Bigelow, H. P.; H. W. Brown. S. W.; P. A 
Rowe,S.; George Russell, T.; W. Chase, J. W. The 
present officers, 18S1, are S. M. Henley, C. P.; R. R. 
Bigelow, H. P.; A, Bruce, S. W.; A. W. Hesson, S.; 
John Hibbets, T.; J. .M. Lane, J. W. 

Bullion Encampment, No. 10, of Eureka, Eureka 
County, was organized September 6, 1877, with 
twenty-one charter members. The first otticers 
were \V. 11, Davenport, C, P,; William Doolin, II. 
P.; Benjamin C. Levy, S. W.; A. T. Stearns, J. W.; 



INDEPENDENT ORDER OF ODD FELLOWS. 



255 



W. J. Smith, S.; R. Sadler, T. The present officers, 
1881, are C. Ferraris, (J. P.; Peter Anderson, II. 
P.; F. M. Heitman, S. W.; \Y. II. Davenport, S.; 
Henry Mau, T.; Charles Broy, J. W. 

GRAND ENCAMPMENT OF NEVADA, I. 0. 0. V. 

On the twenty-eighth of December, 1874, dele- 
gates from the various encampments of the State, 
except No. 4, met at Carson, and decided, by a vote 
of five for and one against, to [)etition the (Jrand 
Lodge of the L^nitod States for authority to organ- 
ize a Grand Encampment in Nevada. 

In response to this petition, a dispensation was 
granted, bearing date February 17, 1875, and on the 
second of .March, that year, the Grand Kncampment 
was regularly organized in Carson. At this time, 
the several encampments had a combined member- 
ship of 321 persons, with a revenue of S;},oOO and 
SG,000 invested. 

The first officers were: — 

J. C. Smith Grand Patriarch 

W. H. Hill ^ Grand High Priest 

Geo. W. Chedic Grand Senior Warden 

C. W. Jones Grand Junior "Warden 

F. V. Drake Grand Scribe 

Geo. Tuflj- ..... Grand Treasurer 

H. O. Douchy Grand ^Marshal 

C. H. Maish Grand Sentinel 

J. V. Peers Dep't. Grand Sentinel 

REPORT or THE ORAND ENCAMP.MENT OF NEVADA, 

For the year ending December 31, 187!): — 

Number of Encam))ments 10 

Number of members jter last report 435 

Initiated during the j-ear 38 

Admitted by card 1 

Reinstated to active membership 3 

Eeinstated to dormant membership 154 

Total membership G31 

From which deduct — 

Withdrawn by card 8 

Expelled 1 

Deceased 6 — 15 

Now in membei-ship GIG 

Deduct — 
Suspended fromactivo to dormant membership . . IIKI 

Active members 426 

Number of Patriarchs relieved 7 

RELIEF. 

Amount jiaid for the relief of Patriarchs. $350 25 

For burying the dead 250 00 

Special relief . I'.'i (mi 



Total relief 8G25 



Amount of annual receipts $5,645 14 

Number of weeks' sickness for which benefits 
were paid 177 

GRAND LODGE OP NEVADA, I. O. O. P. 

The first ten organizations of the Order in Nevada 
were formed under the jurisdiction of Calilbrnia; 



and in 18G7 the members deemed their number suf- 
ficient to warrant them in inaugurating a home gov- 
ernment. In the pursuance of this idea, the repre- 
sentatives of the several bodies in the State assem- 
bled at Virginia City, in convention, on the twenty- 
first day of January, 18C7, and organized the Grand 
Lodge by the election of the following officers: — 

LIST OF OFFICERS OF THE ORAND LODGE SINCE ITS 
ORGANIZATION. 

(From January 21, 1867, to June 6, 1867.) 

Grand Master John S. "Van Dyke 

Dejiuty Grand Master John \V. Tyler 

Grand Warden P. J. II. Smith 

Grand Secretary R. H . Taylor 

Grand Treasurer 11. -M. Black 

Grand Representative J. E.Sabine 

Grand Chaplain John A. Collins 

Grand .Marshal J. B. Brazelton 

Grand ( 'oiuluctor C. Finley 

Grand Guardian J. L. Beam 

Grand Herald C. C. Wright 

(From June 6, 1867, to June 4, 1868.) 

Grand Master F. V. Drake 

Deputy Grand Master Frank Denver 

Grand Warden Win. II. Dolman 

Grand Secretary li. 11. Taylor 

Grand Treasurer C. Finley 

Grand Representative J. P]. Sabine 

(From June 4, 1868, to Juno 10, 1869.) 

Grand Master John S. Kaneen 

Deputy (;rand Master W. H. Corbett 

Grand Warden John Pattie 

Grand Secretary " W. N. Hall 

Grand Treasurer . C. Finley 

Grand Representative G. H. Morrison 

(From June 10, 1869, to June 10, 1870.) 

Grand Afastcr W. Haydon 

Deputy Grand Master G. H. Morrison 

Grand Warden J. W. Wright 

Grand Secretaiy . . A. F. Hitchcock 

Grand Treasurer George W. Chedic 

Grand Representative ... W.N. Hall 

Grand Rejjrcsentativc ..... . . J. S. Kaneen 

(From June 10, 1870, to June 9, 1871.) 

Grand Master G. H. Morrison 

l)c])iity Grand Master J. W. Wright 

Grand Warden.. .l.(i. Laws 

Grand Secretary. F. G. Ijudlow 

Gran<l Treasurer George W. Chedic 

Grand Representative* F. V. Drake 

Grand Representative Albert Hires 

(From June 9, 1871, to Juno 7, 1872.) 

Grand .Master - - Martin White 

Deputy Grand Master I'. J. II. Smith 

Grand Warden M. Stern 

Grand Secretary J. H. Kinkead 

Grand Treasurer George W. Chedic 

Grand Representative D. O. Adkison 

* Did not attend the session G. L. U. S. 



256 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



Grand Ifepresentativc George Ilenning 

(From June 7, 1872, to June tJ, 1873.) 

Grand Master Vf.N. Hall 

Deputj- Grand Master J. O. Darrow 

Grand Warden J. W. Noyes 

Grand Secretary F. V. Drake 

Grand Treasurer . . George W. Chedic 

Grand Representative Martin White 

Grand Eepresentative J. C. Smith 

f From June 6, 1873, to June 5, 1874 ) 

Grand Master J. \V. Wright 

Deputy Grand Master P. II. Clayton 

Grand Warden M. Holmes 

(i rand Secretary F. V. Drake 

Grand Treasurer L. L. Crockett 

Grand Representative Martin White 

Grand Rcj)resentative J. D. Hammond 

fFrom June 5, 1874, to June 11, 1875.) 

(frand Master J. D. Minor 

l)e])uty Grand Master E. L. Stern 

G rand Warden C. W. Jones 

(rrand Secretaiy F. V. Drake 

Grand Treasurer L. L. Crockett 

Grand Representative C. C. Batterman 

Grand Representative James Lowery 

(From June 11, 1875, to June 9, 1876.) 

Grand .Master. D. O. Adkison 

Deputy ( irand Master C. W. Jones 

Grand AVarden R. Sadler 

Grand Secretary , F. V. Drake 

(irand Treasurer . -L. L. Crockett 

Grand Representative .1.1). Hammond 

Grand Rc|)resontativo T. V. .lulioii 

(From .luno '.), 1876, to June 7, 1877.) 

Grand Master .... C. C. Batterman 

Di'puty (irand Master C. G. Hiil)l)ard 

(iranil Warden J. Marchant 

Grand Secretary F. V. Drake 

(irand Trcasuj-er L. L. Crockett 

Granil J{cprcsentative J. D. Minor 

Grand Represenlalivc G. W. Chedic 

(From Juno 7, 1877, to June 7, 1878.) 

Grand Master 1*]. L. Stern 

l>oput}- (irand Master W. !I. Uavonport 

Grand Warden ti. W. Oungan 

Cirand Secretary F. V. i)rake 

(irand Treasurer. . . ... George Tufly 

(irand Uc|)re.senlalivc C. W. Jones 

Grand Representative W. II. Virden 

(From June 7. 1878, to Jiiiic (!, 1S7!I.) 

(irand .Master. . . W. II. Davenport 

Deputy (irand .Master J. C. Smith 

(irand Warden. K I' Davis 

(iraixl Secretary William II. Hill 

Gran<l Treasurer. . IJeorgo Tufl^- 

(irand l!c))rescntative ...William Lucas 

Grand Uepresentalivo I'. II. .Mulcahy 

(From Juno 6, 1879, to June 5, 1880.) 

Grand .Master J. C.Smith 

Deputy Grand Master E. S. Yeates 



Grand Warden J. S. Bowkcr 

Grand Secretary William H. Hill 

Grand Treasurer George Tuflj' 

Grand Rc]n-esentativc C. C. Batterman 

Grand Representative V. H. .Mulcahj' 

(From June 5, 1880, to June 10, 1881.) 

Grand .Master George Ilenning 

Deputy Grand Master H. B. .McKee 

Grand Warden H. Marden 

Grand Secretary Wm. H. Hill 

(rrand Treasurer George Tufly 

(rrand Representative C. C. Batterman 

Grand Representative M. W. Starling 

llEBEKAII DECREE LODGES. 

Two lodges of the Rebekah Degree of I. O. O. F. 
made their report to the Grand Lodge meeting of 
1881, as follows:— 

Colfax Rebekah Degree Lodge, No. 1, of Virginia 
City — The otficers for the term ending December 
31, 1881, are Mrs. C. A. Hancock, X. G.; Mrs. M. 
Lochlin, V. (i.; Mrs. J. M,^Lamb, R. S.; Mrs. I. 
Goodfriend, T.; and Mrs. A. A. Goe, P. S. The 
numbor of members for the term ending December 
31, 1880, was seventy-seven. The annual receipts 
of the lodge aggregate 8556.30; and it possesses 
property valued at $1,964.36. 

Esther Degree Lodge, No. 4, of Austin, Lander 
County, was organized May 13,1880. The number 
of charter members was fifty-six. The first otficers 
elected were Mrs. Clara Triplctt, N. G.; Mrs. Annie 
Thompson, V. (r.; Mrs. Annie Troon, R. S. ; Mrs 
Eliza Hurchfield, T. The oHicers whose terms ex- 
pire December 31, 1881, are Mrs. Annie Thompson, 
X. G.; Mrs. M. V. Dow, V. G.; Mrs. Annie Troon, 
R. S.; and Mrs. Eliza Burchfield, T. The present 
membership of the lodge is eighty-five. The organ- 
ization is solvent, and has the prospect of soon 
accumulating a resi)ectablo fund, the recei])ts for 
the year 1880 being 8123.50, with ])ruperty valued 
at 870.50. 



C U A I'TER .\ .\ XI V. 
ORDER OF KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS. 

Washington Lmlge, No. I — Kniiikliii L'xliro, No. 2 — Nevada 
l./iilHe, No. 1 — D.inion Uodye, No. '2 — .Mystic Lixlgo, No. 3 
— C'lirsi'n Lodj-c, No l — HmnlKiMt Ij^diji', .\o. ;"> — Uitioohi 
I.,oilge, No. (i — IJcatilic LoilL't', N^'. 7 — Amity LmlLrf, No. 8 — 
Toiyiilic Lodye, No ".t — Argciitft I.odfie, No. 10— Triumph 
•/■ulyi', No. II — Lyon Ijodj;e, No l"J — (irand I/odgf K.of 1'., 
of Nevada. 

Ai,i, who have read the ancient stor}- of Damon 
and Pythias will at onco know the intent and mean- 
ing of the Knightly Order that has for its title the 
name of the devoted and honorable friend. As long 
ago as the third century before the Christian era, the 
term has been a synonym of truth and fidelity. 
Dainoii and Pythias were disci))les of the I'ythag- 
oran i)rinciples of friendshi]). The tyrant of Syra- 
cuse had condemned Pythias to death, but the victim, 
begged for his liberty for a short period that he 



INDEPENDENT ORDER UF ODD FELLOWS. 



257 



might return to his home and arrange liis afl'airs 
previous to his execution. Damon piodged his life 
for the return of his friend. The tyrant ap])earing 
satisfied if he could have one to execute, granted the 
strange request, and accepted the pledge. Before 
the appointed time of execution the faithful P^-thiaa 
returned to undergo his f:\te and relieve his friend 
from jeopardy. The noble action of the condemned 
man and the perfect confidence manifested by the 
friend so excited the astonishment of the tyrant, 
Dyonysius, that he nut only released both the friends, 
but begged to be admitted to their friendship. Such 
an example has been held as the chivalric model 
of true manhood through all the intervening cen- 
turies, and as such presented itself to the brother- 
hood of clerks and attaches of the Department at 
Washington. The great war of the liebellion was 
raging with all its intensity and fiercene.ss in the 
beginning of 1S()4, and during the year were to 
occur the culminating campaigns, both political and 
military, that were to determine the future of the 
Ivepublic. They were dark days. The necessity of 
organization, of intimate relationship, of mutual 
knowledge and confidence with associates, for self 
protection and the good of the public, were apparent 
to all. Being the period of a groat war, many of the 
associations assumed a semi-mililar}- character. 

Such were tlie circumstances that led to and sug- 
gested the organization of the Knights of Pythias. 
The exigencies of the (Jovernment had called a large 
number of men to Washington in a civil capacity as 
oflBcera, clerks, and attaches of the various depart- 
ments, (rcnerally. they were far from home, friends 
and relatives. Naturally they sought for association 
and friendship. Those who were musically inclined 
formed the Arion (rlec Club. This was too limited. 
Mr. .1. II. Ilathbone, who had previously conceived 
the idea of an association of the kind, assisted by Mr. 
J. T. K. Plant, pre])ared a ritual and plan of an order 
of friendship for tnutual aid and protection among 
the clerks of the departments, which were presented 
to the members of the Arion (ilee Club and others, 
were heartily approved by them, and on the nine- 
teenth of February, l.'^dl, the Order fif Knights of 
P3-thia8 was organized, with its motto oi' Janti/ia et 
Fulelitue, and its principles based on the lesson of 
friendship as taught by the example of Damon and 
Pythias. 

W.\sniN(iTON I.ODdE, NO. 1, 
Was the title of the lodge organized, with J. II. 
Iiathbono as Worth}" Chancellor; Joel li. Woodruff, 
Vice-Chancellor; J. T. K. Plant, Veneralile I'alri 
arch ; I). L. Burnett, Worthy Scribe ; A. Van Der- 
Veer, Banker; l{. A. < 'hampion, Assistant Banker, 
and tieorgo 11. Covert, Assistant Scribe. 

On the following eighth of \\\r\\ a (J rand Lodge 
was formed with but one subordinate li(«ly as a 
base of authority, but there soon l"ollowed four 
other organizations, among which was Franklin 
Lodge, No. 2. Soon, however, they all " went 



where the woodbine twineth," except No. 2, which 
held the fort and exercised the functions of a <irand 
Lodge. A reorganization took place, and on the 
ninth of Jutj-, ISGti, the new Grand Lodge hold 
its first meeting, at which time there was a total 
membership in the order of 139. On the same date 
as last given the Supreme Lodge of the United 
States held its first meeting at Washington. 

From that time prosperity rewarded the zeal of 
its members for e\])ansion of the Order by suc- 
cess, and the following figures will show to what 
extent: — 



Years. 

18G4. 
1865. 
1866. 
1807. 
1868. 
1869- 
1870. 
1871. 
1872. 
1873. 
1874. 
1875. 



Loilgea. Members. 

3 78 

1 52 

4 379 

.- 41 6,847 

.. 194 34,624 

.- 465 54,289 

.. 615 58,577 

.. 867 78,299 



1,346 98,851 

Showing to this date a steady and rapid increase, 
which afterwards carried the membership to up- 
wards of 100,000, extending over every State of the 
Union, in Canada, and the Hawaiian Islands. From 
the primitive object of encouraging friendship, and 
guarding the interests of a class, the broad principle 
has spread its joyful light over all classes, knowing 
no south, no north, no 'east,' no west; no class or 
religion, but a human brotherhood of all who possess 
its requirements and conform to its rules. 

THE ORDER IN NEVADA. 

On the twenty- third of March, 1873, as a result 
of the efforts of S. II. (roddard, the first lodge of 
this Order was formed in Nevada, at Virginia Cit)', 
under the name of Nevada Lodge, No. 1. The 
organization was authorized b}' the Supreme Chan- 
cellor H. C. Berry, of Chicago, Illinois, and the 
following gentlemen were the charter members: 
E. F. Clarkson, J. P. Flanningham, M. Nelson, A. 
G. Koch, Claus Becker, J. W. Varnoy, A. Borlini, P. 
(tugnina, George Bettinger, F. Schroder, M. Strouso, 
W. P. Bowden, T. II. (juinlan, William Waltz. The 
first oflicers wore S. 11. Goddard, P. C; K. F. Clark- 
son. C. C; J. W. Varney, V. C. ; (ieorge Hettinger. P.; 
M. Strouse, .M. of H.; II. A. Lenz, .\I. of F.; J. P. 
I'"lanniiighani, K. of li. and S.; F. Waltermyor. M. at 
A.; T. II. Oiiiiilan, I. (I.; Claus Becker, O. G. 
This lodge has been unl'nrlunate in losing its 
entire jjaraphernalia, which was consumed by fire 
on the eleventh of Se])tenil)er. 1S75. Iniinediately 
the regalia, etc., was ])rocured of Humboldt Lodge, 
No. 5 (defunct), and this was also burned in the 
great fire that swe])t through Virginia City on the 
twenty-sixth of October, the same year. The rolls 



258 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



show a present membership of seventy, and its finan- 
cial statement of June 30, 1880, showed §1,514.38 
cash in the treasuiy. 

Damon Lodge. No. 2, of Curson City, was in- 
stituted July 18, 1873. by C. II. Starkweather, who 
was assisted by many members of Nevada Lodge, 
No. 1, and by other members of the Order. There 
were eighteen applicants lor the ranks as charter 
members. The following gentlemen were the first 
officers: George Tufly, P. C; P. 11. Clayton. C. C; 
James Dully, V. C; H. J.Peters, P.; F. Bo.skowitz, M. 
of E.; Henry Decker, M. of F.; John A. Johnson, K. 
of R. and S. The lodge immediately began to reap 
the results striven for; applications for membership 
flowed in rapidly and they were soon on a firm basis 
financially, having June 30, 1880, 890-1.39 cash, with 
a membership of twenty-nine. 

Mystic Lodge, No. 3, of Gold Hill, was instituted 
November 24, 1874. An application to the Deputy 
Supreme Chancellor, signed by forty-five gentlemen, 
resulted in the granting of a dispensation for the form- 
ing of a lodge of the Order at Gold Hill. On that 
date D. S. C. Starkweather, accompanied by raanj- 
Knights from Cai'sonCity, proceeded to (told Hill, and 
the lodge was organized. The first officers were 
D. Wagner, P. C; J. A. Grant, C. C; J. D. Loyn- 
achan, V. C; E. A. Prince, P.; H. O. Douchy, M. of 
E.; George Mayo, M. of F.: L. Gazelle, K. of 1{. andS.; 
G. Archer, 1. G.; D. Van Vrankin, O. G. This lodge 
at once assumed a leading place in the ranks of 
Pythian Knighthood, and had at one time sixty-eight 
active working members. The organization sur- 
rendered its charter September 2(3, 1879. 

Carson Lodge, No. 4, of Carson City, through the 
exertions of John P. Meder and several other gen- 
tlemen of Carson, was instituted under dispensation 
from the Deputy Supreme Chancellor December 21, 
1873. The application for the dispensation bore the 
signatures of twenty-four of the residents of CarsOn 
City, who were the charter members. The first 
ofiicers were E. Mara, P. C; John P. Meder, C. C; 
J. W. Kobinson, V. C; George Gillson, P.; H. T. 
Dunning, K. of R. and S.; B. F. Meder, M. of F.; 
Edmund James, M. of E.; John E. Mack, M. at A.; 
J. C. Bunker, L (r.; L. A. Frisbie, O. G. This lodge 
has done efficient service in the cause of humanity. 
It is a finely uniformed body, and on the thirtieth 
of June, 188(1, had §1,911). 70 in its treasury, with a 
membership of forty-six. 

Humboldt Lodge, No. 5, of Genoa, was insti- 
tuted March 1, 1874, under a dispensation granted 
by the Deputy Supreme Chancellor upon an appli- 
cation bearing the autographs of twenty-throe 
gentlemen of (fenoa. D. S. C. Starkweather assum- 
ing his station called upon the brethren present 
to assist in inaugurating lodge No. 5, after which 
the following gentlemen were elected and installed 
as its first oHicers: E. D. Black, P. C; A. Livingston, 
C. C; J. A. WhitCaker, V. C; A. Smith, P.; J. C. 
Lupton, M. of E.; W. Swart, M. at A.; F. Fottic, 1. 



(t,; p. Crippin, 0. G. The requisite number of 
lodges now being instituted in this jurisdiction, the 
question of organizing a Grand Lodge was agitated, 
and favored by nearly all ]>resent. This lodge sur- 
rendered its charter February 10, 1875, being in 
existence a little less than one year. 

Lincoln Lodge No. 6, of Virginia City, was insti- 
tuted .March 29, 1874, a dispensation having been 
granted by the Duputy Supreme Chancellor upon ap- 
plication by petition of eleven gentlemen of Virginia 
City, who constituted the charter members. The first 
officers were C. H. Clark, P. C; G. L. Schwab, C. C; 
S. W. Powell, V. C. ; H. D. Liudsay , P. ; J. Dunbar, K. of 
R. and S.; J. B. McKenzie, M. of F.; J. A. Zimmer- 
man, M. of E.; Wm. Smith, M. at A.; H. J. Cramp- 
ton, I. G.; I. Knight, O. G. From the smallest 
charter membership this organization took the front 
rank in the line of battle, and grew to be the strong- 
est in membership of any in the State, eighty being 
reported to the trrand Lodge in 1875, and fitl^'-two 
in ISSO. This lodge was suspended by the Grand 
Chancellor February 24, 1875, and reinstated March 
17th of the same year. The financial condition June 
30, 1880, was represented by §1,378.04 as the coin 
in its possession. 

Beatific Lodge, No. 7, of Eureka, was instituted 
September 22, 1874, under a dispensation granted by 
the Grand Lodge of the State of Nevada. The first 
officers were Wm. H. Davenport, P. C; R. M. Beatty, 
C. C; O. M. Paris, V. C; D. W. McKenzie, P.; W. 
H. Stowell, K. of R. and S.; Wm. Head, M. of F.; J. 
C. Brown, M. of E.; A. E. Titus, M. at A.; J. C. 
Lock wood, I. G.; N. Clark, O. G. There were 
twenty-five charter members, and the lodge is in 
a flourishing condition. The largest number of 
members at any one time was sixty-five, and as 
thej- all continued with the organization, it reports 
that number on their rolls at the present time. The 
treasurj- on the thirtieth of June, 1880, contained 
§595.30. 

Amity Lodge, No. 8, of Reno, was instituted on 
the thirty-first of January, 1875, under a dispen- 
sation granted by the Grand Lodge of the Order, at 
Reno, Washoe County. It sprang into existence 
with only twenty charter members. The first 
officers were W. R. Chamberlain, P. C; C. C. Pown- 
ing, C. C; C. W. Jones, V. C; R. Smith, P.; C. H. 
Stoddard, K. of R. and S.; C. F. Bender, M. of E.; 
C. A. Richardson, M. of F.; John F. Myers, M. at A.; 
J. T. Davis, I. G.; H. W. Barlow, O. G. The finan- 
cial condition of this organization is good, it having 
disbursed about §1,200 in benefits and charities, 
and has on hand ])ropcrty to the amount of §1,5(1(1. 
The largest mombershij) was forty-nine. The pres- 
ent membership is reported as forty-seven. 

Toiyabe Lodge, No. 9, of Austin, was instituted 
November 9, 1875, under a dispensation from the 
Grand Lodge of the State, and was the possessor 
of but ten gentlemen as charter members. The 
first officei-s were M. B. Scott, P. C; W. II. Clark, 



INDEPENDENT ORDER OF ODD FELLOWS. 



259 



C. C; M. A. Sawtelle, V. C; A. Sower, P.; A. E. 
Shannon, K. of R. and S.; M. Curtis, M. of F.; C. 
P. Soule, M. of E.; J. C. Harper, M. at A.; J. S. 
Barniiril, I. G.; L. Duncan, O. G. The present 
membership is fortj^-four. though at one time they 
could boast of one more. Their financial condition 
is very creditable to the organiz;ition. they having 
disbursed in charities and benefits, 84,714, and have 
the sum of SI, 300 in cash in the bank. 

Argenta Lodge, No. 10, Battle iMountain, was 
instituted July 20, 1S7(!, by C. C. Powniiig, then 
G. C. of Nevada, under a dispensation gi-anled bj- 
the Grand Lodge, starting with twenty-five charter 
members. The fir.st officers were as follows: J. A. 
Blossom, P. C; A. Robertson, C. C; James Brown, 
V. C; C. L. Perkins, P.; M. F. Bradshaw, M. of 
E.; T. E. Ilagar, M. of F.; J. P. Cope, K. of R. and 
S.; F. W. AVeasterell, M. at A.; G. A. .Middlcton, I. 
G.; George A. Parrott, 0. G. The Trustees are J. 
A. Blossom, James Brown and Walter Davis. The 
members of the Finance Committee are C. L. Per- 
kins, J. \V. Hatfield and W. F Lozer. The present 
oiticers are D. A. Dunlap, P. C; Walter l)avi8, C. C; 
William Norris, V. C; Charles H, Sproule, P.; A. 

D. Lemaire, M. of E.; A. D. Wilcox, M. of F.; J. P. 
Cope, K. of R. and S.; John F. Allen, M. at A. 
The lodge at present has thirtj'-one members in 
good standing, and its financial condition is as fol- 
lows: Cash on hand, July 1, 1881, 8182.76; amount 
invested, S200, making a total of cash assets, 8382.- 
76. Mr. J. P. Cope, one of the organizers of the 
lodge, stills holds the position of K. of R. and S., 
and is also D. D. G. C. 

Triumph Lodge, No. 11, of Virginia City, was 
instituted on October 20, 1879, under a dispensa- 
tion granted by the Grand Lodge of the State, 
and was formed from members of Mystic Lodge, 
No. 3, of Gold Hill, and for a time met at the 
latter place. There were eleven charter members. 
The first officers were William Bhukrill, C. C; H. 
M. Monk, V. C; J. S. Newland, P.; P. H. Mulcahy, 
K. of R. and S.; A. M. Sawyer, M. of F; John 
Dodge, M. of E. The largest membership reported 
was eighty-three, and that numlier is still on the rolls. 
The financial condition of the lodge is good, they 
having in coin and personal property about 81,100, 
and have disbursed in benefits and charities some 
8250. 

Lyon Lodge, No. 12, of Dayton, was insti- 
tuted October 15, 1880, under a dispensation 
granted by the (irand Lodge. This organization 
being of so recent date, but little can bo said 
of its history. It had nineteen charter members. 
The first officers were A. Friedline, P. C; J. S. 
Dallas, CO.; G. E. Jaqua, V. C; O. A. Brooks, P.; 
Charles Rothschild, K. of R. and S.; D. F. Norton, 
M.of F.; (leorge Midgley, M. of F.; S. E. J. Bray, 
M. at A.; R. J. Gancy, L G.; Charles Wagner, O. G. 
The financial condition of this lodge is good, it 
having several hundred dollars in the treasury. The 



largest membershi]) at any one time was thirtj'-one, 
and the same number is reported at the present time. 
The preceding reports of these noble bands of 
friends show a membership of about 50(1, with 
near 810.(1(1(1 in their treasuries. During the ])eriod 
of their organiz;ition they have disbursed between 
six and se\en thousand dollars in reliefs and charities. 

GRAND LODdE K. OF P., OF NEVAD.\. 

Although the Order of the Knights of Pythias was 
known and recognized as a prominent feature in the 
calendar of secret societies in this State, for some 
years previous to the organization of a tirand Lodge, 
the number was insullicient to warrant such an 
action until the institution of Humboldt Lodge, No. 
5, when the subject was agitated and found favor 
with a large majority of the members of the Order. 

On the thirty-first of March, 1874, the Past Chan- 
cellors and Representatives of the five organizations 
met in conventic)n at Carson City, and the oi-ganiza- 
tion of a Grand Ijoilge of the Order of Knights of 
Pythias for the jurisdiction of Nevada was the 
result. 

They were in session two days, and during that 
time elected and installed as officers for the ensuing 
year, the following gentlemen: — 

E. L. Stern, of Mystic Lodge, No. 3, P. (i. C. 

S. H. Goddard, of Nevada Lodge, No. 1, G. C. 

George Gillson, of Carson Lodge, No. 4, G. V. C. 

C. E. Laughton, of Carson Lodge, No. 4, G. K. of 
R. and S. 

(ieorge Tufly, of Damon Lodge, No. 2, G. M. of K. 

A. Livingston, of Humboldt Lodge, No. 5, G. M. 
at A. 

Cjcsar Corris, of Nevada Lodge, No. 1, G. I. G. 

Lyman A. Frisbie, of Carson Lodge, No. 4, G. O. G. 

Another session was held on the tenth of August, 
the same year, in Carson City. Since organizing, 
five dispensations have been granted for the forma- 
tion of subordinates. 

The following are the succeeding (irand Chancel- 
lors, and Grand Keepers of J^ecords and Seal until 
August 10, 1880: C. C. J'owning, (',. C; Charles E 
Laughton, G. K. of H. and S.; P. H. Mulcahy, G. C.^ 
W. H. Laughton, G. C; George H. Morrison, (J. C. 
J. A. Johnson, (i.e.; V. U. Mulcahy, (J. K.ofK. andS 
The ])reseiit (Jrand ofHcei's are J. J. Cooper, U. C. 
A. K. Shannon, G. V. C; (J. J. 1). King, (J. I' : I' 11 
Mulcahy, <i. K. of 1{. and S.; J. M. Flanagan, (.. .M 
of K. ; W. M. N. Johnson, G. M. at A.; A. Iie])ort, G 
I. C.; J. F Myers, G. O. (i. 



260 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



CHAPTER XXXV. 
PIONEER AND OTHER SOCIETIES. 

Society of Pacific Coast Pimiecrs — Society of l!eesc I'ivcr Pion- 
eers — Virginia City Miners Union — Miners I'nion Library — 
Unby Hill Miners Union — Nevada State Me«lical Society — 
Grand Anny of the Piepublic — Phil Kearny Post-Custer Post 
— Me;!iorial Day at Carson — Ancient Order of HilK'niians — 
Division No. 1 of Virginia — Hibernian Society at Austin — 
Irish-American Benevolent Association of Austin — Inde- 
pendent Order of Hed Men — Piute Tribe, No. 1 — Nevada 
Historical and Scientific Society ^ — Ancient Order of United 
Workmen — Independent Order of Korestere — Court Nevada, 
No. 1 — Eureka Court — Silver State Lodge B. L. F. — Cale- 
donia Club — Virginia Turnverein. 

The Society of Pacific Coast Pioneei-s was organ- 
ized at Virginia City on June 22, 1872. It is com- 
posed of three classes of members: — 

First — All who were residents of the Pacific Coast 
States or Territories prior to the first day of Jan- 
uai"y, 1851. 

Second — The male descendants, in the direct line, 
of all who were residents of the Pacific States or 
Territories prior to the first day of January, 1851, 
and who are or have been members of the society. 

Third — Ilonorarj- members. 

The society was designed to be a moral, benevol- 
ent, literar)' and sciontific association, and its objects 
are to cultivate social intercourse, form a more per- 
fect union among its members and create a fund 
for charitable purposes in their behalf; to collect 
and preserve information connected with the early 
settlement and subsequent bistorj' of the Pacific 
States and Territories; to form a library and cab- 
inet, collect and preserve such literarj- and scien- 
tific objects as the societ}- shall at any time deter- 
mine; and, in all appropriate matters, to advance 
the interests and perpetuate the memory of those 
whose sagacity, energy, and enterprise induced them 
to settle in the wilderness, and become the found- 
ers of a new empire upon the Pacific Coast. 

The annual meeting of the society is held on the 
seventh day of July, in each year, the anniversary 
of the acquisition of California and the day the 
American Flag was first raised on the soil of that 
countiy, and the annual celebration takes ])lace 
on the ninth day of September, in each year, the 
anniversary of the admission of California into the 
Union. 

The society soon secured a membership of nearly 
400 pioneers, and accumulated money in its treas- 
ur}'. It erected a fine two-stor3- brick building on 
li Street, and collected one of the most valuable 
mineral cabinets to bo found west of the Rocky 
Mountains. In addition to mineralogical s]iecimens, 
itsshelves were crowded with rare old coins, historical 
documents and papers, natural curiosities, obsolete 
fire-arms, and many other articles precious to col- 
lectors. 

In the great fire of October, 1875, the hall, with 
its valuable cabinet and library, was destroyed. 
The building had cost ?20,000, upon which there 
■was an insurance of $3,000. The loss the society 



suftered through the destruction of its cabinet can- 
not be estimated in dollars and cents. The hall has 
since been rebuilt on the same site, and another fine 
cabinet is in course of collection. The pro])erty 
cost about 822,00(1, upon which there remains an 
indebtedness of §3,000. 

The following are the present officers of the 
society: President, £. B. Harris, M. D.; Vice-Presi- 
dents, Lee McGown, Ira Parke, C. M. Brown; Secre- 
tary. T. B. Storer; Treasurer, S. I). Baker; Marshal, 
Will Thomas; librarian, W. Frank Stewart. 

oSince the rganization of the society to the present 
time the following gentlemen have consecutively 
served as President: Dr. S. A. Mc.Means, Charles E. 
De Long, E. H. Taylor, and A. J. Tyrrell. 

SOCIETY OF REESE RIVER PIONEERS. 

The Society of Reese River Pioneers was organized 
on the eleventh of June, 1873. It is comprised of 
males who were residents of the Reese River Mining 
District prior to the thirty-first of December, 1864, 
and also of the male descendants of persons eligible to 
membership. Its present oflicers are President, John 
King; Vice-Presidents, W. 11. Moulton, S. Crescenzo, 
Charles Dunning; Secretary, E. A. Allen; Treasurer, 
M. M. Eagan; Marshal R. Y. Woodward. 

The following are its members: — 



John H. Dennis, 

W. E. Ford, 

G. A. Bauer, 

A. A. Flint, 

M. M. Eagan, 

John Frost, 

A. Sleinbuck, 

Wm. AVatson, 

Geo. Watt, 

J. E. Rooker, 

L. Ijoustalot, • 

A. Sower, 

Wm. Jlinnick, 

James Southall, 

G. A. Douglass, 

Henry Alayenbaum, 

L. Steiner, 

A. R. Gandolfo, 

M. J. Farrell, 

J. Mctiinnis, 

J. Evans, 

E. S. Samson, 

P. Lyttleton, 

II. II. Allen, 

O. C. Blivens, 

P. Brannen. 

J. E. Funston, 

N. Wallace, 

Thomas Doyle, 

A. Patrone, 

James Murphy, 

D. Callaghan, 

J. Bicknell, 



J. A. Wilson, 
B. B. Carthra, 
R. McBelh, 
R. Y. Woodward, 
J. P. Thomas, 
W. H. Moulton, 
D. C. McKenney, 
IT. R. Whitehill, 
P. H. LovcU, 
A. Nicholle, 
P. Gross, 
John O'Donnell, 
S. Fuller, 

D. L. Hcaly, 
John Spencer, 
J. R. Robinson, 
G. A. Shephard, 
Thomas Taylor, 
David Todd, 
Eli Mclntyre, 

E. S. Davis, 
J. Trolson, 
(Jeo. Hall, 
John King, 
Chas. Dunning, 
Wm. A. Sloan, 
Charles Kearns, 
L. Smith, 

A. C. McCafferty, 
J. Macavoy, 
Joaquin Partargo, 
Thos. Ward, 
N. Barovich, 



PIONEER AND OTHER SOCIETIES. 



.'Gl 



J. D. Leutyms, 
A. Minnium, 
J. L. Fulton, 
A. E. Shannon, 
Duncan McCall, 
A. Bctz, 
James Sullivan, 
Fortuna Guis, 
Roger Conlon, 



P. Sinnott, 
James Kyan, 
\Vm. S. C'ooley, 
I. James, 
John McFeo, 
E. A. Allen, 
S. Crescenzo, 
Thomas Jones, 
A. tireenhalgh, 



P. Farrell. 

The objects of the society are: To ciiltiviito social 
intercoui-se among the members; to collect and pre- 
serve information concerning the early settlement of 
the country, and to perpetuate the memory of de- 
parted pioneers. 

miners' union. 

"Unions for mutual protection and relief are as old 
as history. The workmen on Solomon's Temple are 
said to have had a (ruild or League, the Egyptian 
workmen had combinations when thej' built the pyr- 
amids, and the Chinese records make them coeval 
with the formation of their government. Whether 
beneficial generally or not is a question that has 
often ]irovoked discussion, and still remains unde- 
cidetl. Like all organizations lor especial purposes 
they are liable to abuse their strength and become 
in turn the tyrant. 

The -Miners' Union was organized at Virginia City 
June (i, lS(il!. I!. I). Ferguson was made President; 
\V. C. Mateman, Vice-President, and B. J. Shay, Sec- 
retary. 

The (told Hill branch was organized August 0, 
lS(!4.\Vm.\Voodburn, afler\v;irds member of ( 'ougress, 
being made Proident. 

These organizations soon included in their mem- 
bership the larger part of the miners, and undoubt- 
oil\y exerted considerable influence in kee])iiig up the 
rates of hibor to four dollars per day, u jji-ice which did 
not vary much for years. They were generally on 
good terms with liieir eni])i()yers, and in som(> 
instances the organizations wore approved by them 
as giving the mining pojiuiation a head with which 
to communicate. Some members of those societies 
organized the Miners' Leagues in (irass Valley and 
Sutter Creek, in California. At the latter place the 
league came into collision with the authorities, caus- 
ing what was called the Amador war, resulting in 
the stopping of mining for some months. 

The first demonstration was made on the evening 
of July .n, 1S(;4, at (Jold Hill. The dissatisfied min- ■ 
ers of (iold Hill were joined b}' the league from Vir- 
ginia City. They paraded again the iie.xt day, and 
the prospect of difliculty was so strong that the min- 
ing Superintendents thought |>roper to yield to the 
demand for four dollars per day. 

February 11. 1877, quite an excitement occurred 

at the Imperial Mine. The members of the league 

to the number of thousands gathered and informed 

the Superintendent that ho must discharge all (to the 

33 



number of fiftj'-eight) who were working for loss 
than the established jjrices. Xo violence was used, 
but the action was denominated by the papers as 
a " forcible persuasion." 

miners' union i.ibrarv. 

The Minors' Union Library was established Decem- 
ber 28, 1877. The first Hoard of Directors were 
\Vm. H. Parker, B. Colgan, T. J'. Roberts, .loseph 
Josephs, John F. .McDonald; B. Colgan, Secretary 
and Librarian. 

The present dii-ectors are A. J. Burns, Samuel 
Hamill, Richard Henderson, James Dolan, Albert 
Burns; .Tamos Dockory, Secretary and Librarian. 

The present building was erected in 187i), at a 
cost of §15,000 (lot worth §5,000), and took the 
place of the one destroyed in the great fire. It con- 
tains a librarj', ball and chess room, and in the 
basement is a hall used by the -Montgomery (iuards. 
Knights of the Red Branch, Mechanics' Union, 
Ancient Order of Hibernians, and Miners' Union. 

The library was commenced bj- an appropriation 
of §2,000 from the treasury of the Miner's Union, 
and is the oidy public library in Virginia. All 
members of the Xlnion have access; outsiders are 
required to pay fitly cents per month. 

Cost of books to date §6,000 

Number of volumes '_ 2,200 

The original building cost §4,000, and was used 
by the Minors' Union as a IkiII. 

KtiHV HIT, I, miners' I'NION. 

The ofticers of the Ruby Hill .Miners' Union, 
Kureka County, are as follows: James Rowc, Presi- 
dent; C. B. Bid well. Vice President; John Hancock, 
Financial Secretary; J. W. Richards, Recording Sec- 
retary; VV. D. Griffiths, Treasurer; Evans Richards, 
Warden; Elislia Rule. Conduclor; John Heekerling, 
E. Richard and William Giles, Committee on Finance; 
n. Rawlings, J. Trembalh, J. G. Jury, P. 1). Hicks, 
J. T. Richards, Trustees. 

NEVADA STATE .MEDICAI, SOCIETV. 

In April, 1878, a suggestion was made by several 
physicians of the State as to the propriety of organ- 
izing a medical society embracing the Slate at large, 
under the auspices of, and in alliliaiion with, llie 
"National American Medical .\ssoeialion." Accord- 
ingly, a general call was made through the press, and 
a circular issued to bo sent to all the medical men of 
the State belonging to the old school of medicine. 

There assembled under this call at Carson City, 
twenty-four medical men from difteront parts of the 
State, who formed an organization called the .Vevada 
State Medical Society, divested of all local ])rejudice8, 
partisan tendencies or personal motives. Its objects 
are: — 

First — The cultivation and advancement of the 
science by united exertions for mutual improvement, 
and bj- contributions to medical literature. 

Second — The promotit)n of the character, intorosts 
and honor of the fraternity by maintaining union 



W-2 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OP NEVADA. 



and harmony in the regular profession of the State, 
and aiming to elevate the standard of medical edu- 
cation. 

Third — The separation of regular from irregular 
practitioners. 

Fourth — The association of the profession proper 
for purposes of mutual recognition and fellowship. 

The regular meetings are held semi-annually; on 
the first Monday in July, in Virginia City; on the 
second Monday in January, in Carson City. 

The society held its first regular semi-annual ses- 
sion in Odd Fellows Uall, Virginia, on July 1 and 
2, 1878, and elected officers as follows: President, 
Dr. J. W. Van Zandt, Virginia; Vice-Presidents. Dr. I 
J. W. Waters, Carson; Dr. A. Dawson, Reno: Dr. H. i 
W. Smith; Recording Secretary, Dr, F. M. Conn, i 
Virginia; Corresponding Secretary, Dr. J. Thomas 
Johnson, Virginia; Treasurer, Dr. E. D. Black, Genoa. 

Board of Censors — Dr. J. Grant, Virginia; Dr. H. 
II. Hogan, Reno; Dr. B. Robinson, Virginia; Dr. F. 
J. White, Carson; Dr. T. J. Magee, Gold Hill. 

The roll of membership at this time included the 
names of thirtj'-three physicians. The oration was 
delivered by Dr. A. Dawson, of Reno, and a report of 
a case of encephaloid cancer of the brain was sub- 
submitted b}- Dr. F. H. Engels, of Virginia. 

Since that time the society has held its meetings 
semi-annually, kept up its membership and greatly 
promoted the interests of the medical fraternity in 
Nevada. 

Dr. J. Thos. Johnson succeeded Dr. Van Zandt as 
President, and the former was succeeded by Dr. 
H. Borgstein. who is now in his second term. 

The present officers are Dr. H. Bergstein, Presi- 
dent; Dr. H. S. Herrick, Hamilton, Dr. J. S. Ham- 
mond. Austin, Vice-Presidents; Dr. F. H. Engels, 
Virginia, Recording Secretary; Dr. A. Dawson, Reno, 
Corresponding Secretary. 

Board of Censors — Drs. (Jeorge H. Thomas, C. B. 
Bricrly, B. IJobinson. M. Rockman and F. M. Conn. 

At the last annual meeting the names of thirty- 
eight physicians were reported on the membership 
roll. 

ANCIE.NT ORDER HIBERNIANS. 

Among the conspicuous benevolent societies of 
Virginia City is Division No. 1 of the Ancient Order 
of Hibernians. As its name implies it is composed 
exclusivelj' of Irishmen. It was organized with 
nineteen charter members in March, 1872, and 
rapidly increased to nearl}' 300. It has a mem- 
bership at present of about half this number. 

The first officers were John Snow, President; P. 
Fahy, Vice-President ; P. Ennis, Recording Secre- 
tary ; James Moore, Financial .Secretary ; Dennis 
Nevin, Treasurer. 

The present officers are D. A. Curran. President: 
D. Fitzgerald, Vice-President; Dan McCarthy. Re- 
cording Secretary-; James Marlow, Financial Secre- 
tarj'; Martin Ford, Treasurer; D. J. Mahoney, C. D.; 
M. A. Feoncy, S. D. 



The Hibernians have disbursed nearly S10,000 in 
sick benefits, and about as much again has been 
donated for charitable purposes outside of the Order. 

UIBERNIAN SOCIETV AT AUSTIN. 

The Society of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, 
of Austin, Lander County, was organized on the 
twelfth day of June, 1874. 

The j)rescnl officers are John Smyth, County Del- 
egate; Thomas Kennedy, President; P. Lynch, 
Treasurer; T. E. Harnej-, Treasurer. 

The number of its charter members was twenty- 
five. The greatest number of members at any one 
time was sixty-eight. The present number of mem- 
bers is thirty-five. 

Financially its condition is favorable; value of prop- 
erty and cash, 8750; amount disbursed to date in 
benefits, charities, etc.. 82.300. 

IRISH-AMERICAN BENEVOLENT ASSOCIATION. 

On the twenty-first of June, 1872, the Irish-Ameri- 
can Benevolent Association, of Austin, was organized. 
Its objects are purelj- benevolent; ever}' dollar paid 
into its treasury is to be repaid in benefits to the mem- 
bers when required, according to the laws of the asso- 
ciation. 

The first officers chosen were Patrick Lynch, Presi- 
dent; Charles O'Brien, Vice-President; George Mills, 
Treasurer; John Smyth, Secretarj*. 

The present officers are M. D. Murphy, President; 
Thomas Gavan, Vice-President; James Brennan, 
Treasurer; Thomas L. Brennan, Secretary. 

The number of charter members was fifty; the great- 
est number of members at any one time, 125, The 
financial condition of the society is prosperous. The 
disbursements to the present time amount to 87,500. 

GRAND AR.MV OF THE REPUBLIC— PHIL. KEARNY POST, 
NO. 10. 

In 1868, the ex-Union veterans living in Virginia 
City organized to promote the election of General U. 
S. Grant to the Presidency. Their campaign club was 
known as the " Boys in Blue." After the election 
they reorganized as Post No. 8, of the Grand Army 
of the Republic. 

Their first officers, elected on October 5, 1869, were 
A. H. W. Creigh, Commander; B. Ambrust, Senior 
Vice-Commander; C. L. Metcalf, Junior Vice-Com- 
mander; Dennis Farrell, Adjutant; (ieorgeL. Schwab, 
Quartermaster; Henry Kent, Officer of the Day; 
John W. Burke, Chaplain. 

The Post comprised at that time sixty members. 
The organization was maintainc(i until October. 1875, 
when the great fire swept away their papers and 
efFeots and dispersed many of the members. Four 
years later the veterans again organized as Phil. 
Kearny Post, No. 10, G. A. IJ., with twcnt}- names 
on the roll. Since that time the membership has 
nearly trebled. 

The present officers are G E. Caukin, Commander; 
Thomas Moses, Senior Vice-Commander; C. L. Met- 
calf, Junior Vice-Commander; Charles H. Galusha. 
Adjutant; George L. Schwab, (Quartermaster; George 



PIONEER AND OTHER SOCIETIES. 



26^ 



KIston, Otficcr of tho Day; J. W.Burke, Chapluin, 
and Dr. E. \i. Harris, Suri^eon. 

STANTON POST, NO. 20, 

Department of California, G. A. R., Carson City, 
Nevada, was organi7,ed March 24, 1S70. by (xeorgc 
F. Ford, Assistant Inspector of the Seventh Division 
Department of California. Number of members, 
thirty. The first officers elected were J. A. Burlin- 
game. Post Commander; T. J. Edwards, Senior Vice- 
Commander; C. A. Witherell, Junior Vice-Com- 
mander; William Wallace, Officer of the Day; E. 
B. Wartmen, Officer Guard; W. M. Burthrong, Adju- 
tant; C. Kitzme3'er, Quartermaster Sergeant; JI. 
Shrieves, Sergeant Major. 

This Post surrendered its charter and disbanded 
in 1873. 

MEMORIAL DAY. 

Memorial day was first observed in Carson City, 
May 30, 1870, by Stanton Post marching to Lone 
Mountain Cemetery, and decorating tho graves of 
Union soldiers buried there. 

The Union soldiers and sailors observed memorial 
day as above stated, for sevei-al years, when they 
invited the citizens to unite with them. School 
children, and children from the State Orphan's Home, 
numbering in all about 500, the Mexican Veterans, 
Federal and State officers, Carson Guards, and about 
1,000 citizens, united with the Union soldiers, and 
made the day a grand success in Carson City, as it 
has been each year since. 

CUSTER POST, NO. 5. 

Custer Post, No. 5, Department of California, (r. A. 
E., Carson City, Nevada, was organized July 17, 1878, 
by J. A. Burlingamc, Special Mustering Officer. Num- 
ber of members, forty-three. 

The first officers elected were D. II. Lcntz, Post 
Commander; C II. Maish, Senior Vice-Commander; 
H. F. Bartine, Junior Vice-Commander; James Hunt, 
Surgeon; Marshall Robinson, Quartermaster; C. A. 
Witherell, Adjutant; William McCatl'erty, Chaplain; 
E. B. Zubriskie, Officer of the Da.y; Joseph Carpenter, 
Officer of the Guard; Mike O'llare, Inside Guard; 
Eliiis Breed, Outside (iuard. 

The present officers are E. B. Zabriskie, Post Com- 
mander; D. H. Pine, Senior Vice- Commander; B. D. 
Kennedy, Junior Vice-Commander; Benjamin Ilaj'es, 
Officer of the Day; W. II. II. Scott, Officer of the 
Guard; C. N. Harris, Chaplain; L. L. Lee, Surgeon; 
Marshall Robinson, Quurtermastor; C. A. Witherell, 
Adjutant; John McCremmon, Sergeant .Major; An- 
drew Layman, Quartermaster Sergeant. 

Custer Post has been in a flourishing condition 
since its organization, members have helped each 
other in many ways, especially in looking after the 
sick, and finding employment for those who were in 
want of it. 

INDEPENDENT ORDER OF RED MEN. 

The Grand Council of I. O. R. M., of Nevada, was 
instituted on the seventh of January, 1S73, by A. 



Curry, V. S. I. The following officers wore elected: — 
Jonas Seeley, G. T.; H. J. Peters, S. S.; C. N. 
Harris, J. S.; A. Waitz, C. of R.; J. B. Fitch, K. of 
W.; A. Currj' and E. Strother, G. R. 

PIUTE TRIBE, NO. I. 

Piute Tribe, No. 1, I. O. R. M., was organized at 
Carson City, Ormsby County, on the nineteenth of 
July, 1870. 

Tho first officers wore A. Curry, Sachem; A. D. 
Treadway, Prophet; N. J. Saviers, Senior Sagamore; 
H. J. Peters, Junior Sagamore; George G. Lyons, 
Chief of Records; John liosser. Keeper of Wampum. 

The charter members were A. Curry, N. J. Sav- 
iers, Isaac McConnell, J. R. Fenney, II. J. Peters, 
George G. Lyons, (Jeorge Bettinger, .M. Willard, A. 
D. Treadway, Fred. W. Glenn, George W. Chean, 
Israel Crawford, John Rosscr, A. Waitz, S. T. Swift. 
J. M. Reese, A. P. Cotton, A. Wright, I. M. Benton, 
and George L. Gibson. 

HISTORICAI, A.vn SCIENTIFIC SOCIETY. 

The Nevada Historical and Scientific Society was 
incorporated at Carson City on the twelfth of July, 
1865, with the following officers: — 

A. F. White, President; W. F. B. Lynch, Vice- 
President; C. L. Anderson, Recording Secretary; 
Thomas Wells, Corresponding Secretarj-; W. B. 
Lawlor, Treasurer. 

ANCIENT ORDER OF UNITED W0RK.MEN. 

Alpha Lodge, No. 1, A. O. U. W., was organized 
at Eureka, on March 11, 1870. 

Its first officers were as follows: M. Rockman, P. 
M. W.; 11. A. Unruh, M. W.; E. A. Robinson, Fore- 
man; G.J. Scanland, O.; I. C. C. Whitmore, Recorder: 
B. C. Levj-, Financier; Wm. Pardy, Receiver; F. W. 
Penfield, (J.; S. S. Sloss, I. W. 

The present officers arc as follows; C. L. Bray; P. 
M. W.; (i. A. Fletcher, JI. W.; J. Schanlanker, Fore- 
man; A. Oliver, O.; I. C. C. Whitmore, Recorder; E. 
J. Butler, Financier; Wm. Pardy, Receiver; Wm. 
Joannes, (J.; P. II. lljul. I. W.; E. Bertrand, O. W. 

The charter members of the lodge were thirty-two 
in number; the greatest number of members was 
eighty-eight; the present number is eighty-two. 

Tho regalias and seal of tho lodge arc valued at 
8116. Its objects are exclusively charitable, and its 
present financial condition is excellent. 

INDEPENDENT ORDER OF FORESTERS. 

The society of lnde])eii(lent Order of Foresters 
was ordained for the purpose of mutually benefiting 
its members generally, but more particularly with a 
view of securing to tho family of a deceased brother 
of tho Order a i-ubstantial benefit, amounting to a 
sum of money of from 81,000 to 83,000. Tho Order 
was first organi/.ed June 17, 1S74. at Newark, New 
Jersey. Since then over 8400,000 has been paid to 
the families of deceased members. The origin of tho 
Order dates back to the days of Robin Hood in Sher- 
wood Forest. 



264 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



COURT NEVADA, NO. I. 

Court Nevada, No. 1. I. O. of F., was ori^anized at 
Virginia City, Storey County, on the twenty-si.\lh 
of May, 1879, with J. F. Newh-ind, Chief Hanger; 
M. C. McMillan, Vice-Chief Eanger; II. M. Monk, 
Secretary; C. 1*". Sloat, Financial Secretary; A. 
Learnhart, Treasurer. 

There were fiftj'-four charter members; the great- 
est number of members belonging at any one time 
was eighty; ami in September, 1881, there were 
forty-three mnnlK-rs. 

Tlie societj- has disbursed in benefits, endowments, 
and charities since its organization, 83,250. The 
amount of property now on hand, including cash, is 
estimated at Sl.dOO. 

The present oftieers are H. Bergstein, C. R.; E. 
Lee, V. C. R.; P. 11. Mulcahy, Recording and Fi- 
nancial Secretary; J. S. Newland, Treasurer. 

EL'REKA COURT. 

A lodge of this Order was organized at Eureka, 
on Januar}- 7, 1880. 

The first officers were as follows: B. C. Levy, W. 
C. R.; C. L. Bray, V. C. R.; W. J. Smith, Treasurer; 
James W. Smith, R. S.; A. E. Shannon, D. D. VV. C. R. 

The present officers are C. L. Bray, W. C. II.; R. 
P. Dayton, V. C. R.; W. J. Smith, Treasurer; James 
W. Smith, R. S.; A. E. Shannon, D. D. W. C. R. 

The charter members were si.\ty in number. The 
greatest number of members at one time were sixty- 
five. The present number of members is fifty-five. 

The i-egalias of the lodge arc valued at SlOO, its 
financial condition is solvent, and up to the present 
time it has disbursed $700 in charities. 

SII-VEIl STATE LODCE, NO. 89, B. L. F. 

The above lodge was organized on the seventh day 
of November, 1878, at Carlin, Elko County, with 
twentj'-two charter members. 

The first otficei-s were: Master, M. Kline; Treas- 
urer, Ole Thompson; Recording Sec, P. A. Ressiguie. 

The greatest number of members at any one time 
was thirty-six. At the present time there are thirty- 
three names on its roll of membership. 

The financial condition of the organization is good, 
it having disbursed in benefits, charities, etc., over 
five hundred dollars. 

The present officers are: Master, J. A. Ressiguie; 
Treasurer, Ole Thompson, IJecording Secretary; J. F. 
F. Hale. 

THE CALEDONIAN CI.IU. 

On October 23, 1873, the Scotch-American citizens 
of Store}- County organized the Virginia Caledonian 
Club. Their object was to establisli and maintain 
friendly intimacy among those who are of Scottish 
birth or extraction, and to keep alive in them an 
interest in Scottish manners and usages. They pro- 
posed to accomplish these ends by the encourage- 
ment and practice of the games, and ])roservation of 
the customs and manners of Scotland, the promotion 
of a taste for her language and literature, and the 
binding more closely, in social links, the sons and 



daughters of their mother country. A preliminary 
meeting was held in August, 1873, at which Robert 
Morrison presided, and W. M. Lachlan acted as Sec- 
retarj'. The club started with thirty members upon 
its roll, and has now three times that number. The 
second Friday of each month is devoted to the regu- 
lar business meeting, and the fourth Friday is 
devoted to social purposes. The First Chieflians of 
the club, since the dateof its organization, have been 
the following: A. C. Hay, 1873; A. B. McKay, 1874; 
David Stark. 1875; Donald McLean, 187G; William 
Maxton, 1877; Hector Dow, 1S7S; D. H. Eraser, 
1879; J. B. McDonald, 18S0; Alexander Wilson, 
1881. During the same period the Honorable Chiefs 
have been Hector Dow, A. G. McKenzie, Dan. H. 
Eraser, Arthur B. Wilson, and Thomas Geddes. 

THE VIROINIA TIUNVEREIN. 

On March 27, 1870, the German residents of Vir- 
ginia City met and organized the Virginia Turnve- 
rein for mutual improvement, athletic culture and 
recreation. A hull was built and equipped with 
gymnastic a])i>aratus at a cost of 83,500. A. Liehter 
was the fir-it President and Fred. Boegle the first 
Secretary. Turner Hall was destroyed by fire about 
a year after the organization, and the society was not 
reorganized until January 7, 1S72, when A. Lighter 
was chosen President and L. Siebenhauer Secretary. 
The society never rebuilt their ))roperty, but leased 
a hail, which they fitted up for their purjjoscs. The 
President at present is H. Uuber, and Tred. Buechler 
is the Secretary. The society has about forty mem- 
bers and holds social dances about twice a month. 



CII A I'TE 1! .\ .YX VI. 
MILITARY AFFAIRS AND INCIDENTS. 

The Battle-born State — .Secession Conspiracy —Call for Arms — 
Orgaiiizint; the Doniocratic Party — Hoisting the Confederate 
Flag — Enlistments of Volunttxirs — Connor Asaunies Com- 
mand — .Secession Rmifpniit el Cimeliniit — Xevada Volunteers 
— The Sanitary Commission — The Sanitary Sack of Hour — 
Assassination of President Lincoln — Mexican War Veterans 
— History of the American Flag. 

Nearly all the incidents with which the military 

have been connected have been related in the chapters 

on the Indians and their wai^s, but there are more, 

and could all the secret history be known a startling 

tale could bo told. Nevada is the 

BATTLE-noRN ST.-VTE; 

The great war of the Rebellion, arising while the 
first eftbrts were making to establish a Territorial 
Government, and raging with unparalleled fury and 
energy, with the future of the nation in doubt, when 
she was admitted as one of the loving sisterhood of 
the Union. But the battle raged afar off, giving only 
the faint sounds of its thunder and the colorless 
picture of the sanguinary field brought bj' the slender 
electric wire. Yet these aroused to enthusiasm and 
generous deeds the patriots who made up her spare 
po])ulation. The discovery of silver, the creation of 
the Territory and the organization of the Territorial 



MILITARY AFFAIRS AND INCIDENTS. 



2G5 



Govornment, preceded the secession of the Southern 
Slates and the oulhreak of the war. and when this last 
occurred, the respective streiij^th of the union and dis- 
union elements wore quite unknown, and the fate of 
the Paeific Coast, in which was included the J'oung 
Territory, was in doubt. The population was com- 
posed of natives of the >>orth and South, with a 
Northern and foreign element synijtathizing with 
the South, and whose expressions emboldened seces- 
sionists to demonstrations of violence threatening 
civil war. The Military- Department was under the 
command of General Albert Sydney Johnston, a 
Southern man, and believed read}- to co-operate with 
the Confederate, or Kebel, tiovernmenl. 15y a secret 
and strategic movement, General Edwin Voso Sum- 
ner unexpectedly arrived in Sati Francisco and took 
command. From that date secession had but little 
hope on the Pacific Coast. 

SECESSION CONSPIR.XCY. 

There existed, however, then and subsequently, a 
secret organization, the details of which are still kej)! 
a profound secret by those who were leaders, and to 
whom it was intrusted, having for its object the 
establishing of Slate and Territorial Governments, 
untler Confederate uuthorit}-. Commissions of (iov- 
ernors and military oHicers, signed by Jetferson Davis, 
President of the Confederate States, were sent to the 
leaders of the organization. Nevada, it was under- 
stood, was to be given to David S. Terry, who visited 
the Territory with others of the conspirators, having 
in his pocket the commission of Governor. Meetings 
were held in secret, and some slight demonstrations 
were made as if feeling the temper of the people, but 
there was no outbreak of hostilities nor assumption 
of authority. The intentions of the conspirators 
were suspected and their movements were closely 
watched, and precautions were taken by the Union- 
ists and Federal authorities. 

C.VI.L Koll AHMS. 

The headi[uarlcrs of the conspirators was in San 
Francisco, but their operaticjns and plans included 
the entire Pacific Coast, or at least such States and 
Territories as they could induce to join or had 
hopes of conquering. Gen. \V. C. Kibbo was then 
Adjutant General of California, and ho applied to the 
United Stales military authorities for 1(1,0(10 stand 
of arms, writing to (ieneral il. \V. llalleck as fol- 
lows: — 

It is represented and generally believed that there 
is a secret organization in this Stale (C'alifornia) 
iiiiniliering from 20,0(10 to 30,000 men, who are 
leagued together for the overthrow of our National 
( Jovernmenl, and whose purpose it is, if an o))i)or- 
tmiily should ever favor the scheme, to carry the 
State out of the Union. This class of men openly 
boast that their sympathies are with the traitors of 
the South, and they lose no opportunity to defame 
the Government from which the}' receive jjroteclion 
of life and property, and whose great benelils they 
enjoj-. They continuallj' preach their traitorous 
doctrines among loyal men and do much to discour- 



age enlistments. The loyal citizen has at this time 
no protection from their insults, and even United 
States soldiers have been shot down in our streets 
for protesting against the ])ublic use of disloyal sen- 
timents, and the ])robabilities are that the assassins 
will go unwhi]i])ed of justice. 

The strength of the (iovernment should bo mani- 
fested and the Union feeling of the masses protected. 
If this is not done and our armies should meet con- 
tinued reverses, trouble might be inaugurated upon 
the Pacific Coast. The lo^-al citizens of this coast 
have borne this slate of things long enough. Will 
the Federal Government help us to manifest the 
strength we possess ? If so we will raise 20,000 men 
used to arms. 

OROANIZINO THE DEMOCRATIC PARTV. 

Whether or not the organizers of the Democratic 
party in Nevada, in 18G3, had any connection with 
the conspirators who were jilanning to make David 
S. Teny (iovernor of the Territory, under the Com- 
mission of Jeff. Davis, is best known to the parties 
in the movement. Many of the Democrats of the 
lime ex])resscd strong Union seiilimeiits, and others 
openly avowed their disloyalty, for which they were 
arrested bj- the military authorities and imprisoned 
at Fort Churchill, receiving punishment by being 
requii'cd to carry sacks of sand under the guard of 
a Federal soldier. At that date the fate of the Union 
was in the balance, and ho who was not for it was 
regarded as its enemy. One i)rominent Democrat, 
Hon. John R. McConnell, had declared, "As Ken- 
tucky" — his native State — "goes, so I go." Ken- 
tucky declared against secession, but McConnell did 
not abate his denunciation of the Administration 
and the war for the Union. • The secession of the 
Southern States, the outbreak of war following the 
attack on Fort Sumter, and the united uprising of 
the North, had appalled and stranded the Democracy 
of the Pacific Coast; and having no i)art in the 
organization of the Territory of Nevada, they were 
but Democrats without a party. Naturally they 
de.slred concert of action, and on the fourteenth of 
February, 1SG3, a meeting was held in Virginia City 
to organize the Democratic party in Nevada, and 
the following names were appended to the call: — 

S. A. McMeans, of Storey County, Chairman. 
J. P. Ilickey, Secretary. 



John I?. McConnell 
R. \V. Billett, 
J. C. Clark, 
R. B. Jloyes, 
Chas. VV. Fox, 
Patrick O'Connor, 
R. (•. Hardy, 
L. Rawlings, 
John Webber, 
C. J. Jjansing, 
Francis L. Audo, 
N. O. Arrington, 
P. H. Clayton, 
R. H. Hall, 



W. F. O'Neal, 
J. G. Cooper, 
John J. Wilson, 
Charles C. Thomas, 
J. W. Titus, 
O. S. Allen, 
John C. Langton, 
George A. (Jray, 
George E. Thomas, 
John M. Neal, 
J. W. Wilson, 
J. Sutter, 
Thomas Scale, 
S. V. Berry, 



266 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



G. E. Williams, 
J. S. Pitzer. 
Archie McDonald, 
E. L. Cardoza, 
H. P. Haynes, 
J. "W. Kerr, 
R. P. Keating, 
C. S. Fairfax, 
J. G. Howard, 
(xeGrgc E. Cobb, 
R. Shelton, 
Fred. A. Sawyer, 
S. L. Curtis, • 
E. Janin, 
J. A. Paxton, 
John I)ohle, 
G. II. Shaw, 

William 



John Wobey, 
John Gaines, 
Wm. T. Barbour, 
J. C. Hurley, 
V. Frank Yalle, 
J. W. Gash wilier, 
James MeGrade, 
N. K. Lamson, 
Jacob Flebberg, 
A. B. Carrington, 
S. G. Post, 
L. Videl, 
H. B. Cossett, 
J. B. Chin, 
Thos. Marsh, 
J. H. Hardy, 
A. Casamaj-ou. 
Cadien. 



HOISTING OF THE CONFEDERATE FLAG. 

The rebellious spirit manifested itself in a defiant 
manner on many occasions in the first and second 
years of the war, and issue seemed doubtful, but it 
was met by the determined manner of the loyal ele- 
ment which repressed any attempt of an uprising 
On one. occasion only was the Confederate flag' 
flaunted in the public gaze. In the fall of 1801, a 
man named John L. Newman hoisted a Confederate 
flag over a building of which he was proprietor, on 
the corner of Sutton ATenue_and A streets, in Virginia 
City, and stood by with a number of sj-niputbizers to 
protect it. Immediately thereafter Mr. R. M. Water- 
house, the partner in business with Newman, hoisted 
the Union flag on the other end of the building, and 
with pistol in hand declared he would kill any one 
who would attempt to take it down. The people 
were aroused, and great excitement prevailed. For 
a few hours there seemed danger of the breaking 
out of civil war, but discretion prevailed, and the 
obnoxious emblem of rebellien was taken down never 
again to reap])ear in Nevada. The secession element 
was notified that anj- one repeating the oft'ense would 
be summarily dealt with. Soon thereafter they 
organized the Order of the "Golden Circle," and their 
operations were carried on more secretly. The 
necessity to counteract the machinations of this 
party was seen by the loyalists, and the " Union 
League " was organized. Both Orders originated in 
the East, and these organizations in Nevada were 
but branches. 

ENLISTMENTS OP VOLUNTEERS. 

In the fall of 1861, California commenced the organ- 
ization of four regiments of volunteer infantrj', and to 
obtain recruits for these Lieutenant Soaper, in the 
spring of 1862 opened an office in Virginia City, being 
the first recruitijig oflice in Nevada. After the usual 
manner of such otlieers, he obtained two drummer 
boys,and J. II. Matthewson, afterwards a Lieutenant 
to carrj' a flag, and started to march through the 
principal streets. They hud not marched a hundred 



yards when a rebellious individual sprang from a 
crowd of his friends on the sidewalk and destroj-ed 
one of the drums, and was proceeding to demolish the 
other when he was knocked down by Lieutenant 
Matthewson. Several Unionists came to the assist- 
ance of the recruiting party, among whom were Jack 
Williams, Thomas Peaslej-, J. V. B. Perry and George 
Birdsall. Williams acting as drummer, and the march 
proceeded in triumph, growing to a grand procession, 
■which marched to the Citj' Hall where an enthusiastic 
Union meeting was held and a patriotic address was 
delivered by Hon. Charles Bryan, ex-Justice of the 
Supreme Court of California. Recruiting was con- 
tinued, and, while no violent measures were taken by 
the secessionists, there were many expressions of dis- 
approbation which required firmness and courage 
to overcome. Seventy-five volunteers were thus 
obtained for the California regiments before any per- 
mission was given Nevada to raise any companies of 
her own. 

In the summer of 1862, the Third Regiment of Cal- 
ifornia Volunteers, under command of Col. P. Edward 
Connor, arrived and took possession of the United 
States posts in Nevada, and on August 6th, issued 
the following order: — 

CONNOR ASSU.MES COMMAND. 

[order so. 1.] 

Headquarters District OF Utah. ) 
Fort Ciiurcuill, August 6, 1862. / 

The undersigned pursuant to orders from depart- 
ment headijuarters hereby assumes command of the 
Military District of Utah, coniju-ising the Territories 
of Nevada and Utah. 

In assuming command of the district I especially 
enjoin on all disbursing officers the neccssilj- of being 
particularly attentive, careful and economical in 
their disbursements of the ])ublic funds ; and that 
thej- in no instance purchase from persons who 
have at any time, by word or act, manifested dis- 
loj-alty to the Federal Government. Being credibly 
informed that there are in this district persons 
who, while claiming and receiving protection to 
life and property, are endeavoring to destroy and 
defame the principles and institutions of our (tov- 
ernment under whose benign influence they have 
been so long protected; it is therefore most rigidi}' 
enjoined upon all commanders of posts, cam])s and 
detachments, to cause to be jiromjjtly arrested and 
closely confined until thcj' have taken the oath of 
allegiance to the Government of the United States, 
all pei-sons who from this date, shall be guilty of 
uttering sentiments against the Government, and 
upon the repetition of the oftense, to be, again 
arrested and confined until the fact shall bo com- 
municated to these headquarters. Traitors shall 
not utter treasonable sentiments in this district 
with imp\inity, but must seek some more congenial 
soil, or receive the pmiishnient thej- so richly merit. 

By order of P. Edward Co.nnou, 

Colonel Third Infantry C. V. Com. District of Utah. 

James W. Still.man, A. A. A. General. 

SECESSION RAMPANT ET COUCDANT. 

The following, as a sample of the times, is related 
in the Esmeralda Star of August 23, 1862, then od- 



MILITARY AFFAIRS AND IJS'CIDEMTS. 



267 



itcd l\v ilajor Edwin A. Sherman, a veteran of the 
Mexican War and a Unionist of the most positive 
character: — 

On Saturday night last, about eleven o'clock, a band 
of rebels made a coni|ile(o pandemonium of our 
town, and continued tlioir hideous orLjios until late 
on Sunday mornini;. iheerin;^ for Jotf. Davis, Stone- 
wall .lackson and the Southern Confederacj-. 

This demoiistrati(ui was no doubt desiijned as a 
test, to see whether the orders lately issued from the 
War Hepartment, directini; all military otHcers to 
promptly arrest all such ottenders and make them 
take the oath of allegiance or sutler imprisonment, 
would be put in force or not. 

Our officers, whose dutj- it is to preserve the peace, 
did not make themselves known, and consequently 
no arrests were made by them ; they were truly 
fieace officers. 

Lieutenant H. Noble, who is noble by nature as 
well as bj- name, and who has been an invalid for 
some time past, and stojiping in our town to recruit 
his health, was repeatedlj- insulted by boots and 
cheers for Jeff. Davis in his presence, when those 
cowardi}- villains knew he was I'eeble and thought 
they could take this mean, cowardly, contemptible 
advantage of the absence of his company (Captain 
E. A. Rowe's), which is stationed at Adobe Meadows, 
and they sought this opportunity^ to insult him, defy 
the Government, and treat its flag with contempt. 

Lieutenant Noble, though weak from a long illness, 
was determined to let them know that our (iovern- 
ment and its authorities was not to be trampled upon 
■with impunitj-. lie told us that ho was sorrj- that 
his Companj- was not here, and if he only had the 
men he would arrest them. We told him that he 
could have as many men as he wanted, and informed 
him of our ]io>ition as Major on the staff of (Jeneral 
Bobbie, of the Third Brigade of the State Troops (it 
was then thought Aurora was in California). lie 
then applied for a sufficient number of men to make 
the arrest. We ordered Captain II. J. Teel, of the 
Esmeralda I?ifles, to detail a Sergeant with ten men, 
to report forthwith to Lieutenant Noble, which 
order was obeyed, and Sergeant II. A. Rhoades, with 
his men rejwrted to Tjieutenant Noble as directed. 
The guard ])roceeded to the house to which the most 
rabid had retired, and though ho offered resist- 
ance and dung to the house like a tick, ho had to 
come along, though not without a good deal of 
trouble, and kicking ]>rivate Michael Stewart very 
severel}' on the shin, which .Mike responded to by 
a forcible presentation of his toe in the rebel's rear, 
after which he made no further resistance, and was 
marched to the county jail and ])laced under charge 
of Lieutenant I). H. Pine. 

Sheriff Bailej- would not allow the prisoner to 
remain, without being delivered up to him bj- a writ- 
ten order; he was then removed to a log building 
latelj- used by Colonel Wingate as a jjowder maga- 
zine, where he was contined under guard of the 
Esmeralda Rifles. 

In the meantime the secessionists about the 
town began togetlheir arms; were buying ammuni- 
tion and moulding bullets; the}' also thi-eatened to res- 
cue the prisoner, and take |>ossession of the armojy. 

It was deemed prudent to distribute all of the 
Minie muskets to the members of the Rifles, and the 
surplus to Union men who knew how to use them. 
The guard over the i)risoner was doubled. an<l all the 
Union men were ready at the least alarm to rally to 
the aid of those on guard. 



Fortunately, however, for the "sccesh," they made 
no attempt to carry out the threats, and the town 
wasipiiet tluring the night. 

On Mondaj' morning the whole comjiany of the 
Rifles were under arms, and at 10 o'clock the jtris- 
oner was brought out and placed in the center of the 
hollow square, and was marched by the company, 
who had their colors flying at their head, to the flag- 
staff, where the oath was administered by Ijieutenant 
Noble to the i)risoner, A. (^uinton; after which Lieu- 
tenant Noble addressed the i)eople. telling them that 
he considered the man but a tool in the hands of 
others who had incited him to cheer for traitors, for 
the purpose of making a test, and to see if he would 
dare to carr3' out the orders from General Wright 
and Colonel Connor. lie informed them that the 
next one would not get off so easilj-. After thanking 
the Rifles for so willingly obej-ing the orders given 
them, they gave him three hearty cheers. Then 
three rousing cheers were given for the Stars and 
Stripes, and the company dismissed, each taking his 
arms home with him. 

We trust that this will prove a salutarj- lesson to 
those who would insult our flag or defy the authority 
of the Government; and they may rest assured that 
so long as we have any right o)- authority to com- 
mand, the Government shall be respected and its flag 
shall be honored. 

There are traitors in our midst who helped to fit 
out Showalter and his party; they have also helped 
to fit out others and given the rebels aid and comfort; 
but their game is now up, and thej- are closely watched. 
Traitors have come in here from other (|uarters, but 
the}- will find this to be too hot a Union community for 
anj- of their kind, and the sooner thej- gel out of it the 
better it will be for them, and if thej- remain we 
expect to enjoy the explicit pleasure in a few days of 
administering to them the oath of allegiance. 

NEV.\n.\ VOLtlNTEERS. 

Early in 186;?, the order was received for Nevada 
to raise a battalion of cavalry, and at once the gallant 
Matthewson o]iciied a recruiting office at Gold Hill, 
he being the first oflicer mustered into the service, 
taking rank as First Lieutenant of Company B, 
Nevada Territory Cavalry Volunteers, N. Baldwin, 
Captain. About the same time a companj- was 
recruited at Silver Citj-, which became Companj- A, 
and was commanded by Ca])t. E. R. Zabriskie. These 
companies were soon filled; mustered into service, 
and in 1804 marched to Salt Lake. Baldwin was 
promoted to Major of the battalion, and was ])laced 
in command of Fort Rridger. Zabriskie, who was 
senior Cajitain, declined the ])romotion, j)refei'ring to 
remain with his companj', which he had made verj- 
efficient. 

Four more companies were subse(|uentl}' addeil 
to this battalion. ('om])any C was recruited by 
different persons and at various places, the organiza- 
tion being com])leled in December, ISdH, and II. ]»al- 
ton made Captain. ('om|iaiiy D was recruited at 
(iold Hill, in the fall and winter of 18(i:i, and mustered 
in with Milo (ieorge as Cajitain. Company E was 
recruited in (ienoa, (!arson, and Silver City in the 
spring of 18G4, by Captain Robert I^yon. Company 
F was recruited at Aurora, in the winter and spring 
of 18G4, by Capt. J. W. Calder. In addition to these 



2G8 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



there were six infantry companies enlisted in the 
Territory, altogether numbering about 1,000 men. 

In April, 186-1, the following report was given of 
the force of Xevada Territory Volunteers: — 

Cavalry — Company A, Capt. E. B. Zabriskie, eighty 
men; Companj- B. Capt. N. Baldwin, ninetj'-four men; 
Companj- C, Capt. H. Dalton, eighty-three men; Com- 
pany D, Capt. A. B. Wells, seventy-three men; Com- 
pany E, Capt. Robert C. Payne, eightj-two men; 
Company F, Capt. J. W. Calder, eighty-eight men. 

Infantry — Companj' A, Capt. A. J. Close, eleven 
men; Companj- C, Capt. M. R. Hasset, firtj--onc men; 
Companj- E, Capt. G. A. Thurston, fiftj--three men; 
Company F, Lieut. W. G. Seamonds, fortj- men; Com- 
panj- G, Capt. Wallace, seventeen men; Company H, 
Capt. A. B. Kellj-, twenty-one men. 

These volunteers were stationed at various places 
throughout the Territory and Utah, and performed 
verj- cttieient service in repressing any rebellious 
uprising, and in the Indian outbreak that occurred 
during the period, the account of which is published 
under the chapter of " Indians and their wars in 
Nevada." In the fall of 1865 all were mustered out 
of service. 

THE SANITARY CO.MMISSION. 

The grim storj-of war, with its hecatombs of slain, 
the mourning friends at home, and wide-spread des- 
olation, is often relieved bj' the tales of individual 
heroism, bj' generous deeds of friends and foes, bj- 
the grand uprising of communities in acts of love, 
charity and ])atriotism, showing humanity in bright 
relief against the dark background of hate and 
strife and death. While war was raging with un- 
paralleled cnergj' in the east, during the j'cars of 
Nevada's organization, the people of the I'acific 
Coast were in comparative quiet, enjoj-inga remark- 
able degree of prosperity; but praying, with exceed, 
ing deep sympathj', for the success of their friends 
and relatives in the fierce contest. Jlanj- of the 
North and Soutli wint to the field to render the 
assistance of their strength and life, and others sent 
of their stores and fortunes — that for the South in 
secret, necessarily so as rendering aid and comfort to 
the public enemy. The popular crj' was assist- 
ance to the North. The (iovcrnment had never pre- 
pared itself for caring for the vast number of sick 
and disabled men resulting from fatiguing campaigns 
and merciless battles. ^/To j)rovi(io for this came the 
most pleasant and redeeming feature of the war, 
the Sanitary Commission, which procured and ex- 
pended from 1862 to 1805, 84,800,000. /I-'or this fund 
all could subscribe, however distant thcj- might be 
from the scenes of strife and sutt'ering. The secre- 
tary of the committee which collected money on the 
Pacific Coast, in his report, said: — 

Jlen of overj- political partj- gave, whether Dem- 
ocrats, IJepublicans. or even secessionists; and there 
was no sect or religion that was not represented in 
this noble arnij- of givers. The Christians gave with 
loyal self-denial; the Jews, as earnest sj-mpathizers 



with*the suffering; heretics, as citizens of a Uepub- 
lic to be saved, and men of no religion with an ardor 
worthj' of the humblest religious devotee. The rep- 
resentatives of every nation living in our midst, 
English, (Jerman, French, Irish, ('hinese, Italian, 
Hungarian, iiussian, Sjjanish, gave with the fervor of 
native citizens. 

Of the 84,800.000 in currency raised by the Com- 
mission, over one-fourth of the sum came from the 
Pacific Coast. Almarin B. Paul, who was President 
of the Nevada Branch of the Sanitary Com- 
mission, in his final report, dated September 7, 1865> 
rendered the following statement of the contribu- 
tions to the fund in this State, reckoned in currencj-: 
Douglas Countj-, 82,075; Esmeralda, 810,080; Lander, 
810,650; Lyon, 813,830; Oi-msby, 813,600; Storey, 
8109.760.07; Washoe, 82.686; making a total of 
8163,581.07. Churchill, Humboldt and Nye, the 
remaining counties of the State at that time, were 
then prosjKTOUs and patriotic, and contributed their 
quota to the fund, but do not appear in Mr. Paul's 
report. 

THE SANITARY SACK OK FLOUR. 

Numerous devices were emploj-ed to attract atten- 
tion, to excite an interest and offer opportunities for 
the people to contribute to the Sanitaiy Fund. 
Among the most j)leasant of these, singular in its 
origin, and remarkable in its results, was the ' Sani- 
U»rj- Sack of Flour," the tale of which has become 
^historic and of frequent reference. At Austin, Lan- 
der Countj-, was to be an election for citj- officers, 
to be held on the nineteenth of April, 18(!4. The 
candidates for Maj'or were Mr. Charles Holbrook, 
a Republican, then a hardware merchant, and now 
the same in San Francisco, and Col. David E. 
Buel. a Democrat, a native of Delaware County, 
New Yoi'k, and one of the proprietors of the town 
site of Austin. The political and war excitement 
ran high, and great interest was taken in the 
campaign. Among the citizens were Dr. II. S. 
llerrick, Hepulilican, a native of New York, then 
holding a Federal position in connection with the 
Internal Revenue Department, and subsecjuentlj- 
Superintendent of Schools, and R. C. Gridiej-, Demo- 
crat, of the grocerj- firm of Gridlej-, IIobart& Jacobs, 
a native of Missouri, and a pronounced secessionist. 
Challenges to wager fVei|uentlv followed animated 
discussion, and Gridlej- challenged llerrick to bet 
on the result of the election between Ilolbrook 
and Buel. The challenge was accepted upon these 
terms: The stake was to be a sack of flour of 
fifty j)Ounds, which, if Buel were elected Maj'or, 
])octor Herrick should jturchase and carrj- from 
Clifton, the western ])ortion of Austin, and deliver 
to Gridley at his store in Upper Austin, being the 
extreme eastern portion of the city, the two points 
being about one mile apart. 

The reverse was, should Ilolbrook be elected 
5layor, then Gridley in the same manner should 
carrj- a sack of flour from his store and deliver it to 




-•r- 



■^ 



MR. JOHN Q.ADAMS. 




MRS. JOHN Q.ADAMS. 





















4 ' 



4\, -^V"'^ "".*! 






.J^Ut. 



.^• 



i 



i ^ 














Residence andRanch of JOHN Q.ADAMS, Genoa, Douglas Co.,Nevaoa. 



MILITARY AFFAIRS AND INCIDENTS. 



26<J 



llerrick in Clifton. Subsequently the Doctor sug- 
fTusled that the winTiei- (should ijive the flour to the 
Saiiitiuy Fund, and (hat the loser should carry it 
over the route, maroliing, if the Heiiublican carried 
it, to the tune of "Dixie," and if the Democrat car- 
ried it, to the tune of ",lohn Brown's Bodj' Ivies 
Mouldering, etc." The licpublican Mayor was elected, 
and on the daj- following; the election, April 20th, 
Dr. llerrick appeared with a band of music before the 
store of ilr. (iridlev.and deni;iii<lcd the fulfillment of 
.the af^reenu'iit. This was bitter to the rabid seces- 
sionist, and manj- of his sympathizers looked upon 
it as another of the acts of enforced humiliation 
by the Federal authorities. But the Doctor was of 
a humorous disposition, and without an enemj- in 
the world, so it was concluded to carrj- out the wajjer 
in a kindly and jocular spirit. The sack was pro- 
duced, which the Doctor decorated with a number 
of small fla_£;.s of "Stars and Stripes" — another act of 
humiliation- — and (iridley, givinj^ his coat to Derrick 
to carrj-, shouldered the sack and the procession 
formed with the Austin Brass Band in front, then the 
newly-elected citj- officers on horseback, then Dr. 
Derrick canyini; the coat and cane of Mr. Gridley, 
then tiridley bearing the sack of flour decorated with 
flags and red, white and blue ribbons, and l)y|his8ide 
his son, aged ten years, bearing a flag, then followed 
a man carrying a broom (the insignia of Democracy) 
draped in mourning, and with him walked a man with 
a sponge on a long pole, and a large number of eiti/A-ns 
following made up a very mi.xed and very jolly proces- 
sion. In this form, with the band playing, flags fly- 
ing, steam engines whistling, and the peo])le cheer- 
ing, the procession inarched through the main street 
about one mile to the Bank E.\change Saloon, where 
was performed the ceremonj' of delivering the sack, 
throwing up the sponge in token of surrender, and 
putting away the broom as a pledge of submission. 
After appropriate speeches by all the leading actors 
in the atlair, much cheering and general hilarity, the 
partj- returned to the central part of the city, and 
Dr. llerrick donated the flour to the Sanitary Com- 
mission, with the proposition that it be sold at auction 
and the ])roceeds given to the Sanitar}- Fund. 

A stand was erected in front of Holbrook it Mer- 
rill's hardware store, and Mr. Thomas B. Wade, 
formerl}' Maj-or of Placerville, California, took posi- 
tion as auctioneer. After some music by the band, 
and some patriotic speeches, the bidding began, .Mr. 
(Jridley starting it at .?2(l(l. (ireat excitement and 
good feeling prevailed. The auctioneer was eloquent 
in his representation of the good purpose of the 
fund, and patriotic songs iij' the crowd often inter- 
rupte<l his remarks. Many bitlders followed the 
first, there being a strife between the Republi- 
cans and Democrats as to which jiarty should have 
the honor of the largest coiitriliution to the fund. 
Buel, the defeated candidate, not having cash at his 
command, offered a certificate of indebtedness of 
81,115 from the Indian Department — behaving been 
34 



Indian Agent in California — but gold was wanted, 
and the bid was dedineil. Others ofl'ered mining 
stocks, town lots, and other evidences of property, 
but all were rejected. At last it was "knocked down" 
for the sum of 8350, to an enthusiastic I'nionist, who 
asked time to Uie following daj- to go to his home 
for the money. Cash down was demanded. (Jrid- 
lev oft'ered the money, but M. J. Noyes, one of the 
newly-elected Aldermen, claimed that he also had 
bid the amount, handed the auctioneer a bag ol gold 
containing the .?l!5(l, and immedi;itely presented 
the sack of flour to be sold a;;ain for the same pur- 
pose. Then the b;iii(i |)layed in its highest notes, 
the ci'owd drowned the music with its cheers, and 
the fun was fast and furious. The play was now 
fullj- inaugurated, and every bid was made a sale, 
each )iunhaser returning the sack to be sold again, 
individuals, Democrats and Republicans, would 
make the purchase, and then join with clubs to 
make a larger purse, and buy again. The mer- 
chants united and bid 8300; Gridley, Hobart & 
Jacobs bid 8200; the Oregon Mill and Mining Com- 
pany bid 8120; the Lander Lodge, F. & A. M., hid 
$113.!J0; Au,stin Lodge, No. 9, I. O. O. F., bid 8100; 
the attaches of the R^ese River ReveiUe bid 8100; 
several other bids of 8100 were made; others of 800, 
850, 825, 820, and 810, until it seemed as if the town 
would be drained of all its ready coin in the wild 
enthusiasm and noble emulation to swell the sum 
for the dearest purpose in the hearts of the ])(ipu- 
lace, the giving in aid of the sick and wounded 
soldiers who were suffering in the cause of their 
country. Men who disa])i>n)ved of the war could 
not restrain their syni])athies for their unfortunate 
countrymen. The cause was charity, and not poli- 
tics. For the day's sale the sum of 84,540 in gold 
coin was realized; equaling more than 8t).(l(Mi in cur- 
rency. The same evening was published in the 
Reese River Rereil'e a vivid account of the events 
of the daj', which added to the enthusiasm of the 
people. This account was re|)ublished widely, and 
the "(rridley-Herrick" sack of flour became famous.' 
Photographs were taken of (iridlej- and the sack, 
and sold for the benefit of the Sanitary Fund, while 
a representation of the sack was adopted as the seal 
and coat of arms of the new city. 

Jlr. Gridley then conceived the idea of traveling 
with the sack of flour, and rejieating the sales else- 
where, declaring he would pay his own ex|ien8es, and 
devote all the i)r()cee(ls to the benevolent ])urposo of 
the Sanitary Fund. Arranging the affairs of bis 
business as best ho could, early in May be started on 
his noble mission. 

On Sunday-, the fifteenth of May, he appeared in 
Virginia City, and at an impromptu gathering realized 
8580 from sales. The subse<|Uent sales in that 
region are thus referred to in a local ])aper: — 

May 16, 1864 — At eleven a. m., the Austin flour 
sack was placed in an ojien barouche, and accompa- 
nied by a line of carriages that were prucedud by a 



270 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



band of music, started for Gold Hill from Virginia 
City. It was placed at auction in front of Maynard 
■ & Flood's Bank, where it sold for 65,822.50, to which 
add 8240 paid ibr it by Gold Hill poo])le in Virginia, 
j'estorday, makes a total of S().0()2.50 paid b}- Gold 
Hill, ifark Twain accompanied the exi)edition, and 
Tom. Fitch made a speech. The news had just 
arrived of the great victory by Grant. From (Jold 
Hill the procession moved to .'-silver City, where an 
aggregate of 8805 was bid. Thence to Dayton, 
where 81,200 was added to the amount. Then 
returning through Gold Jlill where about 81,200 
more was bid. In the evening the auction i)ro- 
ceeded in Virginia, and the bidding continued until 
S12.025 flowed into the fund in addition to the 
8580 of the previous Sunday. Subseiiuent subscrip- 
tions resulted in the following totals: — 

Virginia City 813.990 

Gold Hill 7,052 

Silver City 2,000 

Dayton 2,000 

Total 825,042 

A sum equal to §40,000 in United States currency. 

Gridley continued his triumphal march through 
the principal cities of California, realizing about 
6175,000 for the benefit of the Sanitary Fund; after- 
wards visiting the cities of the East, where much 
more was added. The hero of this adventure prof- 
ited no more from his great success than the fame 
acquired and a change of heart, becoming from a 
positive secessionist an ardent I'nionist, meriting 
the reward of an honest man, a worthj' citizen and 
a genial gentleman. About a year was spent in his 
pilgrimage. Returning to Austin in poor health, he 
I'ound his business much de])ressed and himself over- 
whelmed in debt. His tour and excitement result- 
ing in ill-health had unfitted him for business, and 
he soon left the State to make his home in Stockton, 
California, where, in 1871, he died and was buried, 
the Stockton Evening j>/ai7 of March 10, 1881, saying: 
"He now rests in the Rural Cemetery in this cit}', 
without even a stick or stone to mark the resting 
place of a hero." 

The emulation of individuals of different parties 
in the cause of generous impuisrs attending the sell- 
ing of the sack of flour resulted in much good aside 
from the direct benefits which were the prime ob- 
jects of the sale. Previously the j)eople of Nevada had 
manifested a spirit of bitter partisanship, at times 
threatening open liostilities, and with such spirit 
opened the ilay at Austin on the eventful twentieth 
of April, 18G4, but the day closed on a fraternizing 
community, when sectional and partisan rancor was 
forever obliterated. The call forcharity had touched 
a chord to which all responded, and in the unit}' of 
good deeds made friends of those who liad thought 
themselves enemies. The popularity and enthusi- 
asm of the movement closed the voice of the weaker 
part}', while their o]K>n-hearled and open-handed 
generosity softened the • feelings of the stronger. 
From that date war news and political matters were 
discussed in a dift'eront tone than had hitherto pre- 



vailed, and there followed a more kindly sentiment 
of love for all sections of the Union. 

AS.S.\SSIN.VTION OF PRE.Sll)ENT LINCOLN. 

The great battles of the war had culminated in 
the spring of 1865 with the capture of Petersburg, 
Virginia, the surrender of Lee at Appomatox, and the 
occupation of Richmond, the capital of the Confeder- 
ate States. The Rebellion had collapsed and the war 
was ended. This news had been received with great 
rejoicing in the North, and in every town in Nevada 
the occupation of Richmond was celebrated by pro- 
cessions, the firing of guns, and orations. President 
Lincoln had visited Richmond and had astonished 
the people of the Republic, North and South, white 
and black, by the unprecedented act of lifting his 
hat in return to the salutation of an aged negro, 
whom he met on entering the city. This was a 
recognition of the new element he had advanced 
from slaver}- to ecjual citizenship — this element 
which Chief Justice Tanj' had but a short time 
previously said, "after 200 years of servitude had 
come to be regarded as possessing no rights which 
white men were bound to respect." With peace 
assured Lincoln had used his utmost energies, 
jjrompted by the great kindness of his nature, to 
ameliorate the condition of the conquered rebels and 
to restore them to their rights in the Union. For 
this, and many acts of like character, he had 
endeared himself in the hearts of the people with 
a confiding and all-absorbing love. In the midst of 
these triumphs of physical and moral power, on the 
morning of the fifteenth of April, 1865, the news was 
telegraphed to Nevada that on the ])receding even- 
ing this great and good man had been assassinated 
while attending a theater in Washington. The feel- 
ing of sadness and indignation was deep in the 
extreme. For the first time the cities of Nevada put 
on mourning. As soon as the news was received 
every town, hamlet, and residence of respectability 
in the State, was draped in the sombre habiliments 
of woe. The universality of this expression of respect 
and grief were nowhere better or more ajipropriately 
displaj'cil than in this young State in the wilderness, 
so far removed from the centers of civilization and 
the scenes of the late strife. 

The exciting events following the death of Lincoln, 
the killing of the assassin, the lying-in-state, the 
honors to the remains of the great martj-r as his 
remains were borne westward to his final resting- 
place in S|)ringfield, Illinois, belong to the nation's 
history. On the nineteenth of April, the final obse- 
quies took ])lace. Simultaneous with the ceremony 
in the East, the princi])al towns in Nevada observed 
like ceremonies in an ai)proj)riato and feeling manner. 
At Austin, Virginia, Gold Hill, Silver City, Dayton, 
Carson, Washoe and Unionville, minute guns were 
fired, flags were at half-mast and heavily draped, 
long processions marched through the streets, ser- 
mons, poems and orations were delivered, and all 
citizens, with few exceptions, wore badges of mourn- 



MILITARY AFFAIRS AND INCIDENTS. 



271 



ing. " At Gold Hill," says tbo lYews, " 2,000 people 
assenihled :it Fort Homestead, on the heights over- 
looking the town, to celebriite the obseiiuies of 
Abraham Lincoln. At halt-hour intervals the solemn 
gun ]iealod forth its note of sorrow from the rising 
to the going down of the sun, and the bolls in the 
Episcopal and Catholic churches tolled from ten 
o'clock until four. All places of business were closed 
during the day." At Virginia, 2,70() i)eople joined in 
a procession of nearly a mile in length, while the 
streets were thronged with citizens wearing badges 
of mourning. At Austin the procession was large 
and very impressivo, and attended bj' all classes of 
citizens, burying with the dead President all the par- 
tisan animosities remaining from the strife which had 
overthrown the mightiest rebellion known in the his- 
tory of the world, and cemented in blood the eternal 
union of the Republic. 

A few disgraceful incidents followed the assassina- 
tion. At Gold Hill, a fellow called Posey Coxey, 
upon hearing of the death of the President, remarked: 
'■I'm glad of it. It's a pity he wasn't killed j'ears 
ago.'' He was immediately arrested by the indig- 
nant populace, and given a speedy trial without the 
forms of law, and sentenced to receive thirty lashes 
on the bare back. Ten of the lashes were intlicted, 
when a motion prevailed that the sentence be com- 
muted to carrying a Union flag from Gold Hill to 
Virginia City, bearing on his back a card, with the 
inscription, "A Traitor to his CouNTRy." While 
on the march he was taken by the Provost Guard 
and placed in prison. 

In other localities similar expressions were heard, 
and the culprit, in some instances, was severely 
beaten, in some arrested, and in all held up to the 
scorn and contempt of the people. The heartlessness 
and want of manhood that would permit such ex- 
pressions were rare among the bold and hardy 
people who were the pioneers of the ''Silver State." 

MEXICAN WAR VETERANS. 

Nevada, though having but a small population 
contains her share of the men who responded to the 
call of tlje United States Government for volunteers 
to quell the little unpleasantness which occurred 
with the Mexican Government in 18K!. These men 
becoming accustomed to the hardships incident to a 
life in that country, were well fitted for pioneers on 
the Pacific Coast, and munj- of them arrived in Cali- 
fornia in early days, among whom wc find manj- 
prominent and influential citizens. The same is true 
of the "Battle-born State," where the .Mexican Vet- 
eran Association of the State of Nevada met and 
organized on the twelfth day of January, 1877, at 
Carson City. The following gentlemen were elected 
as its first otticers: \V. P. Stewart, President; A. D. 
Treadway, Vice-President; W. Garrard, Correspond- 
ing Secretary; E. B. Zabriskie, Recording Secretary. 
The names of the members are as follows: — 
Green B. Abel, G. (J. Berry, 

1{. W. Bolleu, George Bradley, 



Charles Billings, 
Spencer Benson, 
William Cradlebaugh, 
F. Durning, 
R. Fielding, 
Thomas J. Gray, 
William Garrard, 
James Hunt, 
James Hamilton, 
William Heddington, 
T, C. Hayden, 
S. F. Hoole, 
John W. Hall, 
Henry Junckins, 
James Jones, 
John M. Kirgan, 
Jerry Lehigh. 
D. W. Lcvan, 
John M. Massey, 
John .Maloy, 
J. B. Moore, 
W. W. McCoy, 
James P. Pettigrew, 
William Patterson, 



0. M. Bockstoad, 
E. Pearson, 

J. D. Patterson, 
A. J. Powers, 
D. H. Pine, 

1. P. Richardson, 
George Rouse, 
J. E. Rooker, 
Thomas Rockhill, 
Captain Rhoads, 
William F. Stewart, 
G. H. She])herd, 
William M. Smith, 
David Swann, 

D. II. Thompson, 
A. D. Treadway, 
J. S. Tipton, 

A. G. Turner, 
Sam Turner, 
J. B. Van Hagan, 
David Wilkins, 
John W. Wingate, 
C. B. Zabriskie, 

E. B. Zabriskie. 



HI.STORY OP THE AMERICAN FI.AO. 
[Stiitistici'in, (San Francisco) 1S77.] 
Previous to the adoption of a Union flag, different 
devices had been used on different occasions, and the 
various Colonics had chosen their standards, so that 
the bodies of troops that joined the army, in the 
early days of the Revolution, had flags of distinctive 
designs. 

In March, 1775, a flag with a red field was hoisted 
at New York, bearing the inscription, "George Rex, 
and the Liberties of America," and upon the reverse, 
" No Popery." 

It is not known with ccrtaint3- that the American 
troo|)S had a flag at Bunker Hill on June 17, 1775 ; 
but it is supposed that they carried a red flag, on 
which was the device of a pine tree on a white field 
in the corner. On July 18, 1775, General Putnam 
(iis])laycd on Prospect Hill, a red flag bearing the 
motto Qui triinshdit, suslinel, (Ho who transplanted 
still sustains,) and on the reverse, " An Appeal to 
Heaven." 

Col. William .Moultrie designed the first flag in 
South Carolina, which was blue with a white cres- 
cent in the upper coriior next to the start', and was 
hoisted on the fortilicalions of Charleston in Se])tem- 
ber, 1775. 

In Connecticut each regiment had its own jiectdiar 
standard, on which was represented the arras of the 
Colony, and the motto. Qui franstulit, suatinet. 

The Continental Congress ap]iointed Benjamin 
Franklin, Benjamin Harrison and Thomas Lynch a 
committee to take into consideration designs for a 
Union Hag. They wont to the American armJ^ then 
assembled at Cambridge, and after consideration 
adopted a flag composed of thirteen alternate red and 
white stripes, with the red and white crosses of St. 



272 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



George and St. Andrew conjoined on a blue field in 
the corner, and named it " The Grand Union Flag." 
The stripes were a symbol of the number and 
union of the Colonies, the colors being a combination 
of the red flag formerly used by the army and the 
white by the navj'. The crosses were retained to 
show the willingness of the Colonies to return to 
their allegiance to the British Crown if their rights 
were secured. This flag was first unfurled by Wash- 
ington, at Cambridge, January 1, 1776. 

In 1770 Col. Gadsden presented a flag to Congress, 
to be used in the navy. It was yellow, and bore the 
device of a rattlesnake with thirteen rattles, repre- 
sented in the attitude of striking, and the motto, 
"Don't tread on me." This was used in the navy 
and was called "The Continental Flag." The de- 
vice of a rattlesnake had previou.slj'' been used on 
flags. 

The troops which were raised by Patrick Henry, 
and called the " ('ulpepper Minute Men," had a ban- 
ner with the device of a rattlesnake, and the mottos, 
'' Don't tread on me," and " Liberty or Death," and 
the name of the company. The celebrated riflemen 
called the " Morgan liifles," had a flag on which was 
inscribed " XI. Virginia Jlegiment," and "Morgan's 
Rifle Corps," also the date, 177G, surrounded by a 
wreath of laurel. The flag of Washington's Life 
Guard was made of white silk, with various devices 
and the motto, " Conquer or Die." 

The first legally established national flag was 
adopted by Congress June 14, 1777, by the follow- 
ing: "Jieao/ved, That the flag of the thirteen United 
Stales be tliirteen stripes, alternate white and red; 
that the union be thirteen stars, white, in a blue 
field, representing a new constellation." A constel- 
lation could not well be represented on a flag, so the 
stars were arranged in a circle, representing har- 
mony and union. As hvinbols liie colors re|)resent: 
Red, courage; white, integrity of jiurjjose; and blue, 
constancy, love and failb. liy some it is asserted 
that this flag was first unlurled by Paul Jones on 
the Hduijer, and bj' others that it was first used at 
^he battle of Saratoga. 

An Act of Congress of January' 13, 1794, provided 
that after May 1, 1795, the flag of the United States 
should consist of fifteen stripes, alternate red and 
white, and the union of fifteen stars, white in a blue 
field. Vermont and Kentucky having been admitted, 
at that time the Stales were fifteen in number. This 
act indicated that the flag should I'epresent the luim- 
berof the Slatesof the Union bj' a corres])onding num- 
ber of stripes and stars. The continued increase in 
the number of States jjlainly showed that this law 
shoiihl be changed. 

A bill was passed by Congress, April 4, 1H18, 
reducing the number of stri])es to the origiiial thir- 
teen, and making the number of star.s equal to the 
number of States; a star for each new Slate to be 
added to the flag on the fourth of July following its 
admission. The flag as thus established was hoisted 



on the Hall of Representatives in Washington, April 
13, 1818; although it had no legal existence until the 
fourth of July following. 



CHAPTER XXXVII. 

RAILROADS. 

Central Pacific — The Omipt'tiiii! Line — The C. I'. Railroad Com- 
pleted — Disoriiniiiations Aj,':iinst Nevada — Table Showing 
(J. 1'. Freight Discriminations — The Williams .Joint Resolu- 
tion — Value of C 1'. Railroad Property in Nevada — 
E<(uuliztd Asse.ssments of V. V . R. li. I'ropurty and Tax 
Paid — \ irginia and Truckee Railroad — Tlie V. and T. R. R. 
Built — Cost of Construction — Keport to the .State in ISSO — 
Assistiinee Received — Inducements held out to obtain it — 
Taxai)le Property that the Railroad would adil to Ormsby 
County — Working Test or Result — Substance of the .State- 
ment of the \'ice-l're.sidcnt in 1.S70 and I'istimates of Road 
Value — Assessed and Eijualized Value of V. and T. It. R.- 
Property and Tax on tiic same in Orm-sliy County — Princi- 
pal and Interest paiil by Ormsby ( 'imnty upon the !S*()0,000 
Given to tlieV.andT. K. U. — Moral — Table of E.vpensus 
and Receipts — Freights Passing Over Ro.ad First .Six Months 
of 1S7.S— Annual Keport of V.andT.R.R. Company for 
ISSO— Local Freight Tariff 1S80— Directors IS.SO— Nevada 
Central Railroad — Officers and Directors — OHicial Report 
for Ten Months Ending December 'M, 18S0 — Kureka anil 
Palisade Railroad — Directors — Report liSSO — Spec;ial Freight 
Rates — Through Passenger Rates — Ixeport Ruby Hill Rail- 
road ISiSO — I>ake Tahoe Narrow Guage Railroad — Pioche 
and iiullionville Kailro.ad — Carson and Colorado Railro.ad — 
Sixlt Lake and Western Railroad — Ne\'ada .Southern Rail- 
road — Nevada Northern Jiiiilro.-id . — Nevada and Oregon 
Railroad — Railroad Tal)le — Railroail (irants anil Incorpora- 
tions — Eureka ami Colorado Itailroad — Reno and (.'uincy 
Railroad — Humboldt and Colorado Railroad — Eastern Ne- 
vada Railroad. 

The Central Pacific liail road crosses the en tire State, 
having a length of 4liM miles within its limits, being 
more than half of the direct line from San P'rancisco 
to Ogden, constituting an artery of commerce upon 
which the life of business (le))en(U, and with its 
wealth and men at its command, a ]iiiwer that over- 
shadows all. How this)>ovver was aci|uired, and how 
it is used, a true history of its rise and operations 
will tell. Nevada existed and prospered before a 
mile of the railroad was constructed. All her vast 
territory was exi>lored, ))r()s])ei()us and busy cities 
were built, elegant and powerful quartz-mills were 
erected, farms cultivated, the herdsman's cattle 
grazed upon her thousand hills, stages rattled, and 
the great freight wagons rolled along her interior 
roads, bullion flowed in a grand stream to the marts 
of the world, and all without help from the railroad. 
Hut this great triumph of modern art was most 
ardently desired. The imagination pictured untold 
benefits to arise from its construction. The trans- 
continental railroad was the great desire of the 
nation, and the most practicable route lay across the 
breast of Nevada. Bright anticipations and confi- 
dent plans were based on this fact. Fverywhero 
along the lino, and at its termini, the people looked 
u|)on its coming as the second advent of a Saviour. 
They had tired of their wagon roads, over which all 
could go alike, and ])raj"ed for the one of iron and 
steam. Like the frogs in the fable, who, tired of the 
log thej- had erected as their king, upon which they 
had sported and rested at their will, chose a stork, 



RAILROADS. 



273 



■which with long bill and ravenods appetite proceeded 
to feed upon his mibjects. 

The promulijation of plans for a transcontinental 
railroad, were made almost as early as the introduc- 
tion of the system in America. General Leaven- 
worth, of the United iStates Army, is accredited with 
the first plan as early as 18;')1, and shortly after, 
Whitney, who had been missionar}- to Oregon, 
created quite a sensation in lecturing upon his plan 
of a Pacific railroad, and the advocacy of the ajipro- 
priation of the odd sections of land for twenty miles 
in width along the line, to paj- for its construc- 
tion; this to be a (Tovernmeiit road. Through 
all the history of California, from the hoisting 
of the flag at Monterey on the seventh of June, 
lS4fi. until the grant was made, the Pacific Pail- 
road was the predominant political question, being 
the most attractive "plank" in every platform 
prepared by the leaders of cither party. But upon 
the question of northern or southern route, the 
politicians difl"ered irreconcilably, until, at last, 
secession stopped debate and left the northern, or 
central, route without a rival. Mr. Theodore D. 
.Judah, who had been the engineer of the Sacramento 
Valley Railroad, from Sacramento to Folsom, (Cali- 
fornia, and also of the California Central, from Folsom 
to Lincolrf, in the same State, had explored the 
Sierra Js'evada for routes and- passcjs for wagou 
roads and the railroad, and decided upon what was 
known as the Donnor Lake route as the most 
feasible. Having accomplished this, he sought to 
organize a company for the purpose of constructing 
the work of his great ambition, the Pacific liailroad. 
So stupendous an enterprise could not be carried 
into effect without (rovernment aid; and, in 1860, 
Mr. Judah went to Washington to urge u])on Con- 
gress the ]iracticability of the route, and the nec- 
essary legislation to enable liim to ])roeeed with the 
work. Through several sessions of Congress he 
labored, trininphiiig in 18G2. 

Having found a satisfactory route either for a 
toll-road or a railroad, the organization of a coni- 
l)any was the next object. In Sacramento were a 
couple of hardware merchants with whom Mr. Judah 
had had business relations while acting as engineer 
of the Sacramento Valley Pailroad, Messrs. Colis P. 
Huntington and Mark Hopkins, and these gentle- 
men solicited other friends an<l men of influence to 
join, and the Central Pacific Pailroad Comjianj' was 
formed. Ijcland Stanforil was then (lovernor of 
California, and ho was made President of the com- 
pany. Charles Crocker had a brother on the Sujireme 
Bench of California; the United States was at war; 
the Constitution of the State forbid the creation of 
a debt but for war |)urposcs. The railroad company 
wanted a subsidy of S:!,O0n,nO(l from the State, and 
the subsidy was granted. The Su|)reme Court sub- 
sequently decided that the building of the road was 
a war measure, and the debt in its aid constitutional. 
Charles Crocker and Judge E. B. Crocker wore 



members of the company. The object of the organi- 
zation was to make a road from Sacramento to the 
Nevada vState line, there to connect with any road 
coming from the Kast. On the eighth of Januarj-, 
18(j,'{, at Sacramento, was hold, in an imposing man- 
ner, the ceremony of throwing the first earth in the 
construction of the Pacific Pailroad. 

The Legislature was then in session and look part 
in the inauguration. The speakers of the occasion 
were (iovernor Stanford, Rev. J. A. ]5enton, Hon. A. 
M. Crane, Senator from Alameda, Hon. J. II. War- 
wick, Assemblyman from Sacramento, Hon. W. H. 
Sears, Assemldynian from Nevada, Hon. Newton 
Booth, Senator from Sacramento, Dr. J. F. Morse and 
Charles Crocker. The principal address was by Hon. 
A. M. Crane. In an eloquent apostrophe to Nevada, 
he said: "Nevada, the younger sister, aye, the child 
of California; Nevada, whose rise to greatness has 
been almost equal to our own; Nevada, we wish to 
lock her in a nearer, a dearer, a closer and more fra- 
ternal embrace." Prophetic words. The sequel shows 
how near and dear, and close and fraternal has been 
the embrace of the railroad companj' whose iron 
bands lie across her breast. 

The work of construction progressed slowlj-, as the 
subsidies in its aid could be but tardily realized, and 
Congress was induced to allow the issuance of first 
mortgage bonds by the company, equaling the 
amount of the national guarantee. Then the cunning 
" Credit Mobilicr" sj'stem was invented, which was 
imitated by the " (.'ontract and Finance Company," 
whereby one set of directors could contract with 
them.selves as another set of directors, and that which 
before had been doubtful became an assured success. 
The company had contemplated building only to the 
State line, doubting their ability even to accomplish 
so much, but developments taught them more than 
they had ever dreamed of. The}- now found that 
every mile of road constructed gave them besides the 
road a great atnount of land, and money in their 
pockets. Congress extended their nght to build east- 
ward until the rails should join those of the Union 
Pacific coming from the Kast. In the meantime the 
great Engineer, the pioneer and organizer of the 
enterprise, T. D. Judah, had died. In October, 1803, 
he left San Francisco en route to Vv'^ashington, in the 
service of the road. Arriving at New York he was 
stricken with fever and died on the second of Novem- 
ber following, his death being so sudden that his 
friends had not been informed of his illness. 

Thus is presented the initiation of that stuj)endous 
work, the building of the Central Pacific liailroad 
from Sacramento, f'alifornia, toOgden, in Utah, most 
of the waj- through Nevada, placing the directors in 
the front rank of financiers, and filling their coflers 
with the result of labors not theirown. The success 
of the enterprise and the wealth derived from it were 
far beyond the wildest imaginings of the people in 
general or those who were so lotb to enter upon the 
responsibilities of the work. 



V 



274 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



The first charter permitted the buildinj^ of the 
road to the border of the State of California, but in 
1S()2 the company sought to extend its limits bj- pro- 
curing the right of way to continue its route through 
Nevada. The natural result of high prices, in the 
infancy of this Territory, for passengei-s and transpor- 
tation, had created a desire with the people to escape 
the evil as early and effectually as possible. The 
first foot-prints of a movement looking to a practical 
solution of the question, was exhibited in the unani- 
mous vote of the first Legislative body, granting a 
right of way for the Central Pacific Eailroad, to 
Lelaiid Stanford, Charles Crocker, C. P. Huntington, 
Lucius A. Booth, Mark Ilojjkins, Theodore I). Judah, 
James Bailey, and Samuel Silliman. 

This was followed during the session by three 
other railroad franchises as follows: The Esmeralda 
and Walker Eiver Eailroad, to run from Aurora to 
Walker River, granted to P. G. Vibbard, P. Faulks, 
John Nye, and others. The Virginia Citj- and 
Washoe Eailroad, to connect Gold Hill and Washoe 
City, to Henry A. Cheever and associates. The last 
one was for the Virginia, Carson and Truckee Rail- 
road, to run from Virginia City to the Truckee Eiver, 
by way of Carson, with the privilege of extending 
the line up that stream to the California line, also to 
build a branch from the main line through Dayton to 
a point ten miles down the Carson Eiver from that 
place. In the Act granting this last franchise, 
the incorporators named were J. H. Todman, E. E. 
Moss, C. W. Newman, Wm. Arrington, Hiram Bacon, 
Joseph Trench, John A. Hobart, Frank Drake, Wm. 
Hayes, Wm. Gregory, J. P. Faulks, and associates. 
No railroads were built under any of these grants 
except the one to Leland Stanford and associates. 

It was in December, 1803, that their second im- 
print was made upon the records of this State in the 
form of a clause in the Constitution permitting the 
Legislature to give such com))any as should first 
connect Nevada by a railroad with navigable 
waters, S3, 000, 000 in bonds. This Constitution was 
overwhelmingly defeated bj- a vote of the people on 
the nineteenth of the following January, and with 
it the proposed gift. 

During the session of the Convention that assem- 
bled in July, 18G4, the desire to procure cheaper 
transportation rates manifested itself again in the 
attempt to insert a similar provision into the Consti- 
tution, under which the State Government was later 
organized. The object in placing it there was to 
offer a reward to the railroad companies for haste in 
their efforts to reach the State lino, expecting to 
reap groat advantage from a reduction in transpor- 
tation that would make the gift a profitable invest- 
ment. 

After a spirited contest, on the eleventh of Jul}', 
the following was made a part of Article VIII, Sec- 
tion 9: " Provided that the State may issue bonds, 
or secure the ])ayment of the principal or interest, or 
both principal and intorcst of bonds, to an amount 



not exceeding §3,000,000, at a rate of interest not 
exceeding seven per cent, per annum, in sums not 
exceeding 850,000 per mile, for each mile of road 
actually constructed within the boundaries of the 
State of Nevada, on such terms as the Legislature 
may prescribe, to the company which shall first com- 
plete a railroad to the State line, connecting this 
State with the navigable waters of California or 
with the navigable waters of the Mississippi Eiver; 
but no law to issue bonds shall be effective unless 
sanctioned by a vote of the people, at a special elec- 
tion to be called for that purpose; provided, further, 
that the sums derived from the proceeds of the sales 
of the public lands granted to this State for internal 
improvement purposes shall bo set apart towards a 
sinking fund for the extinguishment of the principal 
of said bonds; and prooided, farther, that a special 
tax shall be levied to secure the payment of the 
principal and interest of said bonds." 

Two days later Ex-Governor Leland Stanford, 
President of the Central Pacific Eailroad Company, 
appeared, under a susjjension of the rules, before 
the convention and stated that — '• You propose 
to give your aid to the road, only after it reaches 
the Territory, and then to the frst road that shall 
reach it. Allow me, very respectfully, to say, that 
in my opinion that action instead of aiding the 
road is calculated to delay its construction because 
you thereby raise a doubt as to whether or not 
this road * * * has a practicable route." * He 
made a strong plea in favor of the donation being 
made directly to his company, in imitation of the 
counties of San Francisco, Sacramento and Placer, 
as well as the Government; but said if they would 
not do this, " 1 would prefer that you should let 
us alone rather than jjrovide that the State shall 
grant assistance to the first road that comes to the 
State line." 

The result was that July 15th the clause was 
stricken from the constitution by a unanimous vote, 
and an attempt to add another to conform to Stan- 
ford's wishes in giving to his comijan}- direct, was 
defeated bj' a vote of twenty-one to six. 

THE CO.MPETINU LINE. 

On the twenty-fourth of December, 18G4, W. M. 
Cutter, of Storey County, introduced a series of reso- 
lutions before the Legislature, in which appeared the 
following: — 

Wheheas, Congress has provided what was deemed 
to be a liberal bonus for the construction of such 
a railroad, and said Congressional provision has 
been secured exclusively to and under a corpora- 
tion named and known as the Central Pacific Eail- 
road C/'i)m|)any, which u]) to this date has con- 
structed only thirty miles upon its jiroposed route, 
and who.sc principal labor seems to have been to 
reduce the number of miles ordered to bo built 
per year (on pain of forfeiture) in the original 
Pacific Railroad Bill; and 

Wuekeas, a lino of railroad has already been con- 

* A|)pcndi.T tu First Sessiou of Nevada Senate, pctge 58 and 62. 



RAlLKUAUo. 



275 



structed IVom tlie town of Freeport, at the head of 
tide-wator on the Sacramento, and the town of 
Latrobo, it beinfj a distance of thirty-eiirht miles on 
a nearly direct line of communication with the capi- 
tal of Nevada; and, 

WnKKKAs, We have creditable information that a 
larj^e and wholly responsible boily of resjiectable 
capitalists are ])re])ared. with reasonable encoiirago- 
ment. to push forward the railroad from l.alrobe to 
the cai)ital of our Slate, on a route direct and feas- 
ible; therefore be it 

Resolved, Etc. 

Henry Epstein, of Douglas Count}-, moved the fol- 
lowing as a substitute, that finally passed both 
houses, and was forwarded to Washington: — 

Resoh-eJ, By the Assembly, the Senate concurring, 
that our Senators be and are hereb}' instructed, and 
our lUpresentatives in Congress requested, to use 
tbeir utmost endeavors to secure the i)assage of a 
law by Congress, lixing the sum of ten million 
dollars (SI 0.000,000) in United Slates bonds, at dates 
of thirty years or less, to such corporation as shall 
fii"St eomj)lete a line of railway, and establish the 
same in perfect running order, without break or 
interval of stage transportation between the navi- 
gable waters of the Sacramento Eiver and the base 
of the eastern slope of the Sierra Nevadas. 

No results came from the agitation, except to 
develop the status of the companies, and infuse 
additional vigor into the operations of the Central 
Pacific Company, that possessed sufficient influence 
at Washington to prevent the expressed wish of 
the Legislature becoming a law. It was more 
dangerous to them than the proposed gift of S3, 000,- 
000 for the same purpose by Nevada. 

The companj- referred to as the rivals of the Central 
Pacific was known as the San Francisco and Washoe 
Railroad Company, and they had made a thorough 
survey of a line from Placcrville to Nevada by way 
of the Carson Valley, contemplating Reese ]{iver at 
Austin, by way of Virginia City, as their eastern 
terminus. F. A. Bishop said under oath, of the offi- 
cers of this comi)any: " Thej- are considered by the 
community in which they reside as men of probity 
and honor. All are business men, and, at least pos- 
sess fair business capacity. Several of them have the 
reputation of possessing large means, which 1 be- 
lieve to be true." 

The estimates of their Chief Engineer as to the 
amount of money it would take to construct a rail- 
road to the State line in Carson Valley by the Placcr- 
ville route, a distance of 92 miles, was S7, 015,508, 
orS7t),2.")l') per mile. To continue the same to Carson 
City at 859,000 per mile, would make a total cost 
necessary of $8,720, 5(i8 to connect the capital of the 
State with navigable waters.* 

The estimate by Mr. Judah for the l)utch Flat or 
Central Pacific route was, that it would cost from 
812,000,000 to 813,000,000 to reach the summit of the 
mountains; and according to (rovernor Stanford's 
figures, 813,000,000 to make connection between the 
State line, eleven miles west of what is now Reno, 

*Appondix First Nevada Senate, page 119. 



and navigable water at Sacramento.t Continue this 
lino the remaining eleven miles to Reno, and esti- 
mate the cost of construction at 859,000 per mile — 
figures set by the rival company as its costs over a 
similar country — and the total constructing expense 
for the Central Pacific is found to be 813.049.000. 

This varies but little from an advantage of 
85,000,000 for the competing line over the Central 
Pacific route; and this fact interests the citizens of 
Nevada in tliis. that they are now, and have been 
since its comj)lotion, asked and compelled to contrib- 
ute towards paying dividends upon an investment of 
that 85.000,000, uselesslj- expended according to the 
figures of those companies made at the time; but, 
under the light of a recent report, the gap widens 
and places this excess at over 89,000,000. 

THE CENTRAL PACIFIC ROAD CO.MPLETED. 

On the thirteenth of December, 18G7, the first loco- 
motive ran into Nevada, reaching Crystal Peak from 
the California side. On the fourth of .May, ISOS, the 
track and telegraph were completed to Reno, and on 
the nineteenth of June the last rail was laid between 
Sacramento and that place, making railroad connec- 
tion continuous between those two points. On the 
thirteenth of ilaj-, 18(50, the golden spike was driven, 
and the two oceans were united by an iron band. 

In this connection we quote from a letter by Col. 
B. L. E. Bonneville, of the United States Armj', to 
the St. Louis Democrat: — 

•' I observe in your paper of June 4th, fourth page, 
that the paternitj- of the Pacific railroad is claimed 
by certain individuals. 1 desire to say that in Juno 
or July, 1831, I was at Jetfet^on Barracks, near St. 
Louis, and residing as the guest of ^lajor (leneral 
Gaines, of the United States Army, and that bo 
told me that he had forwarded a paper from General 
Leavenworth, United States Armj-, recommending 
the building of a railroad to the Pacific, and that ho 
Jaad forwarded the same to the War Department, 
Washington City, endorsed as follows: 'I forward to 
you the niagniticent project of (ieneral Leavenworth.' 
Of course, this paper must bo in the office of the 
Adjutant (Jencral of the War Department, and maj- 
be revived and published, in justice to a meritorious 
officer, and to compare the rudo ideas of the early 
friends of that great and grand success." 

DISCRIMINATION AGAINST NEVADA. 

From the first a system of freight and passenger 
tarift's was introduced that, although low enough to 
prevent competition by teams or stages, yot worked 
a serious damage to the State. It was for the inter- 
ests of the comj)any to increase its freight traffic to 
the utmost extent. JIanufaclories within the State 
wore institutions hostile to such an increase, there- 
fore not to be tolerated. The prices charged were 
governed by a rule that permitted the existence of 
traffic, and took for such permit thoprincijial profits. 

tAppuiulix Kir«t Nevada Senate, page SU-tiC. Distance from 
summit to Ueuu istil'ty-une miles. 



27G 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



The citizens of the State knowini:; that they had 
rights that ■• while men were boiiiui to respect," 
finally commenced a public agitation of the subject. 

In October, 1S74, the Republican State Convention 
introduced the I'oilowiiig i)huik into their platform, 
and the Democrats maj' have had a similar one: — 

" Nesohetl, That while we ap\)reciate the advan- 
tages derived from railroads, we demand at the 
hands of our National ("ongress and our Slate Legis- 
lature, the passage of laws establishing fares and 
freights at a reasonable rate, and prohibiting such 
railways from discriminating in their charges between 
the residents of this State and those of other States; 
also wo favor the passage of laws compelling rail- 
roads to pay a fair and equal amount of taxation 
upon all property owned or controlled by them in 
this State." 

This plank sounded well, but the Legislature of 
1875 accomplished nothing in that direction, and it 
was not until 1879 that the subject assumed jiropor- 
lions in the State that became indicative of some- 
thing to be performed. 

To show projierly the animus of the agitation of 
that year, it will be necessary to go back a little in 
time, and introduce what might just as properly 
accompany the history of the Virginia and Truckeo 
Railroad, or ■' the influence of mines upon politics." 



o 

EH 

< 

i-H 

en 



EH 



From San Francisco to 
Elko, Nev., 619 miles 



From San Francisco to 
Palisade, Nevada, 587 
miles 



From San Francisco to 
Wiuneinucca Nevada, 
475 miles 



From San Francisco to 
Eeno, Nev., 300 miles 



From New York to Elko, 
Nevada, 619 less num- 
ber of miles 



From New York to Pali- 
sade, Nevada, 5S7 less 
number of miles 



From New York to Battle 
Mount:iiri, Nev., 535 
less uumlier of miles. . 



From New York to Win- 
nemucca, Nevada, 47'" 
less number of miles. 



From New York to Keno, 
Nevatla, 30G less num- 
ber of miles 



From New York 

miles to San Francisco 



Q 
■«t 

O 



H 
B 
Eh 

» 

n 



o o 

o o 



o o 
as CO 

-t> •* 



^ -o ",o -o o -^ '^ --D o 



■M M 0•^ (M e-l rH (M M M 



o o 
o o 

00 00 



CO CO 



O 3 

in o 



i~ I- Ci -.3 1- in 05 in t- 



v: -^ CO -.: '-0 -t< -.= '.i '^ 
Mco^ro-tinrc-tJO 
•ninoo^'*'*i-iMm 



ooooooooo 
Mcc-^iTiJiroincco 



O ^ 



t>4 



J3 ^ ^ 

« bo ■ 









« t. ° c .£" c cs 



The above figures from the Central Pacific freight 
schedule of 1877, are changed somewhat since that 
date, but the same proportion of discrimination is 
maintained in 1881. 

All of the towns given in the table are stationed 
upon the line of the Central Pacific road, and a car- 
load of freight from New York must pass through all 
of them in going to San Francisco. To reach the 
latter place it must pass through I'llko and then have 
G19 miles farther to go. But if that company is 
asked to leave a carload of oil or candles there, and 
not take it along over the last CI 9 miles of mount- 
ains, they will charge Sr)00 more than they would to 
take it clear through and back again. This is one 
item disclosed in the table of discrimination as against 
one locality in Nevada. 

The following is an extract from RoUin M. Dag- 
gett's speech on this question, delivered in Congress, 
lie was defeated in the election of 1880 in the inter- 
ests of this same railroad corporation: — 

I am here to-day, sir, to place before and upon the 

records of this House a verified complaint of discrim- 
inations against the State of Nevada, in character so 
monstrous that beside the exhibit the i-ecital of other 
grievances will sound like favors conferred, and the 
sweet promise of still greater bencl'actions to come. 

Gentlemen from Illinois maj' bring their state- 
ments of railroad wrongs, and 1 will ]iile an Ossa 
upon the Pelion of their complaints; thej' may bring 
them from Texas or (Joloi-ado, and I will Ilood 
the Shasta of their appeals for relief, and still fall 
short of expressing in the double monument of out- 
rage the full measure of discriminations ])racticed 
against Nevada. Their statements tell of a few dol- 
lars per ton unjustly collected; mine of 820(1, SHOO, 
8400, 8500 per car-load, wickedly, audaciously', re- 
morselesslj' taken from the pockets of consumers 
without even the ]iretensc of consideration. 

l)is('rimin;ition! They will neverunderstand the full 
meaning of the word until they have settled for the 
carriage of a ton of freight, I care not of what kind, 
bj' rail from New York to any railroad i)oinl in 
eastern Nevada. 

Their railroad managers are comparatively mild- 
mannered gentlemen. They collect more than is 
honestly their due, but are gracious enough to try 
to explain the reason. Thisis not the casein Nevada. 
There the merchant is compelled to p:\y through 
rates i'rom ocean to ocean, and from 8200 to 8">00 
per car-load in addition for the iirivilege of paj-ing 
it, (luil f/ie Dioulli of prolest is c/uned by the tlireat of 
inrri'ased exardong. 

These statements must be regarded as strange by 
those who know nothing of tln'ir truth; but I am 
strangely well prepared to establish that they arc 
strangely correct. 

In this connection the remarks of Senator Pown- 
ing, of Washoe County, made in the State Senate, 
Februar}' 9, 1881, when a bill was before that body 
looking to the regulation of fares an<l freights, would 
seem to be appropriate u])on the ])oint of intimida- 
tion. His remarks, as reported in the Virginia City 
C/ironicle, were: — 

* * * If the Legislature could bring charges for 
this travel down to a just figure, he would be only 




mv'. 




B. F. Leete. 



Mr. Leete is one of the many thousands sent out bj' 
the pioneer States in the Kailroad and Canal devel- 
opments, which have resulted in such an unprece- 
dented growth of a nation in wealth and power. 
Little did Clinton think what a movement he was 
inaugurating when he projected the Krie Canal. 
Although his ideas were far in advance of the age, 
his wildest dreams fell far short of the reality. 
When " Clinton's Ditch " was completed to the cen- 
tral and western parts of New York, opening up a 
market for the wheat, the State took a start in the 
race for wealth which it has maintained to the pres- 
ent day. It was the awakening ol' that spirit of 
enterprise that has since girdled the world with elec- 
tric wires and reticulated a continent with railroads; 
that has sent into the commercial arteries of the 
world a set of business men whose ideas of develop- 
ment and extension of business enterprises found no 
geographical limits, no obstructions in lofty moun- 
tain ranges, deserts, or wide oceans. Fifty years 
since almost every daring enterprise was projected 
by a New Yorker. Men from, their infancy were 
accustomed to consider great enterprises, and rail- 
roads, canals, and lines of steamers were planned by 
school children as pastimes. 

The subject of this sketch was the outgrowth, the 
logical sequence, of that unprecedented intellectual 
activity that gave birth to such men of enterprise 
and courage as those who ]>rqjccted and completed 
the trans-continental railroads, and who outstrip the 
fables of the Arabians in their development of 
mechanical powei-s. B. F. Leete was born at De Ruy- 
ter, Madison Countj', New York, Febuary 25, 1831. 
He had the advantages of the common schools, and 
also of the Union School of J>ockport, in his native 
State. It will be remembered by our readers that 
Lockport is the site of the connection of the Tona- 
wanda Creek with the long levels oi' the Krie ( !anal, 
involving an elevation of the boats by means of locks 
ol' about eight}' feet. The works, though surpassed 
by many engineering projects since, were, at the 
time, considered stupendous, and undoubtedly the 
vast piles of cut granite, forming the five diferent 
lifts, had a stimulating influence in determining him 
to adopt the profession of civil engineering. At the 



age of twenty we find him engaged in the construc- 
tion of the Niagara Branch of the New York Central 
Eailroad. This was completed and opened to the 
])ul)lic in September, \S't2. He was next engaged in 
the exploration and location of a route for branches 
of the New York and Erie TJailroad, under the im- 
mediate direction of Alfred Tufts, of ]?oston, and S. 
W. Hall, of Philadelphia. These explorations were 
completed early in 1854, from which time he engaged 
in bridge-building until 1858. When the trans-con- 
tinental railroad was projected he was employed 
with the famous engineer. T. D. Judah, to make the 
preliminarj' surveys from Sacramento eastward, the 
road being afterwai'ds located nearly on the same 
survey. After the Central Pacific was well under 
way, he took charge of the Swamp Land Surveying 
Corps, for Sacramento District, during the years 
18Gl-(i2. Jn the fall of 18G2 he bridged the Pajaro 
River below Gilroy, on the lino of Santa Clara and 
Monterej- Counties, for.T. P. Sargent and Brothers. 
In September, ISii.'i, he surveyed, and in company 
with F. Birdsall, built the (Jolden Canon Grade. 
This operation engaged his attention until 18(10, 
when he discovered the great salt mine in ('hurchill 
County. Perceiving the value of these in connection 
with the immense reduction of silver on the Corn- 
stock and other mines, he built the Eagle Salt Works, 
from which are supplied all the mines of the Corn- 
stock. Previous to this salt was imported from the 
coast, or brought long distances from the interior, in 
some instances on the backs of Indians, These 
works being on the line of the Central Pacific Kail- 
road, ho was enabled to sup])ly the mills at a much 
lower figure than they were formerly accustomed to 
pay. In consequence of the permanent character of 
his Nevada investments, he removed his family to 
lieno, where he has, since 1871, resi<led with his fam- 
ily when not absent on some of his numerous busi- 
ness operations. His residence, a view of which is 
given in this work, indicates taste and a love of 
beauty without a desire for ostentatious disjjlay. Vis- 
itors will find the interior corresponding with the 
e.xtcrior in its arrangements for comfort and the grat- 
ification of the high aspirations of cultivated minds. 



RAILROADS. 



277 



too glad to lu'I]) in the ^nnd work, but t'oni;ress can 
alone regulate inter-State tratlio. Nevaila is lielploss 
in the grasp of the Central Pacific;. The Legislature 
has legal power to pass laws saj'ing what shall be 
done bj- the road within her borders, but the Central 
Pacific has power to take tearful vengeance for any 
such exercise of this right as the bill contom])lato8. 
It is not good policj- to exasperate this monopolj' 
needlessly. A few years ago Washoe County com- 
pelled the Central Pacific to paj- 845,000 in taxes, 
which the corporation did not want to i>a)'. What 
was the consequence? Within ten days wood that 
had been hauled from Verdi to JJeno for fifty cents 
per cord cost one dollar to haul. The freight on 
BOmo other things was also raised, and Mr. I'owning 
said he did not think he was making an extravagant 
statement in saj-ing the Central Pacific had squeezed 
$2,500,000 out of the people of Nevada in revenge 
for having been forced to pay that 845,000. Let 
this bill i>ass, which would save the State 833,000 
a year on passenger rates, and the Central Pacific 
would put on the screws on freight and tax us 
833,000 a month heavier than now, in revenge. * * * 

After producing evidence of the truth of his asser- 
tions, Mr. Daggett continued as follows: — 

Is comment necessary upon these terrible rates? 
Do they not speak trumpet-tongued of imjiositions 
unparalleled in the annals of railroad ruffianism? 
These charges have been neither known nor credited 
beyond the State of Nevada. When mentioned by 
the press they have been denied, and tvitfi threals of 
still greater oppressions the railroad dictators have 
silenced the complaints of their victims. 

Nevada is an orange which for ten years these 
railroad vampires have been sucking in silence. We 
have been, and are still, bleeding at every pore, but 
the extent, I am satisfied, has not been even imagined 
by those in whose will has reposed the means of 
relief. I am here to day to make proclamation of 
these wrongs, that others maj' understand them as 
I do. * * * Incredible as it may seem, seventeen 
years ago freights were hauled on wagons from 
Sacramento to Virginia Citj', up through the heated 
vallej-s and over the rough roads and frozen sum- 
mits of the mountains, for prices but a trifle in 
advance of existing railroad rates between those 
two points. In favorable weather Sacramento 
freights were then delivered in Virginia City at 
one dollar and fifty cents per hundred pounds. The 
railroad rates are now one dollar and forty-six cents 
and one-half — but three and a half cents per hun- 
dred less than old teaming rates. 

Yes, pack-mule c()m))etitioii in Nevada, of which 
the directors of the Central Pacific infcrcntially 
comjjlain as a sort of wicked and unnecessary 
menace to their financial well-doing, is indeed all 
that stands between llicm and the establishment of 
rates in keeping with their rapacity, and their 
charges are scheduled junt a shade below fii;ures 
that would line the roads again with j)ack-lrains 
and wagons. 

***** ***:(o. 

r.MlALVZINO OUR INDUSTRIES. 

Nevada abounds in rich and rebellious ores, reqrir- 
ing the expensive aid of fire in reduction. To be 
reduced at a profit thej' must be either cheaply 
transported to cheap fuel, or chea|> fuel must bo ' 
cheajjiyjtraiisported to them. These railroad pro- , 
35 



moters of our industries will fulfill neither require- 
ment, and while the mines remain undevelojted, 
and thousands of hands arc vaiidy seeking employ- 
ment, their cars are houriy running unburdened 
through the State. 

Their object seems to bo to crush, not to develop, 
the industries of Nevada, and to this end the com- 
lielition of special rates from California is em])lo}'ed 
when there is danger of an industrj- growing into 
ini|)i)rtance. Lest I maj' not he (|uite understood, 
permit me to cite an example or two: — 

Limestone is rare in the neighborhood of the 
Comstock. Finally, to the gratification of all. a 
quarry was discovered and opened about ten miles 
south of Virginia City, and for a few months lime 
was furnished on the Comstock cheaper than it had 
ever been sold before. California lime was no longer 
required in Virginia, and its transportation to Nevada 
almost ceased. The opening of this quarrj- was an 
interference with the business of the railroad corn- 
pan}-, and the}' ])romi)tly closed it by ])utting the 
rates on California lime to figures below the cost 
of local production. The qaarr\- was abandoned, 
man}- men were deprived of emjjloj-ment, a grow- 
ing itidustry was crushed, and the price of lime 
has gone back to its old figures. 

There are valuable sulphur deposits in Humboldt 
County, and large quantities of the article were used 
in the manufacture of acids near Virginia. Nevada 
sulphur is no longer in demand. It can be laid down 
in Virginia City cheaper from Europe than from 
Humboldt County. 

We have salt and soda in abundance, but they 
cannot be trans])orted beyond the Stale, and farmei*s 
along the line of the i-ailroad are kept in poverty by 
special rates from California. 

SPECIAL DISCRI.MINATIONS AllAINST NEVADA. 

With San Francisco rates of transportation the 
foundries and machine sho|)s.of' \'irginia and (lold 
Hill would be able to supply eastern Nevada and 
Utah with large quantities of mining machiner}' ; 
but the Central Pacific folks will not permit it, and 
to prevent it they charge 82t(t( ])er car-load more for 
machinery forwarded from IJeno to Utah than from 
San Francisco to Utah. 



THE P.V.SSENOER TllAFKK!. 

But the im])ositions of the llnion and Central 
Pacific Railroads are not confined to the carriage of 
freights. The through ])assage rates between vSan 
l''i-aiicisco and (Jinulia are over five cents per mile, 
with the addition of fourteen dollai-s for a single 
berth, and 811! 50 for meals at their eating-slations. 
The most of these eating-stations are ap])urtcnances 
of the railroads, and the fooil hastily served is as 
economical in cleanliness, variety, and wholesome 
material as it is extravagant in |)rice. 1 do not men- 
tion this in the way of complaint exactly, for passen- 
gers can carry their own luncli-baskets, ami a rough 
))ion<'cr experience of thirty years on the frontiers of 
tlif P:icific liMS rendered me sonieu hat iiiditlVrent to 
the luxuries anil a|>poiiilnienls of a well-s|iread table. 
.My object is simply lo "lidw that the exceedingly 
thril'ty manaixers of the ovtrlaiiil road-" are not 
reslr:ii 111(1 by any feelin-; of |iridf Irom ..wellinir their 
annual receipts with the |irofils of badly-|)rovisionod 
lunch-stands. 

The jirice of a ihroui^h ticket from Omaha lo San 
Francisco is 8100.50; distance, 1.027 miles. But this 
represents the price ua well from Omaha to Reno, 306 



278 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



miles from San Francisco, and from San Francisco to 
Cheyenne, 51G miles from Omaha. 

********* 

HOW THE CENTR.\I, P.VCIFIC W.\S BUILT. 

Nor can the necessitj* of securing a fair return for 
the mone}' invested b}' the Central Pacific Railroad 
owners be urged in explanation ol' their extraordinary 
charges. When they began the construction of the 
road thej- paid taxes in the aggregate on property of 
all kinds, amounting to less than .'^150, 000. To-day 
their railroad property alone, with the indebtedness 
standing against it deducted, is valued by them at 
the enormous sum of over 8180,000,000. But it can 
not be shown that thcj- ever advanced money enough 
from their own pockets to build a single mile of the 
road. The bonds of the (rovernment and the subsi- 
dies and gifts of the people were more than sufficient 
to build and stock the road entire. 

The original incorporators paid in ten per cent, on 
$1,000 a mile for 115 miles, the estimated distance 
from Sacramento to the Nevada line. Twelve hundred 
and fifty shares of stock were subscribed at SlOO per 
share, of which Messrs. Stanford, Huntington, Hop- 
kins, and Crocker took 600 shares. Assuming, how- 
ever, that they advanced the required ten per cent. 
on all the shares subscribed, and their original 
investment did not exceed §12,500 all told. On this 
small investment the gentlemen have done well — so 
well, in fact, that in 1S77 President Stanford reported 
the ])roi)erty of the (central Pacific to bo worth 
8187,003.()80".U(J, while .Mr. (.Vocker, President of the 
Southern Pacific, valued the property of that road at 
§115,359,011 08, making a total valuation of 8302.- 
363, 592. ()4. The indebtedness of the Central Pacific 
was given bj' Mr. Stanford at 885.301,350.64, and 
the indebtedness of the Southern Pacific was placed 
by Mr. Crocker at 830,415,332.95, making the total 
indebtedness of the two roads 8115,806,083.59. The 
account then stood as follows: — 

Value of the property of both roads 8302,363,592 64 
The indebtedness of both roads 115,806,683 59 



Assets over liabilities. 186,556,909 05 

Independentlj' of the United Slates bonds loaned 
to the Central Pacific, the gifts to the two roads 
amount to 801,011,280, according to the estimates of 
their executive officers. The net earnings of the 
roads are reported at 875,000,000. In reality thev 
have been much larger, as their expense, like their 
construction accounts, have afforded large margins 
of profit to their managers in other capacities. 

A part of the wealth of these railroad gentlemen 
two years ago consisted of 854.000,000 of watered 
stock of the (Antral Pacific and 836,000,000 of the 
Southern Pacific, being an aggregate of 890,000,- 
000 in stock, which cost them onlj' the price of 
printing, and upon which the}' are compelling the 
public to pay them eight per cent, yearly in 
dividends. 

The Southern Pacific has been constructed and 
paid for from the earnings of the Central J'acific, 
yet the owners issue 850,00(1 in stock and 840,000 
in bonds per mile, and charge such rates as will 
enable them to collect annually eight per cent, on 
the stock and six per cent, on the bonds. 

Hut, inviting as the subject may be, it is not my 
purpose now to intpiire into the methods by which 
the owners of the Central Pacific have acquired 
their stupendous wealth. 1 have desired only to 
show that their extortions are as unnecessary as 
they are ungrateful and dishonest. 



The speech from which the foregoing are extracts 
was delivered on the twenty-fifth of February, 1881, 
during the last days of Mr. Daggett's term; and it 
was called forth by the following, known as the 
Williams Joint Resolution: — 

THE WILLIAMS JOINT RESOLUTION. 

Joint resolution to the Congress of the United Stales in 
relation to iliscrimination in fares awl freights by 
interstate railroad companies. 

WiiERE.\s, the people of the State of Nevada have 
long suffered and do now suffer under the imposi- 
tions and exactions of the Central Pacific Railroad 
Company, which, besides retarding enterprise, injures 
the business and prosperity of the people of this 
State, and amounts to the most enormous, unjust, 
and oppressive tax ever laid upon the industry of a 
people. The said railroad company exercises over 
the persons and property of others an almost abso- 
lute power, vicious and tyrannical, destructive of 
the rights of persons and of ])roperty, and opposed 
to common justice, as well as to every ]irinciple of 
civil and constitutional liberty known since the days 
of Magna Charta; and 

WuERE.\s, it is proper that the truth should be 
known concerning this corporation and its trans- 
actions, the following facts are herein stated: "The 
people of Palisade, distant 435 miles east from Sac- 
ramento, have to pay for freight on flour (fourth- 
class freight, per ])ublished special-rate tarift' of 
Central Pacific Railroad) ))er car-load, the sum of 
8282 from Sacramento, while the people of Toano, 
129 miles further east, paj' freight on flour jier car- 
load, according to the printed special rate, the sum 
of 8275 per car-load, while the merchant having a 
contract for some so-called com])etitive point with 
this railroad company paj-s freight on the same 
article, to wit, flour, per carload, onlj- S2(»0, The 
merchant at Toano, having a special contract, pays 
eighty-two dollars per car-load less freight than the 
merchant at Palisade, although, as before mentioned, 
the carriage is 129 miles more. The goods delivered 
at Palisade or Battle .Mountain, distant respectively 
435 and 383 miles from Sacramento, have a freight 
charge of 8480 per car-load, while at Toano the 
freight amounts to 8275 per car-load to persons 
having special contract rates for so-called com- 
jictitive points, the greater service being performed 
tor the less amount. Persons shipping wool or 
other products from Palisade. Battle Mountain, Elko, 
or other points in this State to the Eastern States, 
have to pay local rates to Sacramento, thence freight 
at through rates back over the same road to the 
point of destination, the shipper being ot'ten com- 
])elled to pay freight at local rates for a distance of 
over 500 miles, a service useless and unnecessary 
even if rendered. The same unjust discrimina- 
tion is practiced by this railroad com])any against 
the people of this Stale in the rates of freight upon 
goods ship|)ed from points east of this State. The 
freight on a l)Ox of eggs from Ogden to Toano costs 
one man 83.35 per box, and the same number of 
eggs, in the same sized box, and of the same weight, 
costs another man sixty-five cents. A hundred 
pounds of sfjuushes costs one man in freight 81.36, 
while it costs another fifty-five cents. Hams and 
case goods costs one man 82.04, while it costs 
another but fifty-fivo cents. The distance from 
Ogden to Toano is 183 miles. The same unjust dis- 
crimination is also practiced bj- this railroad com|>any 
in passenger faros, A ticket from Omaha to San Fran- 



RAILROADS. 



279 



Cisco costs SUM), while :i ticket from Omaha to Pal- 
isade, buintc (iOd miles nearer, costs ninety-tive dol- 
lars. A person desiring to go East is charged within 
a fraction of the full fare, through and from San 
Francisco to the point he desires to reach, although 
he may ride over one-third or less of the line of the 
Central Pacitic JJailroad. More appalling examples 
of injustice than arc shown by the above instances, 
selected from among a mj'riad of kindred trans- 
gressions, are hard to conceive; and 

Whereas, such pernicious practices should bo no 
longer tolerated; Therefore, 

Be it hji the Sewite atul Ansemh/i/ conjointly resolved, 
That the jiassago of the bill now before Congress, 
known as the Reagan Bill, prohiiiiting discrimination 
in fares and freights on interstate railroads, will bo 
bailed with joy by the people of this State as a 
measure of justice and relief 

VALUE OP C. p. RAILROAD PROPERTY IN NEVADA. 

A law was passed in 18G5, and amended in 1878, 
bj- the Legislature, that requires all railroads, wholly 
or in part within Nevada, to report each year to the 
Secretary of State. * * * " The amount of cash 
expended for the purchase of lands for the construc- 
tion of the road of such company, the cost of the 
construction of such road, and the cost of buildings, 
engines and cars, respectively, used by such company 
in this State." 

A penalty of §500 per day is named as a punish- 
ment for every day that elapses after February Ist 
of each 3'ear that any compan}- fails to report the 
above facts regarding the year ending the previous 
December 31st. 

The com))anies of the State paid no attention to 
this law until after the amendment of 187S, which 
fixed the penalties for noncompliance. The Central 
Pacific Road has never comjilied with the require- 
ments of this clause, claiming that they cannot, 
because of the want on their part of data from 
which to give the facts. 

The value of the property can, however, be com- 
puted from their own statements. Elaborate and 
fair estimates have been made which fix the value of 
the Central Pacific Comjiany's property in this State 
at 849,403,437. In 1880, that property was assessed 
at 84,152,414, being one-twelfth of the value placed 
upon it by the companj-. The different counties 
make different assessments, not being regulated by 
a State Board of Equalization. 

The attempt to raise the value of Central Pacific 

Railroad pro])crty in any of the counties has alwaj's 

been met by expensive litigation, and usually has 

resulted in failure. In Washoe County, in 18G9, the 

Board of Equalization reduced their assessment from 

81,203,139 to 8050,389; but the Supreme Court set 

the reduction aside, and the following exhibits the 

struggle that has been going on there since: — 

As fixed by Board 
Assessment in of K(|uaIi/.ation. 

1870 . . 81,044 484 851 1, 1 00 

1871.. 1.112,750 559,440 

1872 . . 1,04!»,150 543,050 

1873.. 471,030...increa.-<ed to, .. 532,480 
1874.. 780,000.... reduced to.... 030,000 



1875,. 806,505.. ...010,722 

1870 . 814,258 615,000 

1877.. 889,277. 715.423 

1878.. 888,051 723,660 

1879.. 999,985 743,085 

1880.. 890,110 733,210 

A reference to the speech made by Mr. Powning, 
in the State Senate in 1881, will give an idea of the 
animus of this contest. 

In Humboldt County, in 1809, the Board of Equal- 
ization raised the railroad assessment from 80,000 
per rail? to 88,000. 

There were a number of citizens holding county 
scrip who became frightened, fearing a refusal of 
the railroad to pay its taxes, which would keep 
them out of their monoj', and thej' petitioned the 
Commissioners to reconsider the raise, and it was 
done. 

In 1880, the Board, in response to a petition, raised 
the assessment from 80,000 to 89,000, but failed to 
make it stand, because of informality in the way it 
was raised. 

In Lander County the assessment was raised to 
89,000 per mile by the Board of Equalization in 
1879; and in 1880 a further raise was made by the 
Board to 812,000 jicr mile. Both times the Assessor 
had placed it at 80,000. 

In Eureka County the main track was assessed in 
1874 at 815,000 per mile. The company litigated 
the question of pa3-ment. and the matter was com- 
promised finally when they paid on 86,000. It was 
continued at 80,000 until 1879, when the assessment 
was again raised to 89,000, Another litigation 
occurred, but those figures were maintained, 

VIRGINIA AND TRUCKEE RAILROAD, 

One of the first railroad franchises granted in 
Nevada was in 1801, 1'or a right to construct a road 
from Virginia City to the boundary lino of Califor- 
nia, by waj' of Eagle and Washoe Valleys, and the 
Truckee River. Carson City was to be reached by 
a branch from the main line. The scheme was 
known as the "Virginia, Carson and Truckee Rail- 
road," but never became operative except in theory. 

The successor of the foregoing, under the name 
of the Virginia and Truckee Railroad, camo into 
existence under a special law, approved December 
20, 1802, in which the general direction of the main 
line was changed so as to jiass through Carson City. 
Under pain of forfeiture it was to bo com])letod 
within four years. Among the incorporators are 
found the names of John II. Atkinson, Theodore 
Winters, M. C, Hillyer, and J. Neoly Johnson; but 
the road was never constructed. 

Before the expiration by limit of the last men- 
tioned charter, a now company was formed for the 
purpose of building a narrow-gauge railroad over 
the same route, and a special Act of incorporation 
was approved by the Governor, November 2, 1805, 
The name assumed was the "Virginia and Truckee 
River Railroad," This effort, like the balance, did 
not produce a railroad. 



280 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



On tho L'iirhth of May, 18G7. ori^anization papers 
were filed in the Secretary of Slate's office, settiiij^ 
forth that parties, araonfj whom was William Sharon, 
proposed to build a railroad from Gold Ilili uorth- 
erl}- to a point on the Truckee River six miles east of 
the Stone and Gates crossing, and they called them- 
selves the Virginia and Truckee Railroad Company. 
This enterprise followed in the way of its predeces- 
sors and no road was built, although the route was 
surveyed in September of that year. 

THE VIKUINIA AND TRUCKEE RAILROAD BUILT. 

The menace contained in the foregoing proposi- 
tion to connect, by rail, Virginia City with navigable 
waters by a route that would leave Eagle and 
Washoe Valleys unapproached, aroused the people 
of those localities lo action. A movement was 
consequently inaugurated to induce Ormsby and 
Washoe Counties to become stockholders in a rail- 
road. It was proposed by the officers of tho Virginia 
and Truckee Railroad Company, that if Ormsbj' 
County would take §200,000 in their company stock 
atone dollar per share, and Washoe County 200,000 
shares at the same price, that they would change the 
direction of their route so as to reach the Central 
Pacific through Carson City and Washoe Valley to 
the Truckee River. 

Articles of agreement wore entered into and 
signed by the County Commissioners for the counties, 
and by William Sharon and Thomas Sunderland 
for the railroad company, embodying these facts. 
There was no power existing in the county officers 
to bind the county, and the people signed almost 
unanimously a petition asking the Legislature to 
jjass an enabling Act authorizing this investment. 
This was in February, 1868*. On the fifth of March 
incorporation papers were filed with the Secretary of 
State organizing the Virginia and Truckee Railroad 
Company, under which that company now operates. 
In that paper the following gentlemen were named 
as Directors: — 

William Sharon, Charles Bonner, 

Thomas Sunderland, F. A. Tritle, 

A. W. Baldwin, Thomas Bell, 

W. E. Barron, W. C. Ralston, 

J. D. Fry, 

To which add I). O. Mills lo include all of the incor- 
porators. On the twentieth of June the completion 
of the survey for the road was announced, I. E. James, 
Engineer. On the twenty first of Jul}- the Carson 
Ap/>e(t/ ntntod that the railroad company- did not ))ro- 
pose to build in conformity to their contract with the 
county. Decenilier i:!, 18G8, it was announced in tho 
A/j/m;,iI that William Sharon would procure the build- 
ing of a railroad from Virginia City to Carson if the 
people of Ormsby County would give §200,000 as a 
donation, and that the building of the same would 
add at least 8 1.0(10, 000 to the taxable ])roperty of that 
county, including road-bo<i at 840,000 per mile. Tho 
figures showed that the addition of taxable value in 

•tSei- Caraoii Daily Ajijn-nl I'Vliruiiry 'iSth aud ^Uth, March 
17th aud 2;!d, aud July -Jlat— all of 1868. 



Ormsby Countj- would be so great that the railroad 
|)ropcrty alone would pay within fifteen years in 
taxes an amount equal to all the principal and interest 
on the bonds, amounting to S32G, 002, except the paltry 
sum of §48,502. This last named amount was the 
sum total of what it would cost the coun'y to pay 
the §326,002 as a gift to that company. 

A large majority of the people signed petitions to 
the Legislature asking the passage of an enabling Act 
authorizing the issuance of bonds for 8200,000 in 
Ormsby and 8300,000 in Storey Counties, and such 
bills were passed. 

On the eighteenth of February ground was first 
broken for the road. August lith, tho first locomotive 
for it was landed in Carson, and the first rail was laid 
on the twentj'-eighth of September. October 28th, A. 
£). Treadway shipped the first freight on it, consist- 
ing of two sacks of potatoes, and Xovember 12th con- 
nection by rail was completed between Carson and 
Virginia Cities, and the first passenger coach passed 
from the latter place to the former on the twentj'- 
niiith of the same month, all in 1869. 

On the seventh of November, 1871, the road was 
completed from Reno to Steamboat Springs, and the 
first train passed over tho road between those points. 
On the twenty-fourth of tho following August, the 
last spike was driven that completed the lino from 
Reno to Carson on which day tho first train passed 
over the road from Virginia City to the Truckee 
River. The first freight from Reno to Carson, all tho 
way by rail, was the press and material for use in 
the new Appeal office. On the nineteenth of Septem- 
ber, the first through freight cars, two of them from 
San Francisco to Virginia Citj% passed over the road. 
On tho first of October, 1872, the first regular passen- 
ger train passed over the lino, with Ilarry Slirievcs 
as conductor. In December, 1872, the com])any com- 
menced tho construction of their car and machine 
shops in Carson, and on the eleventh of the same 
month, the construction of the telegraph line from 
Reno to Virginia Citj' along the railroad was com- 
menced. In 1874 steel rails were laid between Car- 
son and Virginia, necessitated because of the large 
amount of business, thirty-six trains per day being 
required to carry tho passengers and freight. 

COST OP CONSTRUCTION. 

In Dan Do Quillo's book, known as the ''Big Bonan- 
za," page 228, it is recorded that the cost of tho road, 
ready for rolling-stock, from Virginia City to Carson, 
a distance of twenty-one miles, was 81,7.50,000 — or 
883,333 per mile. September 25, 1873, H. R, Mighels 
states in an article in tho Carson Ap]>eitl, written in 
the interest of tho Virginia and Truckee Companj-, 
that the cost of constructing tho entire road from 

Virginia City to Reno, had been $ 2,600.000 

Rolling-stock 509,500 

Car shops 150.000 

Real *estate, right of way, etc 120.000 

Total cost of assets $3,379,500 

Making the cost per mile for construction, 852,107. 



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RAILROADS. 



281 



In 1880 the report made to the State by that com- 
pany as their assets, earnings, etc., was as follows: — 

REPORT TO THE ST.\TE IN 1880. 

Expended for construction, etc $ 3,715,873 23 

Rolling-stock 712,278 84 

Real estate 200,998 21 

Teams 34,047 84 

Wood 39,844 85 

Stockon hand.. 146,994 28 

Totalcost of assets in 1880 $4,856,042 25 

Transportation receipts, 1880 1,124,300 32 

Operating E.xpenses, 1880 674,553 38 

Net earnings in 1880 $449,746 94 

Length of road in miles ..52j^'^ 

Cost per mile to construct road $71,185 00 

Cost per mile for other assets, including 

equipments 21,842 00 

Total cost per mile 893,027 00 

Per cent, of net profit upon this cost per mile, 9 (-J^ 

ASSISTANCE RECEIVED. 

Ormsby County Bonds 8200,000 00 

Storey County Bonds 300,000 00 

Comstock Mining Companies 387,383 53 

Total 8887,383 53 

E(iual to 817,065 per mile for the entire length of 
the road. 

To obtain this assistance inducements were set 
forth by the company's agents, of which the follow- 
ing is a sample. The statement is direct from Mr. 
Sharon and his associates to the editor of the Appeal* 
of the taxable property that the railroad would add 
to Ormsby County: — 

Ten miles of road at 840,000 per mile 8400,000 

Machine shops and foundries, not less than . . 150,000 

Engine and cars, say . 100,000 

Increase of mill property 200,000 

* See Caraon Appeal, February 20, 1S7'J. 



Increase from storage and supply of 

wood, etc 1 50,000 

Total increase in assessable value in 

Ormsby County 81,000,000 

WoKKI.NO TEST OR RESULT. 

With such an understanding the people favored 
the gift to the company, but when, in 1869, the 
Assessor placed the railroad assessment at 820,000 
per mile, just one-half what the com])any had 
affirmed that the same should be, exceptions were 
taken, and a sworn statement was made by the com- 
pany's Vice-President, that in effect contradicted the 
original statement, inasmuch as he or they had 
placed the figures six timea hhjher than the company 
was willing to be assessed. The following is the 
substance of the statement of the Vice-President in 
1870, referred to, giving his estimate of the value of 
the road: — 
Eleven and one-half miles of main and side 

tracks at 86,000 per mile 869,000 

Real estate . . 5,500 

Other property 55,850 

Total 8130,350 

The Carson Appeal o? January 25, 1870, says: — 

We have given the railroad company 8200,000 in 
seven per cent, interest bearing bonds; and we did it 
on a promise that the company would add 81,000,000 
of taxable pro])ertj^ to this county. We did it also 
upon the statements, often repeated, of the agents 
and priiici])al men of the company, that the com- 
pany would submit to an assessed valuation upon 
their road of $40,000 to the mile. 

The assessment was reduced by the Assessor to 
814,000, and then by the County Commissioners, con- 
sisting of H. F. Rice, A. B. Driesbach, and S. E. 
Jones, to 811,333 per mile. 

The following table shows the working test of the 
inducements for the $200,000 donation in Ormsby 
County: — 



Assessed 

ROAD 


AND Equalized Value of Virginia and Truckee Rail- 
Properiv, and Tax on the Same in Ormsby County. 


Principal and Intere.st paid by Ormsby County upon 

THE $200,000 GIVEN TO THE V. & T. R. R. 


Year. 


Main Track 
per Mile. 


Same as 
Equalized. 


Total 
Property. 


Total Tax Paid. 


Principal . 


Interest. 


Total Paid. 


1869. 






8 42,200 
189,218 
232,04!) 
268,458 
282,573 
391,013 
520,028 
447,5!I7 
434,98!! 
428,!I77 
662,15(1 
497,492 


8 1.899 00 
7,573 74 
10,238 21 
ll,77!l 14 
11,411 62 
15,8(;4 11 
17,885 7(1 
14,5;i2 73 
15,i:!!l 87 
14,083 58 
l!t,558 91 
14.863 07 








1870... 


814,000 
11,333 
11,333 
12,000 
11,333 
11,333 
11,333 
10,000 
11,333 
25,000 
15,000 


$11,333 
'"l 1,333 




820,405 00 

13,755 00 

13,720 00 

13,242 25 

5,000 00 

18,627 87 

23,411 00 

5,145 00 

9,030 00 

7,910 00 

3,325 00 


$20,405 00 


1871.-- 




13,755 00 


1872..- 




13,720 00 


1873... 
1874 


84,833 33 
6,650 00 
9,823 63 
14,700 00 
22,749 97 
16,000 00 
18,000 00 
18,000 00 


18,075 58 
11,650 00 


1875... 
1876.. 

1877. .. 
1878... 
1879 


11,333 


28,451 50 
38,111 00 
27,894 97 
25,030 (10 
25,910 00 


1880... 


13,800 


21,325 00 




8154,829 68 


8110,756 93 


8133,571 12 


$244,328 05 



282 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



Of the above tax ])aid by the com])any the State 
received •?40,194.50, which leaves the county as 
recipient (.f only 8114,635.18. This is 818,935.94 less 
than has been paid in interest on the bonds given by 
Ormsby County to that corporation. Yet the author- 
ized agentof the Virginia and Truckee Railroad said 
to the people of Ormsbj- County, through the columns 
of the Appeal, that within fifteen j-ears the company's 
taxes, that would be paid to the county, would equal 
both the principal and interest thereon, less 848,502. 

MORAL. 

Let those who would vote to give money to soul- 
less corporations, upon an expectation of beneficial 
results that will not be of a pecuniary benefit to the 
corporation, remember what God said about men who 
were given over to believe a lie and be damned.* 

ASSESS.MENT OF VIRCilNIA AND TRDCKEE PROPERTY AND 
TAX PAID. 

The result has been given of the first effort to 
place a taxable value upon the assets of this com- 
pany that would be in proportion to the property of 
private citizens. The following table will show the 
results from that date to the present time in each of 
the counties through which it runs. Will the reader 
please note the difference between the values placed 
upon the property in 1878, 1879 and 1880. In 1879 
the assessment was raised 8500,490, and fell off again 
the next year $195,027. Why was this ? In 1879 11. 
H. Bence was Assessor of Ormsby Count}-, and vis- 
ited the Assessors of Washoe, Storey and Lyon Coun- 
ties, urging upon them the justice of making a 
united effort for an advance, with results as indi- 
cated. In 1880 Mr. Bence was not elected, lie had 
served the people so well that the railroad company 
breveted him; the voters put him upon the retired 
list, and the assessment dropped back 8195,027. 

The following table will show what the expenses 
and receipts of that company was for each month in 
1872, and is the only report of the kind for years 
previous to 1879: — 

STATEMENT. 



1872. 


Expenses. 


Gross Receipts. 


Januauy 

February 

March 

April 

Mav 


8 53,022 32 

48,147 18 
51,710 23 
42,813 59 
48,059 54 
46,894 12 
50,801 20 
53,010 77 
06,043 78 
83,360 42 
87,803 47 
86,308 76 


8 66,461 76 
66,044 97 
80,239 25 
82,357 98 
83,006 76 


Juno 


85.103 70 


July 

August 

September ... 

October 

November 

December . 


89.080 73 

97,478 25 

101,753 97 

95.342 38 

120,901 82 

112,577 55 




8 718,987 44 


% 1,070,300 18 



*II ThessalouianB, second chapter, eleventh and first part of 
twelfth verBua. 



Freights passing over the road for the fii"st six 
months of 1873, as reported by the general Freight 
Agent: — 

STATEMENT. 



Articles. 


In Pounds. 


Total in Tons. 


Merchandise 

Lumber* ^ 

Woodt - . - 

Coal, (stone) 

Ore 

Tailings 

Live stock 

Crude bullion 


42,020,604 

70,915.872 

108,420.000 

30,068,860 

224,088,500 

12,096,000 

220,000 

160,474 


21,010 

35,457 

54,210 

19,534 

112,044 

6,048 

110 

80 


Totals 


496,799,310 


248,495 



•Number of feet, 2:J,93S,6l'4. 
tNumber of cords, 43,3tiS. 



ANNUAL REPORT OF THE VIRGINIA AND TRUCKEE RAIL- 
ROAD COMPANY- FOR THE YEAR 1880.* 

Amount of capital stock. 86,000,000 00 

Amount expended for construction, 
land, etc: — 

Construction 83,715,878 23 

Rolling-stock 712,278 84 

Real estate 206,998 21 

Teams 34,047 84 

Wood 39,844 85 

Stock on hand 146,994 28 

Total 84,856,042 25 

Amount of indebtedness: — 

Bonds 8900,000 00 

Mining Companies 92,600 08 

Total 8992,600 08 

Due this company from sundry sources 8197,011 25 
Amount received for transportation of 
freight, passengers, mail, express, 

baggage, etc 81,124,300 32 

Amount rec'd from sales of old rails.. 834,819 92 
Freightof all kinds hauled, am't in tons 343,924J^^ 
Amount paid for account of operating 

expenses 8074,553 38 

Number of dividends (paid monthly). 12 

Amount paid ($15,000 per month)... 8180,000 00 

Number of engine houses, shops, engines, cars: — 

Engine houses 4 

Machine shops 3 

Engines 24 

Passenger coaches 10 

Baggage, mail and express cars 4 

Box cars 7 

Platform cars 237 

Ore cars 117 

Traffic receipts as above 81,124,300 32 

Operating expenses 674,553 38 

Net trallic earnings 449,74ij 94 

Paid dividends 180,000 00 

Bonds redeemed 100,000 00 

Paid interest on bonds 97,250 00 

Directors — D. O. Mills, San Francisco, California; 
H. M. Yerrington, Carson City, Nevada ; 1). L. Bliss, 
Carson City, Nevada ; I. L. Requa, Virginia City, 
Nevada; William Sharon, Virginia City, Nevada; B. 

* In consequence of the doatructinn of the .Secretary's books by 
fire, several years ago, it is impossililc for the officers of the com- 
pany to state the amount of paid up capital, and it is therefore 
necessarily omitted in this report. 



RAILROADS. 



283 



C. Whitman, Virginia City, Nevada ; J. W. Eckley, 
Virginia City, Nevada. 

Officers — i). O. Mills, President, San Francisco, 
California; II. M. Yerrington, Vice-President, Carson 
Cit}-, Nevada; Agonc}- Hank of (Jalifornia, Treasurer, 
Virginia City, Nevada; W. .M. Thornton, Secretary, 
Virginia City, Nevada; II. M. Yerrington, (Jenoral 
Sn])erinten(lont. Cai-son City, Nevada; I. E. James, 
Consulting Kngineer, Virginia City, Nevada; P. A. 
Lugonbuhl, Road Master, Carson City, Nevada ; J. 
E. Fording. Master .Mechanic, Carson Citj-, Nevada; 
B. F. Ljon, Master Car Repairer, (..'arson Citj% 
Nevada; II. Hunter, blaster Transportation, Carson 
City, Nevada; I). A. Bender, Freight and Passenger 
Agent, Carson City, Nevada; C. P.Mason, Purchas- 
ing Agent, Carson City, Nevada. Principal office 
and address, Carson City, Nevada. 

The wages paid on this road are, engineers five 
dollars per day, conductors four dollars, firemen 
three dollars and fifty cents, and brakemen three 
dollars and twenty-tive cents. 

LOCAL FREIGHT TARIFF, OCTOBER 1, 1880. 



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7 10 
5 8 
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21 
17 
14 
12 
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24 
20 
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25 

18 

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15 

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25 

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21 

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9 

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28 
26 
24 
2.S 
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14 
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30 

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18 
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35 


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35 40 


to 


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Browns . 






30 
29 
24 
20 
19 
17 
14 
9 

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11 4 










35|;{5 


16.7 
20 


Washoe 

Ophir 










30 30 
30|.'iO 


21 4 


Franktown 














OS :!0 


24 

26.5 

31.1 

34.5 

35.8 

38.5 

39 

41 

44.3 

47.4 

50.2 

52.2 


Mill Station. . . . 

Lakcview 

Carsou 

Empire 

Brunswick .... 

Santiago 

Eureka 

MounJ House. . 

Silver 

Scales 

Gold Hill 

Virginia 














26 

23 

19 

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14 

11 

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28 

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16 

16 

13 

13 

11 

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4 

2 



Merctiandise in cents per 100 pounds, as above, will api)ly upon 
all articles not enumerated under head of "Car Load Kates." 
The above rates will apply I)etween stations, unless otherwise 
provided. Through rates for freight range from eight to fifteen 
and one-half cents per ton per mile. Passenger rates never ex- 
ceed seven and one-half cents per mile. 



NEVAD.\ CENTRAL RAILKOAl). 

In 1874, M. J. Farrell, of Austin, Lander County, 
foreseeing that the time would come when the 
expense of mining in the Reese Iliver country, 
because of slow and expensive freight facilities, 
would exceed the income, and that it would result 
in an eventual abandonment of the country, com- 
menced a railroad agitation, by writing articles for 
the Reese River Reveille, on the feasibility and neces- 
sity of such an enterprise. lie also gathered statistics 
in relation to such a road and laid tlicm before the 
people at a meeting called for that purpose. The 
work was warmly seconded by the people, and a 
bill drawn up for presentation to the Legislature 



at the next session, granting a franchise and 8200,- 
000 subsidj- to any party that would build the 
road. He was elected to the State Senate that fall 
and laid the matter before the Legislature of 1875 
as Senate Bill No. 3. Many members had been 
elected on an anti-subsidy platform, and L. R. Brad- 
ley, the incarnation of opposition to railroad subsidies, 
occupied the Governor's chair. The prospect for 
getting such a bill through was gloomy, but he 
went to work at it, and with the assistance of the 
Assemblymen from Lander County, and other 
friends, succeeded after a hard fought battle not 
only in passing the bill, but in again passing it over 
the Ciovernor's veto. 

After the session, he went to California, consulted 
Governor Stanford and the officers of the Central 
Pacific, with which road it was to connect at Battle 
Mountain, as to what facilities they would afford the 
enterprise; visited the North Pacific Coast Narrow- 
(ruuge Railroad, and commenced the study of narrow 
gauges. After his return home he took charge of the 
petition made necessary by the bill, and carried it 
through to completion, meanwhile gathering statistics 
as to the traftic of the road, procuring all books possi- 
ble that treated of narrow-gauge roads, and writing 
up the whole subject in all its bearings five diff"erent 
times, for as many different parties who wished to 
investigate the subject. He corresponded with 
parties all over the United States, writing volumes 
on the subject, from 1875 to 1870. Ho dung to it, 
and believed it would finalij' become an accomplished 
fact, although every other man in the county, with- 
out exception, had given it up, and began to laugh at 
" Farrell's Hobbj-." 

After his return, a meeting^as called to which he 
submitted the information acquired, and ])ro])osed a 
subscri])tion to pa}- for surveying a route. This was 
responded to with alacrity, and a survey was made 
with elaborate maps and specifications as to cost. 
They were submitted to several parties, and finally 
to Col. Lyman Bridges, of Chicago, who atler con- 
siderable correspondence, came oat, and in connection 
with the following-named parlies formed the Nevada 
Central Railroad Company on the second of Septem- 
ber, 1879. 

OFFICERS AND niRECTOKS. 

W. S. Gage, of San Francisco President 

R. L. S. Hall, of New York City Vice-President 

A. A. Curtis, of Austin, Nevada Treasurer 

J. D. Negus, of Hattle Mountain, Nevada . .Secrotar^- 
Lyman Bridges, of Chicago, Illinois. . Chief Kngineer 
J. C. Fisher, of Battle Mouut'n, Nev. .Master Mechanic 

F. W. Dunn, • " " Asst. Supt. 

D. B. Hatch, of New York Director 

M. E. Angel, of Battle Mountain, Nevada " 

James II. Ledlie, of Ulica, New York " 

M. J. Farrell, of Austin, Nevada " 

A. Nichols, of Austin, Nevada " 

Work was immediatel}' commenced, and the con- 
struction was completed on the ninth of February, 



284 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



1S80. The road is a three-foot gauge, with iron rails 
weighing thirty-five pounds to the yard. The curves 
range from six to twenty-two degrees, and the 
steepest grade is 115 feet to the mile. There is one 
portion of the route of twenty-five continuous miles 
of air line, in another twenty-seven, and the entire 
length of the road is ninety-three and three-fourths 
miles. 

A change of management occurred May 1, 1880. 
Prior to that time the road was running at a loss, 
but since the change the tide has set the other way. 
The present officer.-i and Directors are Joseph CoUett, 
President; Itobert S. Walker, Vice-President; D. B. 
Hatch. Treasurer, Anson P. Stokes, Allen A. Curtis, 
M. J. Farrell, and A. ^Nichols, Directors. 

Operating officers — Joseph Collett, General Man- 
ager; F. W. Dunn, Superintendent; C. W. Hench- 
cliffe. Secretary and General Freight and Passenger 
Agent; R. Amerman, Cashier. 

The Nevada Central owners contemplate contin- 
uing their line farther south to Grantsville; the 
extcntion to be known as the " Nevada Southern 
Railroad," that is to eventually connect with some of 
the Southern transcontinental roads, or the Nevada 
Division of the California Central Railroad. 

Lander County issued her bonds for §200,000 as a 
gift to the Nevada Central Company for building 
their railroad that cost 8944,590.58, and the profits for 
the ten months that it has been in operation, up to 
the close of 18S0, was 82,007.13. Their average 
freight charges have been 15.3 cents a ton per mile, 
the extremes ranging from ten to twenty cents. 
Passenger rates practically ten cents per mile. 

NEVADA CENTRAL RAILWAY. 

LOCAL FREIGHT TARIFF, MARCH 15, 1880. 









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Dattle Mountain 




10 


14 21 
3 10 


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24 


43 

32 


1 1 
.54 60 65 70 


79'86 
68 75 


<)•> 


Oalena 


10 


43 4'.t 


55 5y 


81 




14l 3 
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21 
14 


2'.l 


3!) 46 51 55 


!t4 71 
5s 65 


77 




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32 3<.) 44 


4!) 


71 


Hot Springs 


;<5;24 


21 


14 




7 


18 25 30 


34 


4.3 50 


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10 17 

..1 6 


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20 
16 


.35 42 
25.32 


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Rec'se Kiver Carton 


54 4:t 


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38 




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1)5 55 


4(5 :i'.i 

51 44 


25 17 
:io 22 


6 .. 
11 5 


5 


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18,25 
13 20 


31 


Hallsvale 


26 


Silver Creek 


70 :i'.) 
7".l ON 


.->5 4'.l 
01 5.S 


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4:i;{5 


16 


4 




•1 16 


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Helena 


25 IS 13 


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13 


Ledlio 


SO 75 
'.K2H1 


71 1)5 

77,71 


50<.t2 
5()|4S 


32 25 20 
38 31 26 

1 1 


16 7 .. 
22 13 6 

1 


6 











liate in cents per 100 pounds as alrave on general merchandise 
and all articles not enumerated under " .Special Rates." 

OFFICIAt, HEPORT FOR FIRST TEN MONTHS. 

Capital stock . . .' 8 1 ,00(1 1)00 00 

Cash cui)ital paid in on stock 9.12.") (HI 

Purc-liase of laiids for construction . 13,920 58 

Cost of construction 944,590 23 

Cost of buildings 11,606 72 



Cost of engines S 17.000 00 

Cost of cars 9,666 66 

Amount of bonded indebtedness 1,000,000 00 

Amount received for transportation 

of freight, passengers, mail, ex- 
press, etc 108,484 79 

Freight of all kinds hauled, in tons. . . 9,724 

Amount paid for ojiorating expenses.. 8106,477 66 

Number of engine-houses 2 

Number of machine shops 1 

Number of engines 3 

Number of passenger cars (combination) 2 

N umber of box cars 17 

Number of platform cars 45 

Number of hand cars 11 

Total net profits for 1 880 82,007 13 

Special rates between Battle Mountain and Aus- 
tin, or Ledlie: — 

Ores $ 9 per ton 

Lumber 15 per ton 

Lath and Shingles 16 per ton 

Ha}-, baled 10 per ton 

Coal (Cumberland and Lehigh) 12 per ton 

Coal (Rocky Mountain) 9 per ton 

Brick 12 per ton 

Wood, from Hallsville and Silver 

Creek to Austin 83 00 per cord 

Charcoal, from Hallsville and Silver 

Creek to Austin 6 cents 

Mining timbers, from Hallsville and 

Silver Creek to Austin 20 cts. each 

Lagging 6 cts. each 

Wool, from Austin, Ledlie, Silver 

Creek, and Hallsville to Battle 

Mountain 12 00 per ton 

At Galena, eleven miles from its terminus at Bat- 
tle Mountain, this road receives a branch called the 
" Battle Mountain and Lewis Railroad," connecting 
the towns of Lewis, Bullion and (Quartz Mountain, 
having a length of fourteen miles. Stages and 
fre ght lines connect at Ledlie and Austin for Grants- 
ville, ('andclaria, 15elmont, and all other jyoints in the 
southern part of the Stale. 

EUREKA AND PALISADE KAII.KOAD. 

The above-named road, by a track ninety miles in 
length, connects the two towns after which it is 
named. The comjiany was organized on the nine- 
teenth of November, 1873, with the following gen- 
tlemen for Directors: — Erastus Woodruft", William IL 
lOnnor, Monroe Salisbur}', John T. Gilmer, C. H. 
Hempstead, and J. R. Wilhington. 

Their capital stock was Sl.OOO.OUO, the amount 
being doubled in September, 1876. 

In 1874 the franchise iia-^sod into the hands of 
Edgar and D. O. Mills, who, in the latter |)art of the 
same year sold one-half of it to William Sharon, A. 
K. P. Harmon, John Shaw, Isaac L. Recpia, and 
Thomas liell, and these gciitlemon constitute the 
company as it now exists. This cor|)oration con- 
structed the roa<l at a cost of 81.355.346.78, and 
paid for right of way, lands and buildings. 889.078.98, 
and equipped it at a further expense of 8112,190.97, 
making a total expense for the property as it now 
stands of 81,556,616.73. For rolling-stock, etc., see 
general table. 





Kjc^ty^ 



Dr. Simeon Lem Lee 

Is a native of ^'audalia, Fayette County, Illinois, and was l)orn September 4, 1844. 
His parents resided on a farm, where he remained, dividing his time between work, play, 
and the school room, until nineteen years of age, when he enlisted in Company H, Eighth 
Illinois Infantry. 

It was in 1863, that he became a soldier, and he remained in the army about two 
and a half years, until the close of the war, when he was finally mustered out, as an 
officer, having won his way from a private to a lieutenancy. He was one of the 
storming party that took Spanish Fort, and a few days later Fort Blakeley, in 1865, 
those strongholds being the key to the city of Mobile, in Alabama, which surrendered 
as soon as these outer defenses had fallen. He was one of the first in the storming party 
to reach the inside of the enemy's works- — Dr. A. C. Bishop, of Eureka, Nevada, being 
the first at the charge that took the latter Fort. His Lieutenant, shot through the body, 
fell a few yards before reaching the parapets, in front of which lay, dead or wounded, 
one-half of Lee's comrades, who, with him, had faced the enemy's scathing storm of 
schrapnel-shells, grape, canister, and musket laden messengers of death. Thus a vacancj- 
was created, and a brave boy — for young Lee was not j'et twenty-one years of age — 
received the reward by a commission for a gallant and brave act, that justly entitled 
him to preferment. 

After leaving the service, at the close of the war, he entered the medical college at 
Cincinnati, Ohio, where he finally graduated in 1870, and the f-ame year settled in Carson, 
Nevada, to practice his profession. In 1872, he removed to Pioclie, remaining there 
until 1879, and then returned to Carson City, where he now resides. 

In 1868, he was married to Lola M. Watts, of Cincinnati, and they now have three 
sons, named respectively, Bi.shop F., William L.. and Adelbert W. 

The Doctor is a man of decided opinions and chaiacteristics. His frivmls know that 
he considers them as such, his enemies are in no doubt as to his views regarding them, 
and he wa.s never known to stop at a half-way house. Occasionally he takes a hand in 
the game of politics, and when he does, those M'hom he favors or those whom he opposes 
are neither of tl-.em obliged to call the roll to find out whether he is present or not. We 
are inclined to think he likes his friends too well and di.slikes the othei-s too much. In 
disposition he is generous, and in manner polite and courteous. 

As a physician, he is thoroughly read, has had and has now, extensive practice and 
observation, and has brains enough to profit by it. As a surgeon, there are too many 
examples of skillfully treated cases that have already come successfully from under his 
treatment to leave a doubt as to ability in that line. 



RAILROADS. 



•265 



In 1875 they purchased the Ruby Hill Road at a 
cost of S75,000, and constructed additional branches 
to it at a further ex])eii.se of 675,(100, which adds 
about six and one-half miles to their line. At pres- 
ent their tonnage of freight is not equal to what it 
has been in the past. The amount for one j-ear prior 
to May 1, 1880, was as follows: — 

Tons Grain 2,004.73 

" Flour 91t).84 

" Lumber 8,688.83 

" Coal 5,92(J.98 

"• Merchandise 8,266.74 

Total tons by railroad to Eureka 25,894.12 

" " " " from" 15,832.70 

Total tons freight to and from Eureka 41,726.82 

The average passenger rate is nine and one-half 
cents per mile, and the average rate of freight is 
twenty cents a mile ])er ton; through rates ranging 
from five and one- half to over eighteen cents. The 
principal freights going north from Eui'eka over this 
road are lead, bullion, hides and wool. 

From Eureka it connects by teams with Belmont, 
Tybo, Morey, Hot Creek, Tem Piute, Pioche, Ham- 
ilton, Mineral City, Ward, and Osceola. On the line 
of the road is the company's farm ol' 1 ,000 acres of 
land enclosed, from which is cut about 600 tons of 
hay ycarlj-, and the company keeps a total average 
number of sixty-eight men employed. There are 
sixteen way-stations on the line, the most populous 
of which are Alpha, twentj'-five inhabitants, with 
one store, and Pine, with twenty-eight residents and 
a store. 

The present officers of the company arc Edgar 
Mills, President; E. T. Oatman, Secretary; T. F. 
Lawer, General Freight, Passenger and Ticket 
Agent; P. Evarts, General Superintendent. 

The company's shops are at Palisade, their Cen- 
tral Pacific terminus on the north, where the rolling- 
stock is repaired. J. P. Rugg is the Master Me- 
chanic, and A. S. Longley, Master Car-builder. The 
former was at one time in charge of the machinery 
of the Combination, Crown Point, and Belcher shaft; 
and the latter built some of the first cars for the 
company in whose em])loy he is now working. T. F. 
Lawer, the General Freight, Passenger and Ticket 
Agent, entered the employ of the company origin- 
ally as an office-boy. 

REPORT OF THE E. AND P. RAILROAD FOR 1880. 

Capital stock $2,000,000 00 

Capital i)ai(l up. . 1,090.375 00 

Amount jiaid for lands in construction 17.246 7(i 

Cost of construction 1,355, 34(i 78 

Cost of buildings 71,832 22 

Cost of engines 40,314 22 

Cost of cars 71,876 75 

Amount of indebtedness (outstanding 

bonds) 928,289 52 

Amount duo the company 388,297 79 

Amount received for transportation of 

passengers, freight, ]iro])erly, mails, 

express, and from ail other sources.. 444,532 38 

Current expenses 196,299 44 

36 



Number and anidiint nt' (livi<londs (II 

paid monthly) §285,000 00 

Tons of freight transported 36,805.09 

Number of engine bouses . . 2 

Number of shops . . 1 

Number of engines 5 

Number of coaches 2 

Number of cabooses 2 

Number of ex|)ress and baggage cars 2 

Number of box cars 21 

Number of flat-cars 95 

Number of hand cars 10 

Total profits for 1880 ... S248,232 94 

Per cent, of profits on investment ^^ra 

SPECIAL FREIGHT RATES BETWEEN PALISADE AND 
EUREKA. 

Base metal 810 50 ])er ton 

Brick 12 00 ])er ton 

Coal (Cumberland) 12 00 ])er ton 

Coal (Rocky Mountain) 7 00 ])er ton 

("oke 7 00 per ton 

Flour • 16 00 per ton 

Flue dust 4 00 ])er ton 

Grain and mill stuff 12 00 per ton 

Ilay, baled 16 00 per ton 

ice 15 00 ])er ton 

Iron (pig or scrap) 12 00 per ton 

Lead 8 00 ])er ton 

Lath, shingles and shakes 16 00 per ton 

Lumber 19 00 per M. 

Ore 5 00 per ton 

Potatoes 12 00 per ton 

Wool (compressed in bales, 17 lbs. to a 
cubic foot) 10 00 per ton 

BETWEEN WAY-STATIONS AND EUREKA. 

Charcoal, from ]?radlcj's, .Black- 
burns and points between. 27Jc per 100 fljs. 

Charcoal, from Al])ha and Oak and 

points between 22Jc per 100 lbs. 

Charcoal from Summit and Horse 

Shoo 183c per 100 lbs. 

Charcoal, from Garden Pass and Old 

Fourth 12Jc per 100 Ybs. 

Charcoal from Diamond 10c per 100 lbs. 

Hay ''baled), from I'A-aiisand Parry8.-815 00 par ton 
Hay (baled), from Hay Ranch 14 00 per ton 

Wood, from Alpha and Summit and 

points between . . $4 00 per cord 

W^ood, from between Summit and 

Garden Fuss 3 00 per cord 

Wood, from Old Fcuirtli and diamond 2 50 jier cord 

Fifty (50) cents per ton will bo charged for loading 

and transferring base metal. 

Bri<'k, charcoal, coal, flue dust, hay, lumber, lath, 
ore, shingles, shakes and wood, to be loaded and un- 
loaded liy ship]icr, or at their expense. 

Isiniity packages returned free. The following 
named, having been used to trans|)()rt ]iro])erty to a 
general market, will be returned free, provided they 
are i)ro])erly marked and directed, and the comiJany 
is released from all liability for loss or damage to the 
same, and ])rovided they are removed promptly- from 
the freight station. If recei|its are denuuuied, regu- 
lar rates will be charged. When destined to points 
off the litie of this road, charges to jirepay over con- 
necting lines to destination must be collected by the 
receiving agent: — 



286 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



Beer kegs, butter and egg boxes, fruit boxes and 
baskets, ice blankets, coal, meat and ore sacks, soda 
and beer bottles in eases, and mil^ cans. 

Quicksilver flasks and gasoline tanks will be re- 
turned at one-half first-class rates, actual weight. 

Agents must be particular to see that this priv- 
ilege is not granted to parties not entitled to it, and 
must explain on the way-bill upon whose account the 
propertj- is returned. 

THROUGH PASSENGER RATES BETWEEN EUREKA AND THE 
FOLLOWING POINTS. 

San Francisco S45 75 

San Jose 45 75 

Stockton 43 75 

Sacramento 41 75 

Marysville 42 85 

Colfax 38 10 

Reno 29 00 

Virginia City 32 00 

Winnemueca 16 25 

Battle Mountain 1175 

Elko... 10 50 

Ogden...., 31 00 

TRAIN RATES BETWEEN EUREKA AND THE FOLLOWING 
POINTS. 

Palisade $8 40 

Alpha and Pine 3 50 

Cedar 3 25 

Oak 3 00 

Between all other points conductors collect at the 
rate of ten (10) cents jier mile for each adult. 

The onlj- transportation on the Ruby Hill Railroad 
is ore from the mines to the different reduction works 
in Eureka, for which fifty cents or one dollar per ton 
is charged, according to distance. 

RUBY HILL RAILROAD FOR 1880. 

Capital stock SI 50,000 00 

Capital paid up 150,000 00 

Paid for lands in construction 3,000 00 

Cost of construction 111,547 50 

Cost of buildings 3,000 00 

Cost of engines 14,642 50 

Cost of cars 17,810 00 

Amount of indebtedness 

Amount duo the company 10,258 70 

Amount reed for transportation of fr'ght, 106,544 30 

Current expenses. . 25,803 12 

No. and amt of dividends, H (pd monthly) 75,000 00 

Tons of freight transported 93,377 

Kumber of engines. 2 

Number of ore ears 30 

Number of hand-cars 1 

Total net profits for 1880 880,741 18 

Per cent, of ]irf)fits on investment a trifle over 53. 

LAKE TAIIOE NARROW-GAUGE RAILROAD. 

This road was built in 1875 by fl. M. Yerrington 
and I). L. Bliss to freight lumber and wood from 
Lake Tahoo at (ilenbrook to the summit of the 
Sierra Nevada Mountain, from whore the freight is 
run in a V flume to Carson City. The road is eight 
and three-fourths miles in length, and was grafled at 
a cost of about 830,000 to the mile. Stool rails of 
ti!i'h<ty'fi\<e'>[X)Unds <por lyardnwae. used in laying the 
track. For equipment see general tab!*. ■ It:b»i*460 



feet of tunnel; the two heaviest grades are 165 and 
200.75 feet to the mile, and the average is 130. 

In passing up the steep mountain from the lake 
the road makes a long half-curve in going to the east, 
and comes to an abrupt terminus like the point of the 
letter Z. From this point it runs back along the 
same face of the mountain 6,000 feet, going up con- 
tinuously until it again terminates, this time upon a 
trestle-work built out over the lake so high that it 
makes one shudder to look down upon the water 
below, and from where is presented a scenic effect 
surpassed in few places in America. Again it trav- 
erses the same side of the mountain, still going 
up until an elevation is reached that carries it out to 
the east over the summit, having passed back and 
forth three times to reach that point along the face 
of a mountain so steep that a stone started at the 
top would roll to the bottom of it. 

There are three engines on this road weighing 
twenty three tons each, with thirteen-inch bore, 
sixteen-inch stroke, six connected forty-inch drivers, 
and Bissel trucks of two wheels. Either of those 
little giants will take seventy tons of freight upon 
cars up those grades at a speed often miles per hour. 

The expense of running the road is about 83,000 
per month. The transportation expense over the 
road is seventy-five cents per thousand feet for lum- 
ber, and fortj'-five cents per cord for wood. There 
has been but one accident, and that was in 1877, 
when a tourist fell off the cars and was killed. In 
the summer there are about thirty men on the com- 
pany pay-rolls; in the spring, however, it requires 
sometimes a large force to keep the track in re])air. 
The ties are six by eight and six feet long; the cars 
are extra heavj' and capable of carrying from six- 
teen to eighteen tons each. The office at (Jlen- 
brook is connected b}- telephone with Carson Citj'. 

John Bartholomew was the first Superintendent, 
and was succeeded in 1877 by the present efficient 
and gentlemanlj' incumbent, John T. Rogers. The 
Master Mechanic, George Lindsay, has filled that 
position for the company since its organization, and 
is the right man in the right place. The companj-'s 
shops contain all the a])pliances, except a foundry-, 
necessary for either locomotive or steamboat repairs. 
The present owner of the road is the Carson and Ijako 
Tahoe Wood, Lumber and Fluming Companj', a cor- 
poration organized under the laws of the State of 
Nevada. 

PIOCHE AND BULLIONVILLE RAILROAD. 

This company was organized January 6,- 1872, 
and their incorporation papers were filed with the 
Secretary of State on the following twelfth of Feb- 
ruary. 

Under the management of General A. L. Page 
the road was constructed, connecting the two points 
indicated by its name, which lie twenty-one and one- 
half milos apart. Work thereon was commenced in 
the summer of 1872, and the first grading was com- 
platodoiu'tho twouty-BOCond of Fobruaryj 1873. 



RAILROADS. 



287 



There was some trouble and bad work in the first 
grading of the road, concerning which the Pioche 
Record, in April, 1873, says: '-There is no honesty 
in longer disguising the fact that the BuUionville 
Narrow-Gauge Road is a failure." It adds: "The 
rails are too frail, and the grading in places is not 
safe. A new survey is being made and the work of 
constructing a good serviceable railroad between 
hero and BuUionville is now being prosecuted sensi- 
bly and in earnest." Heavier rails wei'e soon pro- 
cured, and on the fifth of May their first loco- 
motive was fired up, and in the early part of June 
the improved road was completed. .This short line 
was constructed for the purpose of carr3'ing ore 
from the mines of Pioche to the mills at BuUionville, 
was built and managed chiefly by General Page, 
since deceased, and for a few years transacted a fair 
business, but with the exhaustion of the Raymond 
and Ely, and Meadow Valley mines its resources 
failed and it fell into disuse. 

C.'VRSON AND COLORADO RAILROAD. 

The rich mines of the southwest, at Belleville and 
Candelaria, as well as those of the eastern border of 
California, are inviting fields for railroad enterprise; 
and to supply the freight and ])assenger necessities 
of the extensive region the Carson and Colorado 
Railroad Company was formed; its incorporation 
dating May 10, 1880. Work was immediately com- 
menced, the initial point being Mound House, on the 
Virginia and Truckee Railroad; and the road, as far 
as Hawthorne, a distance of 100 miles, was com- 
pleted and opened for business on the eighteenth of 
April, 1881. The lino is expected soon to be extended 
to Candelaria, fifty-three miles farther, and event- 
ually to the Colorado River. Over this road passen- 
gers and freight are taken for Aurora, twenty-six 
miles distant from Hawthorne, southwest; to Bodie, 
in California, thirty-seven miles; to Belleville, forty- 
five miles; and to Candelaria, fifty-throe miles, south- 
east. 

This lino is a three-foot narrow-gauge, laid with 
steel rails and redwood ties, and equipped with new 
and first-class rolling-stock. The route is an inter- 
esting one, crossing the Carson River at Daj'ton (six 
miles from Mound House), the location of several ore 
reduction works, and distant three miles from Sutro, 
at mouth of the Sutro Tunnel. 

From Dayton the line follows the Carson River to 
Churchill Canon; thence into Mason Valloj', a large 
and productive farming district, through which runs 
the Walker River; thence following the Walker 
River, crossing the same twice to Walker Lake, 
which is twenty-five miles in length, and from five 
to nine miles in width; and along the shore of 
Walker Lake to Hawthorne, located four miles from 
the southern end of the lake. 

The following are the names of, and distances to, 
the various stations along the road, starting from 
Mound House: — 



Dayton 6 miles 

Clifton 18 " 

Fort Churchill 26 " 

Washout 28 " 

Wabuska 38 " 

Cleaver 42 " 

Mason 45 " 

Rio Vista 54 " 

Reservation 58 " 

Schurz 65 " 

Gillis... 78 " 

Hawthorne 100 " 

Financial statement, May 31, 1880 — Capital stock, 
§(5,000,000. 

Directors — S. P. Smith. San Francisco, California; 
B. C. Whitman, Virginia; H. M. Yerrington, Carson 
City; D. L. Bliss, C'arson City; D. A. Bender. Car- 
son City; W. D. Toboy, Carson City; H. L. Tiek- 
ner, Carson City. 

Officers — II. M. Yerrington, President and Superin- 
tendent; Robert J. Laws, Assistant Superintendent; 
.James Oliver, Chief Engineer; 1). A. Bender, Secre- 
tary. Principal office and address, Carson City, 
Nevada. 

The surveys and line have long been established to 
Candelaria, much of which is graded, and several 
miles laid with iron. Southeasterly from Hawthorne, 
along the line of the road, stretches a sandy and bar- 
len waste for eleven miles, when a hilly region is 
reached, continuing southeast fourteen miles farther, 
when the direction turns due south. On this road 
the rates of pay for employes are, engineers SllO per 
month, conductors 80(1, firemen ST5, and brakemen 
$70. 

SALT LAKE AND WESTERN RAILROAD. 

On the seventeenth of June, 1881, tho articles of 
incorporation of the Salt Lake and Western Railroad 
Company were filed in the office of tho Secretary of 
State at Carson, with the names of Holiver Roberts, 
James Little, and Perly Williams as Directors, who 
deposited 850,000 with tho Controller as an earnest 
of their purpose. The design is to build a road from 
Salt Lake or from the Southern Utah or other road, 
through the southern part of the State, either by way 
of Eureka or Pahranagat, the route being not j'ot 
defined, and joining the California Central, making a 
through road independent of the Central Pacifi(^ 
The Carson A/ipmi/ of June 18ih says: " Tho prop- 
osition to build the road grew out of trouble between 
the Union Pacific and Central Pacific. Sydney Dil- 
lon and Jay Gould are backing the enterprise, and 
pro])ose to build a com])etitive lino from Utah to 
San Francisco, and cripple the j)owor of the Central 
Pacific to rob tho State of Nevada. Tho road 
will be pushed forward with millions of capital, and 
it means better limes for Nevada. 

NEVADA SOUTHERN RAILROAD. 

The line of the road is from Ledlie Station (N. C. 
R. R.), to Clovordalo, eighty miles. Gauge, three feet. 
Rail, thirty-five ]>uunds. 



288 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



This company was organized February 25, 1880, 
to extend the line of the Nevada Central Railroad 
Companj-. The line is located, and construction is 
commenced. 

Financial statement, May 31, 1880 — Capital stock 
paid in, 880,000. 

Directors (elected February 28, 1880)— J. H. 
Ledlie, Utiea, New York; Andrew Nichols, Austin; C- 
P. Soulc, Austin; Lyman Bridges, Battle Mountain; 
Francis Bridges, Battle Mountain; J. W. McWill- 
iams, Battle Mountain; P. W. Johnson, Battle Mount- 
ain; R. L. S. Hall, New York City, New York; J. D. 
Negus, Chicago, Illinois. 

Officers — James H. Ledlie, President, Utica, New 
York; Andrew Nichols, Vice-President, Austin; E. 
L. S. Hall, Treasurer, New York City, New York; 
Lyman Bi'idges, Chief Engineer, Battle Mountain ; 
J. D. Negus, Secretary, Chicago, Illinois. 

NEV.\DA NORTHERN RAILROAD. 

The line of the road is from Battle Mountain, 
Nevada, to the Idaho Line, 120 miles. Gauge three 
feet. Rail, thirty-five pounds. This company was 
organized Februarj^ 25, 1880, and a portion of the 
line is expected to be opened the current year. 
It connects with the Nevada Central Railroad. 

Financial statement, May 31, 1880. — Capital stock 
paid in, 8150,000. Surveys are being made north- 
ward to the Columbia River. 

Directors— R. L. S. Hall, New York City; P. W. 
Johnson, Lyman Bridges, J. W. McWilliams, L. D. 
Huntsman, L. S. Foster, Battle Mountain ; J. H. 
Ledlie, Utica, New York; J. D. Negus, Chicago, 
Illinois; Andrew Nichols, Austin. 

Officers — R. L. S. Hall, President and Treasurer, 
New York City; J. E. Negus, Secretary, Chicago, 
Illinois; Lyman Bridges, Chief Engineer, Battle 
Mountain. PriiKi])al office and address. Battle Mount- 
ain, Nevada. 

NEVADA AND OREGON RAILROAD. 

The charter line of the road is from Aurora, via 
Bodie, California, Carson City and Reno, Nevada, 
Hoi'cy Lake Valley, Madeline Plains, Pit River and 
(jooso Ijakc, California, to Oregon Line, 342 miles. 
Branch to Virginia City, seventeen miles; branch in 
Plumas County, California, fifty-five miles. Total 
length, with branches, 414 miles. Gauge, three feet. 
Rail, thirty-five i)ounds. 

Companj- organized June 1, 1880. Construction 
commenced Decemin'r 22, 1880, at Reno, going north- 
ward. Colonel Thiimas .Moore, of Elizabeth, New 
Jersey, has the contract for the construction and 
equipment of the road, and it is expected to be 
CDinpleled to Beckwourlh, in California, before the 
expiration of the year 1881. 

Financial statement — Bonded debt, 810,000 per 
mile. 

Directors — A. J. Hatch, George L. Wood, James 
McMechan, C. A. Bragg, John Sunderland, R. L. 
Fulton, C. P. Soule. 



OflScers — A. J. Hatch, President, Reno; Geo. 
L. Wood, Vice-President, San Francisco, California ; 
John Sunderland, Treasurer, Reno; T. S. Coffin, Sec- 
retary, Reno; H. G. McClellan, Chief Engineer of 
Construction, Reno. Piincipal place of business, 
Reno, Nevada. 

EUREKA AND COLORADO RAILROAD. 

This company was organized in February, 1881, to 
build, as its name implies, from Eureka, at the 
terminus of the Palisade and Eureka Railroad, 
southeastwardly to the Colorado River. During 
the summer of 1881 surveys were made, contracts 
were let, and grading prosecuted from Eureka to 
Robinson Canon, in "White Pine County. This being 
an extension of the Palisade and Eureka, is under 
the same management. 

RENO AND QUINCY RAILROAD. 

The Plumas, California, National, in July, 1881, 
announced that arrangements had been made for 
constructing a narrow-gauge railroad between the 
town of (Juincy, Plumas County, California, to Reno, 
on the Central Pacific, and that the Central Pacific 
Company would assist the enterprise with funds to 
insure its completion. 

nUMBOLDT AND COLORADO RAILROAD. 

On the twenty-eighth of May, 1868, a company was 
formed in Austin, Lander County, for the purpose of 
building a railroad from the Humboldt River to the 
Colorado. The following were named as the officers: 
Len Wines, President; Samuel Barclay, Secretary; 
John A. Paxton, Treasurer; and the Board of Direc- 
tors as follows: Len Wines, W. S. Gage, John A. 
Paxton, L. B. Moore, I. C. Bateman, David E. Buel, 
trcorge F. Dinsmore, James M. Dawley, Charles O. 
Barker, of Austin; Dr. Gould, of Colorado; A. K. 
Grim, of San Francisco; Charles Crocker, of Sacra- 
mento; Able Bennett andJ.S. Christie, of New York. 

This company was organized under the Act of the 
Legislature of Nevada, entitled "An Act to Provide for 
the Incorporation of Railroad Companies," &c., and 
the certificate filed in the office of the Secretary of 
State declares that the company shall continue in 
existence for fifty years. 

The initial point of the road was to have been near 
Gravelly Ford, on the Humboldt River, from which 
point it was supposed a road would also be con- 
structed into Oregon, thus connecting the Columbia 
and Colorado Rivers, as well as the Atlantic and 
Pacific Oceans through the medium of the Central 
and Union Pacific Railroads. It was also to connect 
at the Colorado River with the line of one of the con- 
templated roads over the southern route. 

The )>rojectors had a bill before ('ongress for the 
right of way and the usual grant of lands along the 
route. The bill provided that the companj- must 
construct and maintain a line of tck'gra])li along the 
road; begin work within two years from the time of 
the passage of the Act, and stipulated that at least 
ten miles of the road should bo finished each succeed. 



RAILROADS. 



2S0 



ing year until 1880, when it must be completed. But 
the bill never became a law and the project collapsed. 

EASTERN NEVAD.V R.\lI,Ri)AD. 

Januarj- 20, 1871, the Eastern Nevada Railroad 
('omj):iiiy was incorporated with \V. J. Forbes, I). T. 
Elmore, E. B. Molt, llerniau Sadler and others as 
incorporators. The road was to run from Elko on 
the Central Pacific, to Hamilton, White Pine County, 
a distance of 120 miles. An Act was passed permit- 
ting White Pine County togrant a subsidy of 8250,000 
in bonds, which was done conditionally upon the con- 



struction of the road. The period was one of excite- 
ment and prosperity, with a great amount of travel 
through the region, to Eureka, Hamilton, Treasure 
City, Robinson, Mineral City, and Pioche, and the 
prospect bid very fair for the success of the entcrjirise. 
Messrs. Elmore and Mott visited England to procure 
capital to carry on the work; failing in this, together 
with the rise of Eureka and the flianj^ing of the route 
of travel through that place to Palisade, caused the 
abandonment of the plan, after two years' struggle and 
bright prospects of the instigators of the enterprise. 



Name of Company. 



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» O 



ai 






SO 






--> 



5s CO r 



n^ 


§ 


>fl 


I 


— 3: n 


s 




(X3 


O ct- (6 




B- 


8 » 3 


o 


(W 












. of 
upon 


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o 


s 


9 


1 


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s 


. 


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9^ 
: g 

■ g. 



Central Pacific 

Virginia and Truckee. . . . 

Eureka and Palisade 

Ruby Hill 

Nevatla Central 

Lake Tahoe Narrow-Guage 
Pioche and BuUionville . 

Nevada Northern 

Nevada Southern 

Carson and Colorada . . . 
Nevada and Oregon .... 



452 

90 

5 

9.3 

S? 
■21 i 
i'20 
SO 

100 



284'4.8J 
37 4.84 

2i3 

4;3 
3j3 

2.\3 

•2" 3 
...3 
...3 



.13 
.3 



Steel. 

56 
Steel. 

35 

35 

35 
Steel. 

35 

30 

35 

35 
steel. 

35 

35 



S 49,403,437 
4,856,042 

1,556,616 
150,000 
996,790 



4,152,414 
1,301,304 

544,930 

51,100 

469,500 



98,631* 

7,11S,.500 

16,049 
23,509 
10,431 



7,296 




226 


261 


4567 


25,026 


00 2 


24 


10 


361 


5,6,>2 


■'^tV 


7 


3 


124 


6,800 
4,652 


.53 


2 
5 

3 


■■■4 


30 

79 

55 







56 
4 
2 



Organized February 25, 1880. Stock paid np, S150,000. 
Organized February 25, 1880. Construction commenced. 

Organized May 10, 1880, Construction completed April 8, 1881. 
Organized .June 1. 1880- Grading commenced December 22, 18S0. 



"That company's report for 1878, gives the expense for construction of their entire 1,213 miles of railroad at §134,650,527. 89. 
To learn, from those figures, the construction cost of one mile of that road, first deduct .?1.'),02 1,029 from the total, for expenses in 
Califiriiia not liaving an eijuivalent in tliis .State. Then divide the remainder by the whole numlier of miles, and the result will be 
898,631, the cost of one mile. 

LIST OF RAILROAD GRANTS AND INCORPORATIONS. 



Names of Railroad Companies. 



Under Act. 



Papers Filled. 



Nevada or Central Pacific 

Aurora and Walker River 

Virj^inia City ;ind Wodhoe 

Virjfinia, ('arson and Truckee 

Virjfinia City and Silver City 

Lake Tahoe' and Virginia City 

VirKinia and Truckee 

No name 

Virjfinla and Truckee River 

Virgitna ami Truckee 

Vir^^'inia and Truckee 

Humboldt and Colorado 

Coli>ra'Jo and Nevada R. R. and Navlj^tion Co 

Nevada Central 

Eastern Neva<la 

Virt^inia and Reno .Narrow-Ciauge 

Reno and Virffinia Narrow-Oau^^ 

No name , 

Palisoda and Eureka: 

Pioclic and Hullionvillo 

Central .Nevada 

Humboldt and Colorado 

No name 

No name 

Eureka and Palisade 

No name 

Nevada and Oregon 

No name 

Virginia City and Umatilla 

Nevatla 

Nevada Central 

Western Nevada 

Nevada Noi-tbern 

Nevada Suutliern 

Nevatla an<I Arizona 

Cartoon and Colorado 

Nevada and * treuon 

Southern Neviwla 

Eureka and Colorado 



Nov. ir>, 
Nov. 26, 
Nov. -39, 
Nov. 29, 
Dec. 19, 
Dec. 19. 
Hoc. 20, 
March 9, 
.March 2, 



1881, 
ISSI, 
1»«1. 
1S61 
1882., 
1862. , 
1882.. 
, ISdfi. 
,1860. 



Mor;h 22, 189.'. 

Pcb. 'Ji, i.STl'.. 
March 22, 186:'. 
Feb, 27, 1871 . 
.March 8. IS71 



Sep. I.ISU.")... 
Mav 8, 18(17 . , . 
.Ma'rch 5, 1888 
Sep. l.'i, ISfiS.. 
Feb, 8, 1869 . 
.Ian. 4, 1871. . 
.Inn. 20, 1871.. 
Kch. 2.S, I8TI.. 
Feb. 23, 1871. 



March 22, I8(l.'i 
March 22, 186.'. 
Marili 22, IWl.'i 
March 7, 187a 
March 15, 1873 
March 22, ISO.'. 
Feb. 9, 1875 . 



sen. 14, 1871 . . 
Feb. 12. 1872 
Nov. 28, 1872. 
.Ian. 31, 1873. . 



Nov. IB, 1873. 



Feb. 20, 1875. 
March 22, 1865 



Feb. 15, 1876. 



March 22, 188: 



March 22. I-ld.'S 
March 22, 18(1.'. 
.March 22, 18<1.'. 



March 24. 188.'. 
March 22, 1885 
,1881 



April 21,1875 
April 1, 1878.. 
Sep. 2, 1879. 
!>«■. 13, 1878. 
.March 8, l,18o. 
.March N. 18.S0 
.April 30. 1S80. 
May 10, 1880... 
June !•, I8S0.. 
Nov. II, 1880 



Succeeded by Viricinia and Truckee Railroad Act of 1862. 



Connecting those points by way of Kingsbury Grade. 

Connecting Virginia City and (California line via Carson City and Truckee River. 

tnnecting N'irginia City with hayton. 
Connecting those two pd nts cm Euj;le and Washoe Valleys. 
From Gold Hill noilherly toTnickcc llivcr. 
Virginia City to Reno cm Carson and Washoe Valleys. 
From Gravelly Ford to Colorado llivcr through Lii'icoln County. 
From Klk<. to .Mojave City, Arizomi. 
From lieovvavve or Gravelly Ford to White Pine. 
I onnccting KIkountI HiiUiltton. 

Pi'pers micd four boursin advance of Heno and Virginia Narrow-Gauge. 
hirst orgimizcil under general law. Tlien a special .\ctvvas passid. 
From Palisade to Colorado Ulver via Kureka and Hamilton. 



Was organized .lanuary 8, 1872. 

Itunning from Pioche toCallvitle i;ta Rullionville. 

Fiom Palisade to Furi ka. 

Fiom Ihnnboldt Wei s to Colorado Uivcr. 

From Kcno t.i .state line of California en route for Susanville. 

Purchased Uuliy Hill lliuid in 187.'.. 

From Kattle .Mountain to Austin. 

N'irginia city t«i I'matilla, Oregon. 

From crtal mines in Lyon Coiuitv to connect with Virgiida and Truckee Railroad. 

From Virginia ( ity to northwest corner of north line of State. 

From llntllc .Mountain n Austin. 

h'roni It. tile Mountain to Austin. 

Wadsworth to Walker Ijikc. 

K.vt.'nds .Nevada Central north toSLtto line. 

Kroin .lacolisvdle, on Nevatla Central, to Cloverdale, Nve County. 

From Wadsworth to t^allvillc. 

C'.nnects Virginia and Tnickee Raitntad with Walker Ijike. 

From .Aurora, .Nev., toOiegon line via ('arson. Itcno and Henry Ijike Valley. 

Fr 'in Ledlie .Station near Austiii to i;nuiUviltc, Nvc Coutitv. 



290 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



THE FUTURE LAND QUESTION. 

From the foreij;oin£;, and from the histoiy, so 
familiar to all. of the slrateg^y, cutinint; and selfish- 
ness of the Central and Southern I'acitic JJailroad 
Companies in California, deductions maj' be drawn 
that porlend serious troubles to the most worthy 
citizens of this State. The great grant (>f land 
includes much that is valuable, and much that is 
worthless. Alternate sections remain as Government 
land or have passed to individual ownership. The 
well-being of the State requires that all shall be 
util'zed. Settlers are encouraged by the railroad 
company to occupj- and improve the land, but are 
refused any title, or agreement of terms upon which 
they may rely in the future. The prospect opens 
before them of a repetition of the Mussel Slough War 
of California, with its murders, ejectments and 
imprisonments, its ruinous litigations, exorbitant rates 
for improvements made and propert}' created bj- the 
purchaser, and at last to see one's rightful posses- 
sions owned and occupied by another. Such 
appears the plan and hope of the railroad corjjoration, 
ever so subtle, so far-reaching, so grasping, so pow- 
erful, and so merciless. To swell the countless mil- 
lions already acquired by the Directors is their sole 
object. By withholding the land titles and 0])])rcs- 
sing the settlers, the latter maj- beg of Congress to 
retake the land and remunerate the railroad com- 
pany. Such a petition I'rom the company would be 
but little noticed, but tVom a great number of suffer- 
ing citizens it would bo heard, and wide-spread sym- 
pathy would be created. There are nuts in the fire 
which the railroad monkey would make the citizens 
cat draw out. By oppressing the possessors of the 
good soil, a vast amount of worthless land may be 
sold to the Crovernment. Thus the seven million acres 
of land east of the Sierra to which the railroad com- 
pany is entitled could be turned into immediate cash 
or its equivalent in bonds, a consummation it it sup- 
posed that thej- most devoutly wish, and for which 
they would force the oppressed people of Nevada to 
most devoutlj' pray. 

BANISIIINO AN OPFENDINQ CITIZEN. 

The following letter is a fair indication of the rule 
or ruin policy ol' concentrated railroad capital, bear- 
ing the evidence of truth, antl signed and vouched 
for by the writer whose name it bears. It discloses 
an occurrence, that if permitted by the citizens of 
Nevada to bo repeated, will lead to a species of servile 
bondage on their part that would be intolerable to 
those not born with the instincts of peonrige. 

The Dalles, Oregon, April 12, 1881. 
Dear Sirs: liy an oversight I have neglected to 
answer j'our favor of February 2(lth, asking for facts 
in regard to my experience with the railroad compa- 
nies in Nevada. The newspai)er» in Nevada pretty 
thoroughly '• ventilated " the subject at the time of 
my election to the Ninth Legislature. 1 was acting 
as agent for Keinhart & Co., in the grain business 
in Eureka, and received a good salary. 1 also 



owned one-half of the Eureka Baili/ Leader. A year 
or so prior to my engaging in the newspaper business 
and the grain business, I was agent for the E. & P. 11. 
R. Co., and when I cjuit the company's employ was 
on the best of terms with all of the officers of the 
company. The most important issue before the peo- 
ple of Nevada, at the election in 1879, was that of 
reduction of fares and freights, and a number of good 
Uepublicans opposed me on account of the friendship 
which existed between me and all of the railroad 
oHicers, and I repeatedly assured the people that 1 
would do all 1 could if elected to pass a law to pre- 
vent extortionate freight charges and discriminations 
in rates, etc. The railroad company did not, to my 
knowledge, try to prevent the election of any mem- 
ber pledged to oppose these charges, and it was not 
until the meeting of the Legislature, that the corpora- 
tions commenced their work. 

I was interviewed bj' ilr. Yerrington the first week, 
who talked to me as if it was fully agreed that 1 
would stand in for the railroad companies, and when 
1 told him that I proposed to stand by the platform 
and try to do as 1 had pledged inj'self to do, then 
he commenced his arguments, and the hired tools of 
the companies were sent after me. It was intimated 
that 1 would be placed in a position to make money 
by not taking an active part in opposing them, and 
after trying all moans they attempted to bluff me, 
and threatened to injure me in business, etc., and mis- 
represented me in every waj', and put up jobs to get 
me into trouble. One by one the members com- 
menced to "fall down," and those who were loudest 
in their denunciation of the thieving corporations at 
the beginning of the session were the first to yield to 
the influences set to work to capture them, and the 
consequence was the companies were victorious, and 
got away with everything they desired. After the 
Legislature adjourned, the oHicers of the E. & V. R. 
R. Co. commenced to carry their threats of ruining 
me into execution. Edgar Mills, President of the E. 
it P. K., notified Mr. Jieinhart that unless I was dis- 
charged at once, that the E. & P. Co. would start 
an opposition grain business in Eureka, and break 
them up. At the same time Mr. Keinhart was 
informed that they desired to put a man in my 
place and furnish bonds that their man would attend 
to the business honestly. The man was 1!. P. Dayton, 
Senator from Lincoln, who voted for tho railroad 
companies on every ])ropositiofi, and was always 
ready to assist them, hence their desire to reward 
him and to keep him for use at the next session, as 
he was a hold-over. 

Well, I was discharged and Dayton installed, but 
I still had mj- newspaper, and 1 went and asked 
Evarts, Superintendent of the E. & P., if he intended 
to follow me up, or if he was satisfied with procur- 
ing my discharge from R. & Co. He would give me 
no satisfaction, and intimated that they intended to 
run me out of tho State as an example to any other 
presunijduous American who dared to O])pose their 
wishes; and immediately they commenced to injure 
my paper, and continued to do so until 1 was com- 
])elled to sell out and leave the State, or be ruined. 
Knowing that it was only a matter of a very short 
time that thej- would either ''bust" me, or get mo 
involved in difficulties, 1 concluded to try the shot- 
gun ])lan on a few of them, but was dissuaded from 
doing so foolish a thing, which would only bring my 
family in trouble. I left the State. I've stated 
nothing but plain facts, which can bo fully verified. 
I am willing to "abide mj' time," and am fully con- 
vinced that before a great many years tho people 



HISTORY OF JOURNALISM IN NEVADA. 



291 



will a]i|)ly ii remedy that will flhake the world, and 
the (|uicker it fomes the better. 

1 know the inside workiiiijs of the railroad com- 
panies. 1 know that members of the Ninth Ijegis- 
iatiiro were boui;ht, body and soul, and money was 
paid for votes almost openl}-. One member who 
held out for a long time against them, tinallj' told 
me he intended to make what he could out of it, as 
the}' (the Go's) were going to win anyway, and 
advised mo to do the same. lie afterwards voted 
with the friends of the Go's. Hut all this is too well 
known by anj- resident of Nevada. 

I remain yours trulj', F. E. FisK. 

The history of Fisk's banishment from Nevada, 
brings home with resistless force, the following 
from a speech by General Garfield, delivered a few 
years since. Said he: — 

It is painfully evident from the experience of 
the last few years that the efforts of the States 
to regidufe their railroads have amounted to but 
little more than feeble annoyance. * * In these 
contests the corporations have become conscious 
of their strength and have entered upon the work 
of controlling the States. Already they have raptured 
several of the oldest and strongest of them ; and 
these discrowned soccreiyns now follow in chains the 
triumphal chariot of their conquerors. And this 
does not implj- that merelj' the officers and repre- 
sentatives of States have been subjected to the 
railways, but that the corporations have ijrasped 
the sources <in/l foantains of power, and CONTROL TUE 
CHOICE OF BOTH OFFICERS AND REPRESENTATIVES. 



CHAPTER XXXVIII. 

HISTORY OF JOURNALISM OF NEVADA. 

The Rise ami Fall of Newspapers — Pioneer .Journalism — Press of 
Douglas Connty— Press of Klko County — 1''. A. Littlelield 
— O. L. C. Faircliilil^Major .John H. Dennis — Press of 
Esmeralila County — Kxtracts from the Ksmeralda Sta> — M, 
M. (ilenn — J. M. Dormer — Press of Eureka County — Kires 
anil Klooils — .Abraham Skillnian — Hon. (leori^e W. C;iasiily 
—Fred K. CanHeM— Hon. W. W. Hobart— Press of Hum- 
boldt County — William Forbes — K. D. Kelly — Press of 
Lander County — W. C. Pliillips — ,]. D. Fairchild — Myron 
Angel — Prsss of I>inuoln County — I'ress of I^yon County — 
I'Vank .\. Kenyon — T. K. Picott — Press of Nye County — M. 
D. Fairchild — I'rcss of Omisby County — H. 1{. .Mighels — 
Sam. P. Davis — K. K. Parkinson — Kdwani Niles — I'ress of 
Storey County — Two Views of Hun. William Sharon — 
i^ William Wright (Dan. De Quille) — .lournalists l\oui;hin;,' It 
— Hunting Items — Hon. C. C. (Jooilwin — Hon. liollin .M. 
Daggett — Dennis McCarthy — Arthur H. McKwun — Alf. 
Doten — Press of Washoe County — C. C. Powning — Press of 
White Pine County — Robert W. Simpson. 

The census of 1880 gives Nevada but 62,265 popu- 
lation; to York Gountj', ilaine, exactly the same, 
and to each of twenty-six cities of the United Slates 
a greater number. Twenty j^'ears prior to this time 
the first new8j)aper published in what is now the 
State was less than two years old; and, considering 
the length of time, the number of people among 
whom it has been done, Nevada has ])r()vod itself 
to have no equal in the nation as a field of journal- 
istic enterprise. 

Ninety-one different nowspa])erH have been started 
in Nevada, and twenty-eight of them only are now 



in existence. Fortj'-nine dailies have been born, and 
nineteen onlj' of them are not to be found among 
the hecatombs. Fifty-five weeklies have looked out 
for the first time upon an unfriendly world among 
her sage-brush jilains, and thirty-eight of them have 
come to an untimely enil. In what place upon the 
earth where the Fngiish language is spoken can such 
another record be found? The present of it all is 
resolved, in 1881, into nineteen dailies published in 
the State, of which five are morning and thehalanco 
evening editions; eight of these publications having 
no weekly connected with them. The circulation of 
these dailies amount in the aggregate to 16,385 copies 
per da}% their average sul)scrii)tion price being ten 
dollars per year. There are eleven weeklies not con- 
nected with these still in existence, the total circula- 
tion of all being given by the census bureau at 4,400 
copies, with the average subscription ])rice of S3.50 
per j-ear. 

Along the beach where these dismantled journals 
were driven by adverse winds among the reefs upon 
a lee shore are buried many absurd, strange, won- 
derful and often tragic experiences. It was the age 
of wonders and the era of magic to the profession 
in the Silver Slate, that brought forth these numer- 
ous journals, often to become crucibles of wealth to 
their owners for a time, then to decline and sud- 
denly cease to exist. 

When a rich mining district was discovered, and 
a numerous population concentrated, there the printer 
would go and set up his press, flourish when the 
camp prospered, make money when coin circulated, 
get forehanded for a time, sometimes even wealthy, 
spend his monej- as freolj'' as it came, invest in mines 
or stocks, stay too long, and leave the camp a bank- 
rupt, his creditors falling heir to a suspended journal 
and the material that it was printed with. Ijiko the 
miner, his life was a succession of changes, like him 
it was a day of wealth, of high hopes, and a week 
of hardships, of i)overt3-, of mixed doubt and hope, 
that sometimes ended at the grave in blood, as did 
the life of G. H, Derickson, at Washoe, in January, 
1863. 

PIONEER JOURNALISTS. 

To bo a good compositor, a livel}-, versatile rejiorter. 
with imagination to fill columns in the absence of 
news, or an able editor, was a moderate fortune in 
itself The first could earn his fifty dollars per wei'k, 
the last was often paid seventy-five dollars for the 
same time, and oecasioiially as high as S.")00 ]>er month 
for editorial duties. It was during those times that 
the press of Nevada had no superior upon the coast./ 
.\mong its little army, now ]>assed away, were such 
men as Joseph T. Goodman, II. |)e (Jroot. J. Iv. 
Lovejoy, called the " Old Pah-Ute," W. .1. Forbes, 
whose j)aragraphs under the head of "Semblins" were 
([uoled from ocean to ocean. Tom Fitch, the "silver- 
tongued orator," H. C. Bennett, C. A. Sumner, l\. M. 
Daggett, a .Miraboau with the pen. Judge C. C. Good- 
win, on the surface of whoso writings floated some- 



292 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



thing strange, absurd, or pathetic, through which 
often ran a strain of satire that made one doubt when 
reading whether to laugh or cry, or both, or neither. 
H. R. Mighels, B. J. Burns, J. J. Aj'er.s Mj-ron Angel 
and M. D. Fairchild— with such men sitting in editorial 
sanctums, with Samuel Clemens, known as " Mark 
Twain," with Clement T. Eice, whom "Mark" 
christened '-The Unreliable," and William Wright, 
whom everybody knows as " Dan De Quille," on the 
reportorial staff, could the Nevada press have ranked 
second to any upon the coast? Of that entire list of 
editors and reporters, but one is now living in the 
State who continues to grace the profession, and that 
one is "Dan De (Quille." The names of those pioneer 
editors or reporters, such as McCarthy, McEwen, Alf 
Doten, and others, who are still in the harness, have 
been intentionally omitted from these mentioned as 
the early " bright lights" in the State; not because 
their abilities or prominence denied them such a posi- 
tion; the contrarj- is true; but, as they are still in the 
State, running newspapers, they might get mad if 
placed there, and talk back. Those mentioned have 
turned to other avocations, abandoned the State, or 
died since that time, and will probably keep quiet 
whether they like it or not. 

CHARACTERS DEVELOPED. 

The spirit of the Nevada press has always been of 
an exaggerated character, such as developed a "Mark 
Twain," and "The Unreliable"; aggressive to an 
extreme that not unfrequently resulted in a duel. 
In 1863, J. T. Goodman, editorially in the Territorial 
Enterprise, gave Tom F'.teh, of the Union, so severe 
an overhauling, that the hitter immediately sent a 
challenge to the writer demanding a •■ blood atone- 
ment." When Fitch, the " silver-tongued," could 
not frame language for his enemy sufficiently "cussed'' 
to give him satisfaction, it becomes evid'-nt that the 
attack of Goodman must have been an inspirational 
effort, that evolved the genius of assault beyond 
which words ceased to add a meaning. The meeting 
occurred in Si.x-mile Canon, August 1st, at nine o'clock 
in the morning, and " Mark Twain " gives the follow- 
ing characteristic account of the affair: — 

* * * Whereupon " Young Wilson " and our- 
selves at once mounted a couple of Olin's fast horses, 
and followed in their wake at the rate of a mile a 
minute, since when, being neither iron-clad nor even 
half-soled, we enjoj- more real comfort in standing 
up than sitting down. But we lost our bloody- item^ 
for Marshal Perry arrived early with a detachment ot 
Constables, and I >cpnty ShcritV Blodgett came with 
a lot of blarslcd Sheriffs, and these miserable med- 
dling whel])s arrested the whole i)arly and marched 
them back to town. In interfering with our legitimate 
business, Mr. i'erry and Mr. Blodgetl probablj' think 
they are almighty smart, but wo calculate to get even 
with them. 

What in other places would have boon considered 
thrilling; what in California even, would have boon 
deemed sufficientlj' uncommon, or nf)vel, to excite 
luirlh, would have passed unnoticed in the Sage- 



brush State at that time, as too tame, too insipid, 
in comparison with the exaggerated mental condi- 
tion and feverish pulse of the masses, to receive 
attention. The i)ress, to attract notice from that 
people, must ])artake of the largeness of the reader. 
Because of this the reporters were an exaggerated 
aggregation that partook of and were an outgrowth 
of those excited times. Nothing in the ordinary 
would do. It was necessary to furnish literary 
food conditioned to digest by an inflated public 
mind, abnormally developed. But items of news 
were not always to be culled from events that 
transpired, and this deficiency was usually, or often 
at least, supplied from the fertile brain of the 
reporter; blood-curdling, like the massacre of the 
family and scalping of the red-headed woman at 
"Dutch Nicks," or wonderful, like the mythical cave 
at Como, filled with virgin gold, related with an 
elaborate detail of familiar names and surround- 
ings that imposed upon the most skeptical. Tho 
inventive genius of those reporters was not 
always satisfied with its prey upon and hoaxing 
of the outside world, but kept constantly at play 
upon each other. The first steam press used in 
printing a paper in Nevada was started in the 
Territorial Enterprife office July 31, 1863. The gen- 
eral mix-up on that occasion of new press, news- 
paper and bottles of wine, caused "Mark Twain" 
to take among other things, a severe cold, "that 
settled on his mind," and he was forced for a 
couple of days to turn over to his friend Clement 
T. Rice, "The Unreliable," the local department of 
the paper. The next issue of the Enterprise was a 
sensation. The readers of that paper were astounded, 
nonplussed, befogged. They read the following, 
and supposed of course it was from repentant 
Twain; but what could have caused it? was this 
unmitigated wag drunk again, or had he become 
sober, gone crazj', or what?: — 

August 1, 1863. 
Apolooetic. — It is said, " an open confession is 
good for the soul." We have been on the stool of 
repentance for a long time, but have not before had 
tho moral courage to acknowledge our manifold sins 
and wickedness. We confess to this weakness. We 
have commenced this article under the head of 
'Apologetic' — wo mean it, if we ever meant anything 
in our life. To Mayor Arick, Hon. Wm. M. Stewart, 
Marshal Perry, Hon. J. B. Winters, Mr. Olin, 
and Samuel Witberel, besides a host of others 
whom we have ridiculed from behind the shel- 
tor of our reportorial position, wo say to these 
gontlomen, we acknowledge our faults, and in all 
weakness and siniplieitj- — upon our bonded marrow- 
bones — we ask thoir forgiveness, ])romisini; that in 
future we will give tlieni no cause for anything but 
the best of feeling toward us. To " Young Wilson," 
and the " Unreliable", (as we have wickedly- termed 
them), we fool that no apology wo can make begins 
to atone for the many insults wo have given thorn. 
Towards these gentlemon wo have been as moan as a 
man could be — and wo have alwajs j>ri(lo(l oursolf on 
this base quality. We fool that wo are the least of 
all humanity, as it wore. We will now go in sack- 




RANCH AND RESIDENCE OF J.J.FOX. MASON-VALLEY, ESMERALDA CO., NEV. 



HISTORY OF JOURNALISM IN NEVADA. 



29n 



cloth and ashee for the next forty days. What more 
can we do? The latter-named fjontlemaii has saved 
U8 several timo8 from receiving a sound tlircshing for 
our impudence and assurance. He has sheltered and 
clothed us. We have had a liaiikerini;, " my ho}'." 
to redeem our character — or what little we have. 
To-morrow we may iiet in the same old way ai;ain. 
If we do, we want it now understood that this con- 
fession stands. Gentleman do you accept our good 
intentions? 

ifark Twain was thunder-struck on ])icking up 
the pa])er, and reading this apologj-. It ])roved a 
galvanic and sovereign remedy for his cold, how- 
ever, and the next day found him on duty again, 
when he took occasion to explain in the following 
characteristic strain: — 

* * * We ai-c to blame for giving "the Unre- 
liable" an opjjorluiiil}- to misrepresent us, and there- 
fore refrain from rc|)iiiiiig to any great extent at the 
result. We sinipl}' claim the right to </«;«// the Irulh 
of every statement made bj' him in yesterdaj^'s 
paper, to annul all apologies he coined as coming 
from us, and to hold him u|) to public commisera- 
tion as a reptile endowed with no more intellect, 
no more cultivation, no more Christian princi|)le 
than animates and adorns the sjjortive jackas.s rab- 
bit of the Sierras. We have done. 

The preceding relates chiefly to the Territorkd 
Enterprise and the press of Storey Count}', but for 
the purpose of uniformity each county will follow in 
alphabetical order. The pioneer journal having borne 
the same name while ))ul)lislic(i in different localities, 
nevertheless, appeared in \'irginia C\iy before the 
counties were formed, and it is therefore not inap- 
propriate to include it under the head of the Storey 
County Press, where the further history of the Enter- 
prise will be found. 



TlIK PRESS OF DOUGLAS COUNTY. 

THE r.\R.SON VALLEY FARMER. 

The ( 'arson Appeal notices on the tilth of Septem- 
ber, 1865, that some one has purchased a portion of 
the deceased Carson Indejxuilenl material, vvith which 
to start a paper at Genoa, in l)ouglas Count}-. That 
"somebody" was J. II. Hill, who, having raised by 
subscription about 8-iOO from the peojile of that 
county for the j)urpose of starting a Union ])aper, had 
made the purchase, and, on (probably) the sixteenth 
of September of that year, he issued the first number, 
giving it the above name. lie changed the name of 
his next number to the Nevada liepuhlican, and with 
the third issue the concern demised. A citizen of 
Genoa purchased Hill's interest, and leased the es- 
tablishment to Richard Wheeler, who, being assisted 
by A. T. llawley as editor, commenced publication of 

THE DOUGLAS COUNTY BANNER. 

The Banner was first unfurled on the seventh of 

October, 1805, by parties and under circumstances as 

stated above. It was a twonty-tbur column, weekly, 

Republican sheet; price, five dollars per year. Finan- 

37 



cial embarrassment forced it to suspend with the 
twelfth number; and Douglas (*r>unty was without a 
newspaper for several years, until the starting of the 

CARSON \AI,(,EV NEWS. 

This ])aper was commenced as a twenty-four column 
Republican weekly, on the twentieth of February, 
1875, A. C. Pratt being its editor and j)roprietor. A 
semi-weekly issue of it was commenced Kebruary 
1(>, 1.S77, that was continued until August 24th of 
the same year, when the weekly was again resumed. 
Forty-four weeks later it suspended for want of suf- 
ficient ])atronage, the jiublisher stating that when 
times warranted he should resume. This resump- 
tion occurred Se])tember 20. 1878, in reduced form, 
the new isfue only containing twelve columns. July 
1(!. 1880, Boynton Carlisle purchased it, and, chang- 
ing the name, commenced the 

CiEN().\ WEEKLY COIKIER. 

The firft issue by Mr. Carlisle of the Cour/er occurred 
on the twenty-third of .Fuly, 18S0. It* size was twenty 
columns, lGx22 inches, ])olitics Re]mblican, and sub- 
scription price three dollars per year. On the first of 
January, 1S81, he sold the Courier to (ieorge .M- 
Smith, who continues ])ublicution at the present time. 

GENOA JOURNAL. 

This was a twenty cohumi weekly, published at 
Genoa, on paper 20x20 inches; Democratic in poli- 
tics; subsci'iption ]irice, three dollai's ])er year; J. H. 
(-.'radlebaugh, editor and proprietor. It was started 
in April, 1880, susj)ended in the following July, and 
was revived in September of the same year. 

Mr. (ieo. M. Smith purchased the establishment on 
the first of November, and changed its polities to 
Republican, and on the first of January, 1881, con- 
solidated it with the Courier. 



TllK l'i;i:SS OF HLlvO COUNTY. 

Before the railroad had reached eastern Nevada, 
in 1809, the discovery of mines south of the Hum- 
boldt River, in that ])art of the State, had made the 
question of establishing some important shipping 
station u])on the Central Pacific in what is now KIko 
County, a foregone conclusion. Ivireka and White 
Pine were to bo sup])lied from that road, and the 
Central Pacific C^omjiany decided that KIko. upon 
one of their land sections, and not Palisade, where it 
was supposed the Government possessed the title, 
should lie that shipping station. The inlluence of 
this company wielded in the form of discrimination, 
gave to KIko a largo advantage, and the fact that 
such was the case caused the jmblic generally to 
ex|)ect it would become the town of eastern Nevada. 
It was faith in this locality more than jirosont utility 
that caused E. D. Kelley to suspend the Humboldt 
Reijiiiter at Unionville, and move the office to KIko 
in May, 18011, with which to start the Indejxndenl. 



294 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



ELKO INDEPENDENT. 

Mr. Kellcy, who, in connection with Judge George 
G. Berry as a silent partner, had started the Inde- 
pendenf, sold to Berry and C. L. Perkins in October, 
18C!), and in a short time thereafter, H. C. Street 
became a half owner. In the fall of 1870 Perkins 
was elected State Printer on the Democratic ticket, 
and he, with Mr. Street, moved to the State Capital 
and purchased the Appeal, in December, from Henry 
1\. .Mighel.i, and converted that j)aper into a Demo- 
cratic organ under the name of the State Register. 
Ihay did not sell the Independent, but hired W. B. 
Taylor and J. C. Davis to run it for them, it being a 
semi-weekly, under their management. In 1872 Mr. 
Street sold his interest in the Independent to Judge 
Berrj-, who became sole proprietor, it not appear- 
ing when Mr. Perkin's interest ceased with that 
sheet. In .May, 1872, Taylor became Berry's part- 
ner, and June 4th, following, the Independent came 
out double its former size and with a new dress. 
During the time Taylor remained Berry's partner, 
he joined Frank Kenyon, in September, in publishing 
the Pioche Review, which susjjcnded November 12th, 
when he became a partner in the Pioche Record. In 
December, 1872, S. S. Sears and C. C. S. Wright 
purchased both Berry and Taylor's interest in the 
Indepewhnt. In August, 1875, the weekly was 
changed to a daih"; in September, 187G, it was 
enlarged, and in October, 187G, the present editor 
and proprietor, S. S. Sears, became sole owner. 

THE ELKO CHRONICLE. 

W . H. Taylor and T. I. Butler, under the firm name 
of " Chronicle Publishing Company," started this 
paper as a Republican organ at Elko, on the fifth of 
June, 1870; a twenty-four column semi-weeklj-; sub- 
scription price, eight dollars per year. Being a very 
spicy sheet, and conducted with ability, it lived 
through the political campaign of that year, but 
suspended December 4th, with the following valedic- 
tory, headed, 

"ALAS, POOR YORICK!" 

Ours was not a wiiiiiiiig hand. The Democrats held 
all the trun)))s. 

The material of the office was moved in August, 
1872, by -Mr. Taylor to Pioche. where the Pioche Re- 
view was published with it until in November of that 
year, when it was absorbed by the Pioche Record. 

ELKO WEEKLY POST. 

This was the third and lust j)aj)or started in Klko. 
The first number bears date September 11, 1875, and 
was a twent3--ciglit column weekly, printed on paper 
24x:54 inches, jiublished by K. A. Littletield and C. C. 
Powning. Politics ahvaj-s Republican. In October, 
187r>, Mr. Littlefield became solo proprietor, and 
March 10th of the next year, ho started the Tuscarora 
Times, but sold the same that fall, having continued 
in the meantime the publication of the Post. The 
first of January, 1880, he was joined as a partner by 
bis brother, L. B. Litllofield. The size of the j)aper 
was reduced four columns, and the firm continued to 



be E. A. Littlefield & Co., until suspension of the Post, 
April 30, 1881. 

E. A. LITTLEFIELD. 

E. A. Littlefield is a native of Rhode Island. He 
served an apprenticeship at the printer's trade in 
East Greenwich, of that State. In 1857 he removed 
to Minnesota. From 18G2 until 1864 he was editor 
of the Goodhiie County RepMicun, in Minnesota. In 
1864 he first arrived at Austin, Nevada, where he 
worked for three months on the Reese River RereiUe, 
from where he went to San Francisco, and for a time 
he was upon the American Flag in that city. In 
November he started the Klamath News, at Orleans 
Bar, in Klamath County, California. In September, 
1865, he visited Salem, Oregon, from where he went 
to Yreka, California, and remained one year. His 
next move was to Sacramento, C^alifornia; thence to 
Auburn, where he remained until the fall of 1869, 
having editorial charge of the iStars and Stripes. His 
next evolution was to Sacramento; thence to San 
Francisco, working in the former place upon the 
Union, and in the latter for Bancroft & Co. PVom 
San Francisco he returned to Nevada, and in connec- 
tion with J. G. Law and W. II. II. Fellows, started 
the Nevada State Journal, November 23, 1870. In 
the fall of 1871, this editorial Japhet resumed his wan- 
derings, visiting Salt Lake, where he became foreman 
and assistant editor of the Daihj Mining Review. lie 
remained there till the spring of 1872; then returned 
to Sacramento, California, and fetched up on the 
Territorial Enterjirise, in Virginia City, in the fall. 

January of 1873 found him at work in Reno on 
the Journal, the paper of which he had been one of 
the founders, and being "caught in that place on the 
fly," was married on the twenty-fifth of the next 
month. From Reno he went back to the Enterprise 
at Virginia City, thence to San Francisco, where, 
taking stock in, he became connected with the Baily 
Post. The friends of this goer of a journalist, think- 
ing that his being hitched to a post would localize 
him, were soon undeceived, for he broke loose in 
.Fuly, 1875, and fetched up at Elko, Nevada, where, 
in connection with C. ('. Powning. he started the 
paper at that place. His last departure was from 
Elko to Ogden. Utah, in .May, 1881, where the peo- 
ple will soon learn that they have a traveled journal- 
ist, a gentlemanly citizen and able writer ])ublishing 
the paper among them called the Ogden Daily Pilot. 

THE TI.MES-REVIEW. 

.March 10, 1877, E. A. Littlefield, who was at the 
time i)ublishing the Elko Independent, started a weekly 
Republican paper at Tuscarora, in Elko County, 
called the Tuscarora Times. That fall John H. Den- 
nis and O. L. C. Fairchild purchased the Times. In 
May of that j'ear C. C. S. Wright started a semi- 
weekly at Tuscarora, to which ho gave the name of 
Mining Review, and on the first of January, 1878, 
the two papers were consolidated, the owners named 
becoming ]>artners, and the name assumed for the 
consolidated publication being The Times-Review. 



HISTORY OF JOURNALISM IN NEVADA. 



20= 



In April, 1878, Mr. Wright disposed of his interest 
to the other partners, who have, until recently, con- 
tinued proprietors. In size the Times-Review is the 
same as the Si/rer State or Reese River Reveille. In 
politics it is independent. The edition is chiily. Mr. 
Dennis having recently retired, .Mr. Kairthild is now 
sole proprietor. 

O. L. C. FAlRCIIII.l). 

The suliject of this sketch was born at Trumans- 
burg, Tompkins County, Xew York, February 13, 
1830. lie began early in life as printer's devil, and 
finally graduated as first-rate compositor at the 
case. After working as a journeyman at Elmira, 
Rochester, and other places, he went to New York 
City, and engaged upon the Jounuil of Commerce 
until 1852, when he sought the golden shore of Cal- 
ifornia, and disembarked from shipboard upon the 
wharf in San Francisco in June of that year. Pro- 
ceeding to the mines, he engaged for a time in min- 
ing, trading, and ranching; but finally, tiring of 
these, he went to Orovillc, Butte County, in 185(J, 
and there, in partnership with Charles Lincoln, 
engaged in the publication of the Northern Califor- 
nian, the fii'st paper published in that place, and the 
second one in the county. Afterward he sold out 
his interest in that paper, and went to Coloma, and 
worked in the An/us office there. In 1858, in com- 
pany with his brother J. 1). Fairchild, he began the 
publication of the Placerville Semi- Weekly Observer, 
which he continued for a little more than a year. 
Subsequentlj-, the Placerville Repnhlican was begun, 
with Thomas Fitch as editor. Of this establish- 
ment Mr. Fairchild was foreman until it suspended 
publication. He then went to Austin early in lS(i3, 
and there became connected with the Reveille, and so 
continued until 1871, when he removed to California, 
and purchased a half-interest, with 'William Gagan, 
of the Oakland Duily Xews, of which he became sole 
owner upon (iagan's death in 1873. He remained 
at Oakland until 1877, when he returned to the Sage- 
brush State, and bought a half-interest in the Tus- 
carora Times. He is now sole owner of the Times- 
Review of that place, a dailj-, and is also Postmaster. 
Mr. Fairchild has done much to advance the material 
interests of the State of Nevada. 

.MAJOR .JOn.N H. DENNIS. 

John H. Dennis, late of the Tuscarora Times- 
Review, a native of Middlesex County, Massachu- 
setts, was born .May 20, 1835, and came to the Pacific 
Coast by way of Cape Horn in 1852. For eleven 
years ho remained in California, during which time 
he was mining a little, tried his hand at merchan- 
dising, became an editor of the Independent in Ama- 
dor County, and assistant on the El Dorado Times, in 
Georgetown, Kl Dorado County, and served one 
term in the Legislature from El Dorado County. 

In 18(53 he removed to Austin, Nevada, and has 
since resided in the Sage-brush State. In 1871 he 
became a half-owner of the Reese River Reveille, and 
in 1874 disposed of the interest to John Booth, its 



present proprietor. He then purchased one-half 
of the Eureka Se/ilinel, where he remained for three 
years, and selling to .\. Skillman, moved to Tus- 
carora. 

Mr. Dennis is a quaint and pithy writer, and 
withal possesses a large vein of humor, which 
attracts much attention to his editorials. During 
the " war" with the Gosh-Utes in Spring Valley, 
Mr. Dennis commanded the troops sent out from 
Eureka to strike terror to the hearts of the red- 
skins, since which time he has proudly worn the 
prefix of Major to his name. He was chosen one of 
the Electors for the State of Nevada at the last 
Presidential election, and was appointed messenger 
to carry the vote to Washington. 



THE PRESS OF ESMERALDA COUNTY. 

The pioneer paper of Esmeralda County was 
started at Aurora, Maj- 10, l.S(;2. as a twentj'-column 
weekly being 21x28 inches in size. Republican in 
politics, subscription price six dollars per year, and 
its name was 

TFIE ESMERALDA STAR. 

Edwin A. Sherman & Co. appeared as the pub- 
lishers, but the name of the party or parties consti- 
tuting the balance of the firm was not mentioned. 
Just before closing the first volume the partnership 
name was dropped, and at the commencement of 
the second, Mr. Sherman gave the following interest- 
ing history of his paper and the press upon which it 
was pi'inted. The article contains much that throws 
out in bold relief some of the peculiar phases of pio- 
neer journalism: — 

[Saturday, May 2, 18G3.] 
TO OUR PATRONS. 

I To-day we issue the first number of Volume Sec- 
I ond of the Star. It may not be deemed out of j)lace 
to review somewhat of the ju'oss and its history. 

Tlie press and a very small part of the present mate- 
rial formerlj- belongetl to the late and lamented J. ,lud- 
son Ames, and from which was issued the San l)iego 
Herald. This press was brought across the Isthmus 
of Panama in 1850 by Judge Ames, and in coming 
up the Chagres River was thrown overboard bj' the 
upsetting of the canoe in which it was being con- 
veyed to Gorgona. The natives being unable to lift 
the heavier part of it from the bottom of the stream 
which had a very rajjid current, the Judge, who was 
a very powerful man, jumped overboard anil lifted it 
out himself and placeil it in the canoe, much to the 
astoiiislinient of his dark-skinned companions. This 
being a No. .'! Washington jiress. its weight can bo 
more accurately estimated bj- the members of the 
craft than by others; at any rate it will suffice for 
our readers "to know that it weighs more than four 
hundred pounds. He succeeded in getting it to 
Panama after much difficulty; and soon after issued 
at that place the Panama Star for a very short 
period, and then brought it to San Francisco, 

By the advice of his friends ho was induced to 
move it to San Diego, as that point was then advo- 
cated as the western terminus of the Pacific Rail- 



296 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



road; and it was desired by speculators in town lots 
to have a newspaper published there, to induce 
immigration and fjive an importance to the place. 
At that time there were but tew jiapers published in 
California, and as the members of Conj^ress were of 
Southern proclivities and intent on having a Pacific 
Jiailroad for the exclusive benefit of the Southern 
route, their aid and encouragement of everj' enter- 
prise in that jiortion of the State was given to that 
end; hence the encouragement of the San Diego 
IJeraH to that end. For ten long years Ames con- 
tinued its publication, excepting at times, when the 
immortal "John Phu-nix," alias '-Squibob," during 
the Judge's absence, would carry it on in his own 
inimitable stj-ie, playing all sorts of pranks, and 
scattering gems of wit. The cuts out of which he 
formed the Pictorial Herald, we still retain. The 
garrison being removed from San Diego, and that 
county exporting nothing but hides, its commercial 
importance died entire!}' awa}'. The Mormons hav- 
ing left San Bernardino to go to Salt Lake, at the 
call of JJrigham Young, the Americans in that vallej' 
sent to Ames at San Diego. oftVriiig to paj' the entire 
expenses of moving it to their village, and as Ames 
said "they were skinning everything in San Diego 
County, he thought that perhaps they might com- 
mence on him, and in order to save his ovvn hide he 
would accept theoflcr of the San Hernardinos. before 
he was Hayed alive." Ho accordingly, in the sum- 
mer of IS.")!!, moved his press to San Bernardino and 
published the llerahl there. 

Unfortunatel}- for him the ]iopiilation was too small 
to support a paper, and his |)riiitors not being willing 
to take liurk ill jjiiymenl for their sei-vices, he was 
compelled to let out his press to other parties, who 
in turn failed to make anj-thiiig ibr themselves, or 
pay him for the use of the press. Disheartened in 
every respect, the flower of his life having been 
thrown away in endeavoring to sustain the fruitless 
project of making San Diego the Western terminus 
of the Pacific Pailroad, the blasting of all his hojies 
of pros])erit}- to be realized in its completion, and the 
i'ailure of men who broke their jiromises with him, 
all added their weight to his sorrow, and J. Judson 
Ames, the true friend and social companiim, died of 
a broke!) heart. 

Previous, however, to his death, the jiress and 
material jjassed into our hands, and with it wo 
received this admonition from him. "If over you 
let this press he used in publishing a rebel sheet, or 
dispose of it to a traitor, my ghost shall haunt you as 
long as 3'ou live, and when j-ou die 'Squibob' shall 
act as foreman in scidling you across the 'Styx.' 
Alas, both are now Ij'iiig 'iieath the green turf. 

]n A]iril, ISGl, we commenced the publication of 
the San Heriiardiiio Patriot. The ilolconibe Valley 
mines having induced a considerable emigi-ation to 
that section of the country, the |)rospects \\iv ])ublish- 
ing a ])ai)er were at that time somewhat Mattering. 
But ditliciilties soon intervened. The Mormons 
nearly all returned, the mines were not so rich as 
the}- ])romised to be, large numbers of horse thieves 
and other outlaws made it their resort, and more 
than all, armed bodies of secessionists were formed 
all through that section, and it was extremelj' ha/.- ' 
ardous to publish a Union paper among such a peojjle. 
I n October of that year, the press was leased for a cei-- 
tain time, but the lessee was totally unable to suc- 
ceed, and throwing up the contract it was deemed 
host in February, 1S02, to remove it to Ksmeralda; and 
accordingly it was )>acked up and brought to Aurora 
by the Owen's Kiver route. While on the way it 



narrowly escaped destruction from the hostile Indi- 
ans; but owing to the kindness of Colonel Evans and 
Lieutenant Xoble of the Second Cavahy California 
Volunteers, an escort was furnished and it finally 
reached here on or about the first of Maj' last. At 
that time we were in Sacramento, and learning that 
it had arrived, we started from that j)laee on the 
ninth of May and reached here on the seventeenth. 
On oui- arrival we were astonished to find the first 
number of the <S''«r alreadj' issued without giving the 
publishers names; and also surprised to find it express- 
ing sentiments entirely antagonistic to the principles 
we cherish. We also found that a heavj- sacrifice 
had to be made on our part before we could get 
possession of the press and material in order to 
publish a loyal paper; and that was, to give a bill of 
sale of one-half of it in order to get the control of the 
whole, both cditoi-ially and financially. We made that 
sacrifice, and for nine months ami a half had to strug- 
gle against secession enemies in front and at the same 
time be yoked with one by compulsion in business. 

Yet we staggered along the best we could, avoiding 
debt, and suft'eriiig in the beginning the privations 
common to all at that season of the year. 

On the seventh of ilarch last we purchased the 
interest originally convej-ed, and since that time 
have been " going it alone." That, at times, our 
columns have betrayed a want of care, and gram- 
matical as well as ty|)Ogra])hical errors have occurred, 
we will candidly admit: but we trust our excuse 
will be deemed sutlieient b>' our friends. We have 
had the entire business of the oHice to attend to; to 
keep the books, collect the bills, and in some cases 
earn the amount three times over in running alter 
the accounts due us, gather all the local items of 
interest, climb the hills to give a true account of the 
lodes, and report the amount of work being done 
and the progress made, and when utterly fatigued, 
to sit down and write out copy for the printers, 
some of whom have been willfully careless; all this 
duty when summed up together and perfoi'ined by one 
iruiividuul, isii any wonder, tlnTi. that he >liou d some- 
limes make mistakes. We doubt whether Ijindley 
Murray might not err a little in some sentences, or the 
proof-reader of the London Tilings might not over 
look a typographical error, if compelled to perform 
so muhifarious a dutj'. Yet, with all this, the Siwais 
out of debt; it has sui)])lied its ottice with a considera- 
ble amount of new tj'pe; that it has been the means 
in some small degree in advancing the interests of 
this district, we are vain enough to believe; of its 
loyalty none can doubt ; its independent tone none 
will (lis])ute; that it is hated bj- copperheads and 
secessionists, Union men will admit; and from the 
generous su])i>ort it has received from the loj'al men 
of Esmeralda, in return wo tender our grateful 
thanks. 

It was our intention to have commenced our second 
volume with a senii-weekl}'; but printers being 
scarce, wo are at present com[)elled to defer it. 

The Star became a semi-weekly June 24, 1SG3, 
and on the twenty-third of the following So))tem- 
bera change in tlie name of its location was made. 
Previous to this time many had su])]>osed that Au- 
rora was in Mono County, California, but the bound- 
ary line survey having determined lOsmeralda ( 'ounty, 
Nevada, to be its location, the »SV(ir changed its head- 
ing to conform to the newly ascertained state of 
facts. Between the fourth and eighteenth of No- 
vember of that year John Hatch joined Mr, Sherman 



HISTORY OF JOURNALISM IN NEVADA. 



297 



in jmblishing the Star. The partnership continued 
until -Afarch, 1804, when the paper suspeiuled. and 
the material passed into the haiiils of John Hatch A 
Co.. who used it to start in the same t(3\vn the 

ESMEU.M.D.V U.\ILY UNION. 

The first number of this sheet was issued on the 
twenty-first of the same month that witnessed the 
Star's suspension. The following regarding the 
Union is from the pen of J. G. McClinton : " Eev. 
J. B. Saxton. formerly of Oakland, California, and 
then pastor of the First Baptist Church at .\urora, 
was its chief editor, and .1. C. McClinton was city 
editor till Augiist, 1S(;4, at which time Saxton retired 
from the paper and McClinton succeeded him as 
editor, and continued as such till the summer of ISliO, 
when J. \V. Avard became sole proprietor and editor 
and continued as such till the paper finally sus- 
pended for want of support, in October, 1868. 

In IStU Aurora was a -'booming" town and sup- 
ported two dailies — the Union and the Times — the 
latter being edited by Robert Ferral, now Judge of 
Department Twelve of the Superior Court of San 
Francisco. The prosperity c)f the town fled rapidly 
and the Times suspended in the spring of 1SG5, and 
soon thereafter the Union was reduced to a tri- weekly, 
subsequently to a scini-weeklj- and finally to a 
weekly, and for several months before its final sus- 
pension Mr. Avard was not only sole proprietor and 
editor, but also sole compositor, pressman and devil, 
and also carried and distributed the paper to his 
patrons. 

In the spring of 1870, the old press and material 
were sold to Chalfant & I'arker, who removed them 
to Independence, Inyo County, California, and there 
established the Inyo Indepeinlent. of which they are 
still the proprietors, and they probably still have the 
old historic press. 

This press is said to be the same upon which were 
printed many of the most remarkable productions 
of the late Lieutenant Derby (John Ph(enix), in- 
cluding his trick of converting the Democratic 
paper, then printed on it, into a roaring advocate of 
the Whig cause, while he was left temporarily in 
charge during the absence of the editor. The late 
John Bigler, being then the Democratic candidate 
for (Jovernor of ('alifoi-nia, jiretendcd not to sec any 
fun in the joke, but he probably enjoyed it as much 
as any one — after he knew he had been elected. It 
is a curious coincident that, in 18(!8, the old press 
repeated its old trick. Mr. Avard went away from 
Aurora for a vacation, and left his Esmeralda Union 
(which was a pronounced He])ublican journal) tem- 
porarily ill charge of Hon. Joe Wasson and another 
man. They thought the sleepy old town needed 
waking up, so without notice to anj' one the}- brought 
the paper out as a rabid Democratic sheet of a mixed 
Brick Pomeroy and Petroleum \ . Nasby character, 
with the name of Governor- llaight flying at the 
masthead for President. The hoax was very trans- 



parent, but the State Capital Reporter of Sacramento, 
then edited by e.x-Governor Higler, swallowed the 
whole thing, and welcomed the now convert with 
open arms — probably without reading the leading 
editorial at all, as its ironical character was clearly 
apparent. 

AUROR.\ TI.MES. 

This journal, on the material formerly of the 
El. Dorado Times, of (Jeorgetowii, California, was 
started as a weekly twenty-four column paper, at 
the place its name indicates, in the forejjart of April, 
18(18, by 1{. E. Draper and R. Glenn. May 9, 18li4, it 
became a daily, with entire new dress and bright 
])rospocts, and during its existence was Democratic, 
and aggressive. The bright prospects did not con- 
tinue, however, and on November 7, 1864, on the 
day before the election, the paper suspended. After 
a short suspension the Times was revived under the 
editorship of Robert Ferral, then a young and enthu- 
siastic Democrat, now Superior Judge in San Fran- 
cisco; but even his versatility of talent and great 
popularity could not make the paper succeed against 
the decline of business, and in the spring of 1865, it 
ceased to exist. 

The history of the Times was made eventful by 
the incident of a duel between the editor, R. E. 
Draper, and Dr. W. H. Eichelroth, fought on the 
fifth of October, 1863, at the Bodie Panch, six miles 
west of Aurora. The weapons were shot-guns loaded 
with ball, firing at a distance of forty yards. At the 
second fire Draper was severely wounded in the foot, 
when the parties shook hands and "honor" was sat- 
isfied. No political question was involved in the 
quarrel, the duel resulting from a controversy over 
trivial matters. Draper survived the wound but was 
crippled for life. 

ESMERALDA HERALD. 

This paper was started as a twenty-four column 
weekly by Frank Kenyon, at Aurora, on the thir- 
teenth of October, 1877, and continued his property 
until ^larch 1, 1880, when it was ])urchased by M. 
M. Glenn, and has since belonged to him, with the 
exception of a few months, during which time it was 
run by Glenn Brothers. It is a weekly ])aper, 
Republican in politics, and at present edited by its 
owner, M. M. Glenn. For two years prior to 
December 6, 187!), J. .\L Dormer was its editor. 

M. M. (il.ENN. 

This gentleman was born in Elgin, Illinois, in 
1846, and came to California in 1853. In 1864 
became connected with the Red Bluff fn<li'jnndent, 
Tehama County, California; leaving which, he was 
for a time interested in the San Joaquin Republican, 
Stockton, and its city editor in 1871-72. Going 
into Nevada in 18711, he edited the ExmeraUa 
Herald for Frank Kenyon from December 6, 1879, 
till March 1, 1880, at which time ho purchased the 
establishment, and now wields its editorial pen. 



298 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



TUE BORAX JIINEK. 

William W. Barnes started a iiewspajier at Colum- 
bus, in August, 187:J, a twenty-column Democratic 
weekly, that flourished for a time, and went down 
with the borax interests in that section. The date 
of final suspension was as late as 1877. In the latter 
])art of 1878, or early in 1870, Mr. Barnes removed 
the printing material to Benton, in Mono County, 
California, and started with it The Mexsenger. This 
was but a six weeks' effort, when the office was 
again moved, this time to Mammoth City, where 
under the name of Mammoth Herahl it maintained 
an uncertain existence until final dissolution in the 
latter part of ISSU. 

THE BELLEVILLE TIMES 

Was started some time in the fall of 1S77, by Mark 
W. Musgrove, whet sold in the ensuing April to D. 
M. Brannan, on whose hands it died in about six 
weeks. J. M. Dormer purchased the material, and 
a portion of it was later used on theBodie Free Press. 

THE TRUE FISSURE. 

This paper was started June 5, 1880, at Cande- 
laria by J. M. Dormer. It is a weekly, twenty-four 
column sheet, printed on paper 20x81 inches; its 
politics is Eopublican, and subscription price five 
dollars per year. As it was in the start, so it now 
is, a live publication, showing a practical knowledge 
and a mental capacity in the editor and proprietor 
that gives him a peculiar fitness for the position ho 
occupies. 

J. M. DORMER. 

J. M. Dormer, editor and proprietor of the True 
Fissure, Candelaria, E.smeralda County, was born 
in St. Louis, Missouri, in 1843. When only a few 
months old his family moved to Wisconsin, and in 
1850 came to California, where they settled in Downie- 
ville, Sierra County, California. There the first years 
of the young man's life were jtassed, except what 
time ho was at school in Marysville, Santa Clara and 
Oakland. He learned the printer's trade under W. 
J. Forbes, at that time editor and proprietor of the 
Sierra Democrat, and afterwards well known through- 
out Nevada, in 1860, when the Pah-Uto war broke 
out, the j'oung printer was among the first to go to 
the front. At the close oi that noted campaign ho 
returned to Sierra County and followed mining for a 
time. When the Sierra Detnocrat was destroyed by 
tire in 1804, he began the publication of the Sierra 
AJcoca/e, which he continued for two years, when ho 
wont to San Francisco, and thence to Oakland, where 
in conjunction with a co-operation of jirinters, he 
])ublishe(l the Dai/y Termini. Al'ler disitosing of his 
interest in this venture, he went to Oregon in the em- 
ploy of Bon. Holliday, who at that time was operating 
extensively in that State in railroad building. After 
the collapse of llolliday's gigantic enterprises, Mr. 
Dormer went to Walla Walla, and from thonco to 
Lewiston, Idaho, where he became the owner of the 
Siynal, with United States District Judge W. C. 



Whitson as ])artncr. .Judge Whitaon was assigned 
the Boise .Judicial District, and the newspaper was 
disposed of, .Mr. Dormer coming to I'ortland, Oregon, 
where he became one of the Oregonian staflF. In 
1877 the Bodie excitement carried him to that grow- 
ing camp, where he took charge of the Staiulard, 
and then the Herald, at Aurora. These papers he 
conducted with marked editorial and financial ability, 
and upon the death of h'rank Kenyon, in South 
America, disposed of them for the benefit of the 
estate. Mr. Dormer, with K. R. Cleveland and K. II. 
Fontecilla, then began the publication of the Jiodie 
Free Press. Finding his hands too full of other busi- 
ness — he was still editor of the Aurora Herald — he 
disposed of his interest in the Free Press to H. Z. 
Osborn, and in June, 18S0, having sold the Herald, 
he began the publication of the True Fissure at Can- 
delaria, which paper he still owns. Since his resi- 
dence in Ksmeralda County, he has taken a leading 
and active part in politics. In 1878 he was elected, 
on the Eepublican ticket. Superintendent of Schools, 
and in the last Presidential election was a candidate 
for the Legislature, but was defeated with the 
balance of the Popublican party in the State. He is 
a writer of fair ability, and is acknowledged a lead- 
ing newsjtaper man. 



THE PPESS OF EUPEKA COUNTY. 

When the town of Eureka first became known to 
the world, and was distinguished as the possessor 
of a newspaper, the territory formed part of Lander 
Countj', from which it was segregated and the 
county of Eureka formed in 1872. The history 
however, belongs to Eureka. The mines had been 
discovered and the district organized as early as 
18G4, but developments were not made until 1809, 
sufficient to attract the attention of the public. The 
White Pino excitement of the preceding year and 
the early part of 1869, had drawn a multitude of 
people to eastern Nevada, and with them printers 
and journalists. AtShcrmantown was .Mr. Skillman, 
trying to make a success publishing the Rejwrter, 
and at the new town of Eureka was Dr. L. C. Mc- 
Kenney who had had some experience in journslism, 
and was anxious to re-enter the field. A partnership 
was formed under the firm name of A. Skillman k 
Co., and on the sixteenth day of July, 1870, they 
commenced the publication of the 

EUREKA SENTINEL. 

Containing twenty-four columns, with Dr. iMcKennoy 
as editor. The town rapidly grew, and with it the 
paper ])rospered. The Doctor was a facile writer 
and devoted himself to the descrijttion of the mining 
resources of the district, thus aiding materially in 
bringing jieople and capital to the region. Septem- 
ber 29th the paper changed hands, the purchasers 



HISTORY OF JOURNALISM IN NEVADA. 



299 



being Messrs. Elliott and Geo. \V. Cassidj-, the for- 
mer a practical printer as well as writer, and the lat- 
ter the lute editor of the Inlmul Emjilrf of Hamilton. 
The Sentinel was now made a Iri-wcckl}', and an 
active Democratic organ, though not lessening its ener- 
gies in setting forth the wealth of the surrounding 
mines. Jlr. Elliott retired from the firm May 28, 
1872, leaving Mr. C'assidy sole proprietor and editor 
until December 3, 1874, when a half interest was 
purchased by Mr. John IF. Dennis, late of the Reese 
River Receille, and he became the principal editor and 
business manager, leaving Mr. Cassidy the leisure 
to devote to his pr)litical aspirations and duties, he 
being the joint iSonator in the Legislature I'rom the 
counties of Eureka and Lander, subsequently the 
Senator from Eureka, and now the Representative 
of his State in Congress. 

The paper now became a daily, well-established 
and prosperous. Mr. ]")onnis retained his connection 
with the Sentinel until December 28, 1870, when the 
founder of the paper, Mr. A. Skillman, returned to it 
and purchased his interest, Cassidy & Skillman being 
now the publishers. Notwithstanding the continued 
progress and general prosperity of the Sentinel, it has 
met with serious misfortunes. On the twentieth 
of November, 187:i, the greater part of the town of 
P^ureka was destroyed by tire, and with it went up 
in the flames the office of the Sentinel, with all its 
material, saving a few sheets of damaged paper and 
one or two gallej's of type. By telegraph, new 
office material was ordered from San Francisco, 
which was at once forwarded, also the Eureka Daily 
Sentinel Stijijilemenl , containing the legal advertise- 
ments, the latter, with the type saved, enabling 
it to continue its publication, as required by law. 
The loss to the proprietors by the fire was estimated 
at SI 2,000, with no insurance. Not a year had 
elapsed since the date of the fire, when the opposing 
element, water, came to destroy. In July, 1874, a 
terrific storm, to which the mountainous region 
of the State is subject, broke upon the surrounding 
hills, sending a flood through the narrow valley in 
which the town is built, destroying everything in its 
course. The Sentinel office met the fate of its neigh- 
bors, but not to so great an extent as others, much 
of the material being saved. In April, 1879, the mis- 
fortune of fire again befell it; but a portion of the 
office being fire-proof, a total loss was thus averted. 
New material was soon added, greater precautions 
were taken, and now the office is one of the most 
complete in the Slate, jmblishing dailj- and weekly 
editions of the paper. Numerous power-presses are 
in use, and every class of work done. The Srntiml 
is vigorously edited, giving full news of the locality, 
together with telegraphic dispatches from all parts 
of the world. Its founder, 

.MR. ABRAn.V.M SK II,I..M.\N, 

Is one of the pioneer printers of the Pacific Coast, 
arriving at San Francisco January 6, 1850, lacking 



but a few daj-s of being a forty-niner. He soon 
went to work at his trade as a printer, and in 1851 
was half owner of the J'aci/ic A'eirg, one of the first 
papers j)ublished in San Francisco. This property- 
was twice destroyed by fire, and was at last com- 
pelled to suspend publication on account of ( he want 
of printing material. In 185:i he started the Shasta 
Courier, then the only paper in the State north of 
Marysvillo. AVith this he remained about sixteen 
years, making tlu- ]ia]ier one of the liest known and 
powerliil in California, it still retaining a high char- 
acter. In the spring of 187(1, in companj' with G. 
A. Brier, he started the Rejiorter, at Shermantown, 
in White Pine County, but in July of the same year 
ho transferred his office and his eflorts to Eureka, 
where, in company with Dr. L. C. McKcnncj-, he 
established the Sentinel. From this he went, in Feb- 
ruary, 1873, to Hamilton, and in companj- with Mr. 
Fred. Ellfott, purcha.sed of W. J. Forbes the I»7(i7e 
Pine Xeivs, which he published until 1877, when ho 
returned to Plureka and bought the interest of Mr. 
Dennis in the Sentinel, which he still retains. This 
long journalistic career, almost without cessation, 
gives grounds for Mr. Skillman's claim of being the 
oldest newspaper man on the coast who is still in 
the business. Many years ago Mr. Skillman was 
married to a beautiful lady, still his eom])anion, and 
one son, grown to manhood, follows the profession 
of his father. The senior of the firm, but junior in 
years. 

HON. GEORGE W. CASSIDY. 

Hon. (reorge W. Cassidy is a native of Kentuckj-, 

born in 1838, but emigrated to California when a 
lad and grew to manhood in the mountain regions 
of that State, his residence for a number of years 
being at Dutch Flat, in Placer County. Ilis first 
journalistic experience was in gathering items ibr 
the Meadow Lake Enlerjn-ise \n \^W>. In 18(!!l he 
was the local re])orter for the W/iife I'ine News, and 
in 1870 edited and ])ublislu'd the Inland Empire. 
Since September 21, 1871, ho has been proprietor, 
and gcncrallj- editor, performing all the editorial 
work, as well as conducting the business of the Senti- 
nel. That he has made a success of the paper as 
well as for himself, the position of both will 
testify. Twice elected to the Senate, where ho 
wielded a powerful influence, he has now been 
elected Representative in Congress, taking his seat 
in December, 1881. 

El'REKA IIAII.V REPUBMCAN. 

In 1871 a portion of the material of the office of 
the Humboldt Reijinter was moved to Eureka by its 
owner, Jlr. J. C. Ragsdale, who, on the first of .Fan- 
uary, 1878, commenced the Rcpui/lican with six 
columns to the page. Subsequently, the Republi- 
can Publishing Companj- was formed, under which 
organization the p;iper was issued, with .AFr. H. B. 
Loomis as editor, until .March ■"!, 1878, when it was 
leased to Messrs. Alf Chartz, W. \V. Wate and 



300 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



Arthur McEwen, the latter acting as editor, and 
Chart/, as local reporter, businci^s manager, etc. 
Under this association the paper flourished, gaining 
a reputation for its sprightly paragraphs and local 
news, until a most unfortunate occurrence over- 
whelmed it with disaster. The editor, one of the 
most amiable and pleasant of writers, was distin- 
guished for his witticisms, and indulging in this had 
offended Mr. Kdward Rickcr, a conductor on the 
Eureka and Palisade Railroad, who threatened vio- 
lence in retaliation. On the sixteenth of June, 1878, 
Kicker and Chartz meeting in the streets of Eureka, 
engaged in a quarrel in consequence of the offensive 
paragraphs, resulting in the shooting of Ricker by 
t'hartz, the wound terminating fatally on the 
eighteenth following. This sad event greatly excited 
the people of Kureka, and .Tune 24th the Republican 
ceased its publication. For this Chartz was tried and 
sentenced to the penitentiary for life, but since his 
incarceration and the declining excitement attend- 
ing the tragic event, new evidence has been obtained 
mitigating his offense, and great efforts have been 
made to procure his pardon. Of his associates in 
the Republican, Mr. Wats is a compositor in Reno, 
and Mr. McEwen is editor of the Virginia Chronicle. 
Mr. Chartz is a native of Canada, but a resident 
of the Pacific Coast from boyhood. His journalistic 
education he received in the office of the Eureka 
Daily Sentinel, leaving that jiaper to engage in the 
publication of the Republican. 

EUREKA DAILY LEADER. 

The material of the Republican was transferred to 
Messrs. Fred. K. Canfield and F. E. Pisk, who, on the 
twentj'-fifth of June, 1878, issued the first number of 
the Eureka Daily Leader, continuing it as a Republi- 
can paper, with six columns to the page. April 24, 
1870, the paper was enlarged to seven columns. 
October 4, 1879, Mr. W. W. llobart purchased the 
interest of Mr. Fisk, the publishing firm being then 
Jlobart & Canfield, with the former in charge of 
the editorial department, and the latter having the 
local. This firm were the publishers until April IG, 
1880, when Mr. Canfield retired, and shortly there- 
after Mr. C. A. .Morden entered the firm, the paper 
being now published by llobart k .Morden. 

FRED. E. CANFIELD 

Is a native of the city of New York. He commenced 
his journalistic career on the Sacramento Union in 
18(54, and was traveling correspondent for the paper 
for two years. Eventually he became connected 
with the Fureka Sentinel, where he had been engaged 
for about eighteen months, when he took charge of 
the Leatler. After leaving this paper he returned to 
New York, and is now with the North American 
Mining and Development Company, of New York 
City. 





One of the proprietors and editor of the Fureka 
Daily Leader, is a native of Marshall, <Jalhoun County> 
Michigan, where he was born August 18, 1832. But 
little time was given him to acquire a common school 
education, for at fourteen years of age he entered an 
office to learn the printer's trade, where he remained 
an apprentice for two years. 

In 1849 he crossed the plains to California, and for 
four j'cars mined with varying success in the placers 
of that State. In the fall of 1S53, when ho was but 
twenty-one years of age, the position was tendered 
him of Deputy Sheriff' of Butte County, California, 
and he accepted the appointment. This was no sine- 
cure at the time, as Butte was a flourishing mining 
county and her camps were the favorite resort of 
the desperadoes of all nationalities, and crimes 
against both life and property were frequent. Ho 
occupied the j)osition for four j'ears, and was ke])t 
busy in enforcing the laws. In the discharge of his 
duties he had some hair-breadth escapes, not only 
from criminal classes, but also from mobs, who, 
weary at the law's delay, made several unsuccessful 
attempts to take prisoners from him, and give them 
the benefit of a short trial and a long rope, but he 
never lost a ])risoner in this way or by escajie. 

In 1857 he was elected to the office of Tax Col- 
lector of Butte County by an almost unanimous 
vote. In 1860 ho closed his official career in Cali- 
fornia, and engaged in merchandising, whi(^h busi- 
ness he prosecuted at different j)oints in Butte 
County until the spring of 1863, when he emigrated 




HOTO BV MORSE. SAN FRANCISCO 






PMOTO OV O. NMAM, OAKLAND, OAL 



J. H. Jcujua. 




^^^^ ^^^<^C^i^^^ 



HISTORY OF JOURNALISM IN NEVADA. 



301 



with a stock of goods to Austin, Lander County, 
^'ovada. At the organization of the Slate (tovern- 
nient he was chosen by the Re]niijlieans of Lander 
County to represent that constituency in the State 
Senate. In that body he was api)ointcd *to the 
responsible jiosition of Chairman of the Committee 
on Ways and .Means, which he held during the ses- 
slons of ia(M-(15. and of \>n;Ci. He ])repared and 
reported all the principal financial measures passed 
at both these sessions, including the present revenue 
law of the State. He originated the present method 
of assessing the net proceeds of mines, which 
with some slight modification in the manner of 
arriving at assessed values, remains in force as he 
originally drew it in 1864. At the close of the ses- 
sion of ISOO ho returned to California, where ho 
remained until the spring of lStJ9, when ho joined 
the rush to White Pine, and settled in Hamilton. 
t)uriMg the summer of 187(1 he was nominated by 
the J{epublican State Convention to the position of 
State Controller, and in the November election was 
elected over his Democratic opponent by a majority 
of onlj' ninety-four votes. Ho took the office Jan- 
uarj- 1, 1S71, in what is known as the first Bradley 
administration, the Governor, the Treasurer, Attor- 
ney General — in fact, about half of the State officers 
being Democrats. This administration had not only 
to face the |)ropo8ition of an empty treasury', but 
also a large funded and floating debt. The bonded 
debt was drawing the enormous interest of fifteen 
per cent, per annum. On his recommendation, the 
Legislature which convened that winter passed 
bills authorizing the Controller and Treasurer to 
negotiate two loans. One to represent the amount 
owed by the State, incurred by her since her organ- 
ization to the amount of 82S0,(l(l(), to run ton j'oars, 
and the other to represent the amount of debt 
inherited by the State from the old Territorial organ- 
ization, to run fifteen j'oars, both loans to be nego- 
tiated at par, and to bear a rate of interest not 
exceeding ten per cent, per annum. The Controller 
and Treasurer succeeded in negotiating both loans; 
SI 60.000 was placed at ten per cent, interest, and 
8500,000 at nine and a half 

The amount of the State lax going into the interest 
and sinking fund was reduced from seventy-five cents 
to fifty cents, thus leaving a much larger proportion 
of the State's revenue available for paying the cur- 
rent ex))enses than ever before. This, in connection 
with the large yield of the Comstock mines, which 
began in 1872, soon placed the State on a firm finan- 
cial footing. In 1874, Mr. Hobart was renominated 
by the Hcpulilicans as their candidate for Controller, 
and notwithstanding the fact that the election resulted 
in the choice of about half the Democratic State 
ticket, he was successful by over 4,000 majority. 
Following his recommendation, the Legislature of 
1875 reduced the State tax from 81.25 to ninety cents, 
and jirovidcd for the use of some of the large surplus 
iu the State Treasury in the extinguishing of the 
38 



State indebtedness. This was partially done in the 
ensuing four years. On the first of .laiunuy, 1870, 
.Mr. Hobart retired from the Controlleixhip with the 
satisfaction of seeing the State practically out of debt, 
and a large surplus in the treasurj'. In conformity 
with the suggestion of his last report as Controller, 
the Legislature made a further reduction of the State 
tax to fifty-five cents, and enlarged the powers of the 
Debt Commissioners so that what remained of the 
State debt was redeemed. At the close of his term he 
settled in the town of Kuroka and assumed editorial 
charge of the Daily Lender, a liepublican paper. In 
1880 he was the Republican nominee for State Sena- 
tor for Eureka County, and was elected. During 
the session of 1881 he did what was in his power to 
reduce the expenses of the State (tovernment in 
accordance with the changed fitiancial condition and 
outlook of the State. 

Bills prepared and introduced by him became laws, 
the result of which will bo to reduce those expenses 
after January 1, 1883, nearly 830,000 annually. 

EUBY HILL WEEKLY MINING NEWS. 

The above is a weekly paper published at Ruby 
Hill, Eureka County, b^' James E. Anderson, who is 
both editor and proprietor. It is a largo-sized paper 
and well filled with all sorts of mining and local 
news, and was first issued on the twentj--sixth of 
Ai)ril, 1880. On the 15th of August, 1881, the 
W'eehlij .\finiiuj Xews distinguished itself by issuing 
an eight-page, fifty-six-eolumn edition, containing a 
short historj- of 155 raining claims in Kureka < 'ounty, 
giving names of many superintendents, foremen, 
etc., saying : — 

To-day's Afhnng New8 is the largest paper ever 
issued in Nevada, and contains more information 
concerning our mines than has ever been published 
in the camp. The list embraces about every mine 
or claim worthj^ of notice, and the reports are in 
every instance correct. 

The proprietor also stales, in the same number, 
that the paper has been liberally patroznied since it 
was first started. 



THE PRF:SS of HUMBOLDT COUNTY. 

W.J. Forbes, joined bj- Charles L. Perkins, started 
the first paper in Humboldt County on the second 
of May, 1863, and its advent in Unionvillo was cele- 
brated by the citizens with a thirty-gun salute from 
an anvil, followed by nine cheers, after which a i)ro- 
cession was formed, and the town, following a single 
cornet, marched to the printing-office, where they 
madethings hilarious. It isdoublful if anotherpaper 
on the Pacific Coast has been received with eipial 
spontaneous cordiality. The name given to this 
early venture was 

THE niAinoLDT keoister. 
Which was an unpretending sheet in size — onl}- 
21x28 inches — but its editorial salute to the public 



302 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



was stamped with a terseness of expi'ession, and 
point of purpose, that became eminently char- 
acteristic of its editor-in-chief in after years. Polit- 
ically it was independent, but favored a vigorous 
prosecution of the war to suppress the Southern 
Rebellion; and in mechanical appearance it was 
the most attractive newspaper published in Nevada 
at that time. 

Mr. Forbes became sole proprietor with the 
eleventh number, and continued as such until Febru- 
ary 2, 1867, when he sold to G. G. Berry, H. C. 
Street and 51. S. Bonnificld, who announced that 
" with a change of editors the Heyisler has met with 
a change of heart." Judge George G. Berry is 
now ])ractising law at Wiiinemueca, and C L. Per- 
kins, who was elected State Printer in 1870, is now 
Clerk of Sonoma County, California. The firm, of 
which Bonnificld was a silent |>artncr, continued to 
publish the Rryisti^r at Uniinivillu until January, 1809, 
when K. i). Kelly and .M. S. Bonnificld, present 
District Judge of Huniboidl County, became jiropric- 
tors. 

The completion of the Central Pacific Railroad 
left Unionvillc an inland town, doomed to a ])recari- 
0U8 existence, and this caused a suspension of the 
Register on the twenty-ninth of May, 1869. The 
material was taken to the new town of Elko, on the 
railroad, where the /nde/iendoit was started with it 
in May, by E. D. Kelly & Co. 

On the thirtieth of October, 1869, Mr. Kelly hav- 
ing dis])Osed of the Fndejnmlenl at Elko, in connec- 
tion with M. S. Bonnificld, revived the name of the 
old JIunihoUlt Ii'e(/is/er, in a weekly paper that they 
started in Winnemucca as a Democratic organ. In 
March, 1870, T. Y. Julian assumed editorial manage- 
ment, but gave jjlace in Julj' of the same year to 
John Hobins, who became owner, and in 1872 the 
Reyinln- passed to the control of 11. A. Waldo and T. 
V. Julian, who now reside in Reno. October 1, 1<S74, 
they commenced a daily ])ublication that was con- 
tinued until November 10, 1875. They coiitiniicd it 
until January, 1876, and sold to C. H. Stoddard, 
under whose management it was suspended in Decem- 
ber, the material ])assing to J. (J. Ragsdalc & Co., 
with which was started the Eureka Rc/iulitiitoi. 

WILLIAM .1. FORHES, i 

The ])ionecr journalist of Humboldt Countj', was a 
native of Ohio, and was a thorough practical printer, 
acquiring bis trade and profession under the teaching 
of Hon. Sam. Mcdary, the distinguished Journalist of 
Columbus. He removed from his native State to Cal- 
ifornia jn 183'.J, and became connected with various 
papers in that State prior to his advent in Nevada, 
among which were the Coloma Argus, Marysville 
Ueralti, and Sierra Democrat, at Downieville. After 
selling the J/umbo/ilt Register ho jjurchased the Vir- 
ginia City Daili/ Union, and changed its name to 
The Trespass, and this ])a]>er suspended under his 
management. From there he went to White Pine, a 
disgusted journalist, and started a saloon, saying 



" That of twenty men, nineteen patronized the 
saloon and one the newspaper, and he was going for 
the crowd." 

His associations with the press in the years gone 
before had taken too strong a hold of him to permit 
of his long continuance in such a business, and again 
we find him at the editorial helm, this time of the 
White Pine News. In 187;!, with a portion of the 
material of the office, he went to Salt I^ake and 
started the New Endowment, an enterprise that 
proved an utter financial failure, his valedictorj^ say- 
ing "We cease the publication because we did not 
bring money enough with us." lie then returned 
' to Nevada and the Measure for Measure became one 
of the journals of that State, published by him at 
Battle Mountain, where be was found dead, lying 
across his bed, on the morning of the thirtieth of 
October, 1875. It was a lonelj' road and silent end 
of a life that had failed to achieve its legitimate 
results; alone by himself, "Semblins" had lain down in 
the darkness and died in poverty-, and of such a 
dreary ending to the course of one in his position, 
he had written ten years before: — 

"Semblins" sajs death cannot be a matter of much 
moment to an editor — no thirty days notice required 
by law^it is the local incident of a moment, a few 
days as advertised on the fourth ])agc, a few calls by 
subscribers not in arrears. A short, quick breath — 
then the subscription paper for burial eoepenses." 

A prophetic conclusion. 

No member of the Nevada press was better or 
more widely known in his time. Some of his witty 
paragraphs under the nam de plame of '-Semblins" 
became standai'd quotations in the United Slates, 
and were repeated until their origin was lost. One 
of them, that has since been credited to various 
sources, was a bitter political thrust at d'ovor- 
nor Nye, who had procured the appropriation of 
•S75,000 to be spent for building a dam and mill 
with which to saw lumber and irrigate land 
for the Pah-Utc Indians, all of which had been 
expended. For this there was only a miserable 
excuse for a dam, with no mill to show for the 
outla3\ all of which could have been acconi|ilislK'd 
by Indian labor, with the proper outlay of Sl,0tl0. 
Korbes sent absurdity floating over the world 
where the English language was read, in the fol- 
lowing brief paragraphs: — 

"Semblins" knows that (iovernor Nye has a dam 
by a mill-site, but he has no mill by a d n sight. 

He made the following cutting thrust at the ex- 
jiressed opinion, that the Southern soldiers, having 
the blood of chivalry running in their veins, were 
consequently braver men than their Northern adver- 
saries: — 

"Semblins " has been watching the record of the " su- 
perior race" which Hragg's army has made from 
Kentucky to tieorgia, and he thinks that some noblo 
blood must run in the veins of those soldiers." 



HISTORY OF JOURNALISM IN NEVADA. 



303 



And again: — 

"Semblins" has no faith in the eftbrt to raise the 
ship A(inil(i hy means of a colier-dam. It rcjnind.s 
him of a cow in Illinois wiiit-li ho saw swallow a 
thistle and cotfor dam head off. 

Forbes' final resting-place on earth is at Coloma, 
El Dorado County, California. His remains were 
brought there, and entombed by the side of those of 
his wife, who had preceded him in death about two 
years. An orphan child, Sheridan, named after 
Forbes' favorite General, whom, in feature, he much 
resembled, now attends school in San Francisco. 

WINNE.MUWA AU(iKNT. ^ 

John and Joscj)h Wasson started a Kepublican 
paper by this name at Winnemucca in 1868. In the 
last of November of that j'ear it suspended, and 
the material was taken to Silver City, Idaho, where 
it was used in starting the Tidal Wave. John Wasson 
is now Surveyor General of Arizona, and his brother 
Joseph is living in California, and was recently a 
lively member of the Legislature, representing Mono 
and In3-o Counties of that State. 

TOE SILVER STATE. [^ 

1/ John C. Fall purchased material for starting a 
newspaper in Unionville after the Heyisler had been 
removed from there, and in March, 1870, H.A. Waldo 
commenced with that material to publish the Silver 
State in that i)laee. John I. Ginn succeeded Waldo 
in August, 1870, who, in turn, was relieved by John 
Booth, .Fanuary 7, 1S71. On the following tirst of 
February If. L. Tilden. who died in California, in 
1880, took charge. He stated in the first issue that 
he had left the count j- in 1S(J4, when everj-body was 
leaving it, and that he came back when they were 
all coming back, and that he jnoposcd to stay while 
Humboldt County was])ros])erou8. In August, 1872, 
the firm name became !\. L. Tilden it Co. Just after 
the election that year, J. J. Hill A Co., who later 
became State printers, assumed control, and, July 
26, 1878, became sole proprietors. In 1874 the firm 
became Peter Myers & J. J. Hill. Those parties 
purchased the material from Jlr. Fall, and removed it 
to Winnemucca, enlarged the paper to thirtj'-two 
columns, and issued the first number in that place 
September Kith of that year. Up to this time the 
Silver State had been a weekly, but October 7, 1874, 
the size was diminished to twenty columns, and the 
publication of a daily was started that is still con- 
tinued. September 8. 1875, Mr. M3-erR withdrew 
from the firm, and H. I). Kell}-, who had been editor, 
took his place as a partner, and continues to be such, 
as well as editor, at the present time. 

The Silver State has been Democratic through all 
its changes of partnerships and form, and is, since 
the suspension of the I'aradise Reporter, the only 
paper published in Humboldt County. 

E. 1). KELLY, ^ 

Editor of the Silver Stale, is a native of Livingston 
County, New York, and was born July 17, 1834. 
With his parents ho moved to Clinton County, in 



about 1840, and, in 1859, he came across the plains 
to California. After reaching the Pacific Coast, until 
the spring of 1862, he followed mining in Shasta 
County, of the (ioldcn State, whence ho came by the 
Honey Lake route to Nevada. After his arrival in 
the Territory, his time was passed in mining until 
1868, during which time he was occasionally called 
upon to assist Mr. Forbes on the Reyister. 

In January, 186!), ho, as before stated, became 
editor and one of the proprietors of that paper, which 
he took to Elko, in company with George (i. Berry 
as silent partner. In May, 1869, he disposed of his 
interest in the fmlependent at Elko, and removed to 
Winnemucca, where, in connection with ..M.S. Honni- 
field, ho started the second Humboldt Register. In 
1870 ho disposed of his interest in the Ri;yi8ter to 
John Ivobins, and, in 1872, he assumed his present 
position with the Silver State. His reputation as an 
editor and publisher classes him as a just, sincere 
writer, whose ability entitles him to a larger field for 
operations than the one at present occupied by him. 

IIi;.VBOLDT NATIONAL. 

This was a short-lived concern, that expired with 
its tenth issue. It was started as a twenty-eight 
column weekly, at Winnemucca, August 14, ISiill, by 
J. A. Booth, and passed into the hands of Kobert Mc- 
Beth, to die. 

PAUADLSE REPORTER. 

.Mr. 11. Warren, a young man of ability and energy, 
hailing from Bakersfield, California, where he had 
been correspondent I'or the San Francisco Chronicle 
and Gall, as well as the Stockton Herald, started an 
independent weekly, with Democratic tendencies, at 
Paradise City, in Humboldt County, May 10, 1879. 
In size it was the same as the Daily Silver State, and 
suspended after the election of 1880. 



THE PRESS OP LANDER COUNTY. 

In the organization of the Territory of Nevada 
Lander County comprised the entire northeastern 
quarter, then being an almost unknown wilderness. 
A military post in Ruby Valley, and a few Pony Ex- 
press and Overland Stage Stations, comprised the set- 
tlements, and the daily passage of the Pony Express 
and the stage was all that gave life to the region 
and attached it to civilization. In May, 1862, the 
announcement was made that a rider of the Pony 
Jlxpress had discovereil silver ore in a range of 
mountains near Reese River. The jiublic mind was 
already excited by the recent discoveries and great 
fortunes made in the mines of Washoe, as 'he Corn- 
stock region was then called, and the now discoveries 
by Reese River fed the excitement, and a rush began. 
The indefinitonoss of the locality, the distant 
unknown region, by an unknown " river," gave a 
charm to adventure, and (juickly "cities" sprung 
into existence. Of these Austin took the load, the 
site surveyed and buildings oroctodin January, 1863. 



304 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



Among the first in this movement of pioneers was 
the printer, Mr. W. C Phillips, with an enterprise as 
bold as it was commendable, and successful in its 
results, transported to the region the press and mate- 
rial for a newspaper, and on the sixteenth day of 
May, 1863, issued the first number of the 

REESE RIVER REVEILLE. 

The term -'Reese River" was fiimiliar to all, the 
mining excitement then prevailing bearing the appel- 
lation, the mining district was so named, and all 
eastern Nevada was called " Reese River," so the 
name with the alliterative. Re eilk, was naturally 
suggested. Mr. Phillips was an able writer, as well 
as a practical printer, and was his own editor. 
Among the pioneers of Austin was a very skillful 
printer, Mr. O. Jj. C. Fairchild, who became the assist- 
ant of Mr. Phillips, and these gentlemen put up 
the press, arranged the office and pulled the first 
paper in the wilderness of eastern Nevada. Th^ 
Reveille was issued as a weeklj' with six columns to 
the page, and at prices commensurate with the 
expenses and the opportunity — fifty cents a number 
or twenty-four dollars a year in gold coin, and for 
advertising, all the advertiser would stand. The 
town was " booming," business was good, and the 
paper prospered. It was a novel thing to see a 
newspaper in such a wild, isolated region, and there- 
fore the Rtese Ricer ReceiUe was circulated far and 
wide, and the fame of the new mines spread. After 
the third issue it was decided to keep step with the 
progress of the town, and on June 3d the paper was 
advanced to a semi-weekly. 

Declining health compelled Mr. Phillips to cease 
from active labor and seek a milder clime. To 
enable him to do this ho leased the office on the 
first of October to O. L. C and J. J). Fairchild, 
who engaged Mr. Adair Wilf-on as editor, who, in 
December, was joined bj- ilj-ron Angel as assistant. 
Mr. Wilson continued as editor until February, 18(54, 
when Mr. Angel took charge, and remained its 
editor until January, 1868. Mr. I'hillij)8 returned 
to Austin in May, 1S64, still in feeble health; evi- 
dently declining with the dread consumption. ITnable 
to resume the toil and excitement demanded of one 
in the management of such a paper as the thriving 
city of Austin then required, he sold his establish- 
ment to his lessees, the Messrs. Fairchild, and 
removed to bis former home in Illinois, where he 
died in the following autumn. 

The Reveil/e now takes a new departure. The 
Messrs. Faiirhild had purchased com]>lele material 
for a large daily paper, and on the twenty-fourth of 
May, 1864, J. D. Fairchild pulled the first number of 
the Daily Reese Ricer Reneilk, a morning paper of 
nine columns to the i)age, being of the same size as 
the Sacramento Daily Union. A local editor was 
added, Mr. Locke acting in that capacity for several 
months, when he was succeeded by .Mr. Wilmington, 
who, in April, 1865, was succeeded by Mr. B. J. 



Rums, an experienced and able journalist, who con- 
tinued in the position until 18(>0. With the chang- 
ing times the size of the paper changed. Following 
the bright opening of 1804 came a great depression 
in mining aftairs, the excitement dying away, and 
the extinction of the new city seemed threatened. 
With prudence the proprietors reduced the size of 
the paper, first on August 2, 1864, to six columns to 
the page, and fifteen inches in length; and on Sep- 
tember 6th following, to five columns. In June, the 
next year, the columns were lengthened two inches, 
at which size the paper I'cmains. 

Much ridicule usually attaches to a small sheet, 
contemptuously characterized as a "seven-by-nine 
concern," but it has been remarked "that the 
Reene River Reveille, in its prime, removed the stigma 
and prejudice against small papers." The paper 
was distinguished for its ability, for the persistence 
with which it advocated the interests of eastern 
Nevada, and for its searching detail of its resources. 
The circulation vvas wide, and it was copied exten- 
sively. Such persistence and appeals bore fruit in 
attracting foreign capital to the development of the 
mines, and people to prospect and occupy the then 
"unexplored regions." Political (juestions then 
attracted great attention, and excited intense feel- 
ing. The great war of the Rebellion was at its 
height, the telegraph brought the news of all that 
transpired, and the full dispatches of the Associated 
Press were published. The Reveille was ardently 
Republican, and commented without fear or hesita- 
tion upon all questions. Supporting all the measures 
of the Republican parly, it made itself a political 
power; and as a newspaper, a local advocate and 
conserver of social order, it attained a high standing 
at home and a powerful influence abroad. 

In October, 1868, J. J). Fairchild sold his interest 
in the Reveille to (). L. C. Fairchild, who August 14, 
1871, sold to Andrew Casamaj-ou and John U. 
Dennis, who being Democrats, continued the paper 
as independent in politics. September 9, 1873, Mr. 
Dennis sold his interest to Mr. John Booth, Mr. Casa- 
maj-ou assuming the post of editor. December 21, 
1875, the paper ajipcars under the firm name of John 
Booth it Co., with Mr. Fred. II. liart as editor, and 
A. Maute as business manager. Following the death 
(ff Mr. Casamaj-ou, who died at Austin on the ninth 
of that month, Mr. Hart for a short ])eriod was ])art 
owner, but since November 26, 1S7S, Mr. Hooth has 
been sole proprietor and editor. With the com- 
mencement of the thirty-sixth volume in May, 1881, 
the editor says: "The pa])cr is second in age, and its 
j)roprietor the oldest continuous j)ublisher in the 
State." Mr. Booth probably means living papers, 
the Territorial Entrr/rrine being the only one of 
greater age now published; but the Daily Silver Aye 
was published at Carson in 1860, the Esmeralda 
Sffir at Aurora in 1862, the Daily Union at Virginia, 
November 4, 1862, and the UumluMt Register at 
Unionville, May 2, 1863. Mr. A. Skillman, of the 



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HISTORY OF JOURNALISM IN NEVADA. 



305 



Eureka .Ve/ir/ ««>(', maUes tlie same claim of being the 
oldest foiUiiiuous jmblisher. 

J. D. FAIKCIULD. 

Joseph IH'imy Faivchild, of the Reese River Reveille, 
was born at Ovid, Seneca County, New York, in 
April, 1838. Growing up there to bo quite a lad, he 
learned to set type. Arrivini; in ('alifornia in 1S54, 
he not long afterward engaged himself to corajjlctc 
the printing trade with W. J. ForJjes, who was at 
that time j)ublishing a paper at (Jeorgetown, El 
Dorado County. lie remained with Forbes, going 
with him from El Dorado to Sierra Count}', for several 
years, until he concluded to engage in a newspaper 
venture of his own. With his brother, O. L. C. 
P'airchild, he begun the publication of the J^lacer- 
ville Semi- Weelity Olmercer, the first number of which 
came out on the ninth of February, 1850. lie con- 
tinued in that paj)er until it suspended in 18G0. 
Then returning to his old emploj-er, Forbes, at 
Downieville, he there remained until the Eeese 
River excitement begun in lS(j;!. when he went to 
Austin. Engaging as a journeyman in the Receille 
otKce at Austin, when that ))aper first started, he 
and his brother soon after became its lessees, and 
finally ])roprietors by purchase, which continued until 
the time of his death, which occurred at Sacra- 
mento, California, in the summer of 1869, from 
congestion of the brain, resulting from a fall from 
a horse, llis remains were conveyed to George- 
town, El Dorado County, where they wore buried. 

.MYRON a'nuel 
Was editor of the Reese River Reveille during the 
most exciting and prosperous period of its historj-, 
and after severing his connection with it was for a 
numberofj-ears, first, editor, then San Francisco cor- 
respondent and agent of the Whi/e Pine News and 
Other Nevada papers. This gentleman is a native 
of the State of New York, born in Onconta, Otsego 
County, December 1, 1K27, a descendant of the first 
I'uritan pilgrims who landed on I'lymouth Rock. 
Ilia father, William Angel, desiring to advance the 
prosperity of Oneonta, established a newspaper in 
the village, and in this office the subject of this 
sketch often assisted in the mechanical and editorial 
departments, although then verj' young. In 1835 
his mother died, and in 1842 his father, leaving him 
an orphan in his fifteenth year. The boy, inheriting 
a fair ])ro|)ert}', was enabled to ac(iuire a fine educa- 
tion; from district school to Hart wick Seminary, 
thence, in 184t!, to the Military Academy at West 
Point, from which institution he resigned to join 
the excited throng bound for the gold mines in 
the newly ac(|uired regions of California. At the 
date of the discovery of gold his elder brother, 
Eugene Angel, was practicing law in I'coria, Illi- 
nois, having recently been admitted to the bar, 
and was anxious to join the I'coria Pioneers in the 
journey overland. Urging the cadet to join him in 
Peoria, Mr. Angel, in January, 1849, started on his 



journey, crossing Pennsylvania to Pittsburgh by 
stage, that being the only conveyance at the time, 
the New York and Erie Railroad only reaching to 
Port Jervis, on the Delaware River, and from Pitts- 
burgh to St. Louis by steamboat, thence a short dis- 
tance up the Illinois River bj- boat, and a toilsome 
journey in mud-wagons to Peoria. In April the Pio- 
neers left that city, destined for St. Jo., on the ilis- 
souri, on the " uttcrlj' utter " verge of civilization. 
The treachery of the Captain of the steamboat on 
which was that part of the company in which was 
Angel's party changed the fate of the J'oung emi- 
grants by landing at Weston and refusing to proceed 
to St. Joseph, this deciding the party to take the 
Arkansas and Gila route, instead of the direct route 
to the gold mines via the South Pass. On the 
steamer was Captain William Kirker, an old mount- 
aineer, who had been guide to Colonel Doniphan 
in his march through New Mexico a few years pre- 
viously. He told of gold mines in the Rockj- Mount- 
ains, far richer than those of California, and a large 
sum was paid him by a collection of Illinois and 
Missouri people who then made u]> a com])anj-. Late 
in May the journey was undertaken, and in July 
prospecting parties entered the Rocky Mountains, on 
the Rio Sangrc de Christoand other localities, which 
have since become famous for their mineral wealth, 
but, being entirely ignorant of the occurrence of 
gold or how to obtain it, found nothing. The mines 
of the Pike's Peak region were then condemned and 
the route taken again for California, or somewhere, 
the travelers hardlj- knew where. Captain Kirker, 
the guide, said he knew of mines on the (lila River, 
and ho would take them there. The Captain was 
only plaj'ing his party, as ho had a family at Albu- 
querque and ho only wished to have an escort to 
take him safely there. The long journey was pur- 
sued many hundred miles south along the Rio Grande, 
then westward into Sonora to the head of the Rio 
Santa Cruz, then northerly through Tucson to the 
Pima villages on the Gila River. From this point, 
the two brothers Angel, bocomii>g impatient to roach 
their destination — it being then October — went in 
advance of the train, each taking a small pack of 
clothing and food, and after a journey of severe fa- 
tigue, reached San Diego about the middle of No- 
vember, ragged and famished. The train wliicli had 
been left behind dragged its weary way along, and 
in the spring of 1850 reached the mining region in 
Mariposa County. 

At San Diego was a small hermaphrodite brig about 
to sail for San Francisco, and would take ])assenger8 
at §100 each, the passenger to furnish his own sub- 
sistence. As a groat favor, the owner of the brig 
accepted 8150 as passage money for the two, that 
being the size of their pile alter buying some pro- 
visions for the voyage. About half a ilozen others, 
who had reached San Diego with sufficient means, also 
wont as passengers, leaving near one hundred desti- 
tute emigrants bewailing their hard fato. A few 



306 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



days afterwards the steamer Oregon called in on her 
wa}' from Panama, and took all remaining, free of 
charge. 

On the eighth of December, 1849, the two brothers 
landed in San Francisco in the rain and mud of a 
severe winter, in a condition that can better be 
imagined than described. A few days thereafter an 
incident occurred that helped much to relieve them 
of want when employment was unattainable. They 
had left in the wagon a trunk well filled with valu- 
able books, some clothing, etc. To lighten the load 
this was thrown out at the crossing of the Colorado. 
At that time Lieut. Cave J. Coutts was in command 
of some soldiers stationed there, since called Fort 
Yuma, and seeing the trunk as jetsam, on the sand, 
examined it, and finding the books, papers and cloth- 
ing of a cadet, quicklj- ])ut it on an ambulance and 
hastened after the departed train. Finding that the 
object of his search had gone before, he pushed 
through to San l>iego, but wa.s still too late to over- 
take the owner of the things he had rescued at so 
much trouble. The kind officer then put the trunk 
in charge of a gentleman going to San Francisco, 
with instructions to hunt up the owner and restore 
him his property, with the warm regard ofa brother 
soldier. The trunk thus reached its destination, and 
the valuable books it contained sold for such prices as 
aided to pass the hardships ofa winter which proved 
the last to many young and homesick pioneers. 

The summer of 1850 was spent in mining at Bid- 
well's Bar, on Feather Eiver, with rather ])oor suc- 
cess, and in 1851, the two brothers settled on a ranch 
at a place since called Angel's Slough, near the Sac- 
ramento Kiver, south of Chico. In 185G they pur- 
chased a mining claim at North San Juan, Nevada 
County, and joining with others commenced opening 
it bj- tunnel. In this enterprise about $40,000 was 
expended and lost. The brothers had continued 
inseparable, until in 18()0 the elder, Eugene Angel, 
went to the eastern slope in the Washoe excitement, 
and was killed at the massacre at Pyramid Lake, 
May 12, 18(10. ^13'ron Angel, in the meantime had 
become editor of the J'lacerville Semi-Weekly Observer, 
in which situation he continued until the spring of 
I8G0, when he returned to San Juan to take charge 
of his mining interests there. Upon the breaking 
out of the war he offered his services to the Governor 
of California and received the appointment of Captain 
of Infantry. \]\>ou this being announced, the San 
Juan I'resg of October 5, 1861, said: — 

We are please<l to learn that our friend and fellow- 
townsmen, Mr. .Myron Angel, is raising a company of 
infantry in obedience to the call of the (Jeneral Gov- 
ernment, liaving received official authority from 
Governor Downey so to do. This furnishes an addi- 
tional opportunity to all who are willing to serve 
their country in the hour of her need, to enroll their 
names. 

Mr. Angel received a thorough military education 
asa student at West Point, and knows well the duties 
belonging to an officer, lie is a gentleman, too, in 



whom recruits can repo.se implicit confidence. Their 
necessities under his care will be promptly attended 
to, and their rights strictly guarded. 

No fund had been supplied for maintaining and 
forwarding recruits, and this Mr. Angel did until his 
own funds were exhausted. Then came the pressing 
demand for his time to attend to the business of a 
failing mining enterprise, in which his all was 
invested, and although appealed to by Colonel Judah, 
a West Point friend, who then had command of the 
Fourth California Volunteers, he was compelled to 
withdraw from the service, hoping for another 
opportunity when his business would be better 
arranged. That time, however, did not offer. After 
writing for various papers, in 1803 he became editor 
of the lieese River lieoeiUe, which is told in the sketch 
of that pa])cr. While in that position he wrote 
several reports on the mines of eastern Nevada, 
assisting Mr. J. Eoss Browne in his "Eeport on the 
Mineral Resources west of the Eocky Mountains." 
A little book he wrote about this time on his 
favorite theme of the resources of eastern Nevada 
had the distinction of being published in French, in 
Paris, and in German, in Leipsic, the translator into 
French being Emil de Girardin, who paid the author 
the compliment of saying it was the best English 
ho had ever translated. Mr. Angel was editor-in- 
chief of the yi'ei'e/7fc until 18(!S. when he left and became 
editor of the Oakland Daily Xews, in California; 
then of the State Capital Reporter, of Sacramento; 
then of the White Pine Aeict, of which paper he con- 
tinued as San Francisco correspondent and agent 
until 1875, when he again became editor of the 
Oakland A^eivs. While acting as newspaper corre- 
spondent in San Francisco he also wrote for other 
publications, the principal being a " Pacific Coast 
Business Directory and Gazetteer," of which two 
editions were published, one in 1871, and the other 
in 1876; also the historical and miscellaneous matter 
for the San Francisco annual Director}-. The 
Pacific (.-'oast Directory comprised all the region west 
of Dakota and Wj-oming, and contained the most 
comi)lete account of the history, geography, and 
resources yet published. While performing those 
labors he was engaged in a mammoth mining enter- 
prise, in company with Mr. M. D. Fairchild and lion. 
John l)aggott, in making a canal, and opening a 
large hydraulic mine in El Dorado County. After 
an expenditure of over 8100,000 the enterprise came 
to a halt for want of funds. Mr. Angel, when asked 
his employment said, "I mine for a fortune, but 1 
write for a living." In 1870 he formed a ha]>i)y mat- 
rimonial alliance with (charlotte I'addock Livingston, 
an acconijilished lady whose acquaintance extended 
from the days of their youth. 

.MEASURE FOR MEAS17RE. 

This is rather a quaint title for a newspaper, but 
it was the one adopted bj* a quaint person, Mr. 
W. J. Forbes, a gentleman distinguished among 



HISTORY OF JOURNALISM IN NEVADA. 



307 



the journalists of tho Pacific Coast for his genial 
humor, ability as an editor and skill in his craft. 
He sought originality in all things, desiring par- 
ticularly to avoid the "standard" names for his 
papers. Among the papers he founded were the 
Trespass, of Virginia, and tho New Endowment, of Salt 
Lake. The name of tho first suggested itself by 
his trespassing upon a field already occu])ied — 
there being other papers in Virginia City where 
ho had established his new enterprise ; and New 
Endowment was adopted as a challenge to combat 
to the Saints of Salt Lake. Wo will give measure 
for measure, he said when starting bis last enter- 
prise. "As ye measure unto us, so will we measure 
nnto you," he was wont to quote as the reason 
for his adopting the name, and moreover Shake- 
speare had used it, and of course it was good. 
The Measure for Measure was first issued at Battle 
Mountain on tho twenty-sixth of December, 1873, 
W. J. Forbes, editor and proprietor, on material 
formerly used in succession in the ReceiUe office 
at Austin, Reporter at Belmont, White Pine News 
and Schell Creek Prospect, and was continued until 
Octohor, 1875, when ])aper and editor ceased to be. 
The field was limited and little or no profit had 
attended the publication of Measure for Measure, but 
it had gratified the ambition and the restless spirit 
of its publisher. 

THE n.\TTLE .MOUNTAIN MESSENGER 

AVas started by Mark \V. AIu8grove,on tho nineteenth 
of Ma}', 1877, but transferred by him in August fol- 
lowing to E. A. Scott. On the sixth of July, 1878, 
the office was destroyed by fire, but new material 
was immediatelj- purchased and publication resumed 
on the thirty-first of August. On the fifteenth of 
December of the same j'ear, Scott leased the paper 
to Messrs. Bobbins k, Sterling for a p'oriod of six 
months. This firm failed, after a trial of three 
months, and Scott resumed control, which ho con- 
tinued until February 13, 1879, when Mr. S. II. Ful- 
ton took charge. On the first of December, 1879, 
the ])roprietor again leased the office, this time to 
Messrs. Sproule k Davis, who still continue its publi- 
cation, with Mr. C. H. Sproule as tho editor. The 
Messenijer is Republican in politics; is published 
weekly, giving the news of the surrounding mining 
localities, and otherwise devoted to local interests. 

THE BATTLE MOUNTAIN FREE PRESS 

Was established in August, 1881, as a semi-weekly, 
but has not yet given its history to the world. 



THE PRESS OF LINCOLN COUNTY. 

Tho newspapers of Lincoln County have all been 
started at Piocho. There have been four of them, 
three of which exist in tho Piocho Record, and the 
fourth, known as the Piocho Journal, was closed out 
by a fire. 



ELY RECORD. 

This was the pioneer paper of Piocho, and tho 
first number bears date Sej)tember 17, 1870. W. II. 
Pitchford & Co. were the jiroprietors, who published 
this twenty-four-column weekly in a canvass tent. 
With the fourth number, Pat Holland became 
captain of the craft, and on the fifteenth of October, 
he took in R. W. Simpson as mate. Thoy changed the 
daj^ of publication from Saturday to Sunday, and 
November IHth, of that year, reduced it to a twenty- 
column sheet, and increased its issue to a semi- 
weekly, one of its publication days still continuing 
to be on Sunday. For nearly two years there 
occurred no further change, when on April 1 lib, tho 
firm became Holland k Co., Frank Kenyon assuming 
tho editorial chair, and on the fourteenth of that 
month four columns were added to the paper, it 
being increased to tri-weekly, Sunday still continu- 
ing one of its publishing days. August Kith, of that 
year, Holland became sole pri)priotor, and no further 
change occurred until he still further increased tho 
publication, making a daily of it, to which he gave 
the name of 

PIOCIIE DAILY RECORD. 

September 17, 1872, is the date of the first number 
of this first daily at Pioche, the size and pro])rietor- 
ship remained the same as in tho tri-weekl3^ and it 
advocated tho Democratic candidate tor President 
in 1872, A. D. Jones filling the editorial chair during 
the campaign. 

In tho meantime Frank Kenyon had joined W. B. 
Taylor, of the Elko Independent, and they, with the 
material of the old Elko Chronicle office, together 
had started, in September, a daily Pepublican paper, 
that was called the 

PIOCIIE REVIEW. 

The Reriew only lasted during the cam])aigii, and 
was merged in Holland's i)a|>cr November 12tli,at 
which time W. H. Taylor became one of tho ownei"8 
of the Record. Mr. Taj-lor did not remain long, his 
interest being purchased by tieorge G. Berry, ex- 
Judge of Humboldt County, and tho ])ublication was 
continued under the firm name of Holland & Co. In 
January, 1873, John Booth jiurchased an interest, 
and on tho eighth of tho ensuing April one column 
was added to each page. In tho fore part of Juno 
H. N. Maguire retired from tho editorial chair, and 
J. D. Jones assumed that resi)onsibility, which was 
followed on July 4th, of that year, by the retirement 
of Booth, and the resumption of the old firm name 
of Holland iV Co. In Sei)tcmbcr, 1871, Holland again 
became solo proprietor, and continued to be such 
until December, 1875, when ho failed. 

The Record Publishing Ci>m])anv was formed, 
and have continuetl that paper until the present 
time, 1881. September 17, 1876, the size was 
diminished and the dail}' issue abandoned, that of a 
tri-weekly taking its place, which in turn gave way, 
January 1, 1877, to a weekly that is still continued. 



308 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



In politics the Record has always been independent, 
except in 1S72, when it supported the Democratic 
ticket. 

The several editors, until 1881, of the Record, 
have been R. W. Simpson. Frank Kenyon, A. D. 
Jones, II. N. .Maguire, John Croyland, J. F. O. lloloran, 
George Gorman, and II. W. Turner, who fills that 
position at present. 

PIOCHE JOURNAL. 

The P'wche Journal was tri-weekly, started Decem- 
ber 15, 1874, by O. K. Wescott and Prank AVyatt. 
In March, 1875, A. D. Jones and J. \V. Murraj-, pui-- 
chased the establishment, and in November of that 
year, Murray became sole proprietor. The fire of 
May 3, 1876, destroyed the office and material, and 
publication of that paper was not again resumed. 



THE PRESS OF LYON COUNTY. 

THE COMO SENTINEL. 

The first newspaper in Lyon County was started in 
the Como Mining District, in the mountains east of 
Dayton. The first issue bears date April 10, 1864, 
and the proprietors, II. L. Weston and T. \V. Abra- 
ham, announce in it their intention to support the 
Administration; to decapitate the leaders of all 
wicked cliques and ungodly jjolitical alliances; to 
publish a weekly twenty-four-column sheet; to help 
hold up the hands of the mining Aarons of Como; 
and to charge six dollars per year for their paper. 
July 9th of the same year, Mr. Weston, wishing to 
return to California, sold to his ])artner, who after 
the thirteenth number was issued, removed the paper 
to Dayton, where its nflme was changed to the 

LYON COUNTY SENTINEL. 

Lender this name its publication was continued 
without change until the close of the first yearly 
volume in 1865, when Mr. Abraham was joined in 
the enterprise by B. F. Cooper and C. S. Paine. This 
firm continued to wield the SentineVs destinies until 
the fire of 1866 at Dayton burned their office. 

But three short four-column numbers were ])riritod 
after the fire, issued to complete the requisite time 
for advertising some legal notices that had been 
running. 

LYON COUNTY TI.MES. 

Eight years after the Sentinel suspended, this 
paper, a Iwenty-four-column triweekly, was started 
by Frank Kenyon, at Silver City, on the fourth of 
July, 1874, the first issue having fifteen columns 
filled with advertisements, the subscription rates 
being ten dollars j)er j^ear. On the thirty first of 
January, 1875, a fourteen-column supplement was 
commenced in connection with the Sunday edition, 
and continued until the close of the first year, July 
4, 1875, when it was dropped, and the paper was 
enlarged to twenty-eight columns. In the mean- 
time the publication had changed, in March, from a 



tri-weekly to a daily, and Henry J. Norton become, 
April 6th, as.sociate editor, a position that he retained 
until the ensuing fourth of January. 

On the fourth of March, 1875, it was transformed 
into a twenty-four-column daily, four columns being 
added every Thursday to accommodate mining 
advertisements and news. June 7th, of the same 
year, the daily issue ceased, and the Times again 
became a tri-weekly, of which Mr. Kenj-on continued 
proprietor until July (!, 1878, when T. E. Picott 
became its editor and publisher. 

FRANK A. KENYON 

Died on board a steamer en route to Guatamala, 
while on a voyage for bis health, in the early part 
of 1879. He was known as " the man of manj- news- 
papers," having, besides founding the Times, started 
the Bodie Standard, the Esmeralda Herald, and 
Pioche Review, in addition to which he had estab- 
lished papers in Oregon, California, Montana, and 
Utah. He ser\-ed his apprenticeship in the office of 
the Uerald, in Jacksonville, Oregon. 

Mr. Picott continued with the Times until in 
December, 1879, when, becoming interested in a 
process for working rebellious ores, he sold to 
John M. Campbell, and severed his connection with 
the paper. November 10, 1880, Mr. Picott again 
assumed charge of the Times, and the publication 
was reduced to a weekly on the thirteenth of the 
same month, the price being reduced to five dol- 
lars per year. On the thirteenth of December, 
1880, the establishment was removed from Silver 
City to Dayton, where the Times is now published. 

T. E. PICOTT 

Is a native of Montreal, Canada, is thirt3--two 
years of age and single. His appi-enticeship at 
printing was served in Burlington, Vermont, and 
New York City. In August, 1864, at the age of 
fifteen, he enlisted, without asking for or receiving 
bountj', in Comi)any K, 102d New York Volunteers. 

In 1867 he became proof-reader on the Chicago 
Daily Republican, the following year he went to 
Austin, Texas, in charge of |)rinters to execute the 
Stale printing, and after returning became, in 1871, 
assistant foreman of the N(»w Orleans Republican. 
In 1873 he started the Colorado Real Estate ami Min- 
ing Reciew, at Denver, Colorado, and the same year 
crossed the mountains and became assistant fore- 
man on the Territorial Enterprise, from whore ho 
went, in 1S74, to the Inlependent of that citj-, and 
became its local editor. 

On the fourth of July, 1875, he issued the first 
number of the Sutro Iwlepemlent, in partnership with 
Adolpb Sutro, the latter furnishing the money. A 
j'ear and a half later he became evening reporter 
on the Virginia Chronicle, and then business man- 
ager of the same, from where ho entered upon 
his present duties as editor and publisher of the, 
Lyon County Times. 




RESIDENCE «► J.L.Campbell, 

DAYTON. LVON C» N EV. 



i'7M mff'T'^oH a /Tfy. s 



HISTORY OF JOURNALISM IN NEVADA. 



:j()9 



DAILY MININO llEPORTEIl. 

IJut littlo is romembored conccrnini; this paper 
except that it was short lived; it was started March 
10, 187G, bj' the Reporter Publishing Company, K. G. 
Norton being editor; was reduced to a tri-weeklj- 
publication in the fore part of May. and was a native ' 
of Silver City. 

SUTKO INDEPENDENT. 

This pajier was founded at Sutro.[in Ti3'on County, 
in July, 1875. It was a weekly, published on 
Saturday. Adolph Sutro furnished the money and 
T. S. Picott the brains to run it. Xovenibor 1. lS7t), 
P'rank li. Mercer, formerly of the Oakland, California, 
Daily Eoening Tribune, succeeded Picott as its pub- 
lisher, and the last of Februar}-, 1870, it sus]>OMdeil 
This suspension resulted from the cessation of all work 
on the tunnel, caused by the unsettled condition of 
affairs pending the negotiations that ended in a com- 
promise between the tunnel company and mine 
owners on the Comstoek. 

Again on the twenty-first of April, 1870, its publi- 
cation was resumed bj- Messrs. (Josgrovc and James 
McAfee. These gentlemen continued it as a weekly 
until ^lay 2(!th of that year, when they commenced 
issuing a semi-weekly. August 11th ensuing, Mr. 
Cosgrove withdrew from the firm, and the weekly 
publication was again resumed. Augu.st 2r)th, of the 
same year, Frank B. Mercer, again associated him- 
self with the paper as one of the publishers, and 
November 17lh following, Mr. McAfee withdrew 
leaving Mercer alone in command. 

November 20, 1S8(I. the jiublication of the hukpend- 
enl again ceased, because of the diminished patron- 
age, caused by the gradual depopulation of the town 
of Sutro. 



THE PRESS OF NYE COUNTY. 

The firet paper published in Nye County was called 
the 

NYE COUNTY NEWS. 

It was started by Joseph E. Eckloy and Henry De 
Groot, Juno 2.5, 18(>4. It was a weekly issue, pub- 
lished at lone. Republican in politics, size twenty 
columns, printed on paper lSx21 inches, price eight 
dollars per year. The ])ublisliers in their first num- 
ber editorially express doubts as to the propriety of ', 
starting a paper at that time and place, and the ' 
result ))r()vcd the doubt to contain more wisdom than 
the motive that gave them an ojiportunity to express 
the doubt, for they were forced to suspend that fall, i 

In the latter part of June, 18(55, the News was i 
revived bj' William Worker and .loseph E. Kcklcy. 
the price was reduced to six dollars, and these were ; 
the only changes from the original. 

The following note from the Carson Appeal, of 
May 21, 18i;7, tells the story of its demise: — 

State Printer Eckley has disposed of his printing | 
material used in the publication of the A'ye County 
39 



News. Hy this wo suppose that the paper is not to 
be resumed. 

THE ADVERTISER 

Was a Democratic sheet, GxlO inches in size, printed 
on one side only, and was issued at lone bj- John 
Booth, during the campaign of 1864. It expired 
with the seventh number. 

THE SILVER BEND KEI'OKTER. 

The j-ear 18G(] witnessed the creation of Phila- 
delphia Mining District, in the central portion of 
Nye County, and the flattering developments made 
then in a short ])eriod of time caused a largo pop- 
ulation to turn toward -'Silver Bond," as the local- 
ity was generally known, as the Mecca of their 
hopes of wealth easily secured. The "rush" thither- 
ward was at its maximum in the s])riiig and early 
summer of 1807, and the towns of Belmont and 
East Belmont sprang up as only such frontier min- 
ing hamlets can rise amid the rockj- canons and 
sage-covered hillocks and plains of a region to which 
people are attracted solely by the glittering allure- 
ments of silver and gold. 

Anticipating tho influx of population, and the 
consequent importance of this point, in February, 
18()7, M. D. Fairchild, an attache of the /.V-w lUver 
Reveille, moved a ([uantity of surplus material and a 
press from that oflico to Belmont. It was cold 
weather, not adapted to fast freighting, nor were 
the primitive houses in tho new town easj- to be 
secured, or. when secured, tho most comfortable 
structures in the world against the rigors of a winter 
climate at an altitude of 7.0(10 feet above the sea. 
These causes somewhat delayed tho ajjpearance of 
the new paper, but on the thirtieth of March, 18(j7, 
the Weekly Silrer Betul Reporter came into existence, 
published by O Ij. C. Fairchild & Co. M. I). Fair- 
child was editor and manager, as well as mechanical 
operator, assisted only by a boy. The salutatory, 
which we give below, is a model of newspa])er pro- 
priety, and its precepts every Journal in the land 
would do well to follow: — 

Citizens of Belmont, of Silver Bend and of East- 
ern Nevada, we to-day introduce ourselves b)- pre- 
senting to your consideration the first number of the 
Weekly Silrer Bend Reporltr, and with it our compli- 
ments and best wishes, and in turn ask j-our friend- 
shi]) and j'our patronage. American ])ioneei's, intel- 
ligent and enterprising, carr^- with them the |ires8 
and type, and wlierever they i)itch their tent, be it 
in the wilderness of the interior, among the snow- 
covered peaks of the Sierra or on the sunny. sea 
beach of the Pacific, there too must the newspaper 
apjiear, with its ]iolitical discussions; its disipiisitions 
upon men, morals, law and religion; its advocacj' of 
the resources of its section; its details of local and 
foreign news ; its talcs, stories and jokes, and last 
though not least in im]>i)rtance and interest, its ad- 
vertisements. It is the newspaper that links the 
])ioneer with his iormer home — the subtle, invisible 
wire over which courses the constant stream of in- 
telligence, civilizing influences and sweet memories, 
drawing tho wanderer back into the world, and as- 



310 



fflSTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



Bimilating ideas. Here, in this bright offshoot of 
civilization, surrounded by a vast ocean of wilder- 
ness, shall be a newspaper. In young, vigorous and 
beautiful Belmont, we have set up our altars, and 
amidst the crags and mountain peaks veined with 
untold treasures, and assisted bj' the brave pioneers, 
our companions, will tell the storj- of Silver Bend. 
Eich bej'ond all comparison, bej'ond the El Dorados 
of ancient or modern times we know our section to 
be, and to make this known to the world, point 
out the ap})roaehes, to present everj- resource, and 
to tell how we live, shall be the aim and object — 
the specialty of the Reporter. We have no jealousies 
of localities, no favored place to advocate to the 
injury of another, but while particularly represent- 
ing Belmont, shall, in the broadest sense, advocate 
the every interest of all, of Silver Bend, of Nye 
County, of eastern Nevada and of the State at 
large. We are in the midst of a mining region, the 
wealth of which the world cannot yet comprehend. 
In extent it is greater than man}' States of the East, 
or than many of the kingdoms of Kuro])e. A future 
of unequalcd prosperity a prodigal Nature assures 
us, and in this bright hope and confidence we are 
inspired to reach beyond the narrow circle of our 
vision and include in our grasp all the " Great East " 
and hold it up to the light of the world. All inter- 
ests — mining, milling, agricultural, manufacturing 
and mercantile — shall receive notice, and whatever 
instruction in anj- of the various pursuits we may 
be able to impart from our knowledge, or that 
we learn from others, will be given, and the best 
interests of all advocated and protected. Believing 
in the power and efficacy of the press, its influence 
at home and abroad, and that the paper is taken 
as the representative of the people where published, 
we shall endeavor that the Importer shall have the 
power and be a representative well approved bj' the 
peo])le. 

While giving our chief attention to mining, local 
news, and the advocacy of the material interests of 
our section, we will not shun the discussion of the 
great political questions of the day, nor of laws 
which affect us, nor of the merits of public men, but 
never as jjartisans — alwa3-s uiitrammeled by the sel- 
fish and corrupting ties of parly, but ever independ- 
ent and free as duty and a clear conscience shall 
dictate. We do not wish that our declaration of 
political independence shall be understood as pre- 
meditating the juggler-feat of carrying water upon 
both shoulders, or riding two horses going in oppo- 
site directions; for wo shall carry water for no one or 
party on either shoulder, and shall ride our own 
hobby. We shall work for all, and for our country, 
with the selfish pur]>ose of gaining success; but that 
success we are determined to merit. As independent 
in politics we will ho in business, fulfilling every en- 
gagement, and asking !/«(</ /^/o qiM. In doing a dutj- 
in su|)plying a pleasure and advancing the interests 
of the section, we shall e.xpect encouragement and 
support. ]'ublishing a newspaper is an enterprise 
requiring a great expenditure, study and constant 
toil, and its benefits are general, and cannot be 
estimated. The people of vSilver Bend, of Austin, 
central and eastern Nevada, must not bo chary in 
their support of a labor beneficial to all. To our 
contemporaries we extend the hand of fellowship, and 
ask the courtesies of the craft. To our fellow-citi- 
zens, .at homo and abroad, wo will make our bow, 
and are now before you. Wdl you accept our ac- 
quaintance, and be the friend of the Silver Bend 
Reporter t 



The new candidate for public favor was well re- 
ceived, and thrived, and ably assisted in the develop- 
ment of the material resources of the entire south- 
eastern portion of the State, as well as the immediate 
vicinity where published — being the advance jour- 
nalistic outpost of the then little known region lying 
to the south and east. In accordance with the rule 
governing political appointments, Nye County, or 
rather the " Great East," as that entire portion of 
the State was termed hy the press on the western 
border, was entitled to name the next candidate for 
Congress, the other officers to be chosen from the 
west. Tom Fitch, foreseeing this, had early moved 
to Belmont, where ho had spread his political net. 
As the time for conventions to be called approached, 
the necessity of securing an " organ " became appar- 
ent. The editor of the Reporter was an unpurchasable 
Democrat, and so long as he controlled the sheet, 
Mr. Fitch had no hope in that quarter. Conse- 
quently, in the spring of 1878, overtures were made 
by the Fitch interest to induce Joseph E. Eck- 
ley to again enter the journalistic arena of Nye 
Count}-, and jmblish a Republican paper. Promises 
of money were made to Eckley, and he began nego- 
tiating a purchase of the Reporter,h\\i non-fulfillment 
of the promises made prevented a change of owner- 
ship, and Eckley retired from the field. But Fitch 
was persistent in his efforts to have an " organ " to 
advance his political interests, and the Reporter 
having more material that it could use yet lying in 
the boxes as it had left the type foundrj-, besides the 
extra press which had formerly been used in printing 
the A'ye County News at lone, Mr. Fairchild sold Fitch k 
Company a printing outfit, with which to begin the 
publication of a rival weeklj' paper at Belmont, the 
first number of which, under the title of Mountain 
C/utmpion, with the name of W. F. Myers as pub- 
lisher, appeared June 6, 1808. On the eighteenth of 
April previous to this, liowover, political questions 
having been pretty freely discussed, and peo]>le gen- 
erally becoming somewhat warmed up, Mr. Fair- 
child, ignoring his declai'ation of thirteen months 
before in his salutatorj-, that political subjects would 
be discuBsod " always untrammeled by the selfish and 
corrupting ties of ])arty," had brought the Re/iorter 
out as " a Democratic new.-ipajior, devoted to the 
inculcation of Constitutional principles of govern- 
ment," etc., with his own name as proprietor, and 
had been making it uncomfortable for those who 
favored the aspirations of Mr. Fitch. 

On the sixth of June, the same day the Chumjiion 
was issued as a weeklj-, the Reporter, which had until 
then been a weekly paper, came out as a semi- 
weekly, and so continued until July 29, 1868, when 
its publication ceased — the White Pino region, with 
its reports of Hidden Treasure, Kberliardt, and other 
mines, having allured I'airchild to that then wonder- 
ful locality, where he for a time quit newspapers, 
and engaged in the lumber and wood trade during 
the flush times there. 



HISTORY OF JOURNALISM IN NEVADA. 



311 



MAHLON DICKENSON VAIRCHILD. 

Tho subject of this sketch was born in Otsego 
County, J^ew York, September 7, 1827. He moved 
with his father's family, when onlj- live years old, to 
Tompkins County, in the same State, where his 
father began the publication of the Trumansburg 
Advertiser, the labor all being performed bj' members 
of the family — as of seven bo3-s, six learned the 
printer's trade. Naturally enough, the boy grew up 
a thorough newspaper printer, having passed through 
all phases of tho craft, from devil to editor. The 
year 1848, when the first rumors of gold discoveries 
in California reached tho Atlantic States, he was 
editing the Newark UeraUl, Wayne County, New 
York, and becoming impressed with tho great future 
of the Pacific Coast, immediately made preparations 
to emigrate to California. Leaving New York on the 
steamer Crescent City, on the fifth of March, 184!t, 
and arriving at the Isthmus of Panama nine days 
thereafter, he was compelled to remain two months 
before a passage could be secured to San Francisco. 
The whale ship 6'y/p/i. finally atibrdedan opportunity, 
and on the twenty sixth of July, 1849, landed her 
250 passengers, among whom was young Fairchild. 
Abandoning his trade, he engaged in mining, trading, 
etc., with varying success, until 1859, at which time 
he began work in tho oflice of the Placervillo 
Observer, El Dorado County. Early in May, 1859, he 
wont upon a pi'ospecting tour to what was then 
called the Walker Kivor Diggings, near whore Bodio 
now flourishes, and returning to (.ienoa after a few 
weeks, there met Major Ormsby, by whom lie was 
induced to go to the " diggings " at Cold Hill. Silver 
mining was then unknown to the Americans, or in fact 
to any of tho people who wore working at Gold Hill, or 
on tho spot where the great mines of the Comstock are 
situated. IJockers were used in washing the decom- 
posed material that was picked from the softer por- 
tions of the croppings of the great vein, tho water 
being brought to them in small V troughs, leading 
from springs, and passing from one to another 
until too thick to be longer availably used in saving 
gold — a poor quality, worth only from nine to thir- 
teen dollars ])er ounce — the rockers all amalgamating 
with quicksilver, the gold being fine. Packing a 
horse with tho rock which the miners wore throwing 
from their rocker screens, and procuring about a 
gallon of the black sand (silver-bearing sulphurets 
as they afterward proved to be), Fairchild left Gold 
Hill for Placervillo in order to have the rock tested 
for gold, and to induce some one with capital to join 
him in the erection of a quartz-mill. He arrived at 
the latter place on the fourteenth of Juno, with 
probably the first ore that ever reached there from 
the Comstock. But in those times quartz mining, 
owing to unsuccessful operations throughout Cali- 
ioviila. gejierally, was at a discount, and meeting 
^fjith J^o su^pesp^^ipi^that direction, ho dumped his ore 
*MR.",'Jt^^'lift'f)^.'"Rf'" ot;^)f)i\ii Obaeroer ofiico, pulled off 
S'*^'?i^V'i'il/^^ift:)rynAi^..^HWH/it.t»i« «^'*«o- sub- 



sequently, when it became known that tho ore was 
silver, he returned to Nevada with Eugene Angel, 
and the two went into business. During a tem- 
]iorary absence. Angel, his partner, joined the ill- 
fated Ormsby Jiarty, and was killed by the Imlians 
in the unfortunate affair near Pyramid Lake. Dis- 
heartened at the turn of affairs, Fairchild soon after 
left Nevada for California, and thence went to 
Arizona, and worked a copper mine near the mouth 
of Bill Williams Fork, on the Colorado lliver. In 
September, 18G3, he left this place, and upon arriv- 
ing at San Francisco, learned of the great excitement 
in relation to tho discoveries of silver at Reese River, 
and that his two brothers, O. L. C. and J. D. FaiK 
child, wore there and engaged in newspaper busi- 
ness. Two months later fouml him at Austin, and 
one of the Receille corps, of which Myron Angel "^yb 
editor. Since leaving Belmont, with the exceptioff'df, 
perhaps, one year as assistant and local editor of tho 
Wliile Pine News, under W^ J. Porbes, and a few ilWA flits 
upon the Oakland Xewx, in California, he ¥Jto'nM 
been in the newspaper business. His last vetttiti^ 
was in constructing a ditch, and operating litr'CitBti'- 
sive hydraulic mine in El Dorado County, (Jftltte'i'lHW. 

THE MOfNTAIN CHAMPION. ' '• 

. .1 -111 -rjili:" 

The Mountain Champion made its first appeara 



at Belmont, June G, 1868, published by W. F..My,era. 
It was started for 



tho interests of 

II J 1 /' -ji-.jj'i'>iiii 

suspended before it was a j'oar old— its Qhject 



3r the sole purpose ofrac^yancipg 
Thomas Fitch for .Congress, and 

llll // 'jrjjij.lllii) 

old — its. 

attained. Fitch elected to Congress, who ^ubseq,tji3ntly 

rewarded Myers with a Federal appointment. 

'''"li''"J i\i '"' '""' 
-Material and press aftwward moved, to Shermaa- 

town, White Pine County. , 

THE BELMONT COU^IEJ^] , |ij„„ ,|.,„« hJ! 

Was an independent sheet, withii Jle^blicaniltendt 
ancies, published weekly, its i progetlatdDshbaingiA). 
Casamayou and John Bootl^,,. , Its name indicates 
the place of its issuance, a^d|^h^|^^tp.|0f|^f^e fiif^ 
number was February 11, ISji.^ l,p Noven^b|ef;,^ 1|^75[, 
Mr, Casamayou died. and||.t,h(j|^^^^idp\y| bj^^onjm^ |!V 
partner, the firm name wa^ c|jrtn^ec} t<^ J(j)|ljn| B0|(j.t,|^ 
it Co,, and renKiinod such unt|i!.L)«^ceijnb8i;,|18,7|i/.,|j\y,^.ojji 
Andrew Maute became jts^ipole ^,pr(pp,ij(fto|\ ' Samuej 
Donald purchased a half interest in t^i)^^pt5^bljyj||iii)e,^ 
from Mauto November 27, 1880, and these two gen- 
tlemen still continue its proprietors. 

TIHj/IflBOWJNV.^.HJI'l JlllT 
A Republican i)apeirri)ubliish«*di:iwe«kJ-y at/ TyJxP'.i ivias 
started in May, lS"tli,by/J/.<^«i Kagsdale, In about 
four months, Mr. nlliy^wi^leiiVya^MpM^-tt^wlieiiL- 4p «)<nior 
bj- Wm. B, TayloriiOnd/-h«i i«, t«i!ni:gav'ft.plii<i<s\inila 
little over one /yfeiW: to.iiCb.ii»l<*'<hUarro(jt, iwJbuOi-wiiUf 
succeeded by Mm 1^0ve^,iin:ith^/:)(rint]«Mr oilitiSJiBi, 
finally Love's luonllo doOCndiiig «|>on the »I>Oiulduiy 
of D, -M. BraiTinau.,! Thal.^otilltMtVtili v^iijUuuud to 
lend brilliaii«j)i,|t0.itibe )$i()(i:<Wltih itlntwtolinnllyjlit 
November, li^?^, mnoe vtliMi iT}1boAD^it&vc groiicd;iB 
literary dm^O^ss^ni jv/J i; ■-.<;// ji iiu--.ii;'.) Jj; jliil'// 



312 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



THE ORANTSVILLE SUN 

Was a new luminary that commenced in December, 
1878, under the auspices of D. L. Sayer, to help in 
the intellectual illumination of Nye County. It 
proved too small a world, however, for double orbs 
of such magnitude, and after twenty-six evolutions 
the Grantsville Sun passed into permanent eclipse, 
leaving its Tyho rival still shining. 

THE GRANTSVILLE BONANZA. 

On the eleventh of December, 1880. this paper was 
started as a weekly at the place its name indicates. 
The proprietors, Andrew Maute and Samuel Donald, 
declared their intention of maintaining it as an inde- 
pendent organ, politically. It is a neatly printed 
sheet, on paper 18x24 inches, with twenty-four col- 
umns, and we trust it may prove a " bonanza" to its 
proprietors. 

ANDREW MALTE 

Entered upon the line of a printer's profession first, 
in 18G0, in the office of the Nevada City, California. 
Traiiscript. In the spring of 1863 he entered as a 
compositor, the office of the Washoe Times, and in 
the fall of that year took charge as foreman of the 
job department of the Carson Indepeiulent, of which 
paper he became one of the proprietors, in 1864. 
When Charles Perkins was State Printer, Mr. Maute 
took charge of the establishment as foreman, in 
1871-72. From this time until July, 1875, he was 
connected with the Mornhty Ajipeal of Carson, at 
which time he became foreman of the Keese River 
SeveiUe. At the death of Mr. Casamayou, who was 
one of the proprietors of that paper, in November, 
1875, the subject of this sketch was appointed busi- 
ness manager, and later, editor thereof, remaining 
as such until the ensuing December I'Jth, when he 
left that establishment and connected himself as pro- 
prietor of the Belmont Cova-ier. 

SAMUEL DONALD, 

The jiartner of Mr. Maute in both the Bonanza and 
Belmont Courier, was at one time a job printer in the 
Appeal office in Carson City. He later became fore- 
man of the Reese River Reveille office in 1875. In 
February, 1877, he became associated in the Belmont 
Courier, of which he purchased a half interest in 
November, 1880. 



THE PRESS OF ORMSBY COUNTY. 

TERRIT0KL\L E.NTERPRISE, THE FIRST WEEKLY PAPER 
IN NEVADA. 

The first newspaper published in this county was 
the Territorial Enterprise, now continued as a daily at 
Virginia City. Alfred James and \V. L. Jernegan, 
the men who had started at Genoa this pioneer 
journalistic enterprise of .\evada. on the eighteenth 
of December, 1858, removed the office to Carson 
City in November, 1859, to which place the county 
seat was transferred a little over one J'ear later. 
While at Carson it was a twenty-column weekly, 



and was printed on paper 21x28 inches. Jonathan 
Williams and I. B. Wollard, becoming its proprietors, 
removed the establishment to Virginia City in 
November, 18C0. 

SILVER AGE, THE FIRST DAILY PAPER IN NEVADA. 

The departure of the Territorial Enterprise had 
been hastened {\i' not determined) by the indiscre- 
tion of a drunken foreman sent from Quincy, Plumas 
County, California, by John C. Lewis, of the Argus, 
to spy out the land for a favorable locality to estab- 
lish a newspaper. The foreman, on looking over the 
field for operations, decided upon Virginia Citj", and 
wrote to his employer to that eft'ect, who imme- 
diately set out with a complete establishment for 
starting a paper there. Upon his arrival in Carson 
City, however, he found the Enterprise had flanked 
his lieutenant, and taken possession of the promised 
land. _ There was but one of two things left for him 
to do under the circumstances, either to go back to 
California, or locate in Carson C'ity, and he decided 
upon the latter couree. In this manner, within the 
same month of the Enterprise exodus, its place was 
filled in Carson bj- the issuance of a weekly paper 
by ilr. Lewis, which he christened the Silver Age. It 
was published in a carpenter's shop, that faced the 
southeast corner of the plaza. In size it was about 
24x30 inches, in politics Union, and being diminished 
in size was transformed, September 3, 18G1, into the 
Daily Silver Age, number 224 of which was a twenty- 
column paper, 10x22 inches; subscription price, SIC 
per year. 

The dailj' was only about six months old when 
the proprietorship passed to the Age Association, 
consisting of John Church, S. A. Glessner and ;!. L. 
Laird, who, in November, 1S02, moved the estab- 
lishment to Virginia Chy, and started the Virginia 
Daily Union on the fourth ot that month. In 
the fall of 1808 the Union was ))ur(hased Ijy that 
strange genius, W. J. Forbes, who gave it the name 
of Trespass. Eventually the material was taken to 
White Pine County by J. J. Ayres and C. A. V. Put- 
nam, where it was used at Hamilton in publishing the 
Inland Empire. Finallj', Gov. L. R. Bradley becom- 
ing ])roprietor, transferred this wandering estab- 
lishment to Holmes C. Patrick, who removed it to 
Stockton, California, and John Church, in a lucid 
interval, assured us that in this last move the ma- 
terial should have been accompanied by all itsfonner 
proprietors, whom he considered proper subjects for 
the Insane Asylum at that place. 

The Republican, at Stockton, California, was for 
three j'cars printed with this old Silver Age material, 
when that paper sus])ended. The A'arroiv-Gaiu/e, 
edited and published by W. N. Glenn, succeeded 
the Repahlir.iin. The office was then liought by L. 
F. Bockwith, who issued therefrom the Dnilij Courier, 
a seven-day newspaper, until aftei- the election 
of Newton Booth as Governor. In .Vpril, 1874, Mrs. 
Laura De Force Gordon purchased the wreck to 




J^fig^frAn Hitcbi-' 



Hon. Harry R. Mighels 



Was born in Minot, ^faine, November 3, 1830. He had 
one brother, George. When ho was two years old 
his parents left ifinot and took up their residence in 
Portland. His father, Jesse Wedgwood Mighels, 
was a graduate of the iMedioal College at Dart- 
mouth, New Hampshire. His mother and Henry 
W. Longfellow were schoolmates. 

After leaving the public school at Portland, he 
attempted to learn the watchmaker's trade, but mak- 
ing no headway relinquished it at the end of two 
months. After his brief apprenticeship he studied 
navigation. 

In 1847. he went to Cincinnati with his father and 
studied medicine a year, and got some smattering of 
the art of painting in oil. On the first of August, 
1850, he started for California in company with Solon 
G. Burch. They went to New Orleans and then by 
sailing vessel to Greytown (San Juan del Norte), in 
the Mesquito Kingdom. They then ascended the 
San Juan Hiver, crossed Lake Nicaragua to the 
town of (iranada and went on to Leon, the capital of 
the State. Hero they concluded to return to Nic- 
aragua, and kept a tavern during the winter. 

In the spring of 18.")!, they took ship at liealejo, 
the then Pacific port of entry, and went down to 
Panama. The voyage was made in the barque 
Griffin,, owned by "Pet" Ilalstead, since nuirdercd 
in Newark, New Jersey, and commanded by Bob. 
Ualstead. Abe Ilalstead, another brother, was a 
passenger. 

Mighels lay two months at Panama, sick with the 
fever, cared for by W. Ravenhill Harrington. He came 
to San Francisco on the steamer Punumu, working his 
passage as assistant storekeeper. In 1851 he worked 
at ditch digging at Newton, Nevada County. From 
there he went to Downievillo and painted signs. In 
1852 he painted a drop-curtain for the Oownieville 
theatre; painted it in oils. It was celebrated in its 
day — more for its avoirdupois than ibr its merits as 
a work of art. He next went to .Marysvillo and 
worked as a decorative i)ainter ior (Jreen & Banks. 
He decorated the first Marysvillo theatre, built by 
William Wilson and Sej-inour Pixley. 

In 1853 ho wont to Bidwell's Bai', and worked as 
a sign painter, also painted pictures from time to 
time. 

In 185l> he went to Oroville and o|)oiu'(l a paint 
shop there in partnership with Frank Ayers. In the 
fall of that year he became regularly employed as an 



assistant editor of the Butte Record (daily). In 
the spring of 1857 he was for a little while editor of 
the Sacramento Bee. In 1858 ho ran for the Assem- 
bly in Butte ('ounty and was defeated. 

In the fall of 1859 he went to San Francisco, and 
obtained employment on the San Francisco Natiowil, 
George Pen Johnson et al., editors. 

In January, 1800, the Marysviile Daily Appeal was 
started by George W, Bloor & Co., and Mr. Mighels 
was its first editor. 

In April, 1802, he was commissioned b}- President 
Lincoln as Assistant Adjutant General, with the rank 
of Captain, and was assigned to the staff of (reneral S. 
D. Sturgis, whom ho joined at Fort Leavenworth, 
Kansas. Was subsec^uently assigned to the com- 
mand of the Second Division of the Ninth (Burn- 
side's) Corps. Remained in the division during his 
term as an array officer. Was present at the second 
battle of Manasses, South Mountain, Antietam, Fred- 
ericksburg (first battle), siege of Vicksburg, siege of 
Jackson, Mississippi; the battle of the Wilderness, 
1804; Spottsylvania, etc., down to Pittsburg, where 
he was shot through the thighs, Juno 18, 1804; was 
removed to the hospital at Annapolis. He finally 
recovered in Baltimore; was honorably discharged 
from the army on account of physical disabilities 
from wounds received, and came to San Francisco in 
1805. 

Came to Carson, May 18, 1865, and assumed the 
cditorslii]) of the Afoniiwj Appeal. The history of the 
paper has been his own since that time. [See page 
312.] 

He was married to Miss Nellie S. Verrill. by Rev. 
Horatio Stebbins, at the residence of Hon. George C. 
Gorham, in San Francisco, August 20, 1860. 

In the fall of 1870, Mighels ran for the Assembly, 
and being successful was elected Speaker of the 
House. His manner of presiding over that body has 
never been equaled in the State. By reason of his 
quickness and tact, business was transacted with 
nearly double the usual speed, and when the session 
was over, a number of substantial gitls, ])resonted by 
the members and attaches, showed the high a]>pro- 
ciation in which ho was hold. 

In the fall of 1878 ho made his ever memorable 
fight for the office of Lieutenant Governor. Ho was 
everywhere acknowledged as the head of the ticket, 
and the enemy concentrated thefiroof the cami)aign 
upon him. He entered into the fight with his char- 



acteristic fearlessness and vigor, and through a long, 
heated canvass, bore the brunt of the foulest abuse, 
and most despicabio misrepresentation that it was 
ever the lot of a political candidate of unblemished 
record to encounter. A stranger in Nevada, reading 
the Democratic newspapers, would have labored 
under the impression that Harry Mighels, as he was 
familiarly called, was the only candidate on the Re- 
publican ticket. The least e.xpected but most ettoc- 
tive blow of all came from within the party, and he 
went down like Cicsar, stabbed by men from whom 
he had every reason to expect the heartiest a.ssislance. 
His years of gallant service for the party were all 
forgotten, and then the man who was a born politi- 
cal leader, and whose brains and energy had led the 
Republican party of Nevada through many a hard- 
fought battle to victory, was shelved to satisfy the 
petty and contemptible spite of men whose only 
cause for grievance lay in the fact that he declined 
to be their tool. 

In spite of the cheer}' ring of his editorials and 
ever smiling face after defeat, those who knew Harry 
Mighels best but realized how bitter was the cup of 
defeat to his lips, how humiliating the thought that 
malice, calumny, and treason hadcoml)ined to accom- 
plish his downfall. In the following spring, May 27, 
1879, he died in Carson, of cancer of the stomach. 
Up to the last hour he looked death in the face as 
calmly as if he was gazing into the eyes of an old 
friend. 

The last few months of his life were passed amid 
terrible physical sufferings, as the cancer slowlj* pen- 
etrated his vitals. Beyond the reach of medical skill, 
and realizing how near the end was, he laughed and 
chatted as merrily as ever, and seemingl}- with the 



determination that his family should not know a day 
of gloom while he lived. Up to the last he enlivened 
the hours with pleasant jests, and died almost with 
a smile upon his lips. 

All of Migliel's characteristics were strikingly pos- 
itive. He had more warm friends and bitter enemies 
than any man in the State. He was as thoroughly 
endeared to the one as he was relentless and uncom- 
promising to the other. As a writer he hail no supe- 
rior on the Coast. He penned the purest and best 
of English, and leveled all opposition by his masterlj' 
logic. 

His wit and repartee flashed like the diamond. 
His invective was an avalanche. He loved nature 
as a true poet loved it, and spent most of the sum- 
mer months wandering through the mountains 
sketching and painting. As an artist he was a con- 
scientious reproducer of nature as he saw it. painting 
for the love of it, and distributing his efforts among 
his friends. Although he never offered one of his 
pictures for sale, he might have earned a competency 
with his brush. Ho painted with great care and 
labor and gave his works away as fast as the}- were 
finished. 

After his death the press of Nevada and California 
joined in such earnest tribute to his genius, abilities 
and sterling qualities of manhood, as could only have 
been called forth bj' deserving merit. 

The language of one of his biographies is appro- 
priate: "With the heart of a soldier and the soul of 
a poet in his breast, he died upon the field of the 
the hardest won victories and most crushing defeats 
of his life, laj'ing aside a sword, which, shattered 
though it was, he hud taught his enemies to respect." 



HISTORY OF JOURNALISM IN NEVADA. 



313 



print a paper called the Ihiihi Lcmlir. It was a 
Democratic sheet, edited with abilitj-, and, as liowell's 
Newspaper Directory says, was the only daily in the 
world at the time edited and conducted by a woman. 
In 1S75 the establishment was removed to Sacra- 
mento, where the publication was continueil until 
July, 1876. The material was then taken to Oak- 
land and used in the publication ef the Ddihj Demo- 
crat, and thus are its wanderings traced. 

CARSON DAILY INDEPENDENT. 

The first number of this paper was issued on the 
twenty-seventh of July, 1SC3, nine months after the 
Silver Aije had been removed to Virginia City, within 
which time no paper seems to have been published 
at Carson City. It was a twenty-four-column sheet, 
21x27 inches; was unequivocalh' Union in sentiment, 
and the name of \V. \V. J{oss appears as proprietor. 
Its advertising rates were given at three dollars per 
ten lines or less for first insertion, half that for each 
subsequent publication, and there were fifteen col- 
umns of advertisements in the first issue; subscrip- 
tion rates sixteen dollars per year. August Slst, of 
the same )'ear, Israel Crawford became business 
manager; on the fifteenth of September following four 
columns were added to the paper, and on the twen- 
tieth of the ensuing October Mr. Crawford ])urchased 
the establishment. The firm of (r. W. Calwell it Co., 
consisting of Mr. Calwell, Geo. A. Edes, Andrew 
Maute, and Charles J. ililler, an association of prin- 
ters, purchased the paper of Mr. Crawford on the 
twenty-eighth of February, 1864, that gentleman 
retiring, as appeared in the (fold Ilill I^ews, " with 
the good will of his contemporaries," and the new 
firm reduced the Iwlependent to its first dimensions, 
within a week after the purchase, and on the twen- 
ty-ninth of JIarch, only one month after selling, Mr. 
Crawford's name again appeared as editor and pro- 
prietor. 

In July a weekl}- publication succeeded the dailj^ 
then the daily was resumed August llkh, without 
explanation; and the last file bears date October 11, 
1864, Israel Crawford proprietor. 

A part of the material of the office and the jiress 
was sold to start the Gunoa Vulky Farmer in Septem- 
ber, 1865, and the remainder was taken to Elko. 
That portion taken to (fenoa finall}- passed into the 
hands of A. T. llawley, the name of the paper being 
changed to the Doug/as (Jowity Banner. 

DAII.V EVENINd POST. 

The issue of the first number of this paper was in 
Carson City, on the twenty-seventh of August, 1S()4, 
by II. W. Johnson A: Co., proprietors. It was the 
successor of the Mensenyer, a sheet started bj- an 
association of printers and run for a short time at 
Gold Hill, that year. The J'ost contained twenty- 
eight columns printed on paper 2:5x32 inches, and 
the intention of holding aloof from the necessity 
of supporting party !iominatioiis, although une- 
quivocally Union, was its declared policy-. John C. 



Lewis, former proprietor of the Silver Age, was em- 
ployed as editor, but becoming too independent bis 
place was supplied by one more subservient to the 
policy of business. 

The publication continued until the last of Octo- 
ber of that year, up to which time files of that 
paper now exist. After which, probably immedi- 
ately, Mr. Lewis purchased the establishment and 
changed it to a morning edition. The publication was 
continued through the campaign of 1864, and its sus- 
pension is noted by the Gold Hill News of January 
[t, 1865, the same paper stating that for three weeks 
prior to its last issue the Post had been doing the 
State printing. 

On the ninth of December, 1865, Mr. Lewis started 
a weekly paper at Washoe City called the Eastern 
Slope, with the I'ost material, where it continued in 
use until 1868, when suspension again occurred. In 
July, 1808, he removed it to IJeno where it was used 
in printing T/te Crescent until 1875, when he sold to 
J. C. Dow, who started the Daily Nevada Democrat, 
After the Democrat suspended, the Heno Daily Eerord 
until September, 1878, was published with it, and 
then the material was taken to Bodie, California, to 
print the Bodie News. 

DAILY STATE DEMOCRAT. 

Col. A. C. Ellis started a Democratic paper for cam- 
paign purposes, October 25, 1864, at Carson City. 
It had twenty columns, ])rinted on paper 17x24 
inches. It ably supported McClellan for President. 
Its editorial matter, ability, and an enthusiastic 
energy, must have proved of signal service to the 
Democratic party in the State during that contest. 
It was an ephemeral publication, ending, as had 
been designed in the start, with the close of the 
campaign. 

DAILY APPEAL. 

Again, Carson City, the State capital, was left 
without a news])aper. The ludejKiident, the Stale 
Democrat, and the Jforniui/ J'ost, furled their sails, 
pulled down their flags, and drifted with the tide 
behind the fog-V)anks into obscurit}'. For a time it 
remained an unoccupied literary port of entry. This 
was a short-lived state of things, however, for there 
soon came from where the others had disappeared, a 
new craft, trim built, clean cut, with something of a 
rakish look, that, throwing open its ports, fired a 
moderate salute, followed by heavier ordinance, until 
the grape and canister, hissing shrapnel, and solid 
shot, poured in rapid succession from its broadsides, 
forcing, first, stir]>rise; then, respect; and finally, 
admiration for the belligerant little war craft that 
demanded recognition in the journalistic world. 

Such was the Daily A/>jieal; a twent3'-column sheet, 
started May 16, 1865, bj- E. F. .McElwain, J. Barrett, 
and Marshall liobinson. In politics it was Repub- 
lican, and the first number contained the news of the 
capture of Jett". Davis, whereupon the people of Car- 
son proceeded to hang the ox-Confederate President in 
effigy. 



314 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



lieiiry II. Mighels was engaged as editor, and on 
November of that year the sale to him of Mr. 
Barrett's interest in the paper is announced, the 
new firm to be known as Jtobinson & Migheis. 
This firm remained proprietors until the last of 
December, 1870, when Messrs. C. L. Perkins, of the 
State lieijister, and H. C. Street, purchase<i the estab- 
lishment, and changed its politics to Democratic 
and its name to 

DAILY STATE REOISTER. 

The first issue of the Register bears date December 
29, 1870, and it contained the same number of 
columns as had the A/ipnal, but they were lengthened 
about two inches, in sympalbj', probably, with the 
somewhat elongated, columnier structure of the 
new editor, Mr. Street. 

The ensuing March 5th saw the return to the 
old size in the j)aper, and the announcement that in 
future it would be issued only twice a vvcck; but 
two days thereafter the dailj' was resumed, in 
accordance with the wish of many citizens. 

February 13, 1872, John Booth, late owner of the 
Unionville Silver State, became proprietor, Mr. Street 
being retired as editor. 

On the ninth of September, 1872, llenrj' R. 
Migheis, having returned to the county', purchased 
the Register, and changed its name to the 

NEW DAILY AI'PEAL. 

Mr. iMighels immediately changed the politics as 
well as the name of the paper, and thus was brought 
back to the advocacj^ of IJejiublicanism the sheet, 
that for two years and eight months liad been wan- 
dering under an assumed name among the labj'- 
rinthian gardens of Democracy. Ht; gave to the 
New Appeal its former size and- appearance, and 
fixed its subscription price at $12 per year. The 
press with which its first number was printed was 
the first through freight shipped from liono to Car- 
st)n City over the Virginia and Truckee Kailroad. 
.'^^n 51lo<««mbcr, 1872, Captain William Wetherell 
i'feth-(«tlfr(*te"thl6"k)cal editorship, and D. Ji. Ses- 
AionHihUCm'tied l6iifh«''f(cWition, which he retained 
wnlill .WiJWh 9l,il'8T3C"'Dit'c'itfbt¥12, 1872, Marshall 
WoiWihsoh ■bccsmol a^Jpifli'lficfi'; ■tfrta'e^")!ilo''fi'rm name 
of t-itoWnscnil^l'MVijlVelk" Oiri im fl)^tt<^irit^"•fi(•l*t"^f 
Jahiiai-y '•tlbei'piilJ4t-"wl<*'e*l^gell"ftiu*' Wlu'rtliia, illld 
»;liin'iK3doiO«dl tt|ii1!*'y)itif*lHWHfi4b' ori'tiile <ll^erith>'bf 
UloiionHi(Jnf*l'MaVt'H!;illid''olrr"thlJ"fir«t''l<if Jiiiilk'iy, 
1^1% itho BntHe'Wfls-ii4^'rt'cUah-j^<jaid't'ho"i'"'- "'' 



news |C^.s^alcl^eB| W ^ tcle^fpijfb, ,. ^f,aj,, 9^ m,%S?M 



I 4'"paicheB. by tcletfranh. -May 9. J8,7G, four 
coluuins and two inchcS.in lengt,u wei'Q,atra.in ladded 

fe8°rn#?P*i?^ ilf!^. n^f ^.ll!?^. ?.VWTi Mfl?' iWS 



II 



1(1): .iii:''il 



W.*t)''ht^ft|ft^)f $i4nw«f»WBjil »edlujtitinfinUho niuaJfes 
HfiWlPiWyisi ■irA>Wb'$W*?>titjfr-iQ«lH ^ujiiWmltjV »ltii9UKh 
there was no change in the size. January l,.-^ga8^ 



Mr. Migheis became sole proprietor, and the sub- 
scription price was reduced from twelve to eight 
dollars per year. The following September he was 
nominated b}- the Iie|)ublican party as Lieutenant 
Governor, a i)Osition that he failed to secure. On 
the twenty-seventh of May, 1879, Henry E. Migheis 
died at his i-esidcnce in Carson City, and with his 
life was extinguished one of the brightest lights that 
had illumined an editorial sanctum in Nevada, if not 
upon the Pacific Coast. 

Editorial management of the J/>//e«/ devolved upon 
Mrs. Nellie V., widow of Mr. Migheis, upon his 
death; but on the following eighth of August, S. 
II. Fulton, of the Elko Vost assumed those duties, 
from which he was relieved by S. P. Davis, on the 
ensuing Xovombcr flth, who continued to fill that 
place with advantage to the paper and credit to him- 
self 






THb^1aV6''l'i'iknaging editor of the Morning Appeal, of 
Carson City, isa native of Uranford, Connecticut, and 
was born April'^^i'lBSOf ' A't fiUlfcen years of ago 
alter d ancp (upcW t4»o 'Kiwtino *>Ali«i<c in'W)«<eonsin 
*iae icoiwmeiAcid rirtd 'WfrntYjluod' for throeyWil-H, 'wtieii 
h«t) witlulrtw from ■*feie"i>isti't^it5on;-'ttnd!- jof/iodi h(iii 
parents at iirt>wrt«TjHe.NobraBka. ili lo -v'-. ntu-. 
(j! IJiBitfiretilconwcbtion iwrtlr 'tttoi ipross iwjibii«r«« 
reporter ftn-the OniftM^/A'^i/'i', Iti whiSohU-a^iiiyitlj^'W 
bemainod iinttiiiMWton(43'i for i'fjat j'vshrs^'aiwd' 'bO<b*o 
ooiaimg to theiiiPafifle €oit»t"hW fillodiithat'i^iouU 
twaa upott the slRtt' of the fulkvwitlg' jb*irn«li»': tlto 



HISTORY OF JOURNALISM IN NEVADA. 



315 



Ailveriiser, Nebraska City Xeo-s. all in Nebraska; and ; 
the St. Louis Jie/)ub/ican and Chifajjo Times, besides 
which ho was editor of the Lincoln Statesman. 

In 1872 ho moved to California and took charge 
editorially of the Vallejo ludepenihiil durin<;j the 
political campaign of that year, after which he was a 
correspondent for the Nea-s Letter, and later a 
reporter for the San Francisco Chrmiirfe. His next 
newspaper connection was as temporary editor of the 
Marj-sviMe Apjiea/, followed by the same duty with 
the Colusa I>ule//endc7it, after which a humorous pajjer 
at Vallejo called the OfXH Letter. Woodford Owens 
and T. A. McCrosson were his jiartner.s in this 
venture, and they soon moved the establishment to 
San Francisco, whore the Opett Letter was continued 
for about one year as an illustrated paper, when it 
suspended. 

His next engagement was with the San Francisco 
Dili/;/ Emiinij Poi<t. and then he became one of the 
staff on a paper known as the Mornimj LeiJijer, that 
suspended with the suspension of the Bank of Cali- 
fornia. With this last abbreviation of his aspirations 
he abandoned California and became a reporter for 
the Virginia Evening Chronicle in Nevada, where he 
remained for four years, and then removed to Carson 
City, where fin November 1, 187!), ho became editor 
of the Morninij Appeal. 

He is constituted of a strange combination of 
extremes that permits him to take no middle course 
in life, the ordinaiy paths of men being monotonous 
routes that ho travels onl}- when forced into them; 
an event out of the ordinary, or gigantic exceptions, 
are his elysian fields to travel in — where the mind 
is always building strong contrasts of strange forms 
that makes of him a natural humorist. 

It is said that a well-dressed Frenchman antl a 
Chinaman unexpectedly met in the road one day. 
They were at first astonished, then amazed; and 
finallj' each laughed himself into hysterics at the 
absurd figure of the other. If friend Davis had 
chanced to witness that meeting, it would have been 
our pleasant duty to have ended this biographical 
sketch with an obituary. He builds strange and 
formidable imaginative structures, and from the 
same material just as strange and strong other forms, 
thus creating by contrast, a constant absurdity in 
the mind, that leaves its impression more or less 
marked upon his writings. This peculiarity, exag- 
eration and power to create imagery for comparison, 
makes an original character which distinguishes him 
from mail}' who are called humorists. Ilis power as 
a writer is not limited to the above alone, tor he can 
handle satire, is not at sea among the roofs of logic, 
and is possessed of a far more than average descrip- 
tive ability, but statistics would send him to an 
insane asylum. In disposition ho is generous, frank 
and kind hearted to his friends; to his enemies he is 
also generous and frank — frank in his expression of 
enmity, and generous in dealing them blows. 



THE NEVAD.\ TRIBUNE. 

This paper was started at Carson City as a semi- 
weekly, on the sixteenth of July, 1872, by E.'J. 
Parkinson, K. I{. Parkinson and Joseph JfcClure, 
under the firm name of E. J. Parkinson \' Co. The 
patronage in a short time warranting, a change to an 
evening daily was made on the sixteenth of July, 
1873. In size it was 14.\2(j inches, in politics it has 
advocated anti-monopoly and Republican jjrinciples, 
maintaining an inde])endence in regard to the sup- 
port of candidates for otiices, and for the last four 
years E. J. Parkinson has been its sole proprietor. 
Its editorial and mechanical departments are both 
operated b}- members of the Parkinson family. 

R. R. PARKINSON, 

The father and editor, is a native of England, and 
passed the years of his j'oung manhood upon the 
sea, where he visited many strange countries, and in 
his wanderings tinall}- arrived in San Francisco April 
3, 1850, since which time ho has remained a resident 
of the Pacific Coast. In 1852 he was married in 
San Francisco, and has since raised a family of eight 
children. For the last sixteen years his home has 
been at Carson City, during which time ho has held 
various public positions, among which might be men- 
tioned that of Justice of the Peace, Suj>eriiiteiident 
of Schools, Deputy Supreme Court Clerk, and has 
been four times Journal Clerk of the Nevada State 
Senate. 

The son and present proprietor, E. J. Parkinson, 
was born in San Francisco in 1852. He is a practi- 
cal printer, well posted in all the departments of 
conducting a paper, and besides managing the busi- 
ness and financial affairs of tho paper, attends to 
the local editorial department. 

DAILY EVENING IIERAI.l). 

August 0, 1875, tho first number of tho above 
twontj'-four-column sheet was published by Wells 
Drury & Co., at Carson City, with C. A. V. Putnam 
as editor. September 3d following, Wells Drury 
sold his interest to Charles Lee. and the firm name 
became the Iforald Publishing Company. 

CARSON DAILY TI.MES. 

The above was edited, owned and published, from 
its fii-st issue, March 18, 188(», until its susj)ension, 
June, 1881, by Edward Niles. It was in the start 
only 12x18 inches, but was enlarged just before its 
demise to 21x28 inches. It was l{e]>ul)lican in poli- 
tics, the subscription price being ten dollars per j'ear. 

EDWARD NII.ES 

Is a native of Dansville, Livingston County, New 
York, where the early daj's of his life passed at tho 
homestead as smoothly as glided the ri|)pling waters 
near that home, of the beautiful Canesaraga. His 
father was a loading merchant of the place, whose 
name was a synonym for reliability and integrity. 
Young Xiles was the fourth of a family of six, and, 
receiving a libei'al education, started in the world for 



316 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



himself at his father's death, some fifteen yeai's since, 
with only fifteen dollar.s in hi.s potket; and he sol- 
emnly assured the writer that he has hold his own. 
As dork and book-kee]>er. his time was passed in 
Chicago, until the great tire in that city of 1871, 
when he went to New York, remained there about 
one j'ear, from where he came to Nevada, and 
entered the emploj- of the Virginia and Truckee 
Railroad at Virginia City, as clerk and ticket agent. 
Ife was soon promoted by that company to the posi- 
tion of (leneral Ticket Agent and Paymaster, and 
continued in their service for six j^ears. During the 
Sierra Nevada excitement he made fifty thousand 
dollars buying that company's stock, and lost it 
nearly all in the same waj^ he had made it. He left 
the railroad companj-'s employ, and eventually 
started the Carson Daily Times, it being his first 
experience as a journalist. He exhibited while en- 
gaged in the duties as an editor, a natural talent for 
the business, and his papers were never dull, while 
from their columns often scintillated passages of wit 
and satire, imagery of conception, and telling rep- 
artee, that marked him as one "to the manor born." 
The following explanatory valedictory from Mr. 
Niles was published in the Index: — 

"I started the business with limited capital and 
incurred a debt of §2,500 for press, t3'pe and neces- 
sary outfit. During the past year I have paid on 
the material, including freight charges, fully 81,200, 
and nearly §4,000 for composition. My material was 
8up])licd by Messrs. .Miller & Richards, through their 
San Francisco agency. 

"Other payments fell due recently. The Scotch 
firm above mentioned declined to extend further 
accommodation, notwithstanding the fact that they 
were fully protected and had been paid nearly one- 
half of the value of the property. Aided by a zealous 
and unusually strict incumbent of our shrievalty, 
they pinched me so hard that I decided not to throw 
any more good money after bad, concluded that dis- 
cretion was the better part of valor in this case, and 
quietly retired, for the present, from the arena of 
Carson's paper knights. 

"Conscious of having ministered faithfully to a gen- 
erous army of advertisers, a valued corps of sub- 
scribers and a cheerful squad of deadheads, and also 
with the belief that the Times has been lively, enter- 
prising and moderately entertaining, its editor and 
publisher extends his sincere thanks to all who so 
generously aided its vigorous career, and with malice 
toward none, and all that sort of thing, will soon 
enter a now field of labor, trusting, at some future 
time, to profit by experience and with ample capital 
again enter the editorial ranks. E. Nilks. 

"Carson, June 14, 1881." 

DAILY INDEX. 

The first appearance of this paper was at Carson 
City, on the twenty-fifth of Deeembor, 1880, Mar- 
shall Robinson publisher. In size, it was 14x20 
inches, contained twenty columns, nine of which were 



blanks, having no printed matter in them, and the 
subscription price was five dollars per year. This 
I blank space represented the advertisements that the 
publisher was willing to put in if he could get them, 
and something loss than a column from the ready 
pen of Judge C. N. Harris, the editor, stated the plan 
for the future and prospects for the enterprise, from 
which the following is condensed: — 

"Editorially wo have no pronunciamonto to make. 
Our columns will reflect matters of current interest. 
We have no friends to reward nor enemies to punish, 
our mode of expression will usually bo definite and 
to the point, we shall have opinions to express now 
and then. Politically, our accent is Republican and 
our persuasion Stalwart. Religiouslj', we are toler- 
ant. Sociallj', we are bland and accommoilating. 
Our appreciation of the fine points of modern civiliza- 
tion is second only to that of a raUroml president. 
Financially, we are not a bonanza; and commercially 
we acknowledge ourself a proper subject for the 
grand bounce. Our diurnal comfort is principalh- 
derived from our knowledge that a goodmanj- of the 
people of Nevada are fixed up about as we arc. Wo 
know of no good reason to fear for the success of our 
venture. The times couldn't well be worse or harder, 
nor the people much more impoverished. Every- 
thing is to be won, and there is nf)thing more to be lost. 
We can't lose much on advertisements, for wo have 
started publication without any. We can't lose anj' 
money, for the reason that none has been paid to us. 
It must be a])paront, therefore, that the Index is 
planted upon the bedrock foundation of public esteem, 
and its future consequently secure." 

This papex has been ably conducted and thus far 
has maintained ceaseless opposition to that which was 
in the interest of a few as against the many, because 
of which it is entitled to the success that it has met 
with. Judge Harris, its editor, is an able and logical 
writer, who has alreadj- made an inroad upon the 
stronghold of monopoly in the interests of the com- 
munity at largo. 

The preceding shows a long list of papers for a 
single county, and that the smallest in the State, 
and at the same time it shows an intelligent enter- 
prise most commendable to the people. Several of 
the papers most distinguished in after years were 
hero originated, or here tarried on their pilgrimage; 
and here, too, have many editors, reporters and cor- 
res|)ondents exorcised their talents and won their 
fame. The papers of Ormsby contain in their files 
the histoiy of the State, and were they jireserved, 
as they should have been most sacredly, their records 
would have been altogether invaluable. Unfortu- 
nately no complete tiles arc obtainable, although a 
statute of the State requires their preservation. The 
newsi)a|)er of the present day contains a diurnal 
epitome of the current history of the time, particu- 
larizing the locality and generalizing as the circle 
widens until all the county, then the State and the 
world como within its embrace. 



i 












-M 



D. M'^ RAE 




D. M? Rae's Wood Camp, 

IN THE MOUNTAINS BETWEEN LAKE TAHOE AND WASHOE VALLEY, 
STATE or N EVA DA. 



mSTORY OF JOURNALISM IN NEVADA. 



317 



THE STOKEY COUNTY PRESS. 
Much of what precedes this is applicable to Storey 
County. It was upon the pa])ers there that Fitch, 
Coodman, Bennett, Sumner, 1-ynch, Lovejoj-, Good- 
win, Daf^Cgctt, '-The Unreliable," -'Dan De Quille," 
and "Mark Twain" were first jtolished from roujjh 
diamonds of the |)re88, and most of these gained their 
re])ulation8 while connected with tho 

DAILY TEKUITORIAI, ENTERPIUSE. 

This journal was started at (Jenoa, in wlial is 
now Douglas County, as a weekly, on the eighteenth 
of l)cccmber, 1S58, and was tho first paper pub- 
lished in Nevada. The writer has never seen tho 
first files of it, and a diligent search has failed 
to develop the existence of such; but the twent}-- 
sixth number of that sheet having been procured, 
the publishers of this history have obtained a fac- 
fiiiii/e of it. in reduced size, which has been incor- 
porated as pages 69-72 of this book. The size of 
the sheet from which the fac-simile was obtained 
is twenty-one inches by twent3'-eight. The founders 
of this paper were W. L. Jernegan and A. James, 
who continued its jnibliciition at Genoa until No- 
vember 5. 1859, when the estal)lishnient was removed 
to Carson City, where in the new locality, on the 
twelfth of that month, its first number was issued. 
In the meantime, Jonathan Williams, who, in Jan- 
uarj-. 187ti. committed suicide at Pioehe. had pur- 
chased the interest of James, and tho firm name 
became \V. L. Jernegan k Co.; remaining such as 
late as May, 1860. In October of that year, Mr. 
Williams, having become sole proprietor, moved the 
EnUrpiine to Virginia Cit3-. where its publication 
has since been continued. On the second of March, 
1861. Joseph T. (foodman and D. E. McCarthj- be- 
came partners of Williams in the publication, and 
the latter, in a short time, was succeeded by D. 
Driscoll. On the twenty-fourth of September, that 
year, the daily was first started, at which time the 
weekl}- ceased. July ;M, 1863, steam-power was 
first applied in printing the paper; and October 
28th of that year Goodman and McCarthy became 
sole proprietors. September IT), 1865, McCarthy 
sold to Goodman, who became and remained sole 
owner until early in February, 1874, when it passed 
under the control of the Enterprise Publishing 
Company of which H. M. Daggett was the brains, 
and William Sharon the capitalist. 

At present it is controlled and owned by the same 
corporation that has passed into the hands of diftbr- 
ent men. Col. H. G. Shaw occupying the chief 
editorial chair, and "Dan De Quille" retaining the 
position of local editor. The stock is about ecjually 
divided between the Virginia and Truckee Railroad 
Companj- and the "Bonanza" firm, of which two cor- 
porations it is the organ. 

TWO VIEWS OF W1I,I,I.\.M SII.VUON. 

The causes that led to tho withdrawal of Mr. 
Goodman from the Enterjtrlge was his hostility to tho 
40 ^ 



candidacy of William Sharon for the United States 
Senate in 1872, when there appeared in his paper 
what ho termed •' a welcome to Mr. Sharon," who 
had Just come from California to look after his polit- 
ical interests. The following are extracts from that 
" welcome": — 

* * * Your unexpected return, Mr. Sharon, 
has afforded no opportunity for public preparation, 
and you will conse(|iiently accept these sim])lo 
remarks as an unworthy but earnest expression of 
the sentiments of a people who feel that they would 
be lacking in duly and self-resiicct if they failed 
upon such an occasion to make a deserved recogni- 
tion of your acts and character. You are jn-obably 
aware that j-ou have returned to a community where 
you are feared, hated and despised. * * * * * 

* * * Your career in Nevada for the past nine 
j-oars has been one of merciless rapacity. You 
fastened yourself upon the vitals of tbo Stale like a 
hj-ena, and woe to him who disputed with you a 
single coveted morsel of j'our prej\ * * * You 
cast honor, honest}', and the commonest civilities 
aside. You broke faith with men whenever j-ou 
could subserve your purpose by so doing. * * * 

When Mr. Sharon, who had failed of achieving 
political success in 1872, became a candidate again 
in 1874 for the same position, he organized the 
corporation that purchased tho paper of Goodman, 
who abandoned the profession, and tho Enterprise 
became a Sharon organ, giving him tho following 
character, which by the way leaves one in some 
doubts as to what kind of a man (his Sharon was, 
or is: — 

Mr. Sharon has lived in Nevada for ten years. 
By his sagacity, energy and nerve, ho has amassed 
a fortune. This is his crime. He has done what 
he has without once breaking his jiligliied word 
without once violating one |>rinciple of business 
honor. While doing this he has carried with his 
own, the fortunes of hundreds, and never onco 
betraj-ed a trust or confiilence. * * * rpj^^ 
present prosperity of western Nevada is more due 
to him than to ;ui3' other ten men. an<l ct)uld his 
work here be stricken out, with it would go at onco 
two-thirds of our people, improvements and wealth. 

In November, 1875, .Mr. Daggett severed his con- 
nection with the Euterprine and resumed it again 
December 1, 1877. In tho meantime Judge Good- 
win had been editor. In 1878 .Mr. Daggett was 
elected to Congress, and his mantle again fell upon 
Judge Goodwin's shoulders, who remained until 
1880 as editor-in-chief, when Fred. Hart succeeded 
him, who in turn gave place to Colonel Shaw in 1881. 

The following are tho changes in size that have 
been noted of the Enterprise. 

D'lte. Size. No. Columns. 

July 30. 1859 21 x2S inches. 20 

May. 1861 21x28 " .. 20 

January 1. 1863 22x32 " .. 28 

October 28, 1863... 28x12 '• .. 36 

.March 9. 1866 21x28 " .. 24 

September 14, 1866. 21x36 " .. 32 

August 1, 1876 27x42 •' .. 36 

January 1, 1878 24x36 " .. 32 

Present time 24x36 " .. 32 



318 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 




PHOTO. BV JOHN B. NDE. VIROlNIA, NEV. 



iAT'^^ff 




['•DAN DE QUILLE."] 

There are no readers of iiewK])iiper8, or makers of 
the same, ou the Pacific Coast, who are not familiar 
with the quaint name that heads this sketch. Not 
only are they familiar with it, but they have come 
to regard the genial geiilleman whom it represents 
as one of their dear friends, ready to laugh at his 
kindly humor and to familiarly pat him on the back as 
an old acquaintance. Few there are, in fact, who 
enjoy a wider popularity, or one more sincerely re- 
garded than William Wright, who has won his de- 
served fame under the twin ih: jilamc of "Dan dc Quillo,' 
called for short, "Dan," and sometimes "Dandy," as he 
started out in life a handsome boj- and with a dandj- 
quill, making fun and inciting jjleasure wherever he 
went. 

Few would believe that Dan is a Quaker, yet 
such is a fact, often proven, not by his sober-sided- 
neas nor shad-belly style, but by his steadfast ]uir- 
poso and the sincerity of his friendships. His an- 
cestor, on his father's side, was Anthony Wright, 
who came over from England with William I'eiin in 
1681, hol))ing to found the city of •• Brotherly Love," 
and the groat State of Pennsylvania. Subsequently 
Anthony Wright moved into Virginia, in Loudon 
County, and there planted the Wright Colon}', from 
which the subject of this sketch is descended. Dan 
also had forefathers on his motlicr's side, whose name 
was Morrison, belonging to a family of note in the 
north of Ireland. Captain Morrison was in com- 
mand of a man-of-war in the IJritish Navy when 
the American colonies rebelled against the mother 



country, but being friendly to the cause of his coun- 
trymen across the sea, he refused to fight them and 
resigned his commission. At the close of the Revo- 
lutionarj- War, the Captain, hastening to meet his 
friends in America, took a ship, and with it the news 
of the treaty of peace, and sailed to Philadelphia. 
Here a landing was refused, an enemj-'s vessel not 
being permitted to come into port; but when the 
truth was made known that the war was over and 
the colonies free, then they were welcome. Thus it 
happens that Mr. Wright's ancestors, on both sides, 
first landed and made their homes in Philadelphia. 
At a later date the Wrights and Morrisons moved 
to Ohio, then in the "far West," and there the pa- 
rents of the subject of our sketch met and were 
married, and there William AV right was born. May 
0, 18211. At the age of eighteen he removed to Iowa, 
where he first tried his haiui at humorous writing, 
sending his productions to the pai>ers and to Gra- 
ham's Magazine, Philadel]ihia. The editor of the 
magazine at that time was Mr. Charles (i. Leeland, 
who accepted the contributions and encouraged the 
young writer to continue in his course and cultivate 
a very evident talent. In Iowa he remained until 
1857, when he obej-ed the injunction of Horace 
(ireeley and " went west," reaching California the 
same year. First ho sought a fortune in the gold 
mines of the Sierra Nevada, mining at Omega, in 
Nevada County, thence prospecting all through the 
mountains, extending his explorations as far south 
as .Mariposa (Jountj*. While journe^-ing and pros- 
pecting he sent manj' very interesting descriptive 
sketches of the country he traveled through, inter- 
weaving them with humorous anecdotes of people 
and incidents, to the papers, which introduced him 
to the ])ublic of California. The Golden £rn, under 
the editorship of Joe Lawrence, was then the j)rin- 
cipal vehicle of bis communication with the public, 
and was a po])ular and widely read literary journal. 
Through its columns the i)eople of California became 
familiar with the name of Dan de (^uille, learned to 
respect its bearer and to eagerly look for his letters 
and stories. Several j-ears were thus spent in mining, 
prospecting, wandering and story-writing, gaining 
a name and fame, if not much pelf. While in his ex- 
plorations of the mountains in 1859. he crossed to 
the eastern slope in the fall, Ity wa}' of the 
Yo Semite Valley, and visited the mining region 
j since bocomo the noted and populous Bodie. Then 
it was a wilderness, where it was not considered safe 
to remain during the winter, and he therefore hast- 
ened to return by the route he came, barely escap- 
ing being caught in the snow, having a fall of that 
clement upon him to the depth of two feet in his 
last encampment in the mountains above the Yo 
Semite Falls. 

The following year found him in the region of the 
Comstock, where ho has since resided, where ho has 
happily married and where a son and two daughters 
bless his honored home. For a year or two after 



HISTORY OF JOURNALISM IN NEVADA. 



319 



his arrival in Xovada his sketches continued to ap- 
pear in the GoUUn Era, and in the spring of 18G2 he 
received a '-call " to take the jiosition of local editor 
on the Sttferjn-ise, where, except for a few months at 
a time, ho has remained, the one steady light of that 
distinguished journal. 

The daily newspajier is remorseless in its demands 
upon the time and brains of its editors, particularly 
in the smaller cities where the editorial corps is 
limited and a few individuals make the paper, whose 
columns, as the skeleton forms lie upon the stone, 
sometimes, to the tired writers, yawn like the chasm 
of Yo Semite, and few opportunities are offered for 
studied literary efforts. In this harness of toil and 
drudgery true genius at times is recognized and is 
rescued from its fate by some good fortune, but gen- 
erall}- the brightest are subdued under the dark 
routine of labor, the demands of earning a livelihood 
and the narrow grove in which business and poli- 
tics force the mind. In this harness Mr. Wright has 
toiled, and with all its disadvantages has won a name. 
In 187G he published a volume of sketches, descrip- 
tions of mining and incidents of life on the Com- 
Btock. under the title of " The Big Bonanza," which 
is very interesting and amusing, and should bring 
the author a fortune by its sales. This is a volume 
of 5()!> pages, profusely illustrated, and contains 
many incidents in the life of its author. A large 
mass of material has been gathered, which Mr. 
Wright intends to publish in future volumes when 
released from the demands of daily Joiinialism he 
will have the necessary leisure to do the work prop- 
erl}', and the general ])ublic maj' well look forward 
to its appearance with a jdeasurable anticipation. 

JOURNALISTS ROUGHING IT. 

The following from "Dan Do Quille" will give the 
reader a glim]ise behind the scenes of life upon a 
newspaper at Virginia in early times. Mentioning 
the Territorial Enterprise office, he writes: — 

" The office was at the corner of A Street and Sut- 
ton Avenue, then near the business center of the 
town; B Street being the principal business street. 
The building occupied as the office of publication was 
a one-story, rickety frame structure, about thirty- 
five feet long and twenty feet in width. 

" In this room was the press (one of the old-fash- 
ioned Washington presses), the cases of the com- 
positors, the desk of the book-keeper, the tables of 
the editors, and all the belongings of the office. On 
the north side of the main building was a shed addi- 
tion which was both kitchen and dining-room, and 
besides was fitted up as a sleeping ])laeo for all hands. 
Along the sides of the walls ■ bunks ' were arranged 
one above another, as on shipboard, and as in the 
cabins of the miners of California in the earlj- days. 

"A Chinaman (Old Joe), officiated as cook and 
acted as waiter during meals. A table some fifteen 
feet in length occu])ied the center of the shed, and 
on this were always to be found all of the substan- 



tials and most of the luxuries obtainable in the mar- 
ket, served up in Old Joe's best style. 

"The old Chinaman was long thought to be the 
'boss' cook of the town. This was chiefly for the 
reason that he was able to place the butter on the 
table moulded into the form of lions, dragons and the 
like. So much was said in ])rai8e of Joe's lions, 
tigers, and dragons, that he finally gave most of his 
time to the modeling of such works of art. Presently 
mouse hairs began to bo found in the biscuits every 
morning and flies and bugs in other articles of food. 
An investigation brought to light two or three dead 
mice in Joe's lard keg. where he had for a week or 
two been pouring back into the keg liot fat without 
discovering the four-legged game that had been 
trapped from time to time. Other equallj- unpleas- 
ant discoveries wore made, and Joe was ' fired out' 
by acclamation. O'-her Chinamen lollowed but as 
all hands were now constantly on the watch for 
faults in the cookery, none remained long, and pres- 
ently cooking in the office was discontinued, and the 
employes dispersed to trj' their luck among the 
restaurants. 

"While the kitchen was running it was a standing 
joke to invite some acquaintance about the town to 
dinner in order to try ex]>eriment8 by which to test 
the strength of his stomach. No sooner had the 
stranger commenced eating than some one began to 
tell about some disgusting thing calculated to impair 
his appetite. .More than one guest was driven from 
the tabic amid the laughter of the case-hardened 
regular boarders, though on one or two occasions 
they caught a Tartar. All this time thej- little sus- 
pected the kind of messes that were being dealt out 
to them at home by Old Joe, whose ways had not 
yet been discovered. 

"The office did very well in summer, but in winter 
it was as full of discomforts as any place seen by 
Dante during his journey through the infernal 
regions. There were not only extremes of heat and 
cold, but one often suft'ered from both at the same 
moment — would be freezing on one side and burning 
on the other. On very cold nights the stove would 
bo made red hot. Around it the editors drew up 
their tables, and the printers moved their cases as 
near as thoy could get them. They stood at thoir 
cases with old barley sacks lashed round their feet 
with jjieces of baling rope, and were frequently 
obliged to go to the stove and thaw out their half- 
frozen fingers. 

'• At times, too, when the snow began to thaw off 
the roof, there were leaks all over the office. Strings 
were then fastened up against the roof at the worst 
leaks, and the water led tlown to the floor at the 
sides of the building, thus carrying it over and bo 
yond the tables and cases. At times so many of 
these strings were in use that the ceiling and all the 
upper part of the office had the appearance of being 
hung with huge cobwebs — webs of Brobdingnagian 
spiders. 



320 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



HUNTING ITEMS. 

"At that time J. T. Goodman was editor-in-chief, 
and "Dan Be (^uille" was local editor. There was 
then no telegraph line across the continent, and all 
Eastern and European news came by 'Pony Express.' 
Before the 'Pony' was put on all news came by 
steamer cin Panama, or by the overland st:ige 
coaches. The 'Ponj-,' therefore, was looked upon as 
being nearly lightning, and he really was next thing 
to it. 

"The 'Pony' rider was often able to give items of 
news from the 'plains' that were not in his budget, 
and he was ahvaj-s intei-viewcd in regard to the 
emigrant trains that were making their way in, 
the movements of the Indians, and the like. 

'•Besides looking after the news of the town, the 
local editor also interviewed the 'captains' of all the 
pack-trains that came in over the Sierra Nevada 
MountainiJ, the teamsters, and the stage drivers, and 
their passengers. Also, at this time, all the country 
to the eastward remained to be prospected; and men 
who scouted out into the wilderness a distance of 
from 1(10 to 300 miles always had some wonderful 
stories to relate on their return. 

"In 1S()2 the Enterprise office was moved to a large 
brick building on North C Street, where everything 
was about as comfortable as in the majority of coun- 
try towns on the Pacific Coast. 

"It was at this time that Samuel L. Clemens 
(Mark Twain) was associated with the paper as a 
reporter. Before going to work on the paper he 
had for a considerable length of time been writing 
letters to it from Aurora, Esmeralda County. At 
that time he was not known as 'iMark Twain.' He 
simply signed his letters 'Josh,' and when he first 
came to the office all hands called him Josh. He 
did not relish having this name so fastened upon 
him, and looking about for a better one he hit upon 
that of 'Mark Twain,' taking it from one of the 
cries of measurements in sounding on the Missis- 
si])pi IJiver, where he at one time followed the busi- 
ness of pilot. 

" 'Mark' and 'Dan De Quille' hunted items together, 
and the arrival of an emigrant train was still a big 
event. The 'captain' and other leading men of the 
train were cornered and encouraged to relate all of 
interest that had happened during the Journey 
across the 'plains.' The train often remained en- 
canii)ed in the suburbs of the town several days 
before proceeding to California, and before they left 
all hands were pretty thoroughly -pumped.' 

'•In these early da3-s there were in the town many 
desperate characters, and blood)- affrays were of fre- 
quent occurrence. Sometimes while a reporter was 
engaged in gleaning the particulars in regard to one 
shooting scrape another would start (growing out 
of something said in regard to the first), and the 
news-gatherer suddenly found him.self in the midst 
of flying bullets, and had before him a battle, the 



particulars in regard to which he need not take at 
second-hand. 

"Strikes in the mines were very frequent in those 
days, as the leading mining com])anies were then 
just beginning to find their first rich deposits of ore. 
So rich were some of these that people were pre- 
l)ared to believe almost anj-thing that was told. 
Nothing in the way of bodies of ore seemed impos- 
sible, and not a few men believed that at no distant 
day the miners would reach a ]thu'e where the Cora- 
stock Lode was a solid mass of silver from wall to 
wall. Editors, printers, and all about the newspaper 
offices, even down to the -devil,' had their jiockete 
filled with shares in mines (then counted by feet), 
and all expected in time — and in a very short time 
— to find themselves very wealthy men, if not mil- 
lionaires. Piles of ore lay upon the tables of the 
editors, and specimens filled the cases of the com- 
positors. 

"Men who had been far out in the eastern wilds 
generally made their way to the newspaper offices at 
once, upon their return, to exhibit specimens of the 
ores they had found, and tell of the wonderful regions 
thej- had explored. As the unexplored regions then 
covered thousands of square miles, it was thought by 
no means improbable that somewhere, far out in these 
wilds, existed lodes that were filled with native silver 
and gold, even at the surface. It was argued that it 
would be very strange indeed should it turn out that 
the richest vein in the whole countr\- was that first 
found, and which lay at the very entrance into the 
vast wilderness of deserts and barren hills, apparently 
only created as a congenial home for the precious 
metals. As newspaper men generally knew when 
prospecting parties were preparing to start out into 
the wilds, they were always anxious to have an 
interest of some kind in whatever might be found, 
and were ever read}' to contribute their mite towards 
the purchase of supplies and a proper outfit. When 
such a jiarty had gone out, all the talk with devil 
and all hands would be about ihe big interest they 
would own when their prospecting friends came home. 
Literature and mineralogy were strangely mingled, 
and the latter generally largely i>rc(lominated. The 
editor-in-chief threw aside his half-finished editorial, 
the reporter his pet humorous sketch, and the printers 
their ty])e, when a jtrospector entered a newspaper 
office with his sack of specimens. 

"In the early days, the reporters had no easy time of 
it when they went forth to gather mining news. 
There were then no cages on which to descend to the 
lower levels — were, indeed, few lower levels. Manj- 
of the shafts wore untimbered — were mere round 
holes like ordinary wells — and the only machinery 
/was a windlass. In descending to inspect material 
'encountered at the bottom of a shaft, the reporter 
I placed his foot in a loop at the end of a rope, and so 
was sent spinning round and round, from 100 to .300 
feet to the bottom. In descending, too, he swa^-ed 
from side to side, striking first one side then the other 



HISTORY OF JOURNAUSM IN NEVADA. 



321 



of the rocky walls. In most cases, all he saw when 
he reached the bottom, was hard barren porphyry-, 
but in those days any rock that had a blue tinge was 
thought to be rich in silver or to denote that silver 
was close at hand." 

c. C. aOODWIN. 

C. C. Goodwin was born in the Genesee Valley, 
New York State, a few miles from Rochester. He 
received an academic education, and became a won- 
derfully proficient mathematician — had most of the 
English classics at his tongue's end when a boy, but 
could never surmount the barriers which laj" between 
him and the dead languages. 

In 1S52 he came to California and studied law un- 
der his brother, Jesse Goodwin, in Marysvilic, where 
he afterwards became teacher in an academy. He 
practiced law and taught school until 1861, when he 
came to Nevada and built a ((uartz mill a few miles 
below Dayton, putting a small fortune into its con- 
struction. When the mill was nearly completed the 
owner annoutieed a '■ warming," and was making 
preparations to celebrate the event after the manner 
of the sage-brush, when a freshet swept it away, 
with his fortune, a wreck. At the same time six of 
his men were drowned, one of them leaving an or- 
phan boy to the cruel charity of the world. Mr. 
Goodwin adopted the boy, who now holds the posi- 
tion of Lieutenant in the Regular Army. His kind 
care and providence for the future of that child 
speaks of a generous, loyal nature, true and unflinch- 
ing in its instincts, louder and with a more certain 
sound than would a volume of eulogy. 

Selling the dismantled machinery of the mill he 
paid ort' such of his men as were left, and with a 
few hundred dollars in his pockets put up an 
arastra at JJayton. This venture was a failure, and 
the subject of this sketch left J)ayton a long way 
behind. He says that when he failed he owed less 
than a 81,000, but since then he thinks that he has 
paid out at least 81,000,000 on old promissory notes 
and due bills. Since that time he has never put his 
head finnncially above water that one of those com- 
pounded interest-bearing notes or due bills did not 
come from some secluded spot to greet him, as the 
ghost of Han<|uo to .Macbeth. ILis bad luck seemed to 
follow him like a shadow. He started a ranch in 
Washoe County, and a lawsuit twenty miles away cut 
off the watersupply with an inJiiiK-tion. and he left the 
ranch a howling wilderness. Shortly afterwards he 
was elected District Judge of Washoe County, and 
edited a paper at J{eno. He next located a mine 
in Kureka, and just as his friends were expecting 
to see him blossom into a millionaire, the mine gave 
out and left him in the lurch again. Another mine 
opened in Nye (Jounty treated him with the same 
lack of devotion to his interests. He then returned 
to the newspaper business, where he reall}- belonged, 
and for six years ran the JUnfurprixe, for awhile as 
editor-in-chief and a portion of the time in connec- 
tion with Congressman Itollin M. Daggett. The 



Judge edited the paper with a vigor that made 
its influence felt in Nevada, and it was recognized 
as a. journal controlled by a man of brains and 
culture. While he was editor the Enterprise had 
nothing but gall and wormwood for the unrecon- 
structed Bourbons. In 1880 he left that paper to 
accept a position as editor-in-chief of the Salt Lake 
Tribune, where he still remains. 

In private life Goodwin is a conversationalist such 
as one seldom meets, and his fund of quaint humor, 
ready repartee and good stories, seems inexhaustible. 
His home is always open to his friends, and his 
purse at the mercy of every old tramp, dead-beat 
and imposter who calls upon him for assistance, 
as he could no more resist an appeal for charity 
than he could change the attributes of his nature. 

Harry R. Mighels, in the Carson Appeal of Novem- 
ber 12, 1878, paj-s the following, in our judgment, 
just tribute to Judge Goodwin's editorial labor and 
talents: — 

In the history' of Nevada journalism no such bril- 
liant and eft'octive assaults were ever made by any 
newspaper upon the enemy's line as Goodwin has 
been making. His splendid services should be most 
generously remembered; and he has, while making 
an enviable re|)uation for himself, placed the Enter- 
prise in the front rank of live and powerful political 
newspapers. The peo])le of the State have a right to 
be proud of their leading dailj" print, as his brethren 
of the pen-and-scissors have a right to glor^- in the 
achievements of their overworked but unflinching 
and faithful brother. The Appenl gi\es him all hail! 

ROLLIN iM. DAGGETT. 

Not having a personal acquaintance with Mr, 
Daggett, Judge C. C. Goodwin, of Salt Lake, was 
addressed, asking him to write a brief biography of 
this man, of whom associations had rendered him 
the proper biographer. In reply the following was 
received: — 

Hon. liollin .M. Daggett was born in the State of 
New York in the year 1832. At an early age he 
was taken bj' his parents to Ohio. There he received 
the rudiments of an education, and learned also the 
business of printing. He must have been a strange, 
queer genius, even in childhood. He told the writer 
of this, that in his boyhood he had a pet pig, and 
added, " I loved that pig better than a brother, and 
when it came time to butcher 1 implored my father 
to sj)are him. But my father would not, and added 
hatred to grief by compelling me to kill m^- pet. 
Do you know how it impressed mo? When my 
father died I did not shed a tear, not a tear." 

At sixteen, with only a rifle, some ammunition, a 
little salt and a trifle of hard bread, he started on 
foot across the plains. He wanilered unharmed 
among the hostile Sioux, sleeping in their wickiups at 
night, they believing him to be a lunatic. At last, 
after crossing the Rocky Mountains, he fell in with a 
train in which the cholera was raging. One man was 
moving his family, consisting of a wife and three 
small children, the elder being but nine years of age 



322 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



and the younger a babe of only three months, to Cal- 
ifornia. He had two ox-teams. The driver of one team 
had Just died. Daggett drove the dead man's team 
for a daj" or two, until, when near old Fort Ilalli 
the husband and father sickened and died within a 
few hours. The night after the death of the man 
the woman called Daggett to the wagon, and. saying 
that she too was sick and was going to die, made him 
promise that if ho liveil and if tlie children lived, he 
would take them through to her friends in Sacra- 
mento. How she died, how in the black night he 
dug her grave, how his heart was wrung as he 
heaped the earth upon her beautiful face, how he 
selected the strongest oxen, hitched them to the 
lightest wagon, tied a milch cow behind the wagon, 
and in a frenzy drove away from that Golgotha, 
together with his other adventures until his promise 
was fulfilled and the children were safe with their 
Sacramento friends, Daggett tells with dramatic 
vividness in his own book, which is shortly to be 
published. 

In California he worked lor awhile in the mines, 
and when he had made a " stake " went to San Fran- 
cisco and established the Golden Era, the first liter- 
ary journal of that city. 

It was from the first a grand success. The sturdy 
and robust intellect of Daggett was impressed upon 
its pages in words which made a thrill all over the 
coast. He continued on the Era for several years. 
Selling it, at length, he embarked, with two associ- 
ates, in the publication of the Mirror. This journal 
commenced under the happiest auspices, and for a 
time it prospered greatly; but the civil war came; 
Daggett and his jiartners did not agree politically; he 
bought them out; the hard times of the war followed, 
and the paper failed. Then Daggett wont to Vir- 
ginia City, Nevada, and soon after became associate 
editor with Mr. J. T. Goodman on the Territorial 
Enterprise. " Dan De (^uille " and " Mark Twain "* 
were locals on the same paper, and under the hands 
of these men the journal at once became famous. 
"When Goodman sold the paper Daggett remained as 
manager, and was connected with the Enterprige the 
greater part of the time, until he was called away to 
take bis scat in Congress at the extra session in 1879. 
Since then ho has been occupied as Repi-esentative 
in Congress. 

He was married in Virginia City in 1866; his beau- 
tiful wife died in 1876, leaving two little girls. 

The foregoing tells about Daggett, but gives no 
idea of him. Jlis writings reveal a'part of his na- 
ture, but only a part. They reveal the power of his 
mind, its wonderful versatility and the masterful 
command he has over both robust and tender Kng- 
lish. Still they only ball' reveal his real nature. His 
genius has more shades than the rainbow has colors. 
His audacitj- is something tremendous; his store of 
humor is inexhaustible and contagious. To read 



Twain ' 



He (lid not commence upon the paper until after " Mark 
ain " liad left \'iririnia. 



some of his articles a stranger would declare that be 
must be a human tiger; to read some others, women, 
who never saw him, would, like •' Desdemona," be 
''^beguiled of tears," and wish 

" That Heaven had made her such a man." 

On seeing him each would be astonished, and would 
laugh at the photographs his writings had made. It 
was a daily occurrence, before the death of Mrs. 
Daggett, to see Daggett in his own home extended 
like a hippopotamus on the floor, his little girls 
jumping upon him, beating him with tidies and pil- 
lows, and screaming with delight; while all the time 
he would be vehemently, with strange imprecations 
and unheard-of anathemas, declaring that in just 
half a minute he would jump u])on them, and smash 
them into a million of pieces. 

He has a strange personal magnetism about him. 
Lot him for a moment take an old lady by the hand, 
look into her eyes, and inquire about her health, and 
from that time on, that woman will never hear any- 
thing said against Daggett. He is full of quaint 
words and ways; the heartiest and jolliest man, take 
him day after day, and month after month, that one 
ever worked beside. Yet his journalistic judgment 
is infallible; the clearest, 1 think, in the Union to-day. 
His taste is as exquisite as his judgment is clear. He 
knows exactly the weight of words, and frequently 
in a single sentence mingles the cynical bitterness of 
Carlyle with the majestic, organ-roll of Macauley's 
prose. His sphere is journalism. He makes a mis- 
take when he essays anything else, unless it be mag- 
azine or book-writing. On a journal like the Nation 
or the Argonaut, where only three or four articles per 
week would be required of him, he would, for his 
party, shape and conduct public opinion in his sec- 
tion. The pen, in his hi'iid, is like a mighty trip- 
hammer, which is so nicely adjusted that he can, at 
will, strike a blow which seems like a caress, and the 
next moment hurl hundred-ton blows, one after an- 
other with the quickness of lightning, and filling all 
the air around with fire. Yet while at his work, inter- 
rupt him and perpetrate some joke at his expense, 
and ho will, while holding his intellectual hammer 
suspended ready for another blow, laugh until the 
tears will run down his cheeks. And then as a tender 
mood comes over him, he will set thoughts to words 
which the angels might in turn set to music to sing 
on state occasions. Jlead these opening lines of one 
of his Decoration-day poems: — 

With leaf and blossom, spring has come again, 
And tardy summer, garlamlea with tlowcrs, 
Trii>a down the hill-side like a wayward child, 
Her j;arlands frinxe<l with frost; but in her smile 
Tlie valleys turn ti) green, and tender llowers, 
Woke from their slumber by the song of binls, 
Keach up to kiss the dimpled mouth of May. 

C. C. Goodwin. 
Salt Lake City, May 1 1, 1881. 

VIRGINIA CITY DAILY UNION. 

The proprietors of the Daily Silver Age, of Carson, 
concluding that Virginia City was a better location for 
them, suspended at the latter place, and, moving the 



HISTORY OF JOURNALISM IN NEVADA. 



323 



material of their jirinling-ofRce to the former, started 
on the fourth of November, 1S62, the Virt^inia City 
Daily Union. The parties entering upon this ven- 
ture were S. A. (ileesner, J. L. Jjaird and John 
Church. In jiolitics the paper was Union, in size 
twenty-eight columns, printed on paper 24x3t! inches. 
November 24, 18G8, it was enlarged four columns, 
one to each page, and in May, 18G5, O. E. James & 
Co. became proprietors. 

This now tirm was an association of printers, con- 
sisting of O. E. James, T. L. Ham, E. Armand, A. 
P. Church, James Coiiley, J. H. Bain and J. H. 
Huling. September 2U, ISGf), it was reduced to its 
original size. 

October 17, lS(i.5, T. L. Ham and J. H. lluliiii>; 
withdrew from the tirm, and the Union came out as 
a Democratic organ. There was mourning in the 
Republican camp over this change of base in the 
paper that had been one of the ablest advocates of 
that doctrine in Nevada. In December of that year 
it was changed to an evening edition. Between No- 
vember 1(1 and 19, 1860, John Church and S. A. 
Glessner again became proprietors, and in July they 
reduced the Union to twenty-four columns. 

Then came W. J. Forbes, the "Semblins," of the 
Humboldt Register, who purchased the establishment 
January 23, 1867, and changed its name, February 
3d, to the 

TRESPASS. 

Under this name^we have been able to find no files 
of the paper, and have learned little concerning it, 
except that it suspended, and that an association 
known as the '• Nevada Democratic Association,'' 
purchased the material, with which they started 

THE D.\ILy S.\FEGUARD. 

The first number of the Safeguard appeared in 
Virginia City in October, 1868, about the Gth of that 
month, its editors being John I. Ginn and Robert E. 
Lowery. January 22, ISGi), the Carson Daily Appeal 
noticed that James J. Ayres and C. A. V. Putnam 
had purchased all the material of the Daili/ Sn/egtinrd 
with which to start a paper to be called the Inland 
Empire at Hamilton, White Pino County, Nevada. 
For sequel to this see History o( Silver y)(/eof Ormsby 
County. - 

VIRGINIA EVENING BULLETIN. 

In 1863, Thomas B. Valentine, of San Francisco, 
furnished material and money to start a paper in Vir- 
ginia City, Nevada. Howard P. Taylor and Richard 
A. Janus each purchased a third interest in the out- 
fit on credit, and the firm became H. P. Taylor & Co. 

On the seventh of Jul}^ that year, a daily thirty- 
two column Republican paper was started by the firm 
at the place contem])latcd, that was printed on pa))er 
twenty-four bj- thirtj'-six inches, the subs(-ription 
price being sixteen dollars per year. 

The interest of Mr. Valentino soon passed into the 
hands of F. B. Hasweli, and that of Mr. Taylor to 
C. A. Parker, the change being announced on the 
twenty-fourth of November, 1863. The size of the 



paper was diminished to twenty columns, Februarj' 
10, 1864, and on the twentieth of the same month 
Hasweli withdrew because of disagreement regarding 
who should be supported as a candidate for Mayor 
of Virginia City. 

May 17, 1864, the (Jold Hill New» notes the suspen- 
sion of this sheet, stating that it had been a poorly 
printed but ably edited pa])er, and that it was the 
third that had suspended in Storey County since the 
fifteenth of the previous October, the other two being 
the Democratic Standard and the Occitlenfal. 

The editor-in-chief. Dr. Wood, was in ill-health, 
and meeting with a slight accident the editorial con- 
duct of the Bulletin was supervised mainlj' by Mr. 
Bennett, and this was the hitter's first connection 
with the Nevada press. The Gold Hill News, in the 
following facetious way, notices the accident met 
with by Dr. Wood: — 

Dr. Wood, of the Bulletin, while navigating C 
street yesterday was run into, collided, rammed, and 
capsized, by a viiJianous dog, and from the concussion, 
did, like the ill-fated .Vonitor, then and there go 
down stern foremost, to the great damage and wrath 
of the said W. H. R. Wood, and against (In.- ])eace 
and dignity of the Eceni)ig Bulletin, whereby wo 
learn that the said editor neglecteth the Scri|)tures, 
and hecdeth not the warning voice of the Apostle. 
During his convalescence let him borrow a Bible and 
turning to the third chapter ol' the E])istle of St. 
I'aul to the Phillipians, second verse, and he will find 
these words, " Beware of Dogs." 

These two editors are now both dead. R. A. 
James and H. P. Taj-lor reside in San Francisco, and 
F. B. Hasweli in Oakland, California. 

DAILY DE.M0CR.\TIC STANDARD. 

The name indicates its politics. It was started 
with money (§3,0(10) raised by subscription from 
Democrats, the publishei"s being E. O. Hatch, and J. 
F. Linthicum, the latter of whom was its editor, and 
an able writer. Formerly he had occupied that 
position upon the Marysvillo K.cpress. in California. 
The Stanilard was an evening edition, its first num- 
ber appearing on the tenth of August, 1863, There 
were three daily Republican jiapers jiublislied in A'ir- 
ginia at the time, that included the most brilliant 
editorial and rejiortorial staff that has over graced 
the profession in the State. There was consequently 
but a poor show for ])ros])erity for this now enter- 
prise, except that it came from party support. This 
proved insuflficiont. and with the close of that year's 
campaign it sus])cnded, the last issue bearing date 
October 17th. 

THE OCCIDENTAL. 

A weekly jjaper, of a literary character, called the 
Occidental, was started at \'irginia some time in the 
year 1863, by Thomas Fitch. It was well printed 
and well edited, but did not live to a very great age. 

OOLIi lin.l. IIAII.V NEWS. 

This paper, still in existence, and one of the most 
important in the Stale, was started at the place its 
name indicates October 12, 1863, by Philip Lynch 



324 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



and J. H. Mundall. It was a daily from the first 
with twenty-four columns, on jiaper 21 x2S inches; 
price, sixteen dollars per year, and the first number 
contained eleven and a half columns of advertise- 
ments. December 14th of that year a column was 
added to each page, makinj; the size that is still main- 
tained. 

The business had increased to such an extent in 
March. 1S(>4, that on the twenty-sixth of that month, 
a supplement was added eontainini; twenty-six and 
a half columns of advertisements. The otliee had 
also become so jwpular as a place to drop in and 
•)Ost the yi-ir.i in regard to its duties, that Mr. Lynch 
editoriallj- stated that if they did not come less and 
stay shorter, it would have the effect upon "the edi- 
torial corps of this office — if not already damned to 
the nether hell — of swamping their souls beneath a 
load of profiinity that would sink thelireat Eastern." 

In May. ISti.i. Hiram R. Hawkins jntblishes his 
valedictory in the Xeics, stating that he had been 
editorially connected with the paper since its start. 
He was about to leave for Peru, where he was going 
as United Slates Consul, and before starting the citi- 
zens of Gold Hill presented him with a SOOii watch 
and chain. He afterwards died in that country. 

In the latter part of 1S67 Alf Doten became asso- 
ciate editor, and February 13, 1872, Philip Lynch 
died at Gold Hill. 

The paper is now controlled and owned by the 
News Publishing Company. The business manager, 
W. P. Pratt, is a gentleman eminently fitted by 
talents and urbanity for the position assigned him, 
which for two years he has ably and successfully 
filled. 

ALF. DOTEN. 

Alf l^'oten, the present managing editor, is a native 
of Plymouth. Massachusetts, where he was born 
July 21, 1829, his parents being full direct descei.d- 
ants of the Pilgrim Fathers. In the earlier part of 
his life he attended school, served an apprenticeship 
as a carpenter, went one summer to the Grand 
Banks of New Foundland, cod-fishing, and finally 
shipping as a boy tar, sailed in l-'>40, March 18th, 
for California. 

He arrived in San Francisco October 2d of that 
year, where he remained about one month and then 
started for the gold tields. He visited \Vood's Creek, 
and was one of the first at Shaw's Flat (December 
25. 1S49), and eventually worked in all the princijial 
diggings in the southern and central mines. In the 
spring of 1850 he visited the northern mines, pros- 
pected Doten's Bar. on the north fork of the Amer- 
ican IJiver, and for six years remained in the pur- 
suit of wealth as a placer gold miner. His opera- 
tions in this line were suddenly terminated even- 
tually by a cave of earth that buried him alive at 
Fort John, in Amador County. He was dug out. 
resuscitated, and sent to San Francisco for medical 
treatment. After about one year he hired out as a 
farm hand to a Luncha Plana rancher, and taking 





kindly to the business, purchased a farm and spent the 
next six yeai-s in fighting Spanish grants. 

In June, 1863, he first visited Nevada, and located 
in Como. about eighteen miles southeast from Vir- 
ginia Citj-, where he tried carpentering, and then 
mining, neither of which paid. While at Como, Mr. 
Doten wrote letters to various news]iapei-s. including 
the Como Stnfiue/ and Virginia Dni/i/ rnioti. the 
vigor and compass of which led the proprietors of 
the latter to secure his servii-os as a local editor. 
He entered upon duty in that offii-e in December, 
18t)4, where he remained as local editor for about one 
and one-half years. His next engagement was with 
the Tfi-ritorifi/ Enlfrprige for the same length of time, 
since when he has been constantlj' in editorial har- 
ness upon the Gold Hill Xeirg, of which he is now 
managing editor. 

In 1874. July 24lh, he was married in an open 
boat out on the waters of I^ake Tahoe, since when, 
with fair winds and^ a flowing sail, he has passed 
along the river of life. hapi>ier by far than many of 
those whose crat\s are freighted with gold. 

He is a good manager, having managed during the 
last few years to break nearly all of the bones in his 
body, including both arms, both legs, and sundry 
ribs. This has not been done all at once, but at dif- 
ferent times, and he solemnly assured the writer, 
that the only reason for cestJation in breakage, was 



HISTORY OF JOURNALISM IN NEVADA. 



32.^ 



duo wholly to the want of now material to operate I joined by H. C. Bennett, the Btubliorn and belliger- 



on; that if ho had another log it would i;ot broken in 
five minutoH. 

Mr. Doten is a hearty, genial, wholo-souled char- 
acter that it does one good to Bhake hands with. 
As an editor ho is a hard wnrker, with logic, if 
wanted; with wit, it' j>ertinent; with bard wenso all 
the time, and sutficient caution to steer his j)aper 
safely among political reefs. 

NEVAD.V I'lONKER. 

This was a (Jermuii semi-weekly Democratic paper, 
subscription price nine dollars per j'ear. It was 
started March 31, 18G4, at Virginia City, by.]. F. 
Ilahiilen. The jiropriutor had been ))romised ?•'>()() 
to hnist the Democratic slamlard. but received otilj- 
$100 of the amount, and suspended publication in 
October, after less than seven months existence. 

THE DAILY OI.I) PILTE. 

John K. Lovejoy & Co. issued the first number of 
this ])a]>cr on the eighteenth of April, 18()-}. In si/,o 
it was the same as the Ikmld, Union, or Ti;n-it(irial 
Enterprise; in politics, lU^publican; and was published 
Monday morning, and at evening for the balance of 
the week, except Sunday. It was cm])hatically a 
pointed issue, tho editor never letting an o])portunity 
pass to make a pointed ])un with a vulgar turn. 
Ijovejoy was an eccentric genius, hi repartee he 
had no superior in the State; and those members of 
tho profession who assailed him loft the field with- 
out Hying colors. His eftort to establish a pajier 
at Virginia was a failure, resulting not from a lack 
on his part of ability to conduct a lively, readable 
one, but from the fact that the ground was already 
covered by his superiors in many respects. 

September 8, 18t>4, he surrendered the Old, I'iule 
to tho Democratic party, and retiring from its 
tribal affiliations, became a rancher near Verdi, 
where he died January 25, 1877. 

The paper passed from Lovejoy to Travis Rhodes, 
and eventually sus])endcd, when and why, or what 
finally became of the material is to the writer 
unknown. 

MESSAIiE. 

An association of printers under the firm name of 
(ieo. W . Bloor & Co. started a paper by this name at 
Gold Hill. May 2.'], ISIM, The (iold Hill X,:wh notes 
its suB|)ension June 20lh of that year, and the mate- 
rial of the office was taken to Carson Cit^-, where it 
was used in starting the Car.son Post. 

WASHOE DAILY EVENINIi HEKAI.D. 

Tho beginning of July, 1864, saw Virginia City 
supporting four dailj' papers, Enterprise, Union, Pio- 
neer and the Old Piute, with the (iold Hill News just 
over tho divide. Hut it was a kind of Fourth of 
July j'ear for newspapers in Nevada, anyway, and ad- 
ditional literary fire-works were not unacceptable to 
tho masses, in view of the newsy and prosperous 
condition of the Territory at that time. Thos. 
Filch, the brilliant and erratic orator and writer, 
41 



ant, concluding there was still room, enlisted in tho 
journalistic grand arm}' of that city, and fired their 
first editorial rocket on tho third of July, 1864. 
They named the ventiiro the Wnshoe Dnilij Evening 
Herald; they proclaimed JJepublican principles with 
vigor and eloquence ; they assailed thoir ojiponents 
without scru]>lo and handled their enemies without 
gloves. In three weeks Tom Fitch withdrew and in 
five this rocket burned out. Hut, for the little time 
it bla;!cd before the Virginians, thoro was a lively 
time among tho Joves of tho press. The (fold Hill 
News of July 27th, that year, mentioning this subject, 
notes that: — 

The Washoe Ihrahl ofTico is getting to be a very 
livcl}' place, since tho ventilation of the (corrupt judi- 
ciary- was commenced. Several gentlemen with 
pistols visited the Herald editorial room last Satur- 
day- fJul}' 23d), but no one was hurt. Vestcrdaj' 
afternoon the jiroprii^tors of tho Enlerjtrise paid a 
visit to their neighbor of the Herald, to induce him to 
swallow — a whale, or something else — but tho Herail 
wouldn't or couldn't, and the wliole matter ended in a 
skirmish, in which both parties failed to be killed. 
«***#« We understand that this morning 
the Itendd editor had another beligcrant visitor in 
the ]ierson of .Mr. ('urry, late owner of the Territo- 
rial prison, who deniande<l the author of certain 
statements reflecting upon the integrity of Mr. 
(Jurry in connection with the prison art'airs. There 
was no fight in this case, but liennett laid his hand 
upon a very formidable derringer. 

.NEVADA STAATS ZEITUNO. 

This was the second (ferman ])aper started at Vir- 
ginia Cit)% and its first issue bears date October 28, 
1864. It was Republican in politics, Dr. H. M. Bien 
biMng editor and proprietor. 

AT THE CLOSE OK 1 8(!4. 

On the ninth of January, 186."), tho tiold Hill News, 
in recording the suspension of the Carson Daily 
Evenimj Post, notes that il was published with the 
material of the old Afesstige office, and that there had 
been buried in the newspaper cemetery eight ]jubli- 
cations in Storey CJounty. The following were six of 
that eight: Fii-st, the Daily Dewocralic Standard, in 
October, 1863; the Occident, time not known, but 
between October 15, 1863, and May 17, 1864; the 
Virginia Evening Bulletin, May 17, 1864; the Jfessaye, 
Juno, 20, 1864; the Was/me Daily Ereitimj Herald, 
August 8, 1864; and tho Nevada Pioneer, October 
22, 1864. This leaves two unaccounted for, which 
must have boon tho Stoats Zeilung, and tho Daily Old 
Piute. 

This left at tho beginning of 18(!5 but three papers 
running in Storey County: the Territorial Enterprise, 
the Virginia City Daily Union, and the tiold Hill 
News. 

TWO o'clock news. 

This paper was started in Virginia City by John 
r. Morrison, as a Republican sheet, on tho seventeenth 
of April, 1865. No date can bo found of its sus- 
pension. 



326 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



DEtTSCHE UNION. 

Like the Two O'clock News, this paper made so light 
an impression in its time, that no record seems left 
regarding it. and a single sentence gives its history. 
It was started in Virginia City by J. F. Hahnlen. as 
a neutral paper, October IG, 186G, and the citizens 
seem to have forgotten that it was ever published 
there. 

VIRGINIA EVENING CHRONICLE. 

This was an independent sheet, and its first num- 
ber, a dailj-, published by Kdwin F. Bean and John 
1. Ginn, is dated October 8, 1872. On the twenty- 
fifth of October Mr. Ginn ceased his connection 
as a member of the firm, and became local editor. 
The second of May following, H. C. Street becom- 
ing a partner, the firm name was changed to Bean & 
Street. July 14, 1873, C. C. Stevenson took Bean's 
interest, and the publishing firm became Pratt & 
Street, William R. Pratt representing the Stevenson 
interest. On the twenty-eighth of the next month 
C. C. Stevenson took the place of Street in the firm, 
which was again changed, becoming Stevenson & 
Pratt. At this time the size of the Chronicle was 
thirty-two columns; on paper 23x28 inches. 

In -May, 1874, John I. Ginn severed his connection 
therewith editorially, and in September of that year 
Mr. Stevenson ceased to be a partner; William P. 
Pratt remaining pubiii^her and manager. The 
Chronicle became a Democratic organ, and since has 
continued advocating the principles of that party. 

February 15, 1875, The Chronicle Printing Com- 
pany published the paper, with R. U. Bogarl, editor 
and manager. April 14lh of that year Sands W. 
Forman and C. C. Carson assumed Bogart's duties, the 
former as editor, the latter as business manager; 
and the next month. May 24tb, D. E. MctJarthy 
became sole proprietor, and has since remained such. 
In September, 187G, it was enlarged to thirtj'-two 
columns; but at present contains only twenty-eight, 
printed on paper 23x32 inches. 

Under its present management tho^C'Aromcfe has 
become the leading Democratic paper in Nevada, 
a position conceded to it by all; and its present 
editorial staff, if equalled, is not surpassed as a whole 
in the State. 

It could occupy no other position under the con- 
trol of as able a journalist as McCarthy, assisted by 
such a man as Arthur McKwcn, who as an incisive, 
analytic, or descriptive writer has few superiors on 
the Pacific Coast, and in five years hence may have 
none. 

DENIS E. MCARTHY. 

The following is a brief biograi)hy of the editor- 
in-chief from the pen of one who has known him 
for many years: — 

Denis E. McCarthy, the editor and proprietor of 
the Virginia Eoeniiu/ Chronicle, is a native of Mel- 
bourne, Australia, where he was born February 22, 
1841. In 1850 he came with his parents to San 
Francisco. As is usually the case with men who 




make their way in the world, his parents were not 
wealthy, and at the age of ten he had to take off" his 
jacket and earn his own bread. It can be truly 
said of him, that he has climbed the journalistic 
ladder from the verj' bottom. In 1851 he lent his 
energies as fly-boj' to the presses of the .\foniing Bal- 
ance and Eoening Picayune, in San Francisco, two jour- 
nals long since dead, and even lost to memoiy. From 
tly-boy be became the " devil" of the Eeenimj Journal 
office, andnextacompositoron that paper and others. 
In Januarj-, 18G], he came to Virginia City and, with 
Joseph T. Goodman, bought the Territorial Enlcrjiriae 
March 2d, then a slow weekly paper. The two 
3-oung men converted the slow weekly into a live 
dailj'. In 1SG5 .Mr. .Mct-'arthy, who had made a 
snug fortune for so young a man, sold out to Mr. 
Goodman, returned to San Francisco, and deserted 
journalism for the stock market. But he was not a 
success as a speculator, for within four months he 
had lost his last dollar. By this time he was a hus- 
band and the father of two children. He returned 
to Virginia Citj- and engaged as foreman in what 
but a few months before had boon his own job ottice. 
In 18G9 he again left Virginia City and became 
a reporter on the Sacramento Hfjiorler, where he 
developed a journalistic capacity which attracted 
the attention of the profession, and in 1870 he 
was offered the position of city editor of the San 
Francisco Chronicle. For two j'oars Mr. McCarthy 
discharged the duties of this diflicult post with 
energy and success. Ho left the cit}- editor's desk 
in the Chronicle otfico to take the more responsible 



HISTORY OF JOURNALISM IN NEVADA. 



327 



place of managinj; editor, which he filled until 1874, 
when he realized another fortune through his foro- 
eight in anticipating the discovery of the "Big 
Bonanza," and conseiiuent purchase of stock at a low 
figure. It speedily rose in prico and he gladly, no 
doubt, dropped the drudgery of daily newspaper 
work. 

A true journalist, however, cannot long remain 
contented out of harness. Despite the hard and 
constant toil which the profession involves, it has a 
fascination which one who has felt it can seldom 
resist. Mr. McCarthy was not one of the few who 
are able to bid the business good-bye, and although 
having mean.s enough to have enabled him to lead a 
life of leisure, had he so wished, he returned to Vir- 
ginia City and bought the Eceniny Chronicle. At 
that time the paper was in a dying condition — 
indeed it had never boon self-sustaining — but within 
six mouths after its purchase by him it had risen 
from the third rank among Storey County journals 
to the first; and, within the year, had achieved a 
circulation greater than had ever before, or has 
since, been reached by any newspaper published in 
Nevada. 

The success of the Chronicle is not surprising. Mr. 
McCarthy is confessedly one of the best newspaper 
managers on the Pacific Coast, as well as one of her 
most thoroughly trained journalists. He is a man 
of strong convictions, a firm believer in the Demo- 
cratic theory of government, and competent to ex- 
pound it. As a writer his .style is peculiarly forcible; 
clearness, earnestness, brevity and sound common 
sense are the characteristics which make it recog- 
nized. He has the gift of seeing the heart of a 
subject, and wastes no words in making it plain to 
his readers. He has also the true journalistic in- 
stinct for news, and knows how to present it in a fresh 
and lively form. Mr. MeCarthj'. notwithstanding 
his scant schooling in boyhood, is a man of educa- 
tion. He has read widely and much, and as he has 
had no help in gathering his knowledge, it is all his 
own, and he knows just where to put his hand on it 
when he needs it. Personally, he is like his editorial 
style — plain, direct, kindly and eminently sensible. 
An utter absence of pretense, decision of manner, 
great freedom in speaking his mind and unflinching 
fidelitj- to his convictions of right, form the founda- 
tion of a strong character whose ruggedness is re- 
lieved by a n:.tive humor, warm-hearted generosity 
and a keen enjoyment of social pleasures. 

Within the past year Mr. McCarthy has made 
investments in Mexican mining property, which 
promise to soon bring him a large fortune. It is to 
be hoped that should his ex])ectations in this regard 
be realized he will not relinquish the Chronicle, for 
his departure would be a serious loss to Nevada 
journalisn). 



ARTHLR n. M EWEN. 

This gentleman is the chief editorial writer of the 
Virginia Evening Chronicle, and is conceded to be one 
of the most brilliant and forcible writers on the 
Pacific Coast. He was born in Stranrare, Scotland, 
in 1851. Came to America in 1853, and, to California 
in 1868. There was plenty of work ottering just 
then (pick and shovel work on the railroad between 
Oakland and Sacramento), and young McEwen effected 
a six months' engagement with the contractor at 
Livermore Pass. The experience thus gained was 
not profitless, as it supplied the young man with 
material for a sprightly and amusing lecture on 
•'Hard and Kasy Shoveling." 

In 1870, Mr. McKwen, then only nineteen years of 
age, drifted into journalism, beginning as an occa- 
sional writer for religious weeklies in San Francisco, 
and profane dailies in Oakland. Having accumulated 
suilicient means to defray the cost of a year's board 
and lodging, he, in 1873, entered the State University 
at Berkeley, t'alifornia, and began to write for the 
secular press. One of his contributions to the San 
Francisco CA»-ontc& attracted the particular attention 
of the managing editor, who sent for the j-oung 
student and had an interview with him. The result 
was that Jlr. McEwen abandoned the classic shades 
of Berkeley for a permanent engagement as a mem- 
ber of the local stat^'. Since that period he has been 
employed upon several of the leading newspapers of 
California and Nevada, always commanding a first- 
class position. 

Mr. McEwen's solidcst claim to rank as a leading 
man in his profession, however, rests upon the record 
he has made on the Virginia Eceitiny Chronicle. In 
January, 1879. he was engaged as special correspond- 
ent for that paper during the session of the State 
Legislature in Carson City. A strong effort was 
made by the best members of the Legislature to 
enact some laws which it was hoped would relieve 
the people from what were generally regarded as 
oppressive exactions of the railroad companies. Mr. 
McEwen entered with all the ardor of his zealous 
nature into the crusade, and by his able and fearless 
letters aroused the jicoplo of the entire State to such 
an extent, that allhougli the battle was for the time 
I lost, many of the faithless representatives were com- 
pelled to leave the State by their indignant con- 
stituents. 

Mr. McEwen's management of the Chronicle edi- 
torial department throughout the last Presidential 
campaign stamped him as one of the most vigorous 
I political writers in America. For the first time in 
her history the electoral vole of the State was given 
to the Democratic caiMruiatc, and the leading Demo- 
crats of Storey County showed thoir appreciation of 
Mr. McEwen's great services by presenting him 
(through the Chairman of the State Central Com- 
mittee) with a costlj' and elegant watch and chain. 
Mr, McEwen is now but thirty years of ago. To his 
natural gifts of keen common sense, fine powers of 



328 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



language and manly integrity, are added untiring 
industry and studious habits. Those who know hira 
best, predict of AriLur .McEwen, that in a very tew 
years he will have acquired a national reputation as 
one of the best thinkers and writers of his time. 

THE D.ilLY INDEPENDENT. 

This was a paper started in the interests of Adolph 
Sutro, at Virginia City, on the first' of June, 1874, 
John I. (rinn being its editor, but afterwards removed 
to Lyon County. 

CO .M STOCK D.\1LY RECORD. 

This was a daily issue, started by \V. Frank Stew- 
art, in September, 1876, at Virginia Cit}', and lived 
one week. 



THE PEESS OF WASHOE COUNTY. 

W.iSHOE TIMES. 

The pioneer paper of Washoe Countj' was a 
weekl3- started at Washoe Citj% by G. W. Derickson, 
with Gen. James Allen as editor, on the eighteenth 
of October, 18G2. It was a twenty-four column 
paper, 21x28 inches, price five dollars per jear. 
Republican in politics. On the twentj'-third of Jan- 
uary, 18G3, ilr. Derickson was shot and killed bj" H. 
F. Swayze, and General Allen became jjroprietor on 
the thirteenth of the ensuing month, remaining so 
until his death, October 3l8t of the same year. Gen- 
eral Allen died suddenly while attending the first 
State Fair at Carson City, and B. F. .Derickson con- 
tinued the publication of the Times as administrator 
of Allen's estate. Judge C. C. Goodwin became its 
editor, retaining that ])Osition until it passed, bj' sale, 
into the hands of John K. Lovejoy, who changed its 
name on becoming proprietor, December 12, 1863, to 

THE OLD PAH UTAH. 

The jjolitics of the Old rah Utuh was Republican, 
as had been that of the Times, a.\\d it became a very 
lively sheet under the new management. Mr. Love- 
joy was a relative of the Lovejoys of Illinois, the 
great abolitionists of early days, one of whom, Owen, 
was killed at Alton, Illinois, because of his Free Soil 
sentiments. No change was made in the price or 
form of the j)a])er, but some of its editorials and 
locals had a peculiar turn to them, that would at 
this day exclude the sheet from the homes of 
respectable families. In 1864, April 16th, Mr. Love- 
joy sold the remaining half of the Puk Utah to E. B. 
Wilson, the other hall' having been previously dis- 
posed of to William Gregory, and moving to Vir- 
ginia, started the Duihj Old Piu/e. 

The new Washoe firm dropj)ed the old name and 
hoisted in place of it at the head of I heir columns 
that of 

WASHOE WEEKLY STAR. 

Each change of firm with that pioneer Washoe 
paper seemed to develoj) a new name by which to 
call it, and the old Times had come at last by trans- 



migration to be known as a Sfnr in the constellation 
oi' Nevada newspapers. No change was made in 
size or price, but on the evening of the seventh of May 
Wilson became sole proprietor, and on the twenty- 
eighth of January, 1865, this Utai- dropped from the 
journalistic heavens, and the old name assumed. 
Thus, bj- an after-birth, doomed to a brief exist- 
ence, came upon the stage the second 

WASHOE WEEKLY TIMES. 

With an unbroken consistency, this change of head- 
light indicated a change also in the proprietors, and 
De Lashmutt A Co. appear as owners, the names of 
V. B. DeLashmutt, J. G. Law and Charles S. Clark, 
being given as the members of that firm, the latter 
having editorial charge. July 17, 1865, Law retired, 
and August 26th, Prentice & Co. became proprietors, 
with J. C. Lewis as owner of two-thirds and editor 
under the new arrangement. Business called Mr. 
Lewis to California, and in his absence Prentice con- 
fessed judgment upon a demand against the office, 
and about November 20, 1865, it was seized by the 
Sheriff. This forced a suspension, and thus ended 
the career of the pioneer paper of Washoe Countj'. 

THE EASTERN SLOPE. 

J. C. Lewis, Esq., finding himself out in the cold, 
purchased the material of the old Carson Post, and 
started the above-named paper December 9, 1865, 
at Washoe City. It was a weekly, and in all 
mechanical ways, as well as in size and price, was 
a reproduction of the deceased Washoe Weekly 
Times. In the first issue Mr. Lewis, in reply to 
some not over-friendly mention of his undertaking 
that had appeared in the Virginia Union, stated 
that: — 

I'ersonally we take no offense to the Uuiou's com- 
ments on our entei'prise, but in behalf of the cred- 
itors of the institution, we must protest. They, ])oor 
devils ! were so unfortunate as not to be in at the 
divide. Mr. V. A. Prentice divided the Washoe 
Times. ])utting one-h;>lf in one pocket and the other 
half in the other, and is now, we believe, the lucky 
]K)ssessor of the entire material, jiress, type and 
furniture, as well as the dues of the office — in fact 
everything connected therewith, save and except 
the liabilities of the office, which he generously 
allows the holders to continue to hold. 

The EasleiH Slope was conducted with vigor and 
success until the decline of Washoe City, and the 
sudden growth of Reno led the proprietor to remove 
to the new town and issue the 

RENO CRESCENT. 

On the fourth of July, 1868, appeared the first 
nunilier, it being the first )>a])er ]tublished in the town 
of Reno, then but a few months old. From October 
22d to November 12, 1870, the Crescent was a daily. 
January 2, 1873, W. C. Lewis, son of the pro])rietor, 
became editor. March 31, 1874, it was again changed 
from a weekly to a dailj', and in 1875 the paper 
passed into the hands of J. C. Dow, who changed its 
name and politics to the 




A ^. (P^ 




HISTORY OF JOURNALISM IN NEVADA. 



329 



DAILY NEVADA DEMOCKAT. 

Mr. Dow's first issue of tho Demorrat bears date 
June 30, 1SV5, but his coiiueetion witli the paper was 
short lived, and^ in a few months, the establishment 
was .sold to Henry .Mitchell, who running it in debt, 
publication ceased. The material was stored for 
about a year, when it was purchased and used in the 
publication of the 

RKNO DAILY RECORD. 

The first nuiDber of this sheet was issued .Mondaj', 
August 5, 1878, by U. A. Waldo, W. W. Ellis and B. 
M. Barnc}', under the firm name of " H. A. Waldo & 
Co." It began with tweiifj- eolunms, and on Septem- 
ber 9th was increased to twenty-four. September 
30th the Record Publishing Company, E. F. Reep, 
manager, obtained control, and November 1, 1878, 
8. F. Hoole, becoming sole editor and proprietor, 
soon moved the material to Bodio, California, where 
it now is used in the publication of the Bodie News. 

NEVADA STATE JOURNAL. 

J. G. Law & Co. commenced the publication of a 
weekly twentj'-four-column paper at Reno, under the 
above name, Wednesday, November 23, 1870. The 
associates of .Mr. T^aw were W. II. H. Fellows and E. 
A. Littlefield. August 2tJ, 1871, tho interest of Mr. 
Littlefieid, by sale, passed to his partners. Febru- 
arj- 5, 1873, the j)ubiication was changed to a semi- 
weeklj-, and it continued such until April 1, 1874, 
when the change to a dail}- and woekl3' was made, 
and has continued until the present time. 

June 15, 1S72, J. U. Law sold to C. C. Powniiig, 
and tho firm became Fellows & Powning, until Sep- 
tember 5, 1874, when the latter purchased the for- 
mer's interest. Thus Mr. Powning, who had entered 
the office as " devil," became sole proprietor and 
editor. 

Tho Journal under Mr. Powning's management in 
politics is Republican, and has attained and main- 
tained an active and substantial position among the 
leading jjapers of the Slate, where it is read with 
interest, because of tho solid, logical tone of its edi- 
torials, that are known to have weight in influencing 
action in Nevada. Wo here insert a brief but in- 
teresting sketch of 

HON. C. C. POWNING, 

Who was born in tho village of Jeflferson, near Hazel 
Green, (Jrant County, Wisconsin, on the twenty-third 
of February, 1852. 

He was left an orphan at the age of three years. 
He remained in Jefl'erson with his grandmother until 
1803, when he came to California. In 1808 he removed 
to Nevada, and permanently located at Reno in 
1870, filling the ])()siti<)n of '-devil" on the Necwhi Silale 
JourtKtl, a i)aper started just at that time. 

In 1872 he became a half owner in the concern, 
and in 1874 its sob; jn'oprielor. 

In 1878 he was elected State Senator from Washoe 
county, by a majority of thirty-seven over both his 
competitors on the Democratic and Workingmen's 
ticket. 



Although the youngest man ever elected to tho 
Nevada Senate, ho at once took a front rank among 
its members, and by his recognized ability main- 
tained that position. As Senator he came to tho 
front in the great question of the future — the contest 
of the people against monopolj-. As an orphan, 
fighting his way in tho world, dependent upon his 
own resources, and inspired to a noble ambition by 
his own genius, he has grown to manhood void of the 
prejudices of a narrow circle or sectarian influence, 
and entered the field of politics and legislation 
untrammeled but by principles of justice and right. 
He entered the field at a fortunate time, and with a 
clear head struck the right course. The old dogmas 
which had disturbed jjolitics had been swept into the 
rubbish of the past with the questions of pope and 
king, church supremacy. State rights, free trade, 
slavery, and the like, and before '• j'oung America" 
appears the mighty strife of the common classes — 
the great industrial bodj' of the Republic, its stability 
in peace and its strength in war — and the aggregated 
wealth of soulless incorpations. Tho j-oung legis- 
lator saw his opportunity, and improved it by hastily, 
abl)' and energetically taking up the cause of the 
people. His State is overridden by the moneyed 
I kings, who rule it more tyrannically, treat the people 
more eontemptuouslj', exact tribute more arbitrarily, 
and assume more ostentatious greatness and power 
than ever did potentate ruling by right divine. In 
this field, fighting for the rights of the people, he 
; gave manj- trenchant blows, and now a ])osition 
' that promises him a life of usefulness and future 
fame. While zealous in the interests of his county, 
he extended his efforts in the welfare of his State, 
and some of tho most beneficial Acts of tho Legisla- 
ture owed their success to his cfibrts. 

Without the advantages of a liberal education and 
influential friends, alone, unaided, he has attained a 
j position gratifying alike to himself and his friends, 
I and presenting an instance of that success which 
is possible under our institutions, and which is 
attained by persistent application and untiring 
energy, involving years of toil and study. His 
name bids fair to be inscril)ed upon the roll of those 
who will be honored l>y foremost ])ositions in Ne- 
vada's future history. 

ItKNO ENENINll (lA/KTTK. 

This is a Republican journal of wide circulation 
and acknowledged rank, published ovory evening at 
Reno, to which a large eight- page edition is added 
once a week. The first number of the Gm<iti: was 
printed on tho twonty-eighth of iLarch, 1870, in a 
little office on ('ommercial Row, opposite the Depot 
Hotel. John !•'. Alexander, a recent graduate of tho 
University of California, only twenty-three years of 
age, being joined by .Mr. Ilaj'den, started the enter- 
prise, and achieved merited success from the start. 
The young man Alexander had been a resident of 
Nevada since 185!t, having come with his parents 
when a child but five yeare old. 



330 



HISTORY OF THE STATE^OF NEVADA. 



Ill 1877 the establishment was moved into its 
present quarters, west of the plaza, and the eight- 
page weekly edition was started in April of that 
year. 

The partnership between Alexander and llayden 
finally ceased, the former becoming sole owner, 
September 2, 1878; and after enlarging the paper, 
sold out to R, L. Fulton and \V. F. Edwards on 
the nineteenth of November, that year. Later, 
Mr. Fulton became, and still remains, the sole 
owner and publisher of the Guzette. This paper 
has been Republican in politics, with sufficient inde- 
pendence to prevent its approving measures simply 
because they emanated from the party; has advo- 
cated reforms advantageous to the county, and 
exerted an influence beneficial to the State. 

THE PLAINUEALER. 

The first issue of the Plaindealer, at Reno, was 
in March, 1881, with M. H. Ilogan editor and pro- 
prietor. It is a four-column, eight-page weekly, 
and is printed on paper 23x32 inches. It advocates 
the principles of the National Greenback party. 



THE PREj<S of white PINE COUNTY. 
Following the great mining excitement attending 
the discovery of the Hidden Treasure and Eber- 
hardt mines of Treasure Hill, in 18G8, came the 
printer with press and type; and on the twenty- 
sixth day of December, 1868, the first number of 
the White Fine News was published by Messrs. W. 
H. Pitchford and Robert W. Simpson. The press 
and material, as well as the publishers and printers, 
had come from the Reese River Reveille office, at 
Austin, though having first been used in printing 
the Silver Bend Reporter. The iVews began life as a 
weekly, with six columns to the page, independent 
in polities, but devoted to the development of the 
mining interests of the immediate vicinity. The 
office was one of the earliest buildings erected in 
Treasure City, and the News had the honor of being 
the most -elevated" daily paper in the world, the 
locality having an elevation of over 9,000 feet above 
the level of the sea. 

On the summit of this bleak and storm-driven 
peak flourished a city of 5,000 inhabitants, busy 
in search of other bonanzas like the extraordinary 
one that had attracted them hither. Here was a 
good field for a newBpai)cr, and the News pros- 
pered. Myron Angel, I'ormerly of the Reveille, 
became the editor, and in February the paper was 
advanced to a triweekly, and in March to a daily, 
with John I. Ginn as "local." In April, George \V. 
Cassidy, now Member of Congress, succeeded Mr. 
Ginn, and thus became attached to the ])ress of Ne- 
vada. Among the citizensof this city in the clouds was 
an experienced and distinguished editor and printer, 
Mr. William J, Forbes, formerly of the UumhohU 
Register, and late of the Virginia I'respass, who 



had left the profession in disgust, saying he was 
tired of working to please one in twenty ; he 
would now work for the other nineteen ; and 
therefore had established a saloon, thinking sell- 
ing whisky a shorter road to wealth than publish- 
ing a newspaper. But "once an editor, always an 
editor." it is said, and Forbes was uneasy out of 
his old vocation, so in May, 1809, he leased the 
News, and became its editor, and in July pur- 
chased a half interest. The paper was enlarged 
to nine columns, which size it retained until 1S73, 
and was distinguished for its fine typographical 
appearance as well as the ability of its editorial man- 
agement. In January', 1870, the News was removed 
to Hamilton, which place had been made the county 
seat of White Pine County. Under Mr. Forbes' con- 
trol the paper was a pronounced and active Republi- 
can advocate, being noted as a political power. In 
1873, A. Skillman and Fred Elliott purchased the 
office, reduced the size of the paper, and changed 
its political character to Democratic. From this 
date the News experienced many vicissitudes. 
Skillman & Elliott continued the publication until 
1875, when Mr. Elliott retired from the firm, 
the senior partner maintaining the paper as a tri- 
weekly and as a weekly until November, 1878, when 
its publication was suspended, Mr. Skillman trans- 
ferring his capital and energies to the Sentinel, in the 
neighboring county of Eureka. Several efforts were 
made to revive the News at Hamilton, but the issue 
of December 23, 1880, says the material of the office 
will be removed to Cherry Creek, where the paper 
will be published hereafter, Mr. W. 11. Forrest and 
Mr. W. Jj. Davis being the proprietors. 

THE INLAND E.MPIRE. 

The promising field of White Pine, as it appeared 
in the fall and winter of 18G8-C9, was very inviting 
to the enterprising journalist, and two experienced 
and skilled gentlemen of the craft, Mr. James J. 
Ayers, formerly of the San Francisco Call, now of 
the Ijos Angeles Express, and Mr. C. A. V. Putnam, 
at present connected with the Terriloriul Enterprise, 
prepared themselves with one of the most complete 
outfits ever put in a printing-office outside of the large 
commercial cities, and by great labor and expense 
transported it to Hamilton in February, 1869, and in 
.March following issued the first number of the 
D(iili) Iiihriid Empire. This was a large, handsome 
paper and well conducted, but with the decline in the 
" White Pine excitement," the roseate hue of the 
promised wealth and tame faded into sombre colors, 
the enthusiastic publishers succumbed to their fate, 
and the [idtmd Empire ceased to bo, the last publica- 
tion being in Aj)ril, 1S70. Rut the end was not yet. 
The News being a powerful political element on the 
Kopublican side, the Democrats, wishing to counter- 
act its influence, ))urcha,sed the material of the /jt/n»«f 
Empire, and revived its publication in the guberna- 
torial campaign of 1870, under the charge of G. W. 
Cassidy. The result of the campaign was the election 





\\/Sfy?^i£^r~ 



William mjoney 



HISTORY OF JOURNALISM IN NEVADA. 



331 



of L. R. Bradley, G-overnor, whose money had been 
chiefl}- instrumental in revivinj^ the i)ai)er. The 
objec-t aceompiifshed. the paper ceased, and soon after 
the material was sold to H. C. Patrick, who removed 
it to Stockton, California. 

THE EVENINC! TELEURA.M. 

The rivalry between the While J'iue A^ews utTreas- 
ure Citj', and the Inlmul Hmju're at Hamilton — both 
large and able morninu; pa])er8 — induced Forbes of 
the lYeion to enter into an arrani^ement with Pat Hol- 
land, who had been the carrier of the lalanil Empire 
and become dissatisfied with his business relations 
with that establishment, whereby Holland should 
ostensibly be the publisher of an evening paper to 
be circulated in Hamilton, hoping thereby to lessen 
the circulation and advertising of the Empire. In 
accordance with this arrangement, the Evening Tele- 
ffram sprang into life in the winter of 1869, with Pat 
Holland as proprietor. \V. J. Forbes wrote its 
" heavy" editorials, while Fred Hart tried his maiden 
pen upon the " locals." It was printed in the office 
of the White Pine News on Treasure Hill, and ceased 
its existence when the Intmul Emj/ire succumbed. 

THE SHER.MANTOWN REPORTER. 

In the early part of ISiU), E. F. McElwain and U. 
E. Allen began the publication of the Hhermantown 
Reporter, with Wm. H. Clipperton as editor, which 
was printed with the material and press formerly used 
by the Mountain Cluimpion at Belmont. Subse- 
quently it came into the possession of A. Skillman 
and G. A. Brier, but had only a short existence. 
The material and press were moved bj' Skillman k 
Co. to Eureka, and there used in starting the Senti- 
nel. The press was a peripatetic one, a small Wash- 
ington, and had been in use in the publication of the 
Ni)<' Comity Xeii;s as well as the Moantain Choiiipioti, 
within the knowledge of the writer hereof, and was 
an ancient affair when he first saw it. The Carson 
Appeal o( l\i\.y 1!), 187(1, says: '• G. A. Brier, editor 
of the Shermantown Reporter, dropped dead aljout 
three o'clock this afternoon, in the office of Wells, 
Fargo & Co., at Shermantown." 

THE SCHEI.r, CREEK PROSPECT, 

Chronologically, comes next in the list of White Pine 
newspapers. In 1872 the mines of the Schell Creek 
range of mountains gave great ])roinise of wealth, 
and the village of Schellbourne grew into impor- 
tance. As every thrifty village of the Silver State 
must have a paper, Messrs. Forbes A: Pilchford, of 
the While Pine News, at Hamilton in the same countj', 
supplied the demand, and established a six-column 
weekly, calling it the Schell Creek Prospect, issuing 
the first number in July, 1872. This continued for 
a period of six months, when, in January, \>>~\i, the 
office was abandoned, the building removed, and the 
press, type, cases, etc., left exposed to the mercy of 
the elements. Some of it was subsequently gathered 
together and moved to Battle Mountain, in Lan- 
der County, where Mr. Forbes produced his Measure 
for Measure. 



THE WARD MINER. 

In the historj- of the press a paper is a paper, 
whether it be the size of a postal card or a blanket 
sheet. The Ward Miner, as it appeared in the fall of 
187(!, was neither of these, but was literally a 7x0 
paper, being about the size of a sheet of notepaper, 
and published by Mark W. Musgrove. The wealth 
of the Martin White mine, and the rich croppings 
of many quartz ledges in the neighborhood, had 
attracted a large population to Ward, and the field 
seemed promising for a newspaper. Musgrove was 
not an experienced journalist, and his paper did 
not prosper exceedingly, therefore ho transferred 
his office and his " good-will " to Mr. Robert W. 
Simpson, one of the pioneers of journalism in 
Nevada, who then established 

THE W.\Rr) REFLEX. 

Issuing his first number April 1!', 1877, making it a 
handsome paper with five columns to the page, which 
appears the favorite size in the mining regions of 
Nevada. The Reflex is independent in politics, 
though with Democratic proclivities, ardently devot- 
ing itself to the interest of its section. 




R. IV. Simpson, 

Although young in j-ears, is one of the pioneers of 
Nevada, having commenced his work on the Reese 
River Reveilk in 18(J8, then a stalwart lad fresh from 
Missouri. In 18t)8, in company with W. H. Pitch- 
ford, he established the White Pine News, and in 1871, 
he became ])art owner of the Pioche h'ecord. in which 
paper ho remained until moving to Ward, in 1877. 
As a pioneer of the State so is he a pioneer in 
journalism, filling e\iprj- jiosition in the routine of 
newsjiaper- making faithfully and well. From his 
advent into the "Snowy State" until the present he 
has not crossed its boundaries, and with the ex- 
ception of a few brief intervals when some mining 



332 



HISTORY OF THE STATE 01' NEVADA. 



Bpeculation made him a millionaire, or attracted by 
bright prospects to develop some promising claim he 
has kei)t his nasal organ in close proximity to the 
space-box. As a faithful friend, honorable gentleman 
and deserving journalist, he has no superior. 

THE CHERRY CREEK INDEI'E.NDENT. 

On the first of January, 1878, the first number of 
the Cherry Creek Imkpendenf was issued bj- Mr. B. 
M. Barnej-, who continued it about two months, 
when he sold to A. V. Hoyt, who ran it about one 
year, when it ceased to be. The pai)er was, with 
five-column pages. Independent Democratic in poli- 
tics, and had a circulation of about 250 copies. 



In the review of the press of Nevada many reflec- 
tions will arise, and diverse opinions be formed. To 
some it will appear as if newspapers have been 
born but to die, and that their founders either were 
wanting in common judgment, or conducted their 
enterprise with a want of common ability. To them 
it has appeared as the graveyard of papers, and the 
purgatory of publishers. But Nevada came into 
being, and has existed under peculiar conditions. 
Here was a broad expanse of unex])lored and 
unknown regions, which, upon investigation, proved 
of unusual character, and developed resources of a 
kind previously unknown to Americans. Excite- 
ment, the desire for adventure, and consequent 
"rushes" attended explorations and development, 
and, with true American enterprise, the press, the 
school, and the church quickly followed in the wake. 
As towns built up the newspapers appeared, and as 
the miners moved on there went the printing 
material. The conditions were far difterent from 
the staid farming regions of the Mississippi or Cali- 
fornia valleys, where the reproductive soil contains a 
perennial resource, and where a paper once planted 
maj- grow with the crops. If Nevada counts its 
hundred journals, once flourishing as so manj' dis- 
tinct papers, then enterprise has exceeded judgment; 
but, generally, they are but changes of name and of 
location. However, if often failing, the press of the 
State has been peculiar from its superiority. For 
this it is distinguished. Compared with the papers 
of other States, counties or towns of equal popula- 
tion throughout the Republic, Ihey are jiroudly 
superior. Established in a period of excitement, 
they seem to maintain a fever heat and constant 
strain throughout iheir career. As the most enter- 
prising of a people are the jjioneers, so must editors 
and publishers maintain the front rank. In Nevada 
their record has been most honorable, and to editors 
and publishers is, more than to any other element, due 
the progress the State has made, the maintaining of 
law and order, the exposition of the resources, and 
the procuring of the ca])ital for their develojiment. 
No class have done better work, or more unselfishly, 
and none have been so poorlj- remunerated. Many 
of those who have advanced to wealth, have profited 



by public offico, sold town lots, mining claims, main- 
tained business, or strutted under titles, have owed 
it all to the services of the local paper, and at the 
same time falsclj- attribute their success to their 
own wisdom and importance. 



CHAPTER XXXIX. 

HISTORY OF THE BAR AND BENCH OF NEVADA. 

[hV HON. C. N. IUKKIS.] 

First Case in the Territory — Probate Court of Carson County — 
First Se.ssi"n of the Court — The First Criminal Case— First 
Ailmissinii to tlie Bar — Unite<l States Di.strict < 'ourt — Judge 
Druniiniiiid Vacates — Drummoud .Succeeded by Cradlel>augh 
— Aihnissiou of Attorneys — A Grand Jury Impaneled — 
The First Indictments — Court Expenses for the Term — 
Special Term of Court — Judge Cradlebaugh Sui>erse<K<l — 
Unpopular Indictments ^ Nev.ida Territory Judiciary — 
.Juilge Mott .Succeeded by Judge North — The One-lx-dge and 
Two-Ledge Theories — Changes of Prosecuting Attorneys — 
Homily Upon Nevada Courts — First State Judges Klected — 
Later Supreme .Judges — Attorney (Generals of Nevada — 
Judicial Districts of the State — District .Judges Elected — 
■ludicial Districts Reorganized, and District .Judges Subse- 
quently Elected — Most Upright and Honorable Judges — 
Slenibers of the Bar of Nevad.a — A Retrospective View. 

The history of the courts, judges, lawyers, and 
litigation within the territory now embraced by the 
State of Nevada, extends back to dates nearlj- cov- 
ered with the first emigration across the plains to 
California. 

The Jformon assertion of jurisdiction was not 
strictly limited to anj^ confines short of the sur- 
veys which formed the eastern boundary of Cali- 
fornia, although it was not much earlier than 1853 
when the advanced settlements of the Mormons 
began to dot the valleys skirting the easterly decliv- 
ities of the Sierra. For the first year or two the 
Spanish members that occupied the vast wilds that 
extend from Salt Lake to the Sierra Nevada. re(|uired 
little or nothing in the way of regularlj^ organized 
judicial tribunals. There was room for all, without 
any clash of possessionarj- or legal rights, and the 
powerful motive and necessity for mutual protection 
subserved all such purposes of civil government as 
were not directly administered by the church hier- 
archy at Salt Lake. 

FIRST CASK IN THE TERRITORY. 

It seems, however, that in 1853 one E. L. Barnard 
was acting as Justice of the Peace, and on March 
14th of that year the first legal cause was brought 
before him bj' John Reese against Woodward & Co., 
by attachment, for the recoveiy of StiTS. The full 
particulars of this case will bo found on page 34, 
and is simply mentioned bore to show when the 
wheels of the jtidicial tribunal were first jtut in 
motion. 

PROBATE COURT OF CAHSC iN COUNTY. 

In 1855 the Probate Court in and for Carson 
County, Utah Territorj-, was held by Orson Hyde, 
the Probate Judge, at the Mormon settlement 
located where (ienoa now stands. The County of 
Carson, then recently organized, was well nigh 



332 



HISTORY OF THE STATE 01' NEVADA. 



speculation made him a millionaire, or attracted by 
bright pro8i)ect8 to develop some promising claim he 
has kept his nasal organ in close proximitj- to the 
space-bo.x. As a faithful friend, honorable ffent'— 
and deserving journalist, he h->- - 



by public office, sold town lots, m' 
tained business, or strut •'■ ' 
it all ♦- " 



lO 

■r 



( 
the 
M. 
wh 
yea 
five 
tics 






culalion of abou' 



' 11 A F 'i 
HISTORY OF THEBAE AMj Bf-slv-i.^ Ur NEVADA. 

t*- Oourt of Parsnn County — 

■ ' •• ""'-St 



Will ap] 



'triditions vf- 



1 

tioi 
son 
bor 
wai 
ent 
it h 
pur 
bcii 
He) 
unk 
of 1 
kin< 
mei 
"ru: 
and 

BCh( 

As 1 

the 

mat 

the 

forii 

perc 

ma> 

hiiii 

tine 

but, 

loca 

Stat 

this 

of o 

lion IhniUL' 

superior. K. 

they Heem to maintain •■! 

stra' 

pris _ 

and publitthers m i 

thci 

and 

the 

law 

(ho 

No. 

and 

oftl 



qaickly follow od in the "wake. 



, and where a paper once planted 



lO front rank. In J^'evad; 



has made, the maintainiuG; ot 
' . of the r -. iind 

r their , 'enl 

. 1., or mfire utit-titiwhly, 

'■■■" ii*ted. Many 

have profited 



>v the 



aek lo auies neai . 

in r* ;• rcicc t 1 w"» t * 



!on ot juriBiiiciioii wuh iml 

. , confines short of the sur- 

vhioh formed the- eastern boundary of Cali- 
liiiiiiii, although it rlierthan 1853 

wImii ;1: > nUii! the Mormons 

^ skirting '.Va easterly decliv 



:tend from Salt J<ake to th 

j; in the way (_'i rr^ :;i, 

.Is. There was room for 'H 

ly dash of possession: ly or legal rights, and the 

rful motive and necoseily tor mutual protection 

. \>od j\U Biiz-h i>urpo«o« of civil government as 

'y the 'hnrth hier- 



' uo lull 



iMJUAXb 

. In ^'^■■" 

I'OUlii 

the l'i-..l. 
located \\i... 
Canon, then 



I or Carson 

'rsoii ilyde, 

.ion Ketllcm.'nt 

Tlu 1 ..iinty of 

' i nigh 









t 





Hon. Thomas P. Hawley. 

Hon. Thomas P. Hawley, Justice of the Supreme Court of Nevada, was born in 
Ripley County, Indiana, on the eighteenth of July, 1830. He resided in his native 

State until the spring of 1S.")2, when he came to California, hy way of the plains, 
arrivinif at Placerville in the month of Jul)'. He remained in El Dorado County 
one year and was engaged in mining. 

In August, 1853, he located in Nevada City, Nevada County, California, where 
he lived for fifteen years. 

He continued the business of mining until 1855, when he went into the County 
Clerk's office. 

It 1857 he was admitted to practice law, and at once secured a good legal busi- 
ness at a Bar composed of such able practitioners as the late John R. McConnell, 
Francis J. Dunn, Stanton Bucknerand James Churchman, and the Hons. Aaron A. 
Sarcrent, Wm. M. Stewart, David Belden,Niles Searles, A. C. Niles and A. B. Dibble. 
In 1858 he formed a law partnership with Henry Meredith, whose tragic death 
at the hands of the Indians, at Pyramid Lake, in 1859, forms one of the saddest 
pages of Nevada's turbulent history. 

In 1858 he was married to Mi.ss Eudora Murrell, daughter of Col. John T. Mur- 
rell, of Charleston, South Carolina. They are the parents of three children, a 
son and two daughters, born in Nevada City. 

In 1863 he was elected, on the Union Republican ticket, District Attorney of 
Nevada County, and served as such officer for a period of two years. He contin- 
ued in the active practice of his profesion in California, in partnership with the 
late L. W. Williams, of Nevada County, until 1868, when he came to the State of 
Nevada, locating in Hamilton, White Pine County. Here, by his industry and 
close attention to business, he secured a first-cla.ss practice; and it is but a well- 
deserved compliment to say that he took front rank at a Bar which embraced such 
able legal minds as the late Delos R. Ashley, C. E. DeLong, D. W. Perley, and A. 
M. Hillhouse, as well as the following, who rank among the leading law3'ers of 
this coast: John Girber, Harry I. Tiiornton, Thomas Wren, D. S. Terry, Frank 
Tilford, and M. Kirkpatrick. 

In 1870 he formed a law partnersliip with John O. Darrow, since deceased, at 
Eureka, Nevada. 

In 1872 he was elected, on the Republican ticket, a Justice of the Supreme Court 
of the State of Nevada. In 1874 he became Chief Justice, and served in that 
position for four years. 

In 1878 he was renominated by the Republican party, and re-elected a mem- 
ber of the Court by the largest majority ever given a candidate for that office, his 
opponent being an able jurist and popular gentleman. 

As a lawyer he was attentive to business and went into Court fully prepared to 
try his causes intelligently, never trusting, as is too often the case to what some 
one has neatly phrased " the sublimity of luck." He was always clear-headed, 
quick at discovering the weak points of an opponent, and with tact to present his 
own strong points in the most favorable light. As an advocate, his manner was 
earnest and impressive. He always made his client's cause his own. As a Judge, 
the Nevada Reports bear evidence that he has continued his industrious habits, 
and the decisions written by him will bust illustrate his legal learning and judicial 
character. 

On the bench he has been an impartial Judge. Socially, no man stands better, 
and his official worth and personal popularity have twice received emphatic 
endorsmeut at the hands of tiie people of Nevada. 



HISTORY OF THE BENCH AND BAR OF NEV^VDA. 



333 



co-extensive with the present State of Xevnda. and 
Judge llyde's Territorial jurisdiction was of im- 
mense extent. 

KIUST SESSION OF THK CO|-RT. 

On the third of October this Court hold its first 
session, and the first record entry was in the case of 
James Melntyre en. Asa A. Knouse — an action of 
"debit and damages."' The proceedings ujion that 
day seem to have consisted of the tiling of the com- 
plaint for recoverj' of S1S7.75. A copy of the com- 
plaint and writ were issued, which latter was made 
returnable October 12th. at nine o'clock. 'On this 
day," saj's the record, "parties met at Cowin'e 
house, and proceeded to trial without a jury, by 
agreeniciit. ]>efendant filed his answer, and set 
oft" in the sum of S200.25, leaving a balance in his 
favor of 810.50. The Court, on hearing the evidence 
and the pleas of the parties, and on careful examina- 
tion of the account, ordered that judgment be ren- 
dered against Melntyre, the plaintiff, in the sum of 
$24.50 (more than was asked in the set-off), together 
with the costs of suit, !S14; making the full amount 
of judgment against the plaintiff of $38.50." 

Thus was the judicial government of the people 
inaugurated. The tribunal seems to have been con- 
structed upon a basis that comprehended little more 
than if found in Justices' Courts, elsewhere, although 
the name " Probate Court " would commonly imply 
the accessions of a seal and a Clerk, or Prothonotary. 

THE FIRST CRIMINAL CASE. 

On the second of November, 1855, this Court 
exercised its criminal jurisdiction for the first time in 
the case of a negro named Thackcr, who was brought 
before Hyde, as Probate Judge, " for using language 
of a highly threatening character." he, Thacker, hav- 
ing said ''That he had spite enough in his heart 
against A. .1. Wyekoff to kill him," and "that he 
could cut the heart out of Mrs. Jacob Rose and roast 
it on the coals." 

This inhuman wretch was dealt with in the rigor- 
ous manner following, as shown by the "docket." 
To protect the life of Thacker being taken on the 
spot, the Judge ordered his syrest, and although the 
language was proven to have been uttered by the 
accused, yet the Judge held that it was no threat; 
but nevertheless summed up by taxing Thacker with 
fifty dollars, for costs of suit, and advising him, " for 
his own safety," to go over the mountains to his 
master, in California. 

The Court records the remark that "A man may 
have malice enough at heart to kill another, and 
judgment and discretion to prevent him from com- 
mitting the deed; he may have the ability to cut a 
lady's heart out and roast it upon the coals, and at 
the same time he may have good sense enough not 
to do it." 

FIRST AD.MISSION TO THE B.VR. 

On the second of November, 1855, Dr. Charles D. 
Daggett and Solomon C. Perren were admitted to 
practice before the Probate Court. 
42 



From these unpretentious beginnings, from this 
well spring, as it were, has the stream of justice with 
its various irregularities of current and interruptions 
of flow ])assc(I down to more modern ilates, aiid within 
more clearly defined channels. 

UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT. 

In the course of time the judicial organization of 
Utah Territory received the improving touches and 
authoritative recognition that were so evidently nec- 
cessary through the force of Congressional legislation, 
and in the j'ear 1850 there came into Carson Valley, 
from Salt Lake, about one hundred families, who 
were accompanied bj* Judge Drummond, u]ion his 
journey to open a genuine United States l)istrict 
Court. The Judge awived about the middle of July, 
iris first (Irand .Turj- had no rejircsenf ative of the 
Mormon faith within its members, but at the 
expiration of nine daj-s, after impaneling the same he 
seems to have oxi)elled seven of the twentj'-three 
members and substituted Mormons in their j)laces. 

The court was held at Mottsville, in Mott's barn, 
while the Grand Jury held its sessions in the house, 
or in the holler portions of the day, in the black- 
smith sho]). 

The Grand Jury, after its reformation as above- 
mentioned, found a true bill against two jiarties, one 
of whom bore the name of E. Lamb, for stealing 
two horses. It is stoutly asserted, by some surviv- 
ing contemporaries, that Lamb did not steal the 
horses, or in other words, was innocent of the charge; 
but historj' is deprived of an authentic judicial 
record upon this point, for the reason that Lamb 
made his escape from .Mottsville, and the indictment, 
in consequence, was never tried. 

JUDGE DRU.MiMOND VACATES. 

For some act of supposed contumacy, it is said 
that .ludge Drummond threatened to "iron" the 
Grand Jury, but lliis does not seem to have taken 
the form of a judicial order, nor was the threat 
carried into efl'ect. The Judge remained at Motts- 
ville about six weeks, and then departed for Califor- 
nia, from whence ho never returned. 

It was thought that his judicial administration was 
as unsatisfactory to himself and all concerned, as the 
record of his procecditigs is meager. 

DRUMMOND SfCCEEDEI) BY rK.\DI.EHAr(llI. 

He was succeeded by John Cradlebaugh who, as 
Judge of the Second Judicial District of Utah Ter- 
ritory, convened court at (Jenoa on the fifth day of 
September, 1S5!), with Alfred James for t'lerk, and 
George \V. Hep|ierly as Deputy United States 
Marshal and Hailifl' ol' the court. 

ADMISSION OF ATTORNEYS. 

On the tenth of October, of that 3-ear, the follow- 
ing entry was made upon the records of the court: — 

On motion of (r. D. Hall, and the Court being sat- 
isfied of the gooil^ standing in the j)rofession of 
Messrs. Charles H. 'Bryan. Hobert Anderson, G. D. 



334 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



Hall, John J. Museer, \V. H. Brumfield and Welling- 
ton Stewart, practicing attornej-s in the courts of 
other States and Territories, said gentlemen are 
admitted to practice as attorneys in the courts of 
this Territory'. 

A (iRAND Jl'KY I.MI'ANELED. 

On that day the Grand Jury was impaneled, 
with George AV. Chedic, at present a resident of Car- 
son City, as the foreman. Wellington Stewart was 
appointed by the Court as Prosecuting Attorney for 
the Second District, in place of Alexander Wilson, 
who had resigned as United States Attorney for 
Utah Territory, upon the ground that heeould not, 
for some reason, attend upon the courts in Carson 
County. 

THE KIRST INDICy.MENT. 

On the twenty-first of October, 185!t, the first 
indictment for murder was found against William 
Sides, for a homicide committed at Gold Hill shortlj" 
after the discovery of the Comstock Lode. At the 
same time two bills of indictment were found for 
lewdness, one for adulter}', and one for robbery. 
In fact, the criminal calendar for the year l.S5!t 
would indicate an older settlement, a more exten- 
sive population, and a degree of demoralization 
rather exceptional. In that j'oai'five bills of indict- 
ment for lewdness, one for adulter^-, one for rob- 
bery, six for assault with intent to kill, three for 
murder, and one for felony were found b}- the (irand 
Jury. 

COURT EXPENSES FOR THE TERM. 

On the thirtieth of November, 1859, the Court 
expenses foot up S.")7:i.50 — the Prosecuting Attorney's 
fees being 810 per daj', and the traveling expenses 
of the Judge to and from Salt Lake being S150 
for the 'estimated distance of 1,500 miles. 

SPECIAL TER.M OF COURT. 

A special term of court was held on June 11, 
1860. John L. Blackburn was the Deputy .Marshal 
in attendance. The term seems to have continued 
in session from time to time until Februarj' 19, 
18til. when the last record entries were made. 

In 1860 three indictments for murder seem to have 
been found. On September ]9th the case of Wm. 
Sides was dismissed, on motion of the acting Prose- 
cuting Attorney, P. H. Clayton. There was, in 
fact, but little efficiency shown in the prosecution 
of the criminal docket, or else the indictments were 
in the main without merit. 

JUDdK rUAI)I.EBAir(iII SUPERSEPED. 

Judge Cradlebaugh had been succeeded by Judge 
H. B. Flanikon, who, in October, 18G0, arrived, 
accompanied by United States Mar.-hal Henry 
Grice, and was furnished with letters of introduc- 
tion to John S. Child, who was then the Probate 
Judge. Judge Flaniken held the court in Carson 
City until its close, as stated. 

UNPOPULAR INDICT.MENT8. 

It seems that when Judge Cradlebaugh first 
arrived at Genoa he was accompanied by Judge St. 



Clair, who addressed the Grand Jury, and charged 
them to bring indictments against parties living 
with women otherwise than in the marriage rela- 
tion; and against gamblers, and parties alleged to 
have participated in the irregular judicial proceed- 
ings and executions that had occurred. Several of 
the indictments for murder already alluded to are 
said to have been directed against the latter class of 
malefactors. 

During the period brought to a close, in February, 
1861, and under the Utah regime, the volume of civil 
business does not seem to have been extensive or 
imjjortant. The judicial administration was rather 
a struggle, with indecisive results, to assert law and 
order in a community where much of irregularity 
was prevalent. 

Thus closes our sketch of that period in the judicial 
history of Nevada which preceded the organization 
of the Territory bearing that name. 

NEVADA TERRITORY JUDICIARY. 

By Act of Congress, in 1861, the new Territory of 
Nevada was organized, and Hon. James \V. Nye 
appointed Governor bj' President Lincoln. By proc- 
lamation of July 17, 1861, the (Governor divided the 
Territorj' into three judicial districts, and assigned 
the .fudges as follows: — 

First Judicial District — The county of Carson 
including all that portion of Nevada lying west of 
the 118th degree of longitude west from Greenwich; 
Gordon N. Mott, Judge. 

Second Judicial District^ — All that portion of the 
Territory, lying between the 117th and 118th degrees 
of longitude; (Jcorgo Turner, Judge. 

Third Judicial District — All that portion of the 
Territory lying east of the 117th degree of longitude; 
Horatio 51. Jones, Judge. 

Thus was established the first regular beginning 
of that judicial history which is distinctively Neva- 
dan, and disconnects it from the influence of the 
Mormon Church in Utah, although it should be here 
remarked that Judge Cradlebaugh made for himself 
a National reputation by his firm attitude in opposi- 
tion to the -Mormon poxj-er during his term of judicial 
administration. The newlj' organized Territorial 
Courts, especially the First Judicial District, com- 
menced the administration of justice under conditions 
that wore novel, and, in some resjiocts, anomalous. 
The court for the First District was hold princii)ally 
at Virginia City, and the litigation was, in the main, 
tho outgrowth of conflicting claims to mining prop- 
erties, that were held to represent enormous values. 
The (luestions involved were largely determinable by 
a sort of common law, or tho custom of miners in 
mining districts. Tho ablest representatives of tho 
California Bar, in those times, flocked to Virginia 
City, and wore, without exception, prominent in the 
forensic discussions that were almost continuallj' 
occupying the courts. In those days the law con- 
cerning mineral-bearing ledges, their location, pos- 
session and development, was largely formulated, and 



HISTORY OF THE BENCH AND BAR OF NEVADA. 



335 



ultimately received the substantial recognition of 
approvini; Congressional legislation . The trial of 
the many causes was the scene of almost continual 
excitement. The stock boards of San Francisco and 
Virginia were often tremendously swayed by the 
result of judicial rulings. Peijury was conceded to 
be common, and the bribery of witnesses and juries 
was spoken of as notorious. It was impossible that 
the Judges should esca))e the suspicion, and even the 
open charge of being corrupt. The peculiar confor- 
mation of the giant lode, known as the Comstock, 
occasioned two antagonizing theories, which struggled 
for the legal ascendancy. They were respectively 
known as the '• one-ledge " and "two-ledge" theories. 
The excitement in the legal circles and among liti- 
gants culminated in the year 1803. 

.ItDdE .MOTT SUCCEEDED BV JIIDOE NORTH. 

Judge Mott resigned, and Hon. J. W. North, who 
was the first Survoj-or General of Nevada, was 
appointed by President Lincoln as his successor in 
the First District, and continued in office until 
Nevada was admitted into the Union in October, 
1864. He was accused of corruption by Hon. W. 
M. Stewart, afterwards United States Senator. This 
resulted in a lawsuit for libel with claim for SlOd,- 
000 damages, which was tried by referees in 18t!."), 
who rendered a judgment exonerating Judge North, 
and found the accusations of Stewart to be without 
any basis of fact. 

THE ONE-LEDOE AND TWO-LEIKiE THEOKIES. 

During this period of continued activitj- and 
excitement in the courts, the "one-ledge" and "two- 
ledge" theories alternated in obtaining ascendancy. 
The decisions were not uniform — no one case seemed 
to be authoritative in the ne.xt — although at the close 
of 1864 the "two-ledge" party seemed the rather to 
prevail. It is a question that has not even yet 
(1881) been finally determined, although the sj'stem 
of United States patents for mining ground and 
ledges, conjoined with the consolidated ownership in 
few persons of many of the conflicting claims, has 
reduced the ([ucstion to one of vastlj- loss practical 
imi)ortance. Indeed, it may now in a general way be 
asserted as the prevailing notion, that the so-called 
Comstock Ijode is a gigantic do])osit, or upheaval, of 
vein or mineral-bearing matter of indefinite width 
eastwardly from Mount Davidson, and of an unknown 
extent in length north and south. Its superficial 
or surface indications are irregular, ami often lead 
to the supposition that there are a series of parallel 
veins, but through explorations at profound depths, 
this idea is in the main dispelled. Of course the 
attention of our courts has always been drawn to a 
line of civil questions similar to those arising in any 
other community, b\it as mining is the main resource 
for the prosperity of the State, just so has so-called 
mining law always maintained the ascendancy. 

CHANdES OF PROSKCUTINO ATTORNEYS. 

In 1S61, Hon. Dighton Corsen was ai)pointed the 
Prosecuting Attorney for the First District, Carson 



County, and Hon. Marcus D. Larrowe for the Second 
District. In 1S62. Hon. K. B. Zabriskie was ap]iointed 
Prosecuting Attorney for the Third District, and con- 
tinued in office from March till November 17th of 
that 3'ear, when he resigned to enter the army as 
one of the Nevada Volunteers, where he was ap- 
pointed upon the staft' of General P. E. Connor as 
Judge Advocate, with the rank of Ca{)tain. He was 
succeeded in the cilice of Prosecuting Attorney by 
Hon. Franklin II. Kennedy. In -May, 1863, Hon. 
John J. Musser was appointed District or Prosecuting 
Attorney, to succeed Hon. Marcus D. Larrowe, who 
resigned. 

HO.MILY UPON NEVADA COURTS. 

After the Territorial Courts were once organized, 
the course of legal procedure in Nevada Territory 
was characterized by a regularity and certainty 
that was a vast improvement upon the desultory 
methods and plans of administering justice that had 
been obtained under the Mormon reijime. There 
was a binding force to the organic law of the Terri- 
tory and the Acts of the Legislature, that at once 
justified a larger measure of wished-for tranquilitj', 
especially in the mining camps, than had heretofore 
been possible. 

But as already remarked, the vast values that 
were constantly the subject of judicial action, caused 
immense friction and distrust. The judges were the 
victims of open charges of briber^-, and the determina- 
tions of courts and juries were seldom received in 
good faith by those who had not prevailed. The 
prime cause of this dissatisfaction was the reckless- 
ness and assurance with which witnesses were 
induced to commit perjury, and the acknowledged 
fact that many who sat on juries were to a moral 
certainty subject to the seductions of money rewards. 
In fact, a general demoralization of the public mind 
had so far gained ground that it is scarcely to be 
wondered at that the courts were unable to enforce 
the authority and respect diie to the law. no matter 
how honorable might be llie personal character of 
the judges. It was. especiallj' "on the Comstock," a 
sense of reckless greed for the making of fortunes, 
and no consideration stood in the way of its 
realization. 

In the First District, Judge Mott retired, and Hon. 
J. W. North, was in 1863, appointed to succeed him- 
He was a man of honorable character and his per- 
sonal history had been unexceptionable, but his career 
was characterized by as savage and bitter attacks 
from members of (he Bar and litigants as had been 
the case during the incumbency of his predecessor. 

Hon. William M. Stewart, afterwards one of the 
United States Senators from Nevada, was especially 
prominent in charges of corrui)t conduct on the i)art 
of Judge North. The latter resigned in the summer 
of 1864. In August of that year, forty-nine membei-s 
of the Bar met at Virginia, and agreed by a vote of 
twenty-six against twenty-one for Hon. H. O. Beatty, 
and two for Hon. C. M. BrosiKin. tosuiqiort lion. I!. S. 



336 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



Messick a8 a candidate for the Presidential appoint- 
ment to succeed Judge Xorth. The appointment of 
North's successor was never made by the President. 
The Constitution of Nevada had already been framed, 
and on the first Wednesday of the following month 
of September the Constitution was adopted by the 
people of the Territorj^. Hon. Horatio M. Jones, 
])rior to the formation on the State Government, had 
resigned, and Hon. P. B. Locke had been appointed 
as his successor. Provision had been made for an 
election of a full set of State ofMcers on the first 
Tuesday after the first Monday of the following 
November. The State was admitted bj- proclamation 
of President Lincoln prior to that election, and the 
Statehood of the then Territory was to all interests 
an accomplished fact. The new State Government 
came into power on the first of December, 1864. 

Among the reminders of the legal turmoil that had 
embittered both Bench and Bar during the Territorial 
days, was a suit by Judge North against Senator 
Stewart for §10(1,00(1 damages for libel. This suit 
was brought in Washoe Countj- before the District 
Court in the spring of 1865, and was tried before 
referees, at Virginia, on stipulation of the parties, 
the damage being waived. The findings of the 
referees were favorable to the plaintiff and adverse 
to the defendant on all points. 

The course of judicial government in the central 
and eastern settlements of the Territory was much 
more quiet and regular, although there were not 
wanting fierce churgcs of jiKlieial corruption. Austin, 
or " Keese Biver," was a mining camp of some pre- 
tentions in those days, but not so productive of liti- 
gation as the Corastock liode. 

FIRST STATE JUDGES ELECTED. 

At the general election for the State of Nevada, 
in November, 1864, the following Judges of the 
Supreme Court were elected: Hon. James F.jjcwis, 
of Washoe County, then about thirty years of age, 
an able 3'oung lawyer from Wisconsin, who had been 
a law partner with Judge North; Hon. H. O. Beatty, 
of Virginia City, aged about fifty j-ears, and for 
many years a prominent member of the Sacramento 
Bar, California, and Hon. ('. M. Brosnan, of A'irginia 
City, aged about fifty-five years, of Irish birth, and 
when a young man, in the State of New York, well 
known for his brilliancy as a forensic orator. 

According to the ])rovision in the State Consti- 
tution, lots were drawn and Judge Lewis became the 
first Chief Justice, having drawn the short term of 
two years; Judge Beatty drew the term of four 
years, and Judge Brosnan drew the term of si.x 
years.. The latter died ,\|)ril 21, 1867, and Hon. J. 
Neely Johnson, formerly Governor of (Jalil'ornia, 
was appointed by Governor Blasdol to fill the vacancy 
thus occasioned, and he remained upon the bench 
until January, 1871. Judge Jjewis was re-elected in 
1866, and remained upon the bench until January, 
1878. Judge Beatty was succeeded by Hon. H. C. 
Whitman of Storey County, in January, 1869, but 



inasmuch as Judge Beatty resigned on the ninth of 
November, 1868, Judge Whitman was appointed and 
took his seat upon the Bench nearly two months 
prior to his ])crmancnt accession to the election; and 
at the same time Judge Lewis again succeeded to 
the Chief Justiceship, thus made vacant by Chief 
Justice Beatty. 

LATER SUI'UE.ME JIDOES. 

Aside from the Supreme Judges thus far named, 
the following have been elected and appointed Judges 
of that tribunal up to the present year, 1881: — 

Hon. John Garber, elected November, 1870, and 
resigned November 7, 1.S72. 

Hon. Thomas P. Hawley, elected November, 1872, 
and re-elected November, 1878. 

Hon. C. H. Belknap was appointed by tiovernor 
Bradley to fill the vacancy occasioned by the resig- 
nation of Judge Garber, and remained upon the 
Bench until January-, 1875. 

Hon. Warner Karll was elected in November, 1874, 
to fill the two years of the unexpired term of Judge 
Garber, and so succeeded Judge Belknap. He 
remained upon the Bench until January, 1877. 

Hon. William II. Beatty, son of the former Chief 
Justice H. O. Beatty, was elected November, 1874, 
and remained upon the Bench until January, 1881. 

Hon. O. II. Leonard was elected November, 1876, 
and is now, 1881, Chief Justice. 

Hon. C. H. Belknap was elected November, 1880, 
to sui.-cced Chief Justice Wm. II. Beatty. 

The Bench now consists of Justices Leonard, 
Hawley and Belknap. 

ATTORNEY OENERALS OF NEVADA. 

The Attorney Generals of Nevada were elected in 
the following order: — 

Hon. George A. Nourse, formerly of Minnesota, 
was elected at the first State election, November, 
1864, and remained in office until January. 1867. 

Hon. Pobert M. Clark, formerly of Ohio, was 
elected in 1866, and remained in office until Janu- 
ary, 1871, 

Hon. Luther A. Buckner was elected November, 
1870, and remained in office until January, 1875. 

Hon. John 1\. Kittrell was elected November, 1874, 
and remained in office until Januarj', 187It. 

Hon. Michael A. Murphy was elected November, 
1878, and is still in office. 

JUDICIAL DISTRICTS OF THE STATF.. 

The State in 1864 comprised nine Judicial Districts 
as follows : First District, Storey County ; Second 
District, Ormsby County; Third District, Lyon 
County; Fourth District, Washoe County; Fifth 
District, N5'e and Churchill Counties; Sixth District, 
Humboldt County; Seventh District, Lander County; 
Fighth District, Douglas County; Ninth District, 
Esmeralda County. 

The First Judicial District, Storey County, was 
especially organized under the Constitution to allow 
for the election of three Judges, with coordinate 
powers and jurisdiction, in order that the mass of 






£-^ 



Judge O. R. Leonard 

Was the youngest of six ciiildren, whose paieuts resided ou a iarm in Gaysville, Wind- 
sor County, Vermont. After arriving at the requisite age his time was divided between 
the school house and work upon the farm until he was sixteen years old, when he com- 
menced fitting himself for college by teaching school in the winter and attending the 
Randolph Academy during the summer. Eventuall}' he entered Dartmouth College, 
helping to pay his way by the continuance of those winter terms of school teaching, 
where he remained until his senior year. 

After leaving Dartmouth he removed to California and entered the office of Belcher k 
Belcher, at ilar^'sville, for the purpose of studying law, and was admitted to the Bar in 
April, 1863. On the twenty-third of the following May he arrived at Star City, in 
Humboldt County, Nevada, and has since remained a resident of this State. 

Frequent mention is made of Judge Leonard in this history, and should one seek for 
information of the events of the early settlement of the State, particularly of Humboldt 
County, he could find no better posted or willing informant than the distinguished 
Chief Justice. As a pioneer of Humboldt, he has witnessed the Hush times of Union- 
ville, Star, and other cities of the West Humboldt Range; speculateil in Sheba, when it 
was thought rich enough to pay the national debt; rejoiced in the wealth of the Arizona 
which was expected to re-establish the prominence of Buena Vista; cTxulted over the 
massive quarries of glittering oi'e in Montezuma and Trinity; gloried in the coming of 
the railroad which was hoped to advance every interest, anil as he has seen these many 
bright anticipations wither in the blight of experience, he still retains his faith in the 
exhaustless resources of his county and his confidence in her future prosperity. The 
best expression of this confidence is his long residence within its limits. Taking part in 
its first growth and "boom," he has seen it settle into the industries and toil uf self-sup- 
port, and thus growing with it, is entitled to the position he has achieved and the honors 
he has won. 

No laggard couM have succeeded in the active region and brilliant surroundings in 
which he found himself when, as a young lawyer he entered upon the scene of his future 
trials and triumphs. At the period when he entered upon the practice of the law, the 
Bar of Humboldt Count}- was one that embraced among its members such men as Hon- 
Frank Ganahl, Hon. Wm. Claggett, Gen. P. H. Harris, W. M. Dixon, W. H. Jones, A 
P. Overton, and the late Chief Justice of Arizona, Judge E. F. Dunn. It was a high 
order of legal talent, and for a young man and practitioner to gain recognition among 
such Titans of the Bar, required ability, knowledge of the law, nerve and persever- 
ance far in excess of the average. Within a few months after his arrival he was elected 
District Attorney, and held that position by re-election for five years, when he removed 
from Star City to l.'nionville, and became the law partner of Judge E. F. Dunn. 

In 1808 he was a Republican Delegate to the Chicago Convention that nominated 
Gen. Grant for President; and always having been a Union man was married while 
East to Mi.ss Eliza Sylvester, of West Newbury, Massachusetts. 

The practice of law was continued by him until I87-, when he became Judge of the 
Fourth Judicial District. In 1874, at Winnenuicca, he resumed the law practice again, 
and continued it at that place until elected, in 187(i, to the Supreme Bfench of Nevada, 
of which he is now Chief Justice. 

Judge Leonard is a gentleman of fine literary and legal attainments. He is genial in 
his associations, aftable in his address, generous in his judgment of his fellows, and 
courteous to all. As an attorney his cases were pi-osecuted with a persistence and 
tenacity of purpose that left no just avenue for defeat. It was of him that Harry 
Mighels wrote, in 1870, that he was "one of the fairest-minded and purest lawyers of 
Nevada." As a Judge he possesses a well-earned reputation of unimpeachable honor 
and integrity of purpose, as well as that of an able and erudite jurist. 

The people's interests are safe when trusted to the integrity of such men as Judge 
Leonard. 



HISTORY OF THE BENCH AND BAR OF NEVADA. 



.137 



unfinished business that Lad accumulated under the 
Territorial riylme, might bo rapidi}' uomplotod. 

DISTRICT JUDGES ELECTED. 

The three Judges so elected in November, 1864, 
were lion. H. S. Mesick, Hon. Richard iiising, and 
Hon. Caleb lUirbank, who each continued upon the 
Bench until January, 1867. The Legislature had, 
meanwhile, provided that but one Judge should be 
elected at the general election in ISIKi, and Hon. 
Richard Rising was re-elected and continues, by 
successive re-elections, upon the District Court 
Bench of the First District up to the present time. 

The District Judges elected in November for the 
other Districts, commencing with the Second, were 
in their order as follows: — 

lion. S. H. Wright, Hon. W. llaydon, lion. C. C. 
Goodwin, Hon. S. Ij. Baker, Hon. E. F. Dunn, Hon. 
Wm. II. Beatt}-, Hon. Daniel Virgin, and Hon. S. 
II. Chase. 

These Jiulges all continued in office until .lunuar}-, 
1867. Several of them had not been regular!}^ 
trained to the law, having very naturally been pro- 
moted from the County Judgeships, which thcj- had 
filled under the Territorial Government. Our Dis- 
trict Courts had well-nigh universal original jurisdic- 
tion. The only interior jurisdictions were Justices' 
Courts and Recorders' Courts iu cities. The judicial 
sj'stem, as will be seen, was simplicity itself, and the 
administration of justice at nisi priics at once moved 
on with smoothness and to the general satisfaction 
of the people. 

JUDICIAL niSTKIOTS REORGANIZED AND DISTRICT JUDOES 
SUBSEQUENTLY ELECTED. 

Since the first organization of the District Courts 
many changes have been made in the territorial 
limits and numbering of the Districts. The Stale is 
now divided into seven Judicial Districts only. Aside 
from those already mentioned the following have 
since been or are now Judges of the several Districts 
as from time to time organized. 

Hon. (i, G. Berry, Hon. C. N. Harris, Hon. Benj. 
Curler, Hon. Charles G. Hubbard, Hon. John II. 
Boalt, Hon. J. G. McClinton, Hon. Charles A. Leake 
(now deceased), Hon. John D. Gorin, Hon. George 
D. Keeny, Hon. Mortimer Fuller, Hon. J. H. Flacky 
Hon. W. M. Sea well, Hon. .M. S. Boniiifield, Hon! 
F. W. Cole, Hon. Henry Hives, Hon. J. S. Jameson, 
Hon. S. D. King, Hon. O. R. Leonard, and Hon. D. 
C. McKenney. 

.MOST UPRKHIT AND HONORABLE JUDOES. 

During the seventeen years since the organization 
of the State of Nevada, it must be said that our 
Courts have been of honorable reputation. No 
serious charges of corrupt conduct by any Judge 
have been made, and no Judge has been impeached. 
Among them have been, and are, men of thorough 
education, ripe scholarship, and earnest devotion to 
duty. To particularize would be invidious. 



MEMBERS OF THE BAR OF NEVADA. 

To turn more particularly to the Bar of Nevada, 
we can say that it is second to none in ability and 
integrity-, and numbers many men of bright minds, 
who shine luminously in the " forensic arena," as 
Justice Brosnan used to express it. The people of 
Nevada maj- bo said to be more or less nomadic, by 
reason of the fact that they are greatly addicted to 
"following up" every new and important mining 
discovery. This is particularly true of the members 
of the legal profession. The result is, that with few 
exceptions, the name of each lawyer of prominence 
is found more or less identified with the history of 
litigation in each county of this Slate. To classifj- 
is, therefore, a matter of great difficult}-, unless the 
history becomes prolix and realU' uninteresting. 
Therefore, in a general way, some of the more prom- 
inent legal lights of Nevada are meniioned, and 
incidentally, a few of the different localities and 
scenes of their ])rofessional labors. 

During the Territorial days, the more important 
litigation of the entire Territory was in a large ])art 
conducted by the members of the Bar of Virginia 
City, Carson and Austin. The mention of some of 
those who (aside from the persons heretofore named 
in connection with this subject) were identified with 
the earlj- history of the Territory before it merged 
into the sisterhood of States, and since that time, as 
well, will have a familiar sound to the readers 
of these pages. For instance: — 



Aldrich, Louis 
Anderson, .John 
Anderson, R. M. 
Ashley, Delos H. 
Baily, D. E. 
Baker, John T. 
Boatly, H. O. 
Beatty, William II. 
Belknap, C. H. 
Berry, George W. 
Bixler, David 
Blakely, G. W. 
Bon nan, John 
Boring, W. M. 
Brackett, William 
Brearley, E. C. 
Bryan, Charles H. 
Bulkley, L. E. 



Allen, Richard N. 
Anderson, M. D. 
Anderson, William F. 
Aud, F. L. 
Baker, George W. 
♦Baldwin, A. W. 
Beatty, R. .M. 
Beebe, G. M. 
Bell, F. W. 
Bisho]., W . W. 
Blair, A. W. 
Boalt, John II. 
Bonnifield, M. S. 
Botts, C. T. 
Bradford, A. C. 
Brosnan, C. M. 
Bullock, W. H. 
Burbank. A. N. 



Byrne, James H. 
Cain, William Campbell, Thomas 



Campbell, Will 
Cassott, IE. B. 
Churchman, James 
Clarke, H. M. 
Cole, Frederick W. 
Cooper, David 
Cox, Thomas 
Crocker, A. W. 



Carmichael, J. 
Chipman, K. S. 
Claggelt, William II. 
Clayton, P. H. 
Coles, J. L. 
Corsen, l»ighton 
Crittenden, A. P. 
Curler, Benjamin 



'Aftei'wariU United •States District Judge. 



338 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



Darrow, John O. 
Davies, T. \V. W. 
Dickson, W. H. 
Dorsey, J. W. 
Dow, J. C. 
Edwards, T. D. 
Edgerton, Henry 
Ferris, S. W. 
Finn, J. F. 
Fitzgerald, A. L. 
Foster, J. C. 
Fulton, A. 
Garber, John 
Gates, William M. 
Gilcrest, S. F. 
Graves, John W. 
Griffith, J. J. 
Hall, C. P. 
Hall, J. P. 
Harris, J. H. 
Harding, G. P. 
Hardy, J. P. 
Harmon, F. H. 
Hawley, Thomas 1'. 
Hereford, B. N. 
Hetzel, Seklen 
Hill, C. Wilson 
Hillyer, C. J. 
Hubbard, Charles G. 
Hundley, P. O. 
Hunt, A. B. 
Janin, Edward 
Johnson, Iioger 
Jones, Horatio M. 
Kelly, John P. 
Kennedy, James 
Kendall', C. W. 
King, Jr., S. D. 
Kitlrell, John R. 
Knox, W. L. 
Lake, Delos 
Larrowe, M. D. 
Lewis, D. J. 
Lindsay, U. H. 
Mann, S. A. 
Martin, Hcnrj' 
Mayenbaum, Henry 
iMcConncU, John K. 
Me Hoe, P. A. 
Meagher, J. D. 
Merrill, George W. 
Miller, Theo. 
Moyes, K. H. 
.Murph}', John M. 
Newmark, M. J. 
Xoursc, George A. 
O'Dougherty, A. B. 
Patehin, C. H. 
Pereell,M. J. 
Pitzer, Jesse S. 



Davenport, W. H. 
Dibble, A. B. 
De Long, Charles E. 
Douglass, George A. 
Doyle, H. 
Elliott, A. B. 
Ellis, A. C. 
Ferguson, E. D. 
Fitch, Thomas 
Flack, J. H. 
Fuller, Mortimer 
Fulton. S. D. 
Gaston, Henry A. 
Gedney. A. W. 
Goldthwaite, Geo. 
Gray, J. M. 
Griffith, J. L. 
Hall, Gavin D. 
Harris, C. N. 
Harris, P. H. 
Hardj', James H. 
Hardy. William J. 
Harmon, J. B. 
Haydon, Thomas E. 
Hereford, Frank 
llighton, Henry H. 
Hillhouse, A. M. 
Howard, C. G. 
Huttaker, M. N. 
Hutton, J. F. 
Hu))p, George S. 
Johnson, J. Xeely 
Johnson, Wm. Neely 
J alien, T. V. 
Kennedy, Frank H. 
Kennedy, James M. 
Keyser, Phillip 
Kirkpatrick, M. 
Knox, A. C. 
Labatt, Henry J. 
Lansing, C. J. 
Lewis, J. F. 
Lowery, R. E. 
liOvejoj'j J. K. 
Marshall, L B. 
Martin, Len. 
McCurdy,S. P. 
McDonald, O. C. 
.Mc(juai(i, J. A. 
Meredith, Henry 
Mosiek Kichard S. 
Mitchell, Henry K. 
Murphy, M. A. 
Musser, John J. 
North, J. W. 
Xugent, John 
O'Dougherty. N. J. 
Patterson, William 
Perley. D. W. 
Powell, Jr., John 



Proctor. F. M. 
Ralston, J. J. 
Rankin, B. P. 
Reardon, J. McC. 
Rising, Richard 
Robinson, Fred. 
Sabin, George M. 
Sankey. Samuel 
Sawyer, G. S. 
Savage, J. A. 
Seely, J. 
Slauson, J. S. 
Southworth, E. C. 
Steele, H. M. 
Stewart, Francis 
Storey, Thomas P. 
Sutherland, W. J. 
Taylor, E. W. 
Taylor, R. H. 
Thatcher, A. M. 
Thornton, Harry L 
Tilford, Frank 
Wallace, W. C. 
Waldron, Daniel E. 
Warwick, J. II. 
Webster. William 
Welty, D. W. 
Whitchcr, John N. 
Wines, J. L. 
Williams, George R. 
Wren, Thomas 
Wood, W. S. 



Quint, Leander 
Rand. J. H. 
Read. J.- H. 
Reardon, T. B. 
Rives, Henry 
Robinson, Todd 
Samson, William 
Sawyer, Fred. A. 
Sawyer, P. A. 
Seawell, W. M. 
Shuck, Oscar T. 
Smith, Thomas H. 
Stafford, W. M. 
Stephens, J. A. 
Stewart, Wm. M. 
Sunderland. Thomas 
Swift, J. F. 
Taylor, L. W. 
Tebbs, Moses 
Thornton, Crittenden 
Thomas, Richard L. 
Wait/.. Adolphus 
Waldo. H. A. 
Wandell, C. W. 
Watson, J. 11. 
Wells, Thomas H. 
Whitman, B. C. 
Williams, C. H. S. 
Williams, Thomas H. 
Wright, L. H. 
Woodburn, William 
Zabriskie. E. B. 



And numerous others whose names are not to be 
found upon the official records. This is a long list for a 
population that has at no one time reached t)5,000 in 
number. 

Among these are names that have become note- 
worthy in the history of Nevada, and in the coun- 
cils of the nation. Many were, in their daj', and 
others are now, men of extraordinary abilitj' in their 
profession. Each locality in this State can find in 
this list names closely identified with history. 

There is no doubt that from 1801 U]) to, and in- 
clusive of, 18G4 the strongest members of the Cali- 
fornia Bar were either residents in Nevada, or were 
connected with important litigation in our courts, 
Com])aratively few of the ripe lawyers of those days 
are now in practice in this Stale. Several are dead^ 
others have retired from practice, and many of them 
have settled in California. 

A RETROSPECTIVE VIEW. 

The very origin of the influx of people to the 
" Washoe " country was so anomalous, that each 
feature of its historj' is more or less similar in some 
respects. When the Comstock Lode was found to 
be a gigantic deposit of precious metal, it attracted 
at once some of the best as well as some of the worst 
ty])es of civilization. As enormous wealth was under 
he surface of the rugged side of Mount Davidson, just 



HISTORY OF THE BENCH AND BAR OF NEVADA. 



331) 



so there sprang suddcnl}- into existence a full-fledged 
municipality with 20.000 inhabitants. The cit^- bad no 
antique beginnings ; it grew like a mushroom in a 
night. Its courts were thronged with a more numer- 
ous and abler Bar than at any time since Nevada 
became a State. The earlier historj* of jurisprudence 
of this State has less of that quaint species of anec- 
dote than is found in .States where the hardships 
of frontier life were for generations endured by Bench 
and Bar with the people whom they judicially gov- 
erned. The former was the scene of earnest conten- 
tion between legal giants, and case quickly succeeded 
case, with each, as a rule, a new force of legal coun- 
sel. The practice was well systematized from the 
very first, and business was crowded along. In no 
portion of the Territory was there much of what in 
the Eastern States would be considered mnd Courts 
or practitioners. Everj' locality was either the scene 
of, or else closely connected with, some mining 
interest. There was little of agriculture, and char- 
acter anecdotes were rare. An incident or two will, 
however, be given, as much for the reason that thej' 
are generally Nevadan, as for any extraordinary 
attraction discoverable in the incidents themselves. 
The Ophir Silver .Mining Company was among the 
first on the Comstock Lode to get into bonanza and 
become wealth}- and aristocratic in tone. The com- 
pany erected extensive reduction works in Washoe 
Vallej', about thirteen miles distant, at the foot of 
the Sierra, and coveted a valuable piece of timber 
land on the mountain side near by, and began to 
trespass upon the " possessory title " of Negus & 
Stage, who were manufacturers of lumber and min- 
ing timbers. The result was a suit to restrain the 
trespass and to recover damages. The suit did not 
come up for trial in the Washoe District Court until 
1805. Hon. C. C. Goodwin, now editor of the Salt 
Lake Trihune, was the Judge presiding. Mr. Tom. 
Cox, a " rough diamond " in a legal way, was em- 
ployed to assist the plaintiff, and ITon. B. C. Whitman 
and the eloquent Tom. Fitch, whose oratory- has a 
national reputation, appeared for the Oithir Com- 
pany, which latter, by the way, was rather in its 
decadence through the working out of its rich 
pockets of ore. With such a team of legal lumina- 
ries to antagonize, .Mr. Cox was somewhat driven to 
extremities in the closing speech for the ]>laintifl'. 
It was necessary for him to offset the effect of the 
bewildering logic and charming eloquence with which 
the able "corporation lawyer's " had presented an 
unjust cause to the hard-headed jury, and accordingly 
he made a highly personal attack, not merely upon 
the alleged shaky old company itself, but upon the 
brethren who represented the interests of that bloated 
artificial personage. Accordingly ho spoke substan- 
tially as follows: — 

Gentlemen of the jur}-, the Oi)hir Company was a 
couple of years ago mighty in influence and rich in 
treasure taken from the bowels of Mount Davidson. 
They built walla of masonry three feet thick in every 



direction down here on Ophir Creek, and spread 
shingles over them, and put in furnaces and machin- 
ery, and called it a mill. Then thej- built a man- 
sion near bj-, and fitted it u]) with everything 
costly, and called it the Su])erintendent's residence; 
then thej- fenced in the whole premises with ten- 
foot pickets, and called it the ()|>liir grounds, where 
you and I, gentlemen of the jury, were forbidden 
to enter without the Superintendcnfs pass; then 
they had their wine sujjpers, and the golden cham- 
pagne floweil delightfull}-. while fair women smiled, 
and bloated aristocrats gormandized. Their knives, 
and forks, and spoons, and ])latcs were of silver, 
and their glass was of the Bohemian cut of the first 
sparkle and crystal. In those daj-s they had distin- 
guished lawyers like Bill Stewart, General Wil- 
liams, and Dick Mesick to assist their overreaching 
propensities. P^verything was lovely with the Ophir 
then, while the outside world looked on with help- 
less envy at their shodd}- dignity and their swelled- 
up self-esteem. Now all is changed, gentlemen of 
the jurj'. Their fence has fallen down; thej' no 
longer give wiric su])pers; they have shipped away 
their silverware; the Su])erintendent is gone; the 
mill shut down, and their old mine a 'wild cat;" 
their aristocracy is seedy; and for law}-ers thej- 
have been obliged to content themselves with such 
men as ^V hitman and Fitch. 

The bluf!', contemptuous, and studiedl}- intrepid 
manner in which .Mr. Cox had delivered these 
remarks were a source of great amusement to the 
Court and jury, and not without some slight effect 
upon the usually placid countenance of the Ophir's 
attorneys; but the jury were unable to discover the 
relevancy of this tirade to the case in hand, and 
promptly rendered a verdict in favor of 'the Ophir." 

In that same locality was a .Justice of the Peace. 
He was of diminutive stature, solemn of countenance, 
incapable of being penetrated by a joke, peddled 
milk morning and evening, preached on Sunday, was 
might}- in the Scriptures, and hated the Church of 
Englatid with a consistencj- that was indicative of no 
compromise from his Methodist stand-point. He was 
never seen to smile, and was a terror to evil-doers. 
Thissad-ej-ed embodiment of the rigors of the law was 
called upon by the enraged jnipulace to administer a 
series of aflidavits on Sunday morning, April Iti, 
1865, to persons desiring to complain (o the Provost 
Marshal, (General Van Bokkelen, at Virginia, con- 
cerning unpatriotic words and behavior by one Jim 
Pierson concerning .\braham liincoln, then recently 
assassinated. The ilaj- in common estimation was 
non-judicial, and the friends of the oft'ending Pierson 
employed a well-known lawj-er, now one of our Dis- 
trict Judges, to argue the matter to the old gentle- 
man, and induce him not to proceed with the taking 
of the affidavits. The Justice, however, was greatly 
impressed with the gravity of the occasion, and 
desired to do what he could to rid the community of 
the obnoxious presence of such a " wicked man." 
Little did ho regard the waiting of the congregati(m 
for his ministrations at the church, nor yet was he 
disposed to let his freely-confessed convictions that 
the day was non-judicial, interfere with the making 



340 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



of his office equal to a great national emergency. 
When the lawyer had ceased, he rested his face upon 
his hands and his elbows on his knees, and without 
a particle of expression in his eyes.*or emotion in his 
voice or maimer, thought the matter over a few 
minutes, lie then slowly raised his head and looked 
sadly at the lawyer as he ])ronounced the " opinion " 
of the Court; " This Court is of the opinion that 
this is a case of great military necessity. This Court 
will go on with the affidavits." And so he did. 
The result was that on the following morning a 
squad of cavalry appeared, and "Jim" rode away 
with them toward Fort Churchill in a highly " non- 
Judicial " manner. 

PO.ND vs. RE.\I, DEL MONTE. 

Among ks causes cil'bres of Nevada, that of the 
great mining suit of Pond cs. Real Del Monte, is one 
of the most prominent. The following report of the 
trial is from the ("arson Daily Independent. The 
shares in these mines once sold for near 8400 per 
foot, and after more than §1,000,000 expen'diture in 
development, mills and litigation, were abandoned: — 

November 26, 18(>I5. Fond vs. Ileal Del .Monte. 
This ease got fairly under way yesterda}-. and the 
probability is that it will continue some eight or ten 
days. The ground in dis])ute is verj' valuable. 

The counsel in the case is as follows: For plaintiffs, 
Messrs. Quint, Hillj-cr, Gough. and Clayton. For 
(lefcmlcnts, Messrs. Crittenden, Mesi'-k. Stewart, and 
llardj'. A pretty strong tuam on both sides. 

December 1. ISCIJ. The Keal Del Monte and Pond 
ease is dragging its slow K'ligth along in our District 
Court. It has already occujiicd the attention of the 
court about two weeks, and promises to last some 
lime to come. And yet you mustn't tax these mining 
institutions — oh, no! — there's no property in 'em! 

December J), 18G3. Pond vs. Del .Alonte.— This 
suit is still progressing in our District Court, and, 
being a very important case, it is but just that so full 
an investigation of the facts be had. The District 
Court ai Aurora was compelled to adjourn at the 
end of a two weeks' session on account of a provi- 
sion of the statutes, that a term of court in one 
county must end before the time fixed bj- law for 
the commencement of a term in another county in 
the same district; so it was impossible to try this case 
there within the two weeks of their court, and the 
court had to adjourn. 15y agreenienl of both parlies 
it was moved here, and, we are ))leased to say, one 
of the best juries ever imjianeled in this county is 
giving a fair and impartial hearing to this case. 

December liJ, ISd!!. Pond and Del Monte case. 
The evidence in this case has been submitted, and 
the arguments of counsel are now being heard. We 
were in court a few minutes j-ester<la}', and tried to 
become interested in •slial'ts," "tunnels," "l)ed-rock." 
•driils," and the numerous other mining terms, but 
it so confused ns that we did not know wlu'lhcr we 
were in a tunnel, or under the bed-rock. The suit 
i* an important one — involving property (if we dare 
call mines property) to the value, it is computed, of 
upwards of §1,000,000, and as much more as you 
rnaj- please to call it. Wo have heard it reported 
about the streets that there is danger of a collision 
between the )iarties. no matter which way the suit 
i 'Ii'firJed. The t.ffims of the law will, wo hope, 
look lo it that no such affair takes place. 



December 17, 1863. Yesterday afternoon, the 
counsel in the Del Monte and Pond case got through 
with their everlasting jargon, and submitted the 
cropjiings, bedrock and all that sort of thing, to the 
jurj-. These wise men of " Washoe " were still at 
work u])on the mines at the last accounts received. 
It is i)robable that thej- will agree, or agree to dis- 
agree, sometime to-daj-. 

December IS, ISO.!. Pond and Del Monte. The 
Jury in this case are still sleeping on soft boards, and 
eating rough meals. They have been out some 
t\venlj--six or fortj- hours, and it is the general sup- 
position that the}- haven't come to any agreement as 
)-et. We don't think they will unless (a wise dis- 
pensation of law !) thcj- are starved into a verdict. 
Why should men be ke])t imprisoned from day to 
day, and from night to night, when they can't agree? 
If an honest man entertains an honest oi)inion, what 
it was first it will be last, no matter how much you 
jiunish him, or how long you keep him. That's our 
theorj-. 

December nineteenth, 1863. The jurj- in the case 
of the Pond and Del Monte, finailj*, after two days 
session, came to the conclusion to --agree to disagree." 
They came into court and so reported, and were dis- 
charged. So the whole trial must be repeated again, 
unless the parties come to some understanding, and 
make a com])romise. It is said that this suit has 
cost the litigants upwards of 8200,000. We should 
not be at all surprised to see both mines fall into the 
hands of the lawyers in the long run, if the contest 
is continued. 

January 10, 1864. The Real Del Monte and Pond 
case settled. The telegraph brings us the pleasing 
intelligence that this case has been satisfactorily set- 
tled between the parties litigant. Why didn't they 
do this before spending thousands of dollars for law- 
yers and witness' fees? 



\ 

CHAPTER XL. 

HOMICIDE, AND SOME OF ITS CAUSES. 

Causes wliioh Leail to Hnmiciile — Miinkiiul Not X.itur.illy Bail 
— Cupidity .Not a KreijHciit Cause — Few Honiii-idus for 
Politics — Capital Punishment Infrequent — Konnation of 
( lond Society —The CanfieM Outrage — Death of Hndrow 
and Dillon — Deatli of I!. W. Knox — Capture of I,. B. 
Vail — Vail Tried and Huu'4 — His Other Proliahle Murders — 
Deaths l>y Violence in IS4G and to 1881 in t'hronoloj.'ical 
Order — Itetributive .lustice — .Sam Hrown — I.»'in{;for<l Peel — 
The Kxtreine Penalty for .Murder — Judge Lynch's Tribunal 
— Kuiglits of the Uuad. 

l.\ all new mining communities the number of 
homicides is greater in )>roportion to ]io)>ul:ition than 
in places settled for agri(ull\iral, manufacturing, com- 
mercial and other kindred purposes. The causes for 
this unfortunate condition are numerous and varied. 
The expectation of gaining sudtlen wealth in localities 
reported to bo rich in mineral products, fires the 
hearts of a restless class that can be found in every 
grade of society — the speculative, the miserly, those 
prone to gambling, the reckless, as well as the staid 
and sober. These are thrown together, strangers to 
each other, in a new land, amid chaotic and exciting 
scenes — a cosmopolitan mob out ol' which a new soci- 
ety must be evolved, new life associations formed; 
and the belter elements of which must begin at once 



f^y; 



^ ../, • 



^/L A 




O cJ^. >^^^- 



Judge C. N. Harris 

Was born at Dryden, Tompkins Count}', Now York, yepteinber 3, 1839. When 
eight 3'ears of age, his parents removed to Bellevue, Eaton County, Michigan, and 
in 1852 from thence to Hennepin County, Minnesota, where he grew to manhood. 
He received a common school and academic education and progressed to the junior 
year at Hamlin I'nivursitj', at Redwing, Minnesota. While at college he enlisted, 
April, 1801, in Company F, First Regiment, Minnesota Volunteer Infantr}', and 
was present at the battle of Bull Run, July 21st of that year. He was seriously 
wounded and reported killed. Being left upon the field he was taken pri.soner and 
sent to Richmond, Virginia, where he remained in the prison hospital until about 
November, when he, with fifty-six others who were supposed to be permanently 
disabled, was paroled and sent to Fortress Monroe, where he received his discharge. 
In August, ISGl, no tidings having been received from him, funeral services were 
held at his home in Minnesota. 

Again taking service in the army in June, 1862, he received an appointment at 
Washington, D. C, and remained there until August, 1864, when he resigned a 
clerkship iu the Quartermaster General's office and came to Nevada, arriving in 
September of that year. Having studied law during his stay in Washington, he 
was admitted to the Bar before the Supreme Court of Minnesota, just as he was 
leaving for Nevada. He took up his residence in Washoe County and entered 
successfully upon the practice of his profession, until in 1866 he was elected Judge 
of the Third Judicial District, consisting of the counties of Washoe and Roop. In 
1870 he was elected Judge of the present Second District, comprising Douglas, 
Ormsby, Washoe and Roop Counties. At the expiration of his term, in January, 
1875, he resumed the practice of his profession at Carson City, to which place he 
removed in 1873. 

In 1876 he was appointed by President Grant Register of the United States Land 
Office at Carson City, which he continued to hold until August, 1880, he having 
tendered his resignation in March previous. He was one of the Nevada delegation 
to the Cincinnati Republican Convention, which nominated Ha)'es to the Presi- 
dency. While practicing his profession he also edits the Dailij Index, a small but 
stalwart Republican paper, which commenced publication in December, 1880, at 
Carson City. 

Judge Harris is a man of good abilities as a lawyer and writer, and in char- 
acter is of thoroughly independent and strong traits. In person he is tall and of 
good appearance. He is thoroughly identified with the history of western Nevaila 
and is well known throughout the State. To his thoi-ough acquaintance with the 
subject and his ready pen the publishers of this work are indebted for the h'story 
of the Bar of Nevada. 

The Judge was married in November, 1867, to Miss Clementine Magee, of 
Washington, D. C, and has two children, both boys. 



H(^MICIDE, AND SOME OF ITS CAUSES. 



341 



to lay a foundation upon which to rear the suporstruc- 
turo of good government, of law, and of order. 

MANKIND ARE NOT NATURALLV HAD. 

Rut few civilized men are by nature ultorlj' bad. 
The good traits of mankind as a rule overlialance the 
bad ones. At least, such should bo, and without 
doubt is. the normal condition. Hut where men con- 
gregate in a new field, anil that Held is sought onlj- 
for the one Sole object of si)eedily actjuiring wealth, i 
inevitable fate decrees that a large projjortion must 
meet with disappointment. Defeat of expectation 
begets a reckless disposition; recklessness is followed 
by dissipation, gambling and other attendant vices. 

Man, who in a sober mood and well settled in 
legitimate business operations, would not believe it 
possible for him to raise his hand to slaj' a fellow, 
often unwittingly becomes a very demon from plans 
miscarried, hopes deferred, ambitions thwarted, and 
body and brain stimulated witii strong waters pro- 
duced by the subtle art of the distiller. 

CUPIDITY NOT A FREQUENT C.\USE. 

In the new mining regions comi)aratively i'cw men 
are murdered for money. The greater proportion of 
homicides result from reckless bravado. Persons 
meet in saloons, bagnios and gambling places with 
deadlj- weapons upon their persons; they drink, 
gamble, dispute when half intoxicated, banter each 
other, and at last draw out their weapons and for 
fancied causes alone slay each other. If one survives, 
when the moment of sobriety arrives, in nine cases 
in ten remorse comes, to escape which deeper 
draughts are indulged, more reckless conduct dis- 
plaj-ed until at last another inuirrel with fatal results 
ensues. 

In the list of homicides we give below it will be 
seen that the total is 402. Those for which trivial 
causes, or none at all, is assigned are more than one- 
half. The majority of these can safely be set down as 
having begun in frivolous bravado, and never 
would have occurred had men not gone unneces- 
sarilj- armed and congregated in places where 
their cooler thoughts were usurped by those bo- 
gotten by the insidious wiles of strong drink. There 
are thirt}' cases in which the causes are stated to be 
gambling and drunken quarrels, which pro|)erly 
should bo classed as of "no cause." In newly-settled 
countries, where all are squatters alike, it would 
seem as though disputes about land titles ought to 
be a more prolific source of ((uarrels than all else; 
and yet such is not the fact, for there are only 
twentj'-eight homicides reported as having been 
caused by quarrels about title of land, money 
and other ])ro]>erty. Quarrels about women are 
fittcen. The unsettled stafe of a new mining com- 
munity, where the preponderating number are 
males, and a great many of the females not of the 
best class, makes their presence no inconsiderable 
factor in the cause of death by violence. There are 

thirteen cases given where death resulted in resist- 
43 



ing arrest. Most of these can be" attributed to 
intemperance ; for no offender against the law, 
unless incorrigible or inebriated, will risk his life in 
a contest with odicers, but, when cornered, grace- 
fully accept the situation, and peaceably yield — 
trusting to juries and the law's delay for future lib- 
ertj'. Those whom ollicers kill for resistance of 
arrest can bo set down as brave, foolish, reckless 
characters. In all the long list which follows below 
there are onlj- twelve of those who were murdered 
for monej'. Bj- this the inference can readilj- be 
drawn that, as a class, the settlers in a new mining 
region are not the sordid, cold-blooded sort, who 
kill for lucre alone — though there are a few who 
do so. The justification of self-defense is given in 
eleven cases. 

FEW HOMICIDES FOR POLITICS. 

Though the record below covers a period of in- 
tense political feeling; was during a time in the 
history of an internecine war; when an occasional 
individual, for expressing in unguarded moments, his 
sincerest thoughts and most earnest belief in relation 
to the condition of the common countrj-, was sent to 
Fort Churchill and made to march about the parade 
ground loaded with bags of sand; and when men 
from all parts of the Union mingled and discussed 
political and other subjects, to the honor of the peo 
pie of that time there are only five cases of homicides 
attributed to jiolitical quarrels. By Indians the 
recoi'd gives five as the number killed. B}' Chinese 
fourteen — mostly in factional fights. A stage-driver 
was killed by robbers — jirobably by accident. One 
Chinaman was killed by an irate father in retaliation 
for an assault upon a girl of nine years. 

CAPITAL PUNISII.MENT INFREQUENT. 

With the numerous homicides reported, one would 
suppose that the natural sequence would have been 
many executions and manj* consignments to ])rison 
for long terms of those escaping capital punishment. 
Such, however, is not the fact. Though the laws 
arc strict and well-defined, adequate punislinient is 
meted to but few. This is an anomaly which Can 
only be attributed to our jury system of trial. As a 
rule, judges nor ollicers were lax in the discharge of 
their duties, but those charged with crime were 
almost invariably, enabled by friendly contributions, 
to employ able counsel; trials were ])ostponed from 
time to lime for various causes; in such a nomadic 
community important witnesses would be lost sight 
of; time would pass away until new events transpir- 
ing as it ran would render obscure the deeds of the 
past; and when trials wore finally had sympathetic 
jurors would predominate in the ]iancl,and acquittal 
would ollen follow when conviction should have 
resulted. 

To such causes must we attribute the fact, that of 
the entire number tried, only eight persons were 
hung by sheriffs; twenty-three sent for various 
terms to State Prison; while twenty-nine were ac- 



342 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



quitted outright, and the jury in one case disagreed; 
One case of killing was found to be an assault, and 
the perpetrator fined. With those facts in view, is 
it to be wondered at that the people at times relieved 
the* law officers by lynching persons whom they 
knew to be guilty of unjustifiable murder? The citi- 
zens and vigilants hung thirteen. After committing 
murder, three cases of suicide are reported. 

FORMATION OF GOOD SOCIETY'. 

With the adjustment of land titles; the establish- 
ment of fixed boundaries; the steady progress which 
ordinarj- business makes; the pursuit of permanent, 
laudable occupations; the advent of the true women 
who make home cheerful by their presence — lessen- 
ing the allurements to the haunts of the vicious — 
the crystallization of the incongruous elements 
begins; a new progcnj- arrives, school houses appear, 
churches are built, and thus the purifying process 
continues until society in these new regions is as 
good as in the older settled portions, and murders 
and the causes which produce them reach the mini- 
mum point. 

THE CANFIELD OLTRAUE. 

The circumstances attending two of the cases re- 
ported below are herewith appended, as given by 
the Belmont, Nye County, liejwr/er o{ April 20, 1867:- 

On Wednesday night last, at about the hour of 
eleven, a part}' of six persons proceeded to the office 
of the Silver Bend Minint; Company, and there find- 
ing the General Agent, Mr. K. B. Caiifield, demanded 
his signature to a check for a sum of money amount- 
ing to S3,0()0. As neither Air. Canfiold nor the com- 
jianj- were indebted to anj- one. much less to either 
of those who comprised the party, he verj- properly 
refused to do anj- such thing. The leader of the 
gang then informed him that the period of five 
minutes would be given him for consideration, and 
if he failed to do so violence would be used. Air. 
(Janfield, not yielding, was, after the allotted time, 
informed that he must " take a walk " with the ruf- 
fians. Having just returned from a trip to .Manhat- 
tan District, and being somewhat fatigued, and 
withal, unarmed, he did as he was bidden. Pro- 
ceeding up .Main Sireel, the j>artj' were joined bj- 
others, a[)parcntly in the plot, who, procuring a 
scantling, or something of the kind, mounted Mr. 
Canfield astride, and in this predicament conveyed 
him to various places in town, subjecting him to 
divers brutal insults and indignities. 

DEATH OF MODIIOW AND DICINON. 

Finallj', between the houi-s of twelve and one 
o'clock, they had made the rounds to the llighbridge 
Saloon, near the corner of Main and Belmont Streets, 
where, after drinkinir and carousing for a time, were 
about to compel Mr. Canfield to again mount the 
scantling, when Mr. Lew. M. Hodrow interfered in 
his behalf, and an affray occurred, which terminated 
fatally to Bodrow and one of the leaders of the as- 
saulting party, named John P. Dignon. So far as we 
can learn, there was no justification nor excuse what- 
ever for the outrage upon .Mr. Canfield, but was only 
a preconcerted j)lot U])on the j»art of a gang of 
lawless rulfiuns to extort money from that gentleman 
Jpr some fancied or anticipated grievance. 



The superinducing cause which, in the above 
instance, produced the death of two men was 
whisky. A few men, whose occupation was mining, 
being idle, anticipated the possibility of a reduction 
of wages, and the importation of a dift'erent class of 
miners in the neighborhood by Mr. Canfield. This 
they talked over in the saloons, from time to time 
drinking as the one-sided argument progressed. A 
" lark " was proposed, and " fun " was" sought in the 
torture of Canfield. who was a young, boyish look- 
ing man at the time, and recently from the City of 
New York. The result is written in blood. 

DEATH OF R. W. KNOX. 

How different the cause which induced L. B. Vail 
to kill Eobert W . Knox, in Lincoln County, about 
the same time — the spring of 1867. The Austin 
ReceUh and Belmont Reporter tell the story — this 
from the former: — 

Some time near the latter part of March, or about 
the first of April. Robert \V. Knox left this place 
with a man named L. B. Yail for the southern por- 
tion of the State, since which time nothing has been 
heard of him until quite recently, when his dead 
body was found near Hiko, under circumstances 
which indicate that he had been murdered by Vail. 
James E. Matthews, Sheriff of Lincoln County, 
immediately instituted search for Vail, and in the 
pursuit came to this place with Sheriff' Ranne}- of 
Nj-e County, and enlisting the services of City Mar- 
shal Hank Knerr, the trio captured Vail at the 
White House, on Reese River, about ten miles from 
Austin. 

Vail and Knox, having a small drove of horses, 
passed through Pahranagat Valley, in the early 
part of April, and entered a canon about twenty 
miles south of Hiko. Vail was often seen in the 
valley, but Knox was never seen alive after going 
into the caiion. Knox was said to have had about 
8500 in coin and a check foi; S"1,<IOO, and is a relative 
of II. C. Lillie of Virginia. Upon inquiries being 
made of Vail as to the whereabouts of Kno.x, he 
made different replies — at one time stating that he 
was hunting stock; at others that he had gone to 
the Alormon settlements, to Arizona, to the States, 
etc. Finallj- Vail came from the camp in the caiion 
and proceeded westward alone, with the drove of 
stock. It was then noticed that he also wore some 
of Knox's clothes. Shortly after this, men came 
from southern Utah in search of stolen horses, and 
followed Vail to Austin, who was then accompanied 
bj- Wood Harrington. The .Mormons, securing the 
aid of Hank Knerr and H. K. .Marshall, pursued the 
two men. came up with them, shot and subsequently 
ea]>tured Harrington, and recovered the stolen horses, 
but Vail escaped, owing to the fieetness of his hoi-se. 

CAPTURE OF I., II. VAIL. 

He was not then suspected of murder, but the 
arrival of .Matthews and Ranney with a warrant for 
his arrest on that charge induced further search, 
which resulted in his capture at the White House, 
as above related. That Knox had been murdered 
was positively ascertained. Indians passing the 
former camping-ground of Vail in the canon, near 
Hiko, discovered a saddle, that had been buried, 
partly exhumed by coyotes. Pulling it out, they 



HOMICIDE. AND SOME OF ITS CAUSES. 



343 



carried it to the settlements, and related the circum- 
stance. The people having before this suspected 
foul play, went to the spot where the saddle was 
found, guided by the Indian.s, for the )nir])Ose of 
making further examinations. Upon digijing, they 
soon found the body of Knox, who bad been 
killed by a blow on the head, apparentl)' with an 
axe, and, doubtless, while asleep. Vail had buried 
the body, and then made his bed over the spot, 
BO as to hide it. This position he had occupied 
for more than a month — sleeping upon the grave 
of his victim! 

After his arrest. Vail was taken to Belmont, and 
held in jail there, by order of Judge Curler, for 
some week.s, fearing that, as there was no Judge 
to try the case in Lincoln County, and no jail 
there, he might escape, or be hung without trial. 
Some time in Julj-, however. Sheriff Matthews, of 
Lincoln Countj% took his prisoner and left Belmont 
for Logan, then the principal mining camp of the 
county. 

VAIL TRIED AND HUNG. 

A correspondent of the Belmont Reporter, writing 
from Hiko, thus gives the sequel: — 

On the tenth instant, the Sheriti" and an escort 
of six men arrived here with L. B. Vail, and took 
him before a Justice of the Peace ibr examination. 
As soon as it became known that Vail bad arrived 
the citizens of Pabranagat Valley arose en masse. 
and u])on the eleventh proceeded to Logan, took the 
prisoner from the authorities, and brought him to 
this place, where they organized a court, impan- 
eled a jury, and proceeded to trj- him for the mur- 
der of Knox. Sheriff' Matthews, Justice Gorin, and 
Count}' Commissioner Wilson, in the name of the 
count}' demanded that the prisoner bo given up to 
the first-named officer, but they were thrust out of 
the room, and not allowed to return. 

The prisoner was given a fair and impartial trial, 
found irw'lt.V "f murder, and sentenced to be hung 
the same night at 10 o'clock — the sentence having 
been pronounced at fifteen minutes before 9 — 
allowing Vail only one hour and a quarter in which 
to prepare for death. He said " all right," and 
never faltered or acknowledged his guilt. He went 
unresistingly to the scatt'old at the expiration of the 
allotted time, and when asked if he had anything to 
say, sullenly answered, " No." Whereupon the trap 
fell, and the life of L. B. Vail went out in atonement 
for many dark and terrible deeds, 

HIS OTHEK PROBABLE MURDERS. 

That he was a great villain and merited his fate, 
but few who knew him doubted. Several years 
before, a man who had been in his company at 
Washington, Nye County, disappeared suddenly, and 
was never after heard of Vail at one time, in a 
half serious, half joking manner, pointed out a spot 
upon the Kuby range of mountains to Mr. Leo])old 
Bertschi, who lived in Reose Kiver Valley, but who 
then happened to be in his company, and remarked 
that there was where he had buried three men whom 
he had killed, and said that for seven weeks he had 
slept upon the ground between their graves. This, in 



the light of what had been proven \\\wu the liial for 
the murder of Knox, it was thought might have been 
true; but .Mr. Bertschi's demise, resulting from an 
accident, on the thirteenth of July, two days after 
Vail was hung, left no living witness to lead a party 
of discovery to the place which Vail had pointed out. 

184G. 
October 5. John Snyder was stabbed and killed by 
John F. Jleed, at Ciravelly Ford, Humboldt County. 
They were members of the " Donner Party." 
1851. 
September 27. John Watson, alias " Texas," was 
shot and killed by Green Hensly, near where Fort 
Churchill now stands. Hensly was hung by his 
associates immediately thereafter. 
1853. 
Joe Barnard was killed bj' a trader from t'alifornia, 
at Clear Creek Station, on the line between 
Douglas and Ormsby Counties. Barnard was one 
of the framors of the Squatters' Eesolutions of 
Government. 

1857 

Two men, one named Steward and the other Larkin. 
were mining upon the east fork of Carson Uiver 
in the fall of 1K57, In the month of November 
Larkin was found murdered in the cabin occu])ied 
by both, and Steward was nowhere to be found. 
At first it was supposed that Larkin had been 
killed bj^ Steward, who had fled the countiy. But 
later, when the circumstances were all taken into 
consideration, people entertained the settled con- 
viction that both men were murdered by some one 
unknown. Larkin had that summer arrived in 
the valley with an emigrant train bound for Cali- 
fornia, but falling in with some relatives who had 
settled near (fcnoa, he was by them made ac- 
quainted with Steward, and thus became bis 
mining partner. Larkin had no money at the 
time he began work with Steward, while the latter 
had about §1,00(1 in bis possession and 8S00 de- 
posited with a Mr. Wade, who lived in the valley. 
Steward has never since been heard of, and it is 
probable that he was killed and his body so dis- 
posed of as to induce the belief that ho luid killed 
his partner and fled. 

1S.')0. 

" French I'ele " was killed by Billy Brown, in a saloon 
on B Street, in Virginia City. 

February. William Bilboa was shot and killed by 
Sam. Brown, the notorious desperailo, in the streets 
at Carson City. Nothing was done with the mur- 
derer, although the act was a wanton butchery. 

March. K. II. Knot was shot and killed by a boy by 
the name of John Herring, at Genoa, Douglas 
County. 

April 29. Jessup, alias " Pike, ' was stabbed and 

killed by William Sides, at Gold Hill. A quarrel 
over a game of cards. 



344 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



June. 



Knahler was shot and killed in.:ir I be 



SieiTa Nevada Works, Virginia City, in a ijuarrel 
about his wife. 

September 5. T. Nelson Deals was shot and killed 

b)- -McAbo}', at Willowtown. on the Carson 

Eiver, four miles above Eagtown, and his widow 
now lives at Genoa. 

September 13. Sailor Jack was shot bj" AVilliam 
Newman, at Virginia City. 
ISGO. 

January. Homer AVoodruff was stabbed and killed 
by Sam. Brown, in Virginia City. 

January. Henriques was stabbed and killed by 

Isaac- Lanier, at Virginia ('ily. A countrj-man of 
Henriques killed Lanier with a piek-axe. 

February 11. Joseph Newberry was shot and killed 

by Mc.Marlin, near Genoa. Dispute over title to 

land. 

April. Domingo was shot and killed in his tent 

by some person unknown. 

April. A Mexican was killed in Light's saloon, Vir- 
ginia City, Bill Burns and Jefl'. Standifer both 
claiming the honor of firing the shot. 

November. Jas. N. Stevenson was shot and killed 
by John L. Blackburn, in Car.son City. 

Martin Burke was stabbed fatally by Fitzgerald, 

in Virginia City. 

Billy Brown was killed by Jack Williams, in a bil- 
liard saloon on North C Street, \'irginia City. 

" Balz" was shot and killed by a man who subse- 
sequently left the country with Mrs. " Balz." 
1861. 

McKenzie was killed by Sam. Brown, in Virginia 

City. Brown ran a knife into his victim, and then 
turned it around, completely cutting the heart out, 
then wiped his bloody knife and laid down on a 
billiard table and went to sleep. 

August 31. Thomas Stead was killed b^- a soldier, 
at Buckland Station, Lyon County. Probably an 
election-day row. The man was killed with a 
club. 

In the fall Wm. Gejihard shot and killed an inoffensive 
old Irishman, who was helping to build Honey 
Lake Smith's Station. He was not even arrested 
for the killing. 

November IS. John L. Blackburn, Sheritf of Car- 
son County, was stabbed and killed by Wm. May- 
field, a gambler, at Carson City. 
1862. 

July 28. Dr. F. Chorpenning was killed, at Aurora, 
by Wm. Pooler. The doctf)r was acting Assistant 
Surgeon for the command of Captain Howe. 

October 29. T. Varney was killed by Allen Mil- 
stead, at i^agtown, on the C^arson JJiver. Mil- 
stead was hanged .laniniry !>. 1863, at J^ayton, by 
the Sheriff. 

November 28. Cornelius Mason was killed by Ed- 
ward Kiehardson. 

Parsons Atkinson and his nephew, Wm. JJogers, 
were killed by Wm. Barnwell and Stout, 



at Pine Nut, Ormsby County. The murderers 
fled the countr3' and were heard of no more. Dis- 
pute in relation to coal. 

December 10. Jack Williams, a noted desperado, 
was killed in Pat. Lj-nch's saloon. Pistols were 
fired in the front room to attract attention, when 
the rear door of tho back room was opened a few 
inches and a shot fired from a pistol, which killed 
him. He had killed several men in California and 
Nevada, had bitter enemies, and expected to be 
killed finallj-. He was out on bail for robbery at 
the time. 

December 25. N. Brown was shot and killed by R. 
T. Ferris alias "Butcher Bob," at the Pioneer Hotel 
in Unionville. Ferris was put under bonds of 
82,500 to appear for trial, but was never tried. 

An unknown man, a German, was found murdered 
on North B Street, Virginia Citj-. 

December. Thomas Reader was shot and cut in 
I such a manner as to cause his death, on B Street, 
Virginia Citj'. 

1863. 

Januarj' 11. Morris lioach was killed bj- William 
Loonej', who was acquitted. 

January 17. John Smith was shot and killed by 
Second Lieutenant Henry A. Williams, at Snake 
Creek Station, in Honey Lake Valley. Quarrel 
over a game of cards. Thej- both belonged to 
Company C, Second California Volunteers. Smith 
was a private soldier. 

Januarj' 23. Geo. W. Derickson was killed by H. F. 
Swayze, at Wasjioe City. 

February 10. Tbos. McLaughlin was killed by Ed- 
ward McGrath, at Aurora. A dispute over a min- 
ing claim, the cause. 

April 17. McKinty was stabbed with a knife, by 

a Chinaman, at Winters' Mill, one-half mile south 
of iurora. McKinty died on the twenty-fourth 

of the same month. 

.March. Kelly was shot in a cellar on North C 

Street, Virginia City. 

October 30. Wm. Jones was stabbed and killed in 
the Texas saloon, Virginia City. 

April 12. John Reed and John McMahon were shot 
and killed on North C Street, Virginia City, bj' a 
man named Campbell. The victims were police- 
men. Cara])bell was acquitted. 

An Italian was shot and killed in a saloon on B 
Street. 

May 15. Badgely was killed by Tyrrell, 

at Aurora, Esmeralda County. 

June. Henry E. Herter was killed on the Gould 
& Curry wood ranch, near Steamboat Springs, bj' 
parties unknown. Supposed to have been mur- 
dered for his money. 

July 4. The proprietor of the San Francisco Saloon, 
corner of B and L^nion Streets, Virginia Citj', was 
shot and killed by Joseph McGee. 

August. Richardson was killed bj'J. P. Cullen^ 

I at Virginia City. Cullen sentenced to two and 



HOMICIDE, AND SOME OF ITS CAUSES. 



3-^5 



one-half years in Slate Prison. The sentence 
was considered severe. 

Aufjust 22. George Ward was shot and killed bj' a 
Jlexican named "Jose," at Unionville; a gambling 
difficult}'. 

October. IJichard N. Snowden was fatally stabbed 
at Unionville, Humboldt County, by a teamster. 
He was somewhat noted as a politician and had 
formerly lived at Auburn, Caliibrnia. 

October 9. iJeuben Martin was killed bj' John 
Spiker, at Clinton, Lander County. 

October 24. George Lloyd was shot and killed by 
John Daley, at Aurora, Esmeralda County, during 
a row in a saloon. 

About this time an exciting scene occurred in the 
streets of Austin. An unknown man, supposed to 
be insane, appeared upon the crowded streets, 
brandishing a glittering axe, cutting all who came 
within his reach. Three or four men were either 
killed bj- him or dangerously wounded. Passing 
through town he went on down the Clifton Grade, 
and, in a few hour-s, his dead bodj' was found in 
the road. He had been shot. No legal imiuirj' 
was ever made as to who killed him. People, 
however, generally accredited the deed to a 
sporting man, since deceased, known as '• White- 
headed '' Uoss. For a long time, thereafter, when 
anj' person wished to send a thrill of excitement, 
that would almost result in a panic, among the 
crowds that thronged the streets of Austin, he had 
only to raise theory of '-Look out! here comes 
the man with the axe!" 

October 24. John L)ennis, afitis " EI Dorado Johnii}-," 
was shot and killed at Virginia City, by Langford 
Peel, known as " Farmer Peel." Pee! was acquitted 
on the grounds of self-defense. Peel was killed 
in Montana in 18(J7, by a man named Bull. 

October 2t>. Yuk Lee was shot and killed by another 
Chinaman, four miles out on the Ophir road from 

Gold Hill. 

October 2(i. Maldonado, alias " Muchacho," 

was killed in an affray that closed a prize fight 
near Carson City. 

October 28. Horace Smith, once Mayor of Sacra- 
mento, California, was shot by Capt. F. W. H. John- 
son, at Virginia City, from the ett'octs of which ho 
died in December following. These men had been 
very friendly, but a dispute arose between them 
concerning the payment of a sum of money claimed 
by Smith as his share of percentage from the sale 
of some Yellow Jacket stock, which the two were 
interested in selling for a woman living in Victoria, 
British Columbia. Ca])tain .Johnson was agent foi- 
Wells, Fargo & Co., and Smith was a |)rominent 
lawyer. The latter struck the former with a cane, 
knocking him down, and wiiile in this po.siiion 
Johnson drew a ])islol and fired. The wound was 
not supposed to be mortal at first, but after a time 
Smith began to grow worse and finallj- died, the 
bullet having abraded an intestine, causing inflam- 



mation and death. .lohnson was tried and ac- 
quitted. 

"Sugar Foot Jack " was killed on B Street, Virginia 
City. 

November 11. James Dodd was shot and killed by 
Daniel Farn}^ at (Jold Hill, Storey County. Two 
dogs were fighting in a saloon, when Farny threat- 
ened to shoot the man who interfered with them. 
The jury disagreed. 

November 28. .Merrill was shot and killed by 

Gleason. 

November 29. S. Poraoroy was killed bj' Jesse Bonds, 
at Clifton, Lander County. 

December 1. Mac was stabbed and killed by 

George Morton, at Everett House, at the foot of 
Geiger Grade. Mac was boating Morton at the 
time. He was acquitted. 

December 9. Joe McGee was shot and killed bj' John 
Daley, in Carson City, with the same gun with 
which McGee killed Jack William, just one j-ear 
previous. 

December 11. Charles Steer was shot and killed by 
Deborah Ann Phillips, at Virginia C^'ity, for insult- 
ing language. She was sentenced to one year in 
State Prison. She was pardoned out by Governor 
Nye, prior to April 9, 18G4. 

Jack Butler was killed by a Spanish woman known 
as "Sailor Jack," in Virginia City — the woman 
was his mistress. She was acquitted. 
18G4. 

February 2. W. B.Johnson was killed in Aurora bj- 
a band of desperados, headed by John Daley. The 
citizens formed a Vigilance Commit' ee and hanged 
John Dalej-, Jack McDowell, Wm. Bucklej- and 
James Masterson. Another one named Vance 
was sentenced, but escaped. 

February 10. John Scott was shot and killed by 
William Brown, at Virginia City, (both colored). 
A colored woman, the reputed wife of Brown, in 
her testimony before the Coroner's Jur}', said she 
was married to him " By nature and God Almighty 
for four months." 

March 2. Joseph Gurtey was shot and killed by 
Louis Seldt, on the Divide in Gold Hill, Storey 
County. Seldt went to State I'rison. 

March 4. P. H. Dowd was shot and killed by William 
Janes, in the Gem Saloon, Gold Hill; Quarrel 
about business. Janes sent to State I'rison for life. 

April 10. Eugene Aine was l<illed during a fight 
between some Frenchmen, five in number, who had 
squatted on some land claimed by Dr. Kills, at 
Steamboat Springs, and a 7W(tx'' of fifteen settlers, 
about one mile north of the hotel. Aine was one 
of the Squatters. 

April 29. William Jones was stabbed and killed by 
Martin Harvey, in a saloon near Devil's Gate, 
Storey County. His only excuse for committing 
the murder was that Jones was a Union man. 

April. .Tames Thompson was killed by Ford, at the 
What Cheer House, Gold Hill. 



346 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



On election day for municipal offices at Austin, Rich- 
ard Allman became involved in a dispute with 
another man, about some trivial art'air, which 
resulted in the killing of an innocent man upon the 
street — a stranger who had but recently arrived 
thci;e — and who knew nothing whatever of the 
quarrel. Nothing was done with Allman, but he 
left soon after for .Montana. 

May 2G. John Clark was shot and killed by Thomas 
Wilkinson, in Virginia City. Clark was tearing 
down Wilkinson's fence. 

June t). John E. Campbell was killed bj- H. T. I'ar- 
lin, in a saloon. Campbell was the aggressor and 
was trying to shoot Parliu, when the latter crushed 
his skull by a blow from a pistol. Parlin was 
acquitted. 

July 4. Charles 11. Plum was stabbed and killed at 
a ball in Ophir, Washoe County, by a brother of a 
girl he kissed in a sportive manner, when dancing 
with her. 

July 11. David Melntyre was killed by "Charley," 
near Silver City; was struck with a board. 

August 5. John Doyle was stabbed and killed by 
James Linn, at Dayton, Lyon County. Linn was 
hanged by the citizens at 3 a. .m. on the ninth. 

Some time late in the fall of this year a young 
man named White, who had previously lived at 
Genoa, but more recentlj- kcjit a waj-side inn at 
New Pass, having had some difficulty with his 
wife, seized their child of a year old, and started 
with it in his arms, on horseback, across Pcese 
River Vallej'. Friends of the wife pursued 
White for the purpose of taking the child away 
from hira; and when about to overtake him. near 
the old town of Clifton, Lander ('ounty, he placed 
a revolver at his child's head, and blew out its 
brains. Then turning the ])istol to his own head, 
he again fired, and fell from his horse a corj)se, 
thus completing the horrid tragedy. 

December 20. Michael Madden, «//«« "Micke}- Free," 
was stabbed and killed by Charles Smith, in Gold 
Hill, Storey County. Quarrel over a game of 
cards. Sentenced to twenty-one years in State 
I'rison. 

December 22. Calvin Martin was killed by James 
Parsf)n8, in Washoe County, lie was acquitted. 
18G5. 

Hiram H. Noble, a bystander, was fatally shot by 
J. J. Comer, «/(«» " Pike," who was engaged in an 
altercation with a notorious character named 
Squires, at Carson City. Verdict, accidental. 

March 8. Christo])lier Penny was stabbed and killed 
by Eugene Jjcforo. on the (Jeigor (irade. 

March 12. Benjamin Melcalf was shot and killed 
by John E. Doyle. A drunken quarrel. 

April 8. Peter O. Foster was killed at Gold Hill by 
parties unknown. 

May 29. Charles McNair was shot and killed by 

Elgin, at American Flat, Storey County. The 



latter expressed pleasure that Booth had killed 
Lincoln, when McNair attem])ted to chastise him 
for his exjircssions, and vvas killed. Elgin fled to 
parts unknown. 

May. Henry E. Atkins killed by Daniel Hughes, both 
soldiers. 

June 6. Two young (iermans, who had a vegeta- 
ble garden in Washoe Valley, were found mur- 
dered in their cabin. No clue to the perpetrators. 

July. George Baker was killed near Butte Station 
by Henrj- Warder. 

During the summer, in Reese River Valley, a prom- 
inent rancher by the name of Wiggins became 
involved in a difficulty with one of his neighbors, 
an Irishman named Reilly. Wiggins seized a 
double-barreled shotgun and killed the man. He 
was afterwards tried at Austin and acquitted. 
Wiggins afterwards fell a victim to small-pox, 
and died at Hamilton, White Pine County. 

July. John Templeton was killed by Charles Duval, 
at Gold Hill. Grand Jury failed to indict Duval 

August 4. (ruilermo was killed by Carle 

Christine, in \'irgiiiia City, with a double-edged 
knife, in a billiard-room. 

August 7. Colonel Charles F. McDcrmit was killed 
by an Indian, at or near Fort McDorinit, and the 
body was interred at Fort Churchill. 

September 19. Jose Maria Pinto was shot and 
killed bj' I. V. Castro, in Virginia City. Pinto 
endeavored to shoot a woman, and Castro inter- 
fered, with the above result. 

October 4. Ballard was killed by 

Williams, ten miles west of Egan Canon. Both 
men were teamsters. 

October 8. A ilexican, name unknown, was killed 
at Genoa by a negro. Cause, jealousy. 

October 10. Patrick MuUoy was stabbed and 
killed at a brewery, in Virginia City. 

October 18. Stephen Lynnis, n/ias " Dublin Chicken," 
was shot and killed by John Grimes, in Austin, 
Lander County; an election row. tirimes acquitted. 

November 7. Michael Martin was shot and killed, 
at Yankee Blade, by Alexander Mewton, while 
endeavoring to keep Martin I'rom using a knil'e on 
an unknown man. Newton acquitted. 

November 21. G. A. Bell was found murdered, 
about five miles from the Brunswick Mill, on the 
Pino Nut Road; had been shot, and the body 
multilated with an axe. Bell was a wood and lum- 
ber dealer; the body was rifled of all valuables. 

December 25. Herman Eggert was shot and killed 
by T. McXamara. 

Ben Bolton was killed by Bill Shepherd,, who put a 
derringer to his head and blew out his victim's 
brains. 

Jessie Leister was shot and killed, at Virginia 
City, by some one whose identity was never 
known except to herself. She would not tell who 
did the shooting. 



HOMICIDE, AND SOME OF ITS CAUSES. 



3-47 



1866. 

Februarj- 2. Martin V. Burnliart was killed by 
Thomas Peuslc}-, in the Orni.-ib}- Mouse, < 'arson City, 
Ormsby County, in self- defense. The former 
attacked him with a six-shooter, and thnunh mor- 
tally wounded, I'oasley munai^ed to kill his assail- 
ant. 

February 2. Thomas Peasley was killed by Martin 
V. Barnhart, in the Ormsby House, Carson City, 
Ormsby County. Mistaken identity the oause. 

Februar}' G. Dodge was killed by Doc Kimball, 

a( Washoe City, Washoe County-. Dodge entered a 
gambliiigden kejU by Kimball, and drawiiiga slung 
shot struck him over the eye, when Kimbal' 
stabbed him with a Bowie-knife. 

March. George Rogers was killed bj' an Indian, 
near Panaca. It was believed the act was insti- 
gated by white men who were unfriendly to the 
murdered man. 

June 25. Ilisborn was killed by A. G. Bradley, 

near Camp McDerrait. Bradley acted purely in 
self-defense. 

Jul}^ 14. J. L. Rj-aii was shot and killed bj- J. and 
G. Showers, at Silver City, Storey County. 

August. W. T. Morphy was shot and killed by 
Kobert Kelly, in Belmont, Xyo County, during a 
fight about some land. Kelly was convicted of 
murder in the first degree, but obtaining a new 
trial, was acquitted. 

November 7. Daniel McCune was shot and killed 
by Wm. Houston, at Belmont, Nye County. The 
former had repeatedly threatened the life of Hous- 
ton, and was killed in his own cabin, Houston 
was acquitted on the ground of insanity. 

November 14. Ned Curron was killed at Washoe, 
Washoe County, by Jonathan Yates, a/ias Samp- 
son. Cause unknown. Weapon, pistol. 
1867. 

January 3. Martin Doren was killed at Aurora, Esmer- 
alda County, by James W. Downej-, in a bar room 
fight, stabbed. An old feud had existed between 
them a long time. 

January 16. Thomas Andrews was killed in a difticulty 
between himself and brother, and Jacob and Sam- 
uel Steinongcr, over the title to some land, at Pine 
Creek, Fjander County. 

Tim. G.Smith, Sheriff of Ormsbj' County, was shot 
and killed by Thomas ]{iley. Smith was attempt- 
ing to arrest Rilej-. The murderer at the time 
escaped, but on the second of June, 1868, Asa L. 
Ken3'on recognized him as he was traveling along 
the overland road near Dayton. Kenyon raised a 
posfie and started after him. Riley, upon being 
overtaken, began to shoot and severely wounded 
one of his pursuers, 11. A. Comins. Uiley seeing 
that his pursuers were sure to capture him, and 
getting out of ammunition, killed himself 

April 0. Cornelius Hill was found dead, with his 
throat cut from ear to ear, in a stone house at 



the u])|)or end of Spring Valley, Storey County, 
lie ha<l been robbed of all valuables, his hands 
tied behind his back. A large reward was oftered 
for the perpetrators of the murder. 

April 17. At Belmont, Nye County, a gang of 
drunken ruffians seized l{. B. Canfield, (reneral 
Agent of the Silver Bend .Mining (Jompany, and, 
putting him astride a rail, rode him through town. 
Lewis il. Bodrow interfered and was killed. J. 
P. Dignon, one of the aggressors, was also killed. 
Dignon was the first white person born at Galena, 
Illinois. 

Maj- 5. Joshua .Morford was killed by Cjn-us Able, 
at Paradise Valley. Morford met Able on the 
road and remarked: "We cannot both live in the 
same valley," and commenced firing. Five shots 
were fired, when Morford fell. 

May 19. Stephen Richards was killed at Austin. 
Ijandcr County, by Robert lOlliott. Hasty words 
the only provocation. 

May. R. W. Knox was killed by L. B. Vail, in Pah- 
ranagat Valley, twenty miles below Hiko. Vail 
was hung by the citizens the following eleventh of 
July. 

John Milleain murdered a woman named Julia Pru- 
lette, at Virginia. He was ti-ied, convicted and 
hung April 24, 1868. 

July 4. Policeman Hawkins attempted to enter a 
house kept by (!ad. Woods, in A'irginia City, when 
John Dalton tried to ])revent him, and was shot 
dead by the officer. 

July 13. Gartrano Labnala was killed by blows on 
the head by an old colored man, who was fined for 
assault. 

July. Tucker .lolm, a Rali-I'lc, was killed at one of 
Coffman's stations, on the Humboldt road, b}' 
Alexander l-'leming, of Dayton. Fleming sus- 
pected the Indian of killing his brother some three 
years since. 

August 31. Richard P. Ryan was shot and killed 
b}- Wm. Twaddle, at Ophir (^afion. The former 
was assisting the Constable to gi't possession of a 
mule, when a fight ctisiieil with the above result. 
No conviction. 

October 1"). .]. H. Ijchigh was shot and killed by O. 
R. Putney, at Belmont, Nye County- I'utnej- was 
badly woundeil and lost the use of an arm. Le- 
high was the aggressor, and Putney was discharged 
after a hearing before the proper triliunal. 

November 25. John Ijadd}- was beaten to death by 
Ike Hubbel, at (Jold Hill. Storey County. 

December 13, Caldwell was killed at Glen- 
dale, Ormsby County, by Joseph Stanley with a 
knife. Dis])uto about a cow. 

isi;s. 

Januarj' 13. At Ophir Cafion, 'Syo County, a man 
named .Mexander Johnson, was shot to <1eath in 
the saloon of Perlej- A: Luce by one of the proprie- 
tors thereof No trial. 



348 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



January IS. Charles Thompson was killed by officer 

Conley, at Gold Hill. Storey County. The 

officer had arrested Thompson for carrying a con- 
cealed weapon, and after reachini^ the station-house 
attempted to kill Conley, when the latter shot him 
dead. 

Februarj- (J. Jesse 31. Peters was killed by S. Gold- 
stein, at Belmont, Nye County. The former had 
threatened to take the life of the latter. No action 
was taken in the matter, as the shooting was con- 
sidered to be justifiable. 

February 28. T. Francis Lawton was found mur- 
dered at White Pine. lie was a picture dealer 
from San Francisco. No clue to the perpetrators. 

.March 29. Frank P. Pitt was killed at Pioche, Lin- 
coln Count}-, by Jacob Colburn. Pitt was a saloon 
keeper, and on a spree when he attacked Colburn. 
Nothing done with Colburn. 

.March 29. Antonio Valencia was shot and killed by 
Calestro California, at Virginia Citj-, the result 
of an old quarrel. 

April 9. Charles Watson was killed by George New- 
ton, at Silver City, Storey County. They com- 
menced fighting up-stairs, and rolled down locked 
in each other's embrace, when the fall broke their 
holds. Newton got out his pocket-knife and 
stabbed Watson. 

April 1(!. Michael Dunne was killed by Leslie F. 
Blackburn, at Virginia City. Dunne was a 
" shoulder striker " from Montana, and was a bad 
man. 

May 5. Noble T. Sloeum was killed by Kufus B. 
Anderson, a bo^- about eighteen years old, at 
Austin, Lander County. Anderson was hung at 
Austin, October 30, 1868. At the execution a 
terrible scene was enacted. The noose not being 
properlj' fastened slipped as the trap was sprung, 
and the doomed boy landed on the ground upon 
his feet. This was roiioatod. and the e.xcited 
crowd began to think of rescuing him. But upon 
a third attempt, strangulation was completed. 

June G. John Bach shot and killed C. H. Maisch, 
at Carson. Cau.so — a woman; wile of neither. 

Juno 15. Lawrence Clark was shot and killed by 
Robert Steon, Deputy Shoritt', at Belmont, Nye 
County. Clark resisted the officer, and .Steen 
shot him in self-defense. 

Juno. 'S-i. Solomon Brundige was shot and killed 
by A. J. JIuff, a/inn Gott', in Surpri.se Vallc}-. Got!' 
was hanged b}' the citizens on the 27th. 

Juno 26, Charles J. Robinson was killed at Yellow 
Jacket Springs. Esmeralda County, by Frank 
Schoonniaker. No one but the two present, and 
no conviction. 

July 18. Walter Williams was killed bj' Peter Hill, 
at Silver City, Storey County, while assisting the 
officers to arrest the latter. 

July 18. Peter Hill, ulias "Russian Pete," while resist- 
ing arrest for robbery at Silver City, Storey 
County, took refuge in the North Potosi Tunnel. 



'While the officers and posse were attempting to 
drown him out, he killed one of the />osse. and 
then putting the pistol into his own mouth blew 
his brains out. 

In August of this year, Thomas Carberry. commonly 
known as Irish Tom. shot and killed a man named 
Vance, at Austin. Vance had recently arrived there_ 
from Montana, and claimed to be the " bad man " 
from that region, while Carberrj-, though a quiet 
man when sober, had been engaged in many shoot- 
ing scrapes about Aurora and other new mining 
localities. Vance assumed an oft'ensive attitude 
toward (^arberrj-, and told him that he would kill 
him. Irish Tom was at this time unarmed, and so 
informing his antagonist, Vance told him to go and 
prepare himself and come back shooting. Car- 
berry quietly left, obtained a pistol and carelessly 
sauntered back. Vance, who was on the lookout, 
immediatel}- began to fire, Carberr}' advancing to 
close range uotwithstandin.g his enemj-'s repeated 
shots. When in position to suit him, Carberry 
rested his pistol across his arm, took careful aim, 
and shot Vance dead. Carberry ac(iuitted. 

August 26. \V. 15. llawslej- was killed by Al. Haw- 
loy, between Gold Hill and American Flat. After 
committing the murder Hawley climbed the hill 
towards the Ophir Grade, and seating himself on 
a rock committed suicide. 

September 22. Thomas Griffith was killed by George 
Wegstein, at Vansickle's ranch, Douglas County, 
in a row resulting from a political discussion. He 
was killed by a shot from a double-barreled shot- 
gun, 

November 20. AI, P. Waterman was shot by Miles 
Goodman, at Virginia City, Storej' Count}-. 

November 30. Jerry Emerson, a rough, was killed 
at Argenta. Lander County. He was shot by some 
person unknown. 

December 20. Owen Murphy was killed by James 
Walsh, at Austin, Lander Count}-. Murphy was 
drunk and ap|)liod foul epithets to the wife of 
Walsh. 

1869. 

February 3. David Jlclntosh was shot and killed by 

Al. Page, at Elko. 
February 29. Lewis and Seiner, two Jew peddlers, 

were fgund in the creek near Camp Halleck ;the 

bodies bore the marks of an axe. No clue to the 

murdei'ers. 
April 1. Uonry A. Corcoran was shot and killed by 

Thomas H. HeftVon. at Elko. 
.May 2. Parsons was killed by Tom Thacker, at 

Winnemucca, Humboldt County. 
July 2. Thomas Matthews killed Charles Jones in 

White Pino County. 
July 6. -Mrs. Priscilla Wilford was found murdered 

at her house in (Jlear Creek, Ormsby County, with 

her throat cut. No duo to the murdorors, 
July tl. James Bender was shot and killed by Wm. 



HOMICIDE, AND SOME OF ITS CAUSES. 



349 



Chamberlain, at Crescent Station, on the Tlill 
Beachj- Toll-road. 

August. John L. Roach was shot by Frank liankin 
in Pine Nut Valley. Trouble grew out of a wood 
ranch sale. Roach died August 21st. 

August 24. Beneditto Maccsstrell was killed by 
Angelo Lombardi at Virginia City, Storey County. 
Beneditto had slandered Lombardi's sister. 

August. Joseph Buys was found with his head 
crushed and pockets turned wrong side out, near 
Hamilton. White Pine County. No clue to the 
perpetrators. 

September 24. John McKinscj^ was shot and killed 

by Raft'erty, at Paradise Valley. Rafferty was 

one of a Sheriff's posse, and McKinsey resisted 
arrest. 

December. Hamilton was killed by S. P. How- 
ard, at Hamilton, White Pine County. 
1870. 

January 13. George F. Mills was killed by Cor- 
nelius Buckle^-, at Eureka, Eureka County. Mills 
was a member of the Nevada Assembly in 1869. 
Bucklej- was a noted desperado. 

January 21. Jonathan Young was killed at Sher- 
mantown. White Pine County, bj- Tray M. John- 
son. The shot was intended for another man, but 
missed its mark. Johnson was acquitted. 

February 15. Wm. A. Decker was shot and killed by 
George Price, at Empire, Ormsby County. The 
dispute was over a game of cards. Price got 
fifteen years in State Prison. 

Februarj- 28. Vung Yew was killed by John Burke 
at KIko. He was kicked to death. 

February. Levi Maize, alias '-Buffalo Bill," was shot 
and instantly killed by "FIj-ing Dutchman," at 
Eureka, P^ureka County. 

March 25. Peruvian Joe was killed by a Mexican 

named Corralis, in the White Pine country, 

during a drunken brawl. 

March 27. Ah Sin and Lung King were killed by 
Aug P]ye, and the latter was killed the same day 
by Ah Tom. A row among the Celestials at Elko. 

April 12. Henry Phibbs was killed by George Routh, 
at Reno, Washoe Countj'. The shooting was acci- 
dental, as the shot was intended for another man. 

April 12. J. H. Miller was killed by George Routh, 
at Reno, Washoe County, and during the shooting 
killed a by-stander named Henry Phibbs. 

May 1. George Liddicoat was killed by William" 
Little, at llyc Patch, Humboldt County. During 
a fight somebody struck Little, knocking him 
senseless. When he came to, he began shooting 
promiscuously, and killed his friend. 

May. Ad. Rogers was shot and killed in the hills 
about six miles east of Pioche, Lincoln ('ounty. 
Ho had gone out to examine some mining claims, 
in company with Moses Black. The latter re- 
ported that Rogers had been accidentally shot with 
his own jjistol, which had fallen from its scabbard, 
the hammer striking a stone and exploding it. 
44 



May 24. Richard N. Allen was killed by Dr. J. N. 
J{. Owen, at Hamilton, White Pine County. 

June 0. Annie McManus was killed by Bernard J. 
Cosgrove, at Elko, KIko (bounty. Sixty-five wounds 
were inflicted with a knife. Sentenced to State 
Prison for life. 

June 10. John F. (Jlennon was killed bj^ a 'sport" 
named Ulysses W. Hutchinson, at Hamilton, with 
a knife; no cause known. 

June 29. Richard H. Dodd was killed by William 
Dodds, at Pioche, Jjincoln Count}'. Hard feeling 
between the parties, the cause. 

July 17. Farlej- was killed by Murphy, 

near Moleen, Elko County. The former was steal- 
ing a ride on the cars, and when ordered off by 
^lurphy, drew a pistol, when the latter struck 
him with a stick of wood — killing him. 

August 10. James Wilson was shot and killed by 
Alexander McDonald, at Bald Mountain. 

August 23. William Thompson was killed by 

Glasset, at Pine Grove, Esmeralda County. The 

bullet passed through the side of McCoolo, 

the man it was intended to kill, and struck Thomp- 
son, a bystander. 

September 4. Andrew Whitlock was killed bj- Jas. 
Maxwell, at .Meadow Valley Mill, Lincoln County. 
The foi-mer was an important witness in a law- 
suit over the title to a ranch, and Maxwell took 
this way to kee]) liim i'rom testifying, and then 
escaped over the line into Utah. 

September 6. A Chinaman was found murdered 
about four miles below F,lko, on the Humboldt 
River. The body was partially consumed by fire. 
No clue to the perpetrators. 

September 15. Lyon was killed by James 

Stuart, at Glenbrook Hotel, Lake Talioe. Lyon 
was the aggressor, and repeatedly attcini)ted to 
cut Stuart, when the latter stabbed him fatally. 

September 20. Harrj' (lorman was killed b^- George 
Hirsch, at Pioche, I/mcoln County. Grand Jury 
ignored the bill against Hirsch. 

September 29. Ah Cum, a Chinawoman, was killed 
by Ah Lin, at Carson, Ormsby County. 

October 4. Hiram Thornton was found shot through 
the head, on Smith's Ranch (Hot Springs^ Was 
known to have considerable money at the time. 

October 13. Lally Whitmore was killed by Edward 
Can, with a carbine. 

October 30. R. H. Carson, <i/ias '• Kit," was killed 
at Pioche by parties unknown. Antonio Cardenas 
was indicted for the killing, but was not con- 
victed. 

November 9. W. (i. Snell was killed in a mining 
dispute over the Banner and Creole mines. Also 
resulted in wounding ten others and throwing two 
men down a shaft seventy feet. 

December 11. Robert Wallace was killed, by being 
struck on the head with a bottle, at Pine Grove. 
Name of murderer not given. 



3o0 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



1871. 

February 15. .John Clapny, with several aliases, 
was killed by Jas. D. Kennedy, in Pioche. Ken- 
nedy was convicted of murder in the second de- 
force, and obtained a new trial. The case was 
finally nolk j/rossed. 

February 18. McDonald was killed by 

McCoy, at Highland, Lincoln County. McCoy 
then shot and killed himself, supposed to be in- 
sane. AVas a stranger in the vicinity. 

February 22. Thos. Coleman was killed at Pioche, 
Lincoln County. Morgan Courtney and Barney 
Flood were arrested, but were discharged from 
custody, there being no direct evidence against 
them. 

March 5. William Smith was killed by Arthur Per- 
kins llcftiian, at Vii-ginia City, lleffnan was 
hung at (iold Hill, March 24th, for the crime. 

March 12. Thomas (iorson was killed by ^fike Case}-, 
at Pioche, Lincoln County. A business settlement 
the cause. 

April 12. AVilliam McMurray was killed by K. D. 
Chase and Alex. Frazer at Tem Piute, Lincoln 
County. Dispute over a mining claim. Acquitted. 

April 17. .lames Funk was shot and killed by his 
wife, Hattie, at Fureka. I^ander Countj''. Cause, 
domestic infelicity, and too much whisky. 

May 3. W. R. Warnock was killed, at Pioche, Tjin- 
coln County, while passing some fo"-ts on mines; a 
number of parties were arrested, but no con- 
victions. 

May 11. All Foo, a Chinawoman, was shot and 
killed on Plaza Street, Virginia City, by a China- 
man. 

.May 30, .1. J. Moniihan was killed bj' Dennis 

JIulonoj' and Fox, at Pioche, Lincoln Countj-. 

The}- both got clear. 

May 30. Mike Casej- was killed by James Levy, at 
Pioche, Lincoln County. Acquitted. Mike Casey 
is the man who killed Thomas Corson, March 12th. 

July 7. Samuel Cooklin was killed by a Sberiff's 
posse, at Pioche, Lincoln County. He resisted 
the officers, firing at them; thej' had to shoot him. 

Jul}' 13. George Kirk was hung by Vigilants, at 
Virginia City. He had been ordered to leave 
town, and came back; was found drunk in a dance- 
house, taken to the Sierra Nevada works and 
hung; had "GOl " ])inned to him. 

August 5. (Jeorge .M. Harris was shot and killed by 
D. A. Mj'endorff, at Pioche, Lincoln County. 
Harris slapped Myendorft" across the face, there- 
upon the latter killed him. Myendorft' acquitted. 

November !t. William Ilardwick was killed by Dan 
Harkins, at Genoa. Douglas County. Harkins 
kicked him in the face until he killed him. Money 
matters was the cause. 

November 26. James Butler was killed by Special 
Officer Shea, at Pioche, Lincoln Countj'. In- 
sulting and threatening language was the cause. 
Acquitted. 



November 26. John G. Wood was killed by Pres. 
. Standifer, at Pioche, Lincoln County. The citi- 
zens held that the killing was justifiable. 

December 8. Thomas Kelly was killed by Mollie 
Forshay, at Reno, Washoe Count}'. He was cook 
in a restaurant, and attempted to put her out of 
the place for disorderly conduct, when she stabbed 
him. 

December IS. John Duland was found murdered at 
Panaca, Lincoln County. No clue to the perpe- 
trator, and no known cause. 
1872. 

March 2. Geo. Eeed was killed by William Hawkins, 
at St. Thomas, Lincoln County, accidentally. No 
investigation. 

April 4. Henry Berge was killed at Elko, by Thos. 
Laswell and Charles Dancy. 

May 18. H. A. Wickware was accidentally shot in 
an allray between Jesse S. Pitzer and Al. Jonson. 
His leg was amputated, but he subsetiuently died 
from the eft'ects of the wound. 

June 5. James Sullivan was killed by Morgan 
^ Courtney, for calling him -'hard names." Acquitted 
on jury trial. 

July 4. James Jjong was shot and killed by P. W. 
.Mansfield, at Belmont, Nye County. 

July 12. Fannie Peterson was killed by Perry Ful- 
ler, at Pioche, Lincoln County. They had been 
living together, and had separated some time 
before. Sentenced to fifteen years in State Prison. 

August 26. J. R. Gibson was killed by Theodore 
Hawkins, at Double Springs, Douglas County. 
Self-defense was claimed by Hawkins. 

August 27. J. C. McMinn was shot and killed by (!. 
E. Sampson, at Duckwater, Nye County, Quarrel 
over a ranch. After several trials and a change 
of venue to Austin, Sampson was acquitted. 

September 13. George Wilson was killed by Wm. H. 
Pierce, at Carson City. Pierce kept a low gam- 
bling den, and Wilson was an inoffensive sick man. 
Pierce got thirty years in State Prison. Pierce 
made several escapes before convicted. 

October 2. Charles Hickey was killed by Mike Hol- 
land, at Pioche, Lincoln County. A newspaper 
article reflecting on Hickey, supposed to have been 
furnished by Holland, the cause. The (irand .lury 
ignored the bill ajcainst Holland. 

October 14. A Chinaman was killed by Buck, at 

Noyes Ranch, Washoe County. 

November 5. John V. Strain was fatally shot in an 
altercation between George Manning and a man 
named Dow, at Piocho. Cause, an election row. 
Manning, charged with the shooting, was exam- 
ined and discharged. 

November 20. Wra. McCarthy was killed by James 
Woods, at Pioche, Lincoln County, t^uarrel over 
"" a game of cards. Woods was acquitted, as Mc- 
Carthy struck first, 

November 27. James Fvans was killed by Henry 
Lucas, at Dry Valley Mills. Lincoln County. 



HOMICIDE, AND SOME OF IT8 CAUSES. 



351 



tjiiarrel about amount of work dono by each olbcr. 
(irand Jury i>j;nored tho bill against Lucas. 

December 21). Tbos. Lyiicb was sbot and killed by 
George Bibbins, in Eureka, Eureka County, in a 
billiard saloon. 

December 27. Frank Willis was killed b}- Joseph 
Haggerly, at Bullionvillo, Lincoln County. An 
old grudge. Haggerty sentenced to five j-cars in 
State Prison. 

December 28. Thomas Ityan was killed at Pioche 
in an underground tight between employees of tho 
Jiaymond and Ely, and Pioche Phccnix Mining 
Companies. Ko one was punished for the deed. 

December. James Armstrong was killed by Bur- 
bank, known as " Pike," in lluby Valle}'. 

December. An Indian was found dead near the 
Banner mine. The body was mangled almost be- 
yond recognition, lie was indonlified by an ac- 
quaintance through the puculiarity of his gun. 

December 2'.i. ('harles Swanson was fatally shot at 
Pioche by some unknown person. He was at the 
time going to work in the IJaj-mond and Ely mine, 
but at that time a i]uarrel was in progress between 
that and another mining company, and guards 
were posted about the works. It being dark, 
Swanson was doubtless taken by the guard as an 
intruder and shot. A reward of $1,650 was oft'ered 
for the arrest of his slayer, but he was never 

known. 

187.3. 

January 3. James L. Armstrong was killed by Geo. 

Eubanks, at Elko, Elko (,'ounly. Stabbed. 
January 5. Cornelius .Murphy was killed by Timothj^ 

MuUins, at East Belmont, Nj^o County. .Nlullins 

was aci(uitted on the ground of self-defense. 
March 11. Harrison Pheasant was killed by Jtobert 

G. Moon, at the Muddy. Dispute concerning 

boundary lines. iMoon acipiitted. 
April 27. William Mann was killed by highwaymen. 

He was driver of the stage from I lumilton to W ard. 

The robbers got Wells, Eargo &, (-lo.'s treasure-box. 

The stage contained five passengers, none of whom 

were molested. 
May 1. Thomas Welch was killed by Frank Soule, 

at Pioche, Lincoln County. Old business transac- 
tions. Soule acquitted. 
May 8. S. D. Potter was killed by Jell. Howard, at 

Pioche, Lincoln County. Quarreled over a game of 

cards, Howard got ten years in the State Prison. 
William li. Bethards killed a man at Schullbourne, 

while druidc. Was tried, convicted of manslaughter 

and sent to State Prison, lie was subsequently 

killed by a fellow convict. 
May 17. Charles Sanbourn and (ius Wright were 

found dead in the water at Coyote Springs, six 

miles from Bristol. No clue to the perpetrators. 
May 29. Thomas Flitcroff was killed by Joseph 

Watts, atSchellbourne, White Pine County. 
June 7. Benetill was killed by Crary,atMin- 



eral City, Eureka County. Tho wives of each of 
these two men began quarreling and their row was 
taken up by the men. Crary blew the top of Bone- 
fill's head oft' with a shotgun. 

Juno 17. John Copoland was shot and killed by 
David M. Hall, at Belmont, Nye County. They 
were both from Utah, where their trouble origi- 
nated. Hall was hanged on tho seventeenth of 
October, 1873. This is tho only case of hanging 
by sentence in this county. 

June. Frank Durand was killed by John .Stewart, at 
Columbus, Esmeralda County. Stewart was hanged 
April 24, 1874, at Aurora. 

July 1. Peter Fitzgerald, engineer of the (iouldand 
Currjf mine, had a street duel with Sam. Hamil- 
ton, a pri/.e-ring sport. After the exchange of 
numerous shots, Hamilton was fatally wounded. 

July 0. John H. Lynch was shot and killed by 
James Harrington, at Pioche, Lincoln County. Dis- 

- pute over a dog. He wounded three other men 
at the same time. Harrington was sentenced to 
fifteen years in State Prison. 

July 15. liobert Ash was killed by Owen Ferguson, 
at tho Carson County Hospital. Ash was stabbed 
thirteen times with a surgical instrument. 

August 1. Morgan Courtney was shot and killed by 
George McKinney, at Pioche, Lincoln County, who 
lay in wait for him and shot him in tlio back. 
McKinney was acquitted. 

August 1. B. 11. Kislle was shot and killed bj- D. 

_ W. Cherry, at Pioche, Lincoln County. He was 

stealing Cherry's barley. Cherry was acquitted. 

August. C.B.Green was killed by ])aniel Mathenj', 
in the vicinity of Eureka. (Jreen was a stock 
man, and was killed to get possession of a band of 
horses. 

September 2. John Manning was shot and killed 
by Deputy Sheriff McKee, at Pioche, Lincoln 
County, in self-defense. Acquitted. 

September 28. Henry Thompson was shot and 
killed by John G. Wiggins, both of the Fifth 
United States Cavalry, while on westward bound 
passenger train. 

October 2. A squaw called Susio was killed by 
Henry Carl, at Toll House, Hot Creek Boad, Nye 
County. Carl sentenced to ten years in State 
Prison. 

October 5. Antonio Cardinos was killed by Charles 
Peasley, at Pioche, Lincoln County, in a bar-room 
fight. Acquitted oti self-defense. 

October 25. En Chu was stabbed and killed by 
Charles Poo, at Elko. 

November 1. ,\ Cliinanian was murdered and robbed 
of 8800, at Toano, Elko County, by his brother 
Celestials. Tho murderers wore arrested at Elko, 
and lodged in jail. 

November 2. Joseph W.Thomas was killed by Wm. 
llosamurgay, at Pioche, Lincoln County. Dispute 
concerning wages. Sentenced to fifteen years in 
the State Prison. 



352 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



November 3. — Matthew Cahill was killed by Robert 
McCollough, at Piocbe, Lincoln County, in a Hurdy 
House. McCollough got out on bail, and went to 
work in a mine, and had both eyes blown out by a 
blast. He left Pioche for medical treatment, and 
thus got free. 

December 14. Oulstein was killed by John 

Hubbard, at Morey, Nye County. Struck with a 
shovel. Acquitted. 

December 20. James Morgan was mysteriously 
murdered at Elko. The bullet that did the deadlj- 
work was shot through the door of the man's 
room, striking him in the stomach. A man named 
Myatt was arrested on suspicion. 

December 25. Henry C. Blackwell was killed b}' 
Alexander McKeever, at Duckwater. Nye County. 
^IcKeever was drunk, and had called upon a 
daughter of Blackwcil's, and when requested to 
leave killed the old man with an axe. McKeever 
was sentenced to ten years in State Prison. 
1874. 

January 1. Antonio Rivara was killed by Victor 
Monego, at Columbus, Esmeralda County, with a 
knife. 

January 27. John Donovan was killed by Charles 
M. Williams, at Cherry Creek, White Pine County. 
A mining claim dispute. 

March. Christian Eckstein, his wife and two chil- 
dren, and a young man named Noelin, were all 
found dead at the cabin of the former, in Smoky 
Valley, about fifteen miles southeast of Austin, 
Lander County. It is not known certainly how 
they came to their death, but circumstances point 
to the theory that the men quarreled through 
jealousy, that a homicide followed, and afterward 
the slayer killed the woman and children and then 
took his own life. 

April 12. Barney Kenney, known as "Little Bar- 
ney," was shot and killed by Malt Hedding, in the 
El Dorado Saloon, Virginia City. 

.\pril. l^iiR was killed bj- Pj'att, at El 

horado ("anon. The ditticulty was first between 
Pyatt and a man named Jones, when the former 
took refuge behind some rocks. King went to 
inform him that Jones was not hurt much, when 
Pyatt shot him dead. The cilizons thereupon 
surrounded the murderer and killed him. 

May (i. Frank Hen was killcil by William Somers, 
at Miller's Ranch, in l>ougIas (.'ounty. Somers 
sentenced to State I'rison for life. 

May 12. John K. McCalluni was shot and killed by 
James Murphy, at Carson City. They had a row 
sometime bofbro, and met again with the above 
result. 
May Hi. William Dolan was shot and killed by H. 
H. Sutherland, at Belmont, N)'e Counly, in a bar- 
room fight. Sutherland was lynched by the cit- 
izens June 3d. 

June 3. Mit Raymond, an old woman, well known 



to the sporting fraternity, was shot dead by 
unknown parties in Virginia City. 

June 13. Jack Brannan was shot and killed by Gus 
- Botto, at Eureka. Brannan was a desperado, and 
had threatened to kill Botto on sight. 

June 30. Wm. P. O'Reilly, prize fighter, was stabbed 
\ fatally by Charles Huff, also a bruiser, in Brophy's 
saloon. 

June. A Chinaman was killed by Harrj' Cresswell, 

V. at Hot Creek. The Celestial tried to carve him 
with a butcher knife. 

June. Giovania Fclisina, of Douglas County, was 
killed by his brother, Dominco B. Felisina, and 
the body burned. The act was witnessed by 
another Italian, who dared not tell of it. The 
killer escaped, and was arrested in Grasatto, Italy. 

August 3. W. S. Pratt was killed by J. L, Downs, 
near W'adsworth. A dispute concerning some land. 

September 9. Samuel Wilcoxen was shot and killed 
by James W. Glaze, at Virginia Citj'. The latter 
was a barkeeper for the former, and was on a pro- 
tracted drunk; when remonstrated with by Wil- 
coxen, he drew a pistol and killed him. 

October 3. W. Kellogg. M. Kane and Reilly 

were killed during a fight for possession of the 
Justice mine. Several others mortally wounded. 

October 18. A Chinaman was killed in Chinatown, 
Carson City. One hundred and fifty shots (esti- 
mated) were fired, and then this one was killed 
with a knife. A general battle among themselves. 

November 2. Jim King was shot and killed by 
James Gleason, at Pioche, Lincoln County. He 
got twenty-one years in State Prison. 

December 6. Pete Dawson and Charles Olsen were 
killed bj' Indians, at Hiko, Lincoln County. 
William Honan was wounded, but escaped. 
1875. 

March. John Ledgway was found dead in the 
ruins of his house that was burned; he was an 
apostate Mormon, and whether he was murdered 
or not was never found out. 

April 21. Daniel Osborn was beaten to death by 
Thomas Dwyer. at Verdi, Washoe County, during 
a fight. 

April. J. N.Sharp was killed by J. W. Rover, at 
Sulphur Springs, Humboldt Count}'. The remains 
of Sharp were found buried in pieces at different 
places. Robbery was the cause of the deed. Rover 
was hung Februar}- 19. 1878. 

May 10. John Beal and James McCrearj' were found 
murdered, on the Silver Age Ranch, in liander 
County. The bodies were in a cabin; had been 
beaten terribly. 

June 2(). John JJass was killed by officers McKee 
and Kellcy, ati'ioche, Jjincoln County. Ileopened 
tire on the officers, firing five shots. They had to 
kill him to take him. 

July 7. Jackson and Beck had a fight at 

Eberhardt City, concerning a woman. Both were 
stabbed, and both died from their wounds. 



C A.NICHOLS. 



MRS CA NICHOLS. 




.. «»-*i^*Q,-V-. ^v ., 








HOTEL, RESlDENCL b( RANCH OF C.A.NICHOLS , PARADISE VALlEY , HUMBUlDT CO. 



HOMICIDE. AND SOBIE OF ITS CAUSES 



353 



July. Michael Downing was found murdered near 
Battle Mountain. The body was purtialij' con- 
sumed by fire, ^'o clue. 

August 4. Corcoran was killed by Peter Larkin, 

Mrgiiiia ("ity. Larkin was hung at Virginia City 
on the nineteenth of January-, 1877. 

August 24. Fred Twigg was killed by a shot from 

the pistol of Moody, while the latter and 

~^ Kaymonil were at war with each other, at Reno, 
Washoe County. 

August. Ralph Slater was killed by Harry Will- 
iams, near Austin, Lander County, with a shot- 
gun. 

September 2. At Lower Jefferson, Nye County, a 
difficulty occurred between Owen Shehaii and 
■' Bufl'alo Jack," concerning some money matters. 
~ They both left the saloon together. Shortly after 
a pistol shot was heard, and Shehan was found 
dead. Jack was arrested but released for want of 
proof 

September 30. Richard Mason was shot and killed 
by Ole Johnson, at Hicks Station. A debt of 
twenty-six dollars was the cause. Johnson was 
sent to State Prison for twenty-five years. 

October 9. Casper D. Larkin was killed by George 
Davis, at Pioche, Lincoln Countj-. Sentenced to 
five years in State Prison. 

October. Dick Wheeler was murdered in cold blood 
~ by a desjierado, Pat Birmingham, at " Poison 
Switch." 

October. Doc Miller was killed by Samuel Dorsey, 
who struck him with a board. Acquitted. 

November 19. Gafney was killed by James 

Stanton, at Eub}' Hill. Stanton struck him with 
a stick of cord- wood. 

187tJ. 

February 5. Donnellj' was murdered and robbed at 
Franktown. Suspicion rested on Chinamen. 

March 18. Earl Hamilton was killed by John Rice, 
at Pioche, Latidor ( 'ounty. The latter was ejected 
from a ballroom, and while the same was being 
done he stabbed Hamilton with a bowie-knife. At 
Hamilton's retiuostRice was not prosecuted. 

David Roach was shot and killed by Lawrence 
Lynch, at JJuby Hill. Roach had threatened to 
kill Lynch. 

April 0. James Sloan was killed by .lolm .Murphy, 
at Kmpire, Ormsby County. The Coroner's report 
says: James Sloan came to his death from pistol 
shots fired by John Murphy and David Best. 

April 7. Josejjh Shram was-killed by Dan Sullivan, 
at Kureka, Kureka County. Both men wore gam- 
blers. Weapons, pistols. 

April 20. Tim Sullivan was stabbed and killed by 
William Doiuioi!}-, at I'itxhe, Lincoln County. The 
quarrel originated among the children of the men. 
Donnelly escaped, noattempt was made torecajiutre 
him. 
V April 23. John Dallie was shot and killed by R. U. 
Carter, at Virginia City. A woman who had been 



living with Dallie, left him and went to live with 
Carter, this caused the difficulty. 

May 2L Webster was killed by John Able, near 

Camp Halleck. Money matters the cause. Web- 
ster was the aggressor. 

July 15. S. B. Miller was killed by George De 
Long, near Reno, Washoe County. Miller was 
drunk and tried to "lasso" De Long. An axe 
was the weapon. 

July 26. D. L. Leighton was shot and killed by John 
Donahue, at Ward City, White Pine County. The 
next day Donahue was taken out and hanged b\- 
a posse of fifteen armed citizens. Leighton had 
testified against Donahue. 

September 1. Kate .Miller (dias Bull Dog Kate, was 
stabbed and killed by Mary Irwin alias Hog-eyed 
Mary, at Eureka. An ill-feeling of long standing. 

September 19. James Hubler was shot and killed by 
Ed. M. Gillis, at Winnemucca. A game of cards the 
cause. Sentenced to fifteen years in State Prison. 

October 10. Ritchie was killed bj- Will- 
iams, in Churchill Count}-, with a Honry rifle. 
Both men were stock-raisers. 

October 30. William Argall was killed b}- his son 
at Austin, Lander County. Argall was drunk 
and endeavored to chastise his wife, when the son 
stabbed him with a pocket-knife. • 

December 11. Frank Rcidy was shot and killed bj- 
James Price at Virginia City. The pair were 
"hoodlums," and the former refused to loan the 
latter two dollars, the cause. 

December 14. John Emery was shot and killed by 
" Yank" Buswell at Pine Nut. The former was 
drunk and endeavored to collect some money owed 
him by Buswell. 

Decemberie. Andrew Elholm was killed by James 
_ Graham in Six-mile Canon, Storey County. El- 
holm had called the latter a liar. 

December. James Donovan was shot and killed by 
Frank Killet at Jefferson, Xye County. The men 
agreed to settle a dispute with ])ist<>l8,_and were to 
walk twenty-five steps in opposite directions and 
then commence tiring. Donovan proved treach- 
erous and turned at seventeen steps. His pistol 
missed fire, when Killet shot him dead. The Grand 
Jury refused to indict him. 
1877. 

January 2. Richard Paildock was killed by Thomas 
Hughes in a saloon row in \'irginia ('ity. 

January 2. Thos. Hughes was killed by officer Mc- 
Donald in Virginia City during a row in a saloon. 

January. Charles Silverstein was killed by Robert 
Crosier at Elko, Elko County. Jealousy of a 
woman named Mollic Costello. Crosier was hanged 
at Winnemucca October !!(l, 1877. 

February 23. William (Jrover was killed by Dan 

- Coughlin in Belleville. The men had a fight some 
days before, and Coughlin emptied a shotgun into 
the body of Grover to settle the matter. 

February 24. Larry Lynch was shot and killed by 



354 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



John Hubbard in a saloon at Tuscarora, Elko 
Countj-. Acquitted on the ground of self-dofense. 

March 8. Eldro W. Kuoll was shot and killed by Tom 
McDowell, near Fort Churchill. This was a delib- 
erate, cold-blooded murder. McDowell claimed 
that Knoll had 'loused" him. Sentenced for life 
in State Prison. 

April 2. Bellows, killed by John Leonard at 

Ward, White Pine County; dispute over a game of 
cards. Sentenced to ten j-ears in State Prison. 

April 27. Two Pah-Ute bucks quarrelled over a 
game of cards, in Newark Valley. They attacked 
each other with knives, and fought for half an 
hour; both were killed. 

Maj-. Matt Gleason was shot* by John Eoach, at 
Pobinson, W'hite Pine County. Gleason sold a 
mine in which Poach was interested, without giving 
an account to the latter. 

June 7. Tinnerty was shot and killed by Sam 

-MilLs, a negro boy, at llalleck Station. The boy 
attacked a lady with a knife, and was knocked 
down by a man standing near. The boy then got 
a gun and shot Tinnerty, suppo.sing him to be the 
one who struck him. 

June 25. "Charley," a sheep-herder, was killed by 
Thomas Xelson, at the Humboldt Sheep Ilange, 
H^umboldt County. Charley refused to do some 
work when ordered bj- his employer, Nelson, and 
becoming angrj' attacked him. 

June 28. Homer Young was killed bj' 1{. C. Ham- 
mond, near Lake Tahoe. Young had Jumped some 
timber-land claimed by Hammond. Hammond 
claimed that he mistook his victim for a deer. 

June. Ah Hoj', a Celestial, was killed by Mann 
Tonn, another Celestial, at Austin, Lander County. 
Tonn got twenty-five years in State Prison. 

July 1. Isaac McManus was killed by Wm. L. 
Carter and B. F. Holland, at Muddy Peservation, 
Lincoln County. Joseph Dean, G. Sloan andChas. 
Newman were arrested and ac(iuitted. 

July 27. Murray was shot by Mc- 
Donald, at Macke)' & Fair's wood camp near Reno, 
Washoe County. 

September (i. Watson was killed by Henry 

])rever, in Steptoe Valley. The men were supposed 
to be friends. 

September it. Ah Ping, a Chinaman, was killed by 
lium Gee, in Carson <.'ity, Ormsby County. 

September 17. Galli l^ucius was beaten to death by 
two men, former partners of his, at Peno, Washoe 
County. Pobbery was the object. 

September HI. Wilson was killed, near Rock 

Creek, by his partner, during a struggle I'or the 
possession of a gun. 

September 1!). Dowdel was shot by Charles 

Wolgamolt, at Elko, Elko County. Dowdel was a 
desperado, and was on a spree; had tired his six- 
shooter at several men. 

September 21. Moses Hayes was killed by W. H. 
J'ierco, at Tuscarora, Elko County. Dispute over 



a town lot. This is the same Pierce who shot 
Wilson in ('arson, in 1872. 
September. Mrs. Hull was shot and killed by 
.- Mrs. Black, at Paradise Valley. A dispute over 
the quality of some butter. 

October 3. ilolliday was shot and killed by 

Phillips, at Reno, Washoe County. Row in 



a dance-house. 

Ortober 8. Louis Ash was shot and killed by Special 
Policeman Wm. Davis, at Virginia City, Storey 
County. Those who saw the shooting, proclaim it 
a deliberate murder. 

October 9. R. C. Allen was shot and killed by F. 
Topier, in Smith Creek Valley. Jealousy regard- 
ing a squaw, the cause. Allen was a notorious 
"bully." 

October 20. Ah Fat was killed in a general row in 

— Chinatown, Carson City. A fight among them- 
selves. 

October 23. Andrew Mills was shot and killed by 

Redell, at Tuscarora, Elko County. An old 

grudge had existed between the parties for a long 
time. Mills struck Redell with an ax, and killed 
him, after he was shot by the latter. Both died. 

October 26. Baldorana was shot and killed by 

Bradley Johnson, at Birch Creek, Lander County, 
for stealing wood. 

December 22. Ah Fung and Ah Quong had a tight 

_ in ('arson City, during which both Celestials were 
killed with the same knife. 

Ed. Ricker was killed bj- Alf. Chartz, at Eureka, 
Eureka County. Churlz was sentenced lor life in 
the State Prison. 

1878. 

January 18. William Wallace was killed by J. H. 
White, near Reese River Station, Lander County. 

- The latter threw rocks down a shaft upon his 
victim, then cut the windlass rope, and letl. A 
dispute concerning relative interests the cause. 

January 27. A Chinaman was shot and killed by 

Wm. Hy. Doane, at Virginia City. He was a 

domestic in the family, and was caught in the act 

of committing an outrage on Doane's little girl, 

aged nine j'oars. 
January 29. Joe Parmental was murdered at his 

place of business in Columbus, Esmeralda County, 
- and the building set on fire. The remains of Joe 

were found partiallj' consumed. 
February 7. Ah Song was shot and killed at Carson 

City, Ormsby Count}', by some one unknown. 
April 7. Gus Botta was shot and killed by Jesse 

Bigclow at Eureka, Eureka t'ountj'. The trouble 
~ grew out of a misunderstanding in regard to seats 

at the Opera House. Bigelow fired five shots. 

Botta did not draw a weapon. 

April 18. James Farrell was killed by I'at Eagan, on 

the Little Humboldt. 
April. John F. Jiohm was killed by Frank Reed, at 

Rock Creek. 



HOMICIDE, AND SOAIE Ob' ITS CAUSES. 



355 



April. Chollestra Negrana was killed by Pareno 

Phillippo, at Secret Canon. 
June 2. Albert 11. Adams was killed by R. 11. Clark, 

in Cai-son (^ity, Ormslij- County. The latter had 

struck a brother of 3-ount; Adams, and was accosted 

on the street bj' Adams when Clark shot him. 
.Tnne. George F. Culver was killed by James Clark, 

in Tuscarora, Elko County. The shooting was 

accidental, as the fight was between Clark and 

Jo.seph (Jarcon. 
July 5. James CJahill was killed bj- Jerry Coft'noy, at 

Tybo, Nye County, with an ordinary pocket-knife. 

A drunken quarrel over some trivial matter. Coff- 

ney sentenced to twenty years in State Prison. 
July 12. Fletcher was shot and killed by 

Daley, at Virginia Citj', Storey County, Fletcher 

having struck Daley with an axe. 
July 20. Michael Donahue was shot and killed by 

Eobert Frazer, at Pioche, Lincoln County. The 

former was a witness in a lawsuit and Frazer took 

it upon himself to keep him from giving testimony. 

Frazer died while waiting a trial. 
July 29. David Holland was killed by K. P. Hull, 

at Columbus. Dispute over a game of cards. 
Julj- 29. William H. Uethards, was killed by Thomas 

Flj-nn, at the Carson State Prison. Both men 

were prisoners. 
Jul}'. L. M. Huntsman was killed by a negro at 

Carlin. A dispute about a saddle. 
August. Peter Deegan was killed by John Carnes, 

at Silver Reef A bar-room fight. 
August. John Tuttlewas shot and killed by a woman 

named Georgie Syphers, at Belleville. The man 

had slandered her sister. 
October 15. Otto SehoU was killed by Mike Carney, 

at Ward, White Pine County. Scholl charged 

Carney with selling himself at the election of 1874. 

Carney was acquitted. 
November 23. Ed. Haiilej- was killed in a row at a 

horse-race at the Muddy, Lincoln County. 
December 9. Luke Gafney was shot and Uijjod by 

James Quin. at Elko. 

1879. 

.lanuary 4. Levy Keithly was shot and killed by C. 
A. Buck, at Belleville. A misunderstanding about 
82.50. 

January 19. Mrs. Wm. (Jill was killed bj- her hus- 
band, Wm. Gill, between Beckwith and lieno; the 
body was horribly mangled. Gill came to Reno 
and re])0rted that his wife had frozen to death. 

April. Adam Clark was shot and killed by Hugh J. 
Brady, at the Justice Mine. Clark was shift boss, 
and refused to allow Brady to go below, as the 
latter was drunk. 

May 8. Oliver Webb was shot and killed by O. H. 
Farlinger, in Eureka, Eureka County, in a board- 
ing-house. 

May. T. K. West was shot and killed by C. W. Hy- 
mor at Paradise; the two men were at a perform- 
ance; Hymer sat on West's lap, as the hall was 



crowded; when asked to get up, he killed West. 
Hymer was hung at Winnemucca, April <!, 1880. 

Julj^ 7. Joe A])ers was shot and killed bj- ('a])tain 
Akey, at Osceola, White Pine County; a dispute 
over a mine. 

July 21. H. Symons, a Constable, was shot by John 
F. Pritehard, at Virginia City. Sj-mons was 
endeavoring to arrest the latter. Pritehard was 
sentenced to be hung, January 16, 1880. 

July 27. S. I). Shelton was shot and killed by R. 
A. Murphy, at Elko. 

August 2. John L. Lancaster was shot and killed 
by his brother, Morris Lancaster, in Mason's Val- 
ley. Dispute over a water-right. 

August 5. Angelo Proti was killed by Jose Zarger, 
_ in Eureka, Eureka County, with a billiard cue. 
Trouble over coal excitement. 

August 18. Fish Creek Battle — 117 Italians resisted 
a Sheriff's posse of nine men, resulting in the 
death of five Italians, and the wounding of six 
others. 

November 10. S. M. Cakes was shot and killed by 
Mrs. Dr. Snow, at Reno, W'ashoe County. Oakes 
wont to the house after the doctor, and, being 
deaf, did not hear Mrs. Snow's question of "Who 
is there?" She supposing him to bo a burglar, fired 
a shot through the door, which killed him. It 
was a deplorable accident. 
1880. 

January 6. P. S. Traver was shot and killed bj- 
Mike Owens, at Candelaria, Esmeralda County. 
A misunderstanding in regard to a check in pay- 
ment of services. Traver was Count}- Commis- 
sioner of Esmeralda Countj'. Owens wasac(iuitted. 

February 1. Thomas LaswoU was shot and killed 
- by Barnej' Fitzgerald, at Reno, Washoe County. A 
dispute over a game of cards. 

May 2. Billy Martin was shot and killed by John 
Brent at Eureka. Eureka County. 

August ] (I. Thomas Mack was shot and killed by 
Thomas Burns at Grantsvillo, Nye County. They 
had been drinking together all night and so])aratiMl 
in the morning. About 11 a. .m. Burns returned 
to the saloon and shot his victim while the latter 
was asleep. 

December 9. John McCann was shot and killed by 
_ Charles Jlarshall, at Belleville. Marshall was hung 
by the citizens. 

December Ifi. Thomas Logan was shot and mor- 
talh' wounded by Bart Greeley, at Candelaria, 
Esmeralda County. A trivial quarrel originating 
in a bar-room was the cause. Greeley escaped. 
1881. 

Janinuy 1(!. James Mansel was shot and killod b}- 
Frank Perkins, at Reno, Washoe County. Quarrel 
over a game of car<ls. 

April 10. Joe Turner was shot and killed by Doc 

- Callison, at Candelaria, Esmeralda County. Trouble 
over a game of canls. ('allison was acquitted on 
the ground of self-defense. 



356 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



March 29. S. E. Merrill was killed by Mattias Sal- 
mon, at Grantsville, Xje County. The murderer 
was hanged to a windmill the same night by 
" vigilantes," with "329" pinned to him. Salmon 
is said to have been a member of the notorious 
Vasquez band. 

RETRIBUTIVE JUSTICE. 

The criminal history of Nevada would be incom- 
plete without a few sketches of some of the more 
notorious participants in the frequent broils which 
occurred in the earlier times of the new State. 
During his brief career in Nevada, 

SA.M BROWN 

Was, perhaps, more dreaded than any other of his 
class — because of his treachery and utter meanness 
generally. The most of the so-called desperadoes 
have some redeeming quality, the remembrance of 
which when they are taken off will cause a feeling 
of pity at their fate and a sigh that they were not 
better men and still alive. But no such redeeming 
feature shone in the character of Sam Brown, and 
no gleam of pity from breast of mortal man or 
woman has ever illumed his pathway to the tomb. 
In pei-son he was of medium height, heavy set, 
florid complexion, and coarse, red hair and whiskers. 
He swaggered through the streets and in the bar- 
rooms, heavy-voiced and insolent to those unarmed, 
with a large revolver and huge Bowie-knife slung 
to a belt about his waist — simply a brutal mon- 
ster, with every instinct brutish, wearing the hu- 
man form. That he was not sooner killed can be 
attributed to the fact that he selected for his vic- 
tims those whom he supposed to be without friends 
to avenge their death. In the time when he lived, 
the population of the Territory comprised people 
from all parts of the Pacific Coast, as well as 
those who had emigrated from the East, strangers 
to each other, a heterogeneous, cosmopolitan mass. 
Sam Brown selected his "man for breakfast" from 
the class without friends, and then deliberately 
murdered him only when he knew perfectly well 
that his own person was safe from harm, lie was 
an arrant coward, and did his killing mainly when 
he had been stimulated to courage by strong drink. 
He did not daro to provoke a <|uarrel with one 
equally well armed; nor did he, after engaging in 
a quarrel, invite an adversarj- out into a fair field, 
as brave though reckless men do. Although the 
record given above shows only three men to have 
been killed by him, he was guilty of many other 
murders — one of a man known as one-eyed Gray, 
in this State, in addition to those reported, lie was 
said to have killed his first man in Texas, and in 
1853 is heard of in Mariposa, California, in the kill- 
ing of a man named T;yons. About 1854 he seems 
to have been defending his ''bank" at Fiddletown, 
California, and in doing so kills three Chilcnos 
and wounds the fourth one. for wliich he was sent to 
San (^uentin for two years. People who regarded 



the rights of others desired to see him summarily 
dealt with, and yet society was so crude that no 
one made a movement to punish him, and as he had 
not yet killed anj- pei-son in whom anj-body else 
had special interest, none had moved in the organi- 
zation of a "vigilance committee," those swift-deal- 
ing and effective tribunals which are the terror of 
evil-doers in such communities as those of the era- 
bryotic State of Nevada in the year 1860. 

Sam Brown spent mostof his time during the winter 
of 1859-60 at Genoa. From the spring of 1860 until 
the time of his death in July, 1861, he alternated 
between Carson City and Virginia. On the day of 
his death, which was also his birthday, he left Car- 
son City in company with a man named Alexander 
Henderson for Aurora, remarking that " as this was 
his birthday he must have a man for supper." On 
the road the two stopped at Webster's Hotel, between 
Carson and Genoa, and sought a quarrel with Mr. 
Webster, but finding Webster prepared for business, 
this discreet murderer backed down, and with his 
companion rode away. At Genoa, Brown attempted 
the same game with Ilobert Ijockridge, and again 
left when he discovered his danger. Henry Van- 
sickle, an old resident of the valley, a genial man. 
withal, and a quiet citizen, lived three miles above 
Genoa, where he kept a hotel. Thither rode Brown 
and his companion, arriving there just as the bell 
was ringing for supper. Here thought Brown, is a 
man who will not fight, and can be safelj- killed. 
Brown dismounted from his horse, and when first 
seen by Vansickle was in the act of untying his leg- 
gings, as the latter thought. Vansickle then asked 
him if he should put up his horse. Brown then 
turned to Vansickle and in his rough way said: "No, 
I would not stop with you, but I have come to kill 



you, you 



" and immediately drew his pistol. 



Mr. Vansickle was taken completely by surprise, and 
was not armed. He was well acquainted with Brown, 
from his often having stopped at his hotel, had never 
had any quarrel with him, and Brown had never 
before exhibited any ill-feeling towards him. As 
quickly as possible, and belbre Brown could shoot. 
Vansickle rushed into the dining-room, at that time 
filled with guests at the supper table. Brown follow- 
ing, pistol in hand. Instinctivclj- the pei-sons at the 
table ail jumped to their feet, thus covering Van- 
sickle's retreat effectual Ij-. Without shooting. Brown 
then went out of the house and rode off up the road. 
Vansickle in the meantime had got possession of his 
gun — a double-barreled fowling-piece — and taking in 
the situation, concluded that as Brown had begun 
upon him he might as well settle the affair at once, 
and not live in fear of future attacks. The gun was 
loaded with fine shot, which Vansickle did not take 
time to draw, but added a charge of buckshot to 
each barrel. Then, having ordered out a horse, sad- 
dled, ho mounted the animal and gave chase to 
Brown — an avenging Nemesis. Overtaking Brown 
and his companion about a mile up the road, and 




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HOMICIDE. AND SOME OF ITS CAUSES. 



357 



when getting within shooting distance, Vansiekle 
called to ilenderson to get out of the way, which ho 
quickly did. Vansiekle then discharged both bar- 
rels of his gun at Brown, knocking him ofT of his 
horse, but not seriou.sly wounding him, for ho soon 
remounted and fired two shots from his pistol at 
^'ansiekle, and then rode on as fast as he could. 
Vansiekle followed him with his empty gun until he 
arrived at Mr. William Cosser's house in which Brown 
had taken refuge. 

MeantiniOj.soveral persons had followed Vansiekle 
from his house, and here overtook him, who had 
been thoughtful enough to bring with them a suppl^^ 
of ammunition, with which Vansiekle again loaded 
his gun. Brown, soon after, came out of the house 
and started up the road in the direction of Olds' 
Station, with Vansiekle in pursuit. Having the 
fleetest horse, Vansiekle overtook Brown near Motls- 
ville, and again discharged both barrels of his gun, 
but without apparent effect. Brown then turned 
and, after firing three shots at Vansiekle, rode up to 
the residence of Mrs. Mott and took refuge in the 
house. By this time it began to grow quite dark, 
and Vansiekle, not caring to attack his enemy while 
he was under cover, watched the premises until he 
should come out. After waiting for some time and 
seeing no a])pearance of Brown, and a ])erson hap- 
pening along tho road. Vansiekle prevailed upon this 
passer-by to enter the house, and report whether 
or not the bird had flown. This man reported that 
Brown was not there. Whereupon Vansiekle hurried 
on to Luther Olds' hotel, expecting to find Brown 
there ahead of him. But he was disappointed — 
he was not there. Ho remained there, however, for 
a short time, and at length heard the jingle of spurs 
which he recognized as those worn by Brown. Imme- 
diately leaving the house, Vansiekle reached the 
road just as Brown had alighted from his horse. 
Confronting him with the remark, " Sam, I have got 
you now!" he discharged both barrels of his gun into 
his breast. Ujjon seeing his pursuer, mortal terror 
seized \i\)on the ruffian; abject, unutterable fear 
sealed his lips; a spasmodic, agonizing yell of despair 
involuntarily forced itself from his mouth, "piercing 
the night's dull ear," and the inhuman monster was 
dead ! 

This happened on the si.xth of July, 1861; an 
inquest was held on tho seventh, and on the eighth an 
examination of Vansiekle resulted in his discharge — 
the general verdict being that ho had shown good 
sense, and. instead of deserving punishment, ho 
should be rewarded for having thus rid the commu- 
nity of this brutal and cowardly villain. 

LANOFOKK PEEL. 

Among tho early noted characters of Nevada was 
ho of the above name, though commonly know as 
"Farmer" Peel. Ho arrived at Virginia City in 
1863, and it soon became noised about among the 
" fancy " that he was a man of metal — of " sand " — 
45 



and had had a severe fight at Salt Lake City. The 
truth was, that at Salt Lake ho had become involved 
in a quarrel with a soldier, pistols had been used 
until emptied, and that both combatants had fallen 
severely wounded; that I'ecl, while lying as he then 
thought mortally hurt, had drawn his knife and 
crawled, painfullj-, towards his prostrate adversary, 
who was unable to move, and stabbed him to the 
heart. Peel did not look like the typical " bad man." 
Ho was " mild-mannerod," with keen, blue eyes, 
sandy beard, was slight built, and of medium height. 
He was quiet in his ways, drank lightly and never 
became boisterous. The other " roughs " soon 
sought his "measure." Dick Paddock began a 
discussion with him in a saloon in Virginia, a few 
months after he came there, and when a few hard 
words had passed, said to Peel: "Do you want to 
take it up?" "I havn't any objections," said 
Peel in his quiet way. " Very well," said Paddock, 
" what's your game?" "Your game is mine," was 
the rejoinder. " Come right outside," said Paddock. 
They went out, took positions and opened fire. 
Peel was not hurt, but Paddock was soon disabled 
by a wound in his breast and tho right hand, from 
which he afterward recovered. 

Not long after this occurrence, Peel was attacked 
in a saloon on B Street, Virginia City, by John Den- 
nis, commonly known as " Kl Dorado Johnny," with 
fatal results to the latter. When Dennis made up 
his mind to provoke Peel into a fight, he went to a 
barber-shop, got shaved, had his hair curled and his 
boots ])olished, stating that he intended to go after 
a " bad man," and desired to look " nice " if he got 
killed. He made as jileasant a looking corpse as the 
roughs over turned out to bury. In the winter of 
1867, Peel loft Virginia and never returned. Ho 
went to Belmont, Nj-o Countj-, where ho tarried 
several months, leaving in May, of that year, for 
Montana. On tho twenty-second of July, two 
months later, he was shot and killed at Helena, by 
John Hull, a former partner, who had accompanied 
him from Belmont. Peel never hunted a fight; 
neither did ho run awaj' when a fight was offered 
him. Ho was brave and cool, which made him a 
dreaded enemy. Under other circumstances and 
different conditions ho would have been a useful man. 
Ho was a fair representative of the more gentlemanly 
of tho cut-throats who infested the Comstock in the 
early days of its history, and tho two foregoing 
sketches being tho extremes of the t3-]ie, will suffice 
to convoy an idea of tho medium characteristics of 
tho fraternit}'. 

THE EXTREJIE PEN.\LTY FOR MURDER. 

Notwithstanding the numerous cases of homicide 
occurring in the State there were comparatively few 
judicial sentences of death, the causes therefor being 
given at the beginning of this chapter. When the 
extreme penalty was pronounced, so long a time had 
generally olapscd since the commiosion of the crime 



358 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



and the final day for the execution of judgment, that j tary company were seized, a cannon was posted in 
sentimental feelings in behalf of the condemned would 
intervene, the dead man be forgotten, and when com- 
mutation of sentence could not be had, a disposition 
to give the prisoner as easy a •' send-off" as possible 
would prevail, and theofficers whom the law demanded 
should perform the act of strangulation were disposed 
to grant the condemned, at the last moment, their 
every request, as the following incident will illus- 
trate: — 

A young man named John Stewart, aged twenty- 
four, had killed a man at Columbus. Esmeralda 
County, been tried at Aurora, convicted and sen- 
tenced to be hanged. When the day for execution 
came he stated to the officer in charge that he had 
but one request to make, and that was to be allowed 
a free indulgence in alcoholic beverages from the time 
of leaving his cell until the moment of dissolution. 
This request was comi)lied with, the bottle-holder 
standing by him and giving him a drink whenever 
he desired it. Thus inspirated, before the fatal trap 
was sprung, he gave utterance to the following 
aphorisms: " If you take the mountain road, j'ou 
will be murdered by Indians; if you take the trail you 
will find no water and die of thirst. I must take the 
trail, and in fifteen minutes will be choked to death." 
Though so young, it was commonly reported that 
this man had murdered two men prior to killing the 
one for whose murder he was hanged. 

JUDfiE LYNCH"s tribunal. 

The difficulty experienced in securing the convic- 
tion of malefactors, who generally had no trouble 
in producing witnesses to swear as they were in- 
structed, and the frequency of murder, caused in 
some communities a feeling of insecurity and a 
desire for a better condition of society. In 18G8-G4 
Aurora, being reputed rich as a mining locality, 
and there having been considerable dis]>ute there 
in relation to mining pro])erty in the settlement 
of which hired ruffians had been employed rather 
than the invocation of the law, a number of bad 
characters had congregated and for a time run 
things as they liked. On the first day of Feb- 
ruary, 1864, a gang of these roughs having decoyed 
W. B. .lohnsoii, a prominent citizen of the county, 
who resided on Walker l?iver, to Aurora, under 
some pretense, took the opportunity to there bru- 
tallj- murder him during the night of his arrival. 
The brutality of the act caused great excitement 
among the citizens, who felt that the time had 
come for them to do something, surmising that if 
the matter was submitted to the courts ])criured testi- 
monj' would acquit the perpetrators. Arrangements 
were quickly effected and an organization formed 
called the "Citizens' Safety Committee." Meanwhile 
four men had been arrested and ]nit in jail charged 
with the murder, and were safely in the bands of 
the legal custodians of the county. But as the 
Safety Committee were in earnest that justice should 
bo speedy and certain, the arms of the local mili- 



convenient position and a tribunal ordered before 
which the prisoners were brought, having been 
taken by force from the duly constituted officers. 
The forms of law were observed and the prisoners 
given the benefit of counsel and a fair trial. Many 
prominent" lawyers took active part in the delibera- 
tions of the committee and gave a </uf(««-legal shape 
to its proceedings. Among these were Judge E. B. 
McKinstrj-, now of San Francisco, and W. Van Voor- 
hces, of Oakland, California. The trial of the cul- 
prits resulted in the conviction of John Dailey, Wil- 
liam Buckly, John iMcl)owell, aUns Three-P^ingercd 
Jack, and James Masterton, who were all sentenced 
to be hanged. On the summit of a hill in the center 
of North Silver Street, Aurora, was erected a gallows 
large enough for this quadruple execution, and on 
the ninth of February, in the presence of perhaps 
5,000 peo])le, those four men were sent to that 
'• undiscovered bourne from whence no traveler 
returns." The news of the action of the Committee 
of Safety having s]>read far and wide. Governor Nye, 
previous to the execution of the men, telegraphed to 
Samuel Youngs, one of the Count}- Commissioners, 
to '-jiold the men you have in charge until 1 arrive." 
To which the rcplj- was, "The men have just been 
hung. Peace and order now prevail." 

Other lesser Ij-nch courts were from time to time 
improvised, but none of the magnitude of the one at 
Aurora. L. B. Vail was tried bj' an irregular court 
at iliko, Lincoln Count}', and hanged, in 18C8. In 
the same year the people of Surprise Valley, about 
fifty in number, took Andrew J. Huff — commonly 
known as Goff — a native of Kentuck)', and escorted 
him to an improm])lu gallows they had prepared for 
his reception — two ujjright posts with a cross-beam 
on top — when he, seeing that there was no escape, 
took the matter philosophical!}-, and, climbing upon 
a fence underneath, coolly adjusted the rojie around 
his own neck, and jumped oil', thusliterall}* becoming 
his own hangman. For seven years he had belonged 
to an organized gang of highwaymen in California, 
but the immediate cause of his hanging was the 
killing of Solomon Brundage. James Linn was 
lynched and unofficially strangled by the enraged 
citizens of Dayton in 1SG4. 

KNIOIITS OK THE ROAD. 

Previous to the completion of the railroads in 
Nevada, stage coaches were the medium of travel for 
passengers, and they at the same time carried all of 
the specie into the mining towns as well as all of the 
bullion away from them. Large sums were con- 
stantly going over the main routes of travel, and con- 
sequently the stage coaches became an attractive 
feature for the more enterprising class of " bad men " 
with whom the State swarmed in the flush limes of 
silver mining. Upon some of the roads these rob- 
beries became so frequent that guards were sent with 
the coaches, and some of the robbers soon l)ecame so 
well known— though evidenie enough could not be 



HISTORY OF CHURCHILJ. r-orNTY 



359 



procured to eonvift thctu — tliiU tlicy were t'ni|iloyod 
b}' the companies principally engaged in shipping 
bullion, in some sinecure capacity at round wages, 
for the reason that it was du-apei' to hire them than 
to submit to their exactions u])on the road. After 
a successful robbery, these knights of the road would 
rendezvous in the towns, dress finely, gamble freely. 
drink and treat generously, and mingle with the 
crowds as though they were honest men. By their 
suave manners they in one instance induced a porter 
of Wells. Fargo I'c Co. to inform them when the '• box 
was heavy " so that thej- could raid it, and it became 
so common for them to call upon one particular stage 
driver to •■ pass out the box " that he soon obtained 
a ticket-of-leave. Sometimes the robbers would meet 
with spirited resistance, and a number of bloody 
encountei-s have occurred between these unlawful 
toll-gathers and the occui>ants of the stage coaches. 

On the thirty-tirsl of January, 1871, the stage run- 
ning between Eeno and Honey Lake was stopped 
by two highwajmen not many miles from the former 
place. The driver, a Mr. Thomas, who was also 
owner of the stage, was ordered from the box and 
relieved of ninety dollars. In the stage as a passenger, 
was Major Eggleston, United States Army Paymaster, 
who had in a purse in his pocket two hundred dollars, 
and a belt upon his jierson containing seven thousand 
dollars in currency, all of which the robbers took. 
They also took a small sum from another passenger. 
While the robbers were engaged with these last two, 
and oft' their guard, Mr. Thomas pulled out a derrin- 
ger which he had in his pocket and which the rob- 
bers had overlooked, and fired at the man who had 
Major Kgglcston's belt, causing him to drop it. The 
shot wounded the man, but the two opened fire upon 
the passengers, meanwhile retreating. l)uring the 
melee the horses ran oft' with the wagon and went to 
lieno alone, whereupon a number of persons came out 
to learn what had happened. Chase was given the 
robbers and the wounded one was caught. lie proved 
to be Charles Brever, and disclosed the name of his 
associate, Bedford Koberts. 

The following year, August Kith, the same stage 
was stopped a mile and a half I'rom lieno bj' three 
armed men who sprang into the road by the side of 
which the}- had been concealed, and ordered the 
driver, Mr. Thomas, to stop. Instead of doing so he 
whipped up his horses and the robbers opened fire. 
A wounded horse soon caused the stage to halt when 
the robbers came u]) and completed their job, but ni»t 
until the driver and his three passengers had inetlect- 
ually exhausted all their shots in an endeavor to 
keep them away. For this Jackson Morrison and 
Clement B. Lee were sent to px'ison. 



CHAPTER XLI 

HISTORY OF CHURCHILL COUNTY. 

Topograpliy ami ICaily Kmij;rants — Organization and Bounda- 
ries — Uunionstranc'v and I'utition — Ixgislativf Knactnienta— 
Kducation, Tumiierancuand Kelijiioii — Soil and Mineral Pro- 
ducts — Appointnicntii and Klections — Valuable Springs and 
Marshes — 1. X. L. .Mining District — .Stillwater the County 
Seat — Deserted lOarly Settlcnieuts— Ancient Mining Dis- 
tricts — Biographical .Sketches. 

The topography of Churchill C'ounty is peculiar. 
Its sinks, sloughs, lakes, salt beds and alkali flats, 
have long attracted the attention of travelers. The 
early pioneers supposed that the waters of Churchill 
County reached the ocean through a sj-stem of sub- 
terranean channels. In no other way could the dis- 
appearance of living streams in the earth be made 
explainable. It is now conceded that simpler causes 
explain the phenomenon. Comparativelj- little rain 
or snow ever falls, while the extreme dryness of the 
atmosphere and soil induces extraordinary evapora- 
tion and absorption. Humboldt Lake, the chief por- 
tion of which lies within the northern limits of the 
county, receives the waters of the Humboldt River, 
the longest stream in the State. When the lake is 
well filled, it discharges its surplus waters into the 
Humboldt and Carson Sinks (o the south of it, by 
means of connecting sloughs. Carson Lake, in the 
southwestern quarter of the countj- is about twelve 
miles in diameter, and is about fifty feet deep at the 
utmost. Like Humboldt Lake, it is of an irregular 
circular shape; haslow, flatshores; and connects with 
the Humboldt and Carson Sinks. Its waters are alka- 
line, and contain two or three species of unjialatable 
fish, on which large flocks of wild birds, as gulls, peli- 
can, swans, ducks, etc., subsist. The waters of 
Humboldt River greatly deteriorate as they approach 
Humboldt Lake. At various localities in Church- 
ill County are imtd lakes and alkali flats. They are 
slightly basin-shaped, and are composed of a stift' 
clay, nearly impervious to water. During wet 
weather they become wide lakes, having a depth, 
however, of only one or two feet. When the water 
sinks and evajioratcs, leaving the basin onlj- moder- 
ately wet, it is still impassable for teams, by reason 
of its miry condition. When it becomes perfectly 
dry, its surface is covered with alkali or salt, and is 
so hard that a wagon-wheel scarcely leaves an im- 
pression on it in ])assing. Several of these flats, as 
explained elsewhere, arc of great j)resent and pros- 
pective value, by reason of their chemical deposits. 

The Carson Sink .Mountains, running in a north- 
erly direction through the central jjortions of the 
the county; the Clan Alpine Range, next to the east- 
ward; and the Desatoiya Range, forming the eastern 
boundary of the county, are the jirincipal mountains 
of Churchill. The Humboldt and Nightingale Mount- 
ains extend somewhat southward of the northern 
boundary line. The New Virginia and Hot Spring 
Mountains are in the western portion of the county. 
In these mountains, and along their foot-hills, there 
is a growth of natural grasses which is well adapted 



360 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



to the nourishment of all kinds of etoek. In many 
of the valleys along the Carson River are fertile 
tracts which are becoming more valuable annually, 
and produce superior agricultural crops. Irrigation 
ditches are also being constructed in manj- localities, 
thus bringing under cultivation large areas of land 
which have heretofore been considered worthless. 
Stock-raising is also becoming a leading industr}-. 

The early emigrants from the East all passed over 
the western portion of this county on their way to 
California; but there was little here to induce them 
to stop or to invite their return from the Pacific 
Coast, if their dreams of rich mines and sudden, fab- 
ulous wealth there were not quite realized. On 
leaving the Humboldt, turning to the south, they at 
once encountered a vast expanse of country, with 
hills and valleys of sand, utterly destitute of water 
or vegetation. An unbroken desert, forty miles in 
extent, lay right across their path. Foot-sore and 
weary on reaching this desert, some perished while 
crossing, and those who survived were ready and 
willing to pledge their "lives and sacred honor" 
never to settle in so inhospitable a country as the 
present western portion of Churchill County then 
• appeared to be. Susequent explorations of this 
county made little more favorable impression than 
the first emigrants received from their experience in 
the desert, and it is not surprising that the historian of 
Churchill County should find no very startling events 
to chronicle. 

ORGANIZATION AND BOUND.A.RIES. 

Churchill County derives its name from Fort 
Churchill, an early military post, the site of which 
is within the present limits of Storey Countj', and 
which was named in honor of an officer of the 
United States Army. The county was created by a 
Territorial Act approved November 25, 1861, and its 
boundaries were described as follows: — 

Beginning at the north-east corner of Storey, and 
running south, along the eastern line of said county, 
to the northern lino of Douglas County; thence 
easterly along the said northern lino of Douglas 
County and the northern line of Fsmeraida County, 
to the one hundred and sixteenth meridian; thence 
north, along said meridian, to the fortieth parallel 
of north latitude; thence west, on the said fortieth 

fiarullel, to where it strikes the old immigrant road 
eading from the sink of the Humboldt to the 
lower crossing of the Triickee Hiver; thence westerly, 
along said road, to the point of beginning. 

When Lander County was created, on December 
19, 18G2, about one-third of the whole area of 
Churchill was made a part of the new county — all 
that portion lying oast of the 40° of longitude. By 
an Act approved February 20, 18G4, the boundary 
between Lyon and Churchill Counties was estab- 
lished at the line of longitude 41° 40', by means 
of which a small cession was made to Lyon County. 
By an Act approved February 27, 18G9, a triangular 
tract, forming the southwest corner of Humboldt 
County, was ceded to Churchill County, including 



about twenty-five miles of Central Pacific liailroad, 
the object being to increase the revenues of Churchill 
Countj'. By the same Act the present boundary 
between Lyon and Churchill was established. By 
an Act approved March 5, 1869, a small triangular 
tract at the southeast corner of Churchill County was 
ceded to Nye County. 

An Act approved November 29, 18G1, attached 
Churchill to Lyon for county judicial and revenue jiur- 
poses; including it in the Third Judicial District, and 
located its county seat at Buckland's. By an Act ap- 
l)roved Februarj' 19, 1864, Churchill was made a 
distinct County, with all the rights, privileges and im- 
munities belonging thereto, and the Governor was 
instructed to appoint its first officials. 

REMONSTRANCE AND PETITION. 

When the bill for making Churchill a distinct 
county was bclore the Legislature, a number of 
farmers living near the line of Lyon County, remon- 
strated against its passage, and petitioned that body, 
in case it was deemed advisable to establish the sej)- 
arate organization, to so fix the boundary lines 
between L3-on and Churchill, as to leave them in 
Lyon County. 

To the llonorahle the Council and the Legislative Assem- 
hly of the Territory of Nevada: — 

The undersigned citizens and taxpaj'crs of Church- 
ill County, Nevada Territorj-, would respectfully 
represent that we regard the movements now mak- 
ing for the organization of our said countj- as prema- 
ture, and calculated, if successful, to work a serious 
injury to the citizens and taxpayers of said county. 
Wo would respectfully ropresoiit to j'our honorable 
bodies that the voters within the boundaries of said 
county, exclusive of the soldiers at the fort, who pay 
no taxes, number onlj' about 123. 

We would also represent that the taxable propertj' 
of said county, as shown b3' the assessment rolls, 
amounts to only about §175,000. In case your hon- 
orable bodies should deem it advisable to establish 
the separate organization of Churchill County, the 
undersigned would respectfully- request that the 
boundary lines between the counties of Lyon and 
Churchill may be changed in such a manner as to 
include the ranches of the undersigned within the 
limits of Ijyon County. Your petitioners trust that 
at a ])oint not far off in the future the agricultural 
lands and the mines of Churchill County will invite 
a population and create a taxable property adequate 
to sustain a countj- organization, but we desire to 
express to j-our honorable bodies our decided con- 
viction that the time for such organization has not 
yet arrived, and our desire that the countj- of 
Churchill may at least, until another session of the 
Territorial Legislature, remain attached to Lyon for 
judicial, revenue and county pur])oses. 
S. S. Buckland, S. Corlett, 

J. \\. Iloiigham, James Wharton, 

\\. 1). Price, T. H. Coats, 

John Wood, John Lennon, 

K. V. Roney, T. Harnes. 

Wm. Chapi)ell, G. W. Burrier, 

T. Finegan, Z. Belled, 

D. Barnes, W. Mead, 

H. M. Alcorn, John W. Jliller, 

Wm. Fair, P. I. Ilartman, 



HISTORY OF CHURCHILL COUNTY 



361 



George M. Vicar, Henry Bethel, 

R. Robinet, Martin Siinms, 

B. L. Cross, Jeremiah Pelcher. 

.Andrew J. Nelson. P. Treancr. 

F. Luth. A. H. Lissak, 

John Sc-hoiiinL;. Charles L. Lang. 

Frederick Thicler, T. Marshall, 

James Johnston. Alfred Merkley. 

LEOrSLATIVE ENACTMENTS. 

The Territorial Act of November 28, 1801, ordered 
a special election throughout the State, to take place 
Januarj- 14, 18152. Bj- an Act approved December 
19, 1802, the Sheriff was made ex ojficio Collector of 
the countj-. 

An Act appi'oved the same day authorized Ellen 
Redman and others to construct a toll-bridge across 
Canson Slough at Redman Station, and to charge 
toll as follows: — 
For wagon drawn by six or eight animals — S2 00 

For wagon drawn by four animals 1 50 

For wagon drawn by two animals 1 00 

For carriage and buggy, two horses 1 00 

For carriage and buggy, one horse 75 

For horseman 25 

For pack animals 12J 

For loose stock 10 

Two per cent, of these charges went to the Terri- 
torial School Fund. 

The fine for crossing the bridge without paying 
toll was not less than ten dollars, nor more than 
SI 00. Anj^ one maliciously injuring the bridge was 
liable to bo fined from twenty-five dollars to 8500. 
All fines to accrue to the Bridge Company. The 
rates of toll could be changed by the Governor and 
Legislature, and the Commissioners of Lyon and 
Churchill Counties could purchase the bridge in 
three years at its appraised cash value. 

An Act of December 20, 1802, authorized J. Jacob- 
son, John Bowan, Alexander I'orson. .fohn Taylor, 
P. Reynolds, and associates, to improve the Carson 
River from Daj'ton to Humboldt Slough, thence to 
Humboldt Lake, thence across the lake and up Hum- 
boldt Kiver to Humboldt City, cutting canals, etc., 
and rendering such route practicable for rafts and 
vessels. 

Act of February 2(1, ISOf, empowers James A. St. 
Clair and J. J. McClellan to maintain a toll-bridge 
across Old River, at a point known as the Upper 
Sink crossing; no other bridge or fcrr}' to be allowed 
within half a mile either way. 

Act of February 19, 1864, organized a distinct and 
separate county (heretofore connected ofliciall}' with 
Lyon Countyj, and, on the second of April of the 
same year, Governor Nye located the county seat of 
Churchill County at La Plata. 

B}' an Act of March 5, 1S(;0. the boundary lines 
between the counties of Nye, Churchill and p]sme- 
ralda were established as follows — cutting off" a trian- 
gular piece from the southeastern portion of the 
county: — 

Beginning at the intersection of the meridian of 
longitude 40° 15'' west from Washington, with the 



eastern boundary line of California, thence northerly, 
along said meridian of longitude, to its intersection 
with the thirty-eighth parallel of north latitude, 
thence northwesterly, to the Hot Springs on the 
VW'llington and Reese River Road, thence northerly-, 
to the thirty-ninth parallel of north latitude, thence 
easterly, to ODomieH's Pass, on the lone and West 
Gate Road, and thence the said boundary line shall 
remain as heretofore established by law. 

But little was ever done towards making the Car- 
son navigable under the Territorial Act. In 1868 
the county seat was moved to Stillwater, where it 
has remained ever since. 

The Act ajiproved February 27, 1800, by which a 
portion of Humboldt County was given to Churchill, 
required Churchill to pay to Humboldt County 
therefor 8^^.000; but by an Act passed by the State 
Legislature, Februarj* 13, 1871, Churchill was re- 
leased from its payment, and all unpaid warrants on 
this account were ordered destroyed. 

EI)UC.\TI0N, TEMPERANCE ANI) RELIOIOX. 

The first school in Churchill County, under the 
county organization, was held in the " Big Adobe," 
on the U])i)er sink of the Carson, in December, 1871. 
The first teacher was Lemuel Allen, who is still a 
resident of the countj'. *in 1872 the county was 
divided into two school districts, the one being at 
the upper sink, and the other at Stillwater, the 
county seat. In 1874 a third district was organized. 
In 1870 the three districts were combined into one, 
known as the Union School l)istrict. Soon after- 
wards a fine school house, costing 84,000, was erected 
on the upper sink; a teacher and matron were 
employed, and from forty to sixty pupils attended. 
The consolidation continued until 1879, at which 
time the count}- was subdivided into four districts, 
the Union School House being used as District No. 
1. E. P. Hall was first Superintendent of Schools. 
Up to 1878 W. II. A. Pike was Superintendent of 
the Union School. The present Sujierintendent of 
Schools is J. W. Allen, who succeeded A. O. Ordway. 
Mr. Allen, the first teacher, settled on the south side 
of Carson Jjake, in December, 1803, bringing his 
house with him from Carson Citj-. He is now Dis- 
trict Attorncj-, and has the additional prominence of 
being the only attorney in the county. 

In .Tanuarj-, 1880, an unchartered tem])erance so- 
cietj' was organized at Stillwater, with a member- 
ship of forty-four persons. Jackson Ferguson was 
chosen Presi<lent; William Harmon, Vice-President, 
and J. W. Bond, Secretary. The present ollicers are 
H. N. Hurd, President; William Harmon, Vice-Presi- 
dent, and J. W. Allen, Secretary and Treasurer. 
Monthly meetings are held in the Institute building 
Three jiledges are administered — the tobacco pledge, 
the whisky pledge, and the total abstinence pledge. 

The first religious services held in the county took 
place in the Institute building at Stillwater in the 
spring of 1875. A .Methodist Episcopal clergyman 
named Pendleton was in charge. He designed hold- 



362 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



iiig services there everj- third Sunday, and organized 
a Sundaj'-school with a fair attendance, but was 
finally obliged to abandon his efforts. 

The first meeting of the Seventh-day Adventists 
was held in the Institute Building on the first of 
June, 1876, under the leadership of Jackson Fergu- 
son, with a membership of fortj--four persons. Since 
then regular services have been held every Saturday 
at 11 A. .M. 

SOIL AND MIXERAI. PRODUCTS. 

Churchill County is not noted either for the pro- 
ducts of its soil or its mines. The personal property 
on the tax-roll consists mostly of hay. cattle and 
sheep. The total value of property in the county 
is less than half a million, and the population in 
1880 was 470. For a fuller account of its pro- 
ducts, the number of acres under cultivation — the 
fruit trees, stock and grain raised, and the quantity 
of land irrigated, reference is had to pages 135, 
136, 139 and 140, of the general history. 

APPOINT.MENTS AND ELECTIONS. 

By virtue of the Creative Act, the first officers of 
the county were named by the Governor. Below 
will be found the names of all the persons who 
have filled the different offices of honor and trust 
in the county from its organization down to the 
present time, either by appointment or election, 
with the date of such appointment or election, 
and the particular office each has filled. 

No record was made of the election of June G, 
1864, for delegates to the Constitutional Convention. 

STATE SENATORS. 

J. B. McClure, elected November 7, 1864; W. G. 
Hanover, elected November 6, 186t;; William Hill, 
elected November 8, 1870; W. C. Grimes, elected 
November 3, 1874; Charles Kaiser, elected Novem- 
ber 5, 187S. 

ASSEMBLYMEN. 

Henry K. Whitehill. elected November 7, 1864; 
\V. H. Taj'lor, elected November 7, 1865; J. A.St. 
Clair and W. C. Grimes, elected November 6, 1866; 
E. Clark and A. B. Waller, elected Novembers, 1868; 
J. J. McClclhm and .). M. Gray, elected November 8, 
1870; Cranston Allen and J. M. Sanford, elected 
November 5, 1872 — Sanford resigned July 16, 1873; 
J. M. Sanford and Ij. Allen, elected November 3, 1874 
— Sanford resigned December 27, 1875; L. Allen, 
elected November 7, 1876; Jackson Ferguson, 
elected November 5, 1878; J. W. Bichards, elected 
November 2, 1880. 

COUNTY COMMISSIONERS. 

Benjamin Curler, Thomas J. Cochran and J. B. 
McClure appointed by the Executive, March 9, 1864 
— Curler did not accept; Robert L. Pooler, E. P. Rich- 
ardson and Thomas Plane wore elected September 7, 
1864; William Hill, J. S. Hall and W. S. Lee elected 
November 6, 1866— Hill resigned October 12, 1869; 
James F. Gregory and J. M. Sanford elected Novem- 
ber 3. 1868— Gregory resigned March 16, 1870; J. 



.M. Sanford, E. Clark and M. C. Peters elected Novem- 
ber 8, 1S70 — Sanford resigned January 2, 1873; D. 
U. Dillard and E. C. Asher elected November 5, 1872 
— Asher resigned July 7, 1873; J. K. Iliggins and E. 
Clark elected November 3. 1874; William Hill and 
D. M. Wightman, elected November 7, 187(i; and 
re-elected November 5, 1878; Jacob Springer and 
Henry Theelen, elected November 2, 1880. 

PROBATE JUDGES. 

Alfred James, appointed by the Executive, March 
17, 1864. and elected September 7, 1864; A. J. Ball, 
elected November 6, 1866; W. J. Eastman, elected 
November 3, 1868; J. E. Higgins, elected November 
8, 1870; T. S. Dillard, elected November 5. 1S72; 
A; W. Allen, elected Novembers, 1874; Samuel Tru- 
man, elected November 7, 1876; S. A. Jones, elected 
November 2. 1880. 

DISTRICT ATTORNEYS. 

A. F. Patrick, appointed by the Executive, March 
17, 1864; Benj. Curler, elected September 7. 1864: 
C. A. Jjeake, elected November 6, 1866; J. M. Gray, 
elected November 3, 1868; L. Allen, elected Novem- 
ber 8, 1870; Lemuel Allen, elected November 5, 1872; 
Cranston Allen, elected November 3, 1874; A. W. 
Doolittle, elected November 7, 1876; Lemuel Allen, 
elected November 2. 1880. 

COUNTY SHERIFFS. 

Walter L. (rates, appointed by the Executive April 
4, 1864; James G. Hughs, elected September 7. 1864; 
Thomas H. Ellison and E. L. Coldron each received 
110 votes, November 6, 1866; Coldron died June 25, 
1867; J. C. Scott, elected November 3, 1868, failed to 
file sufficient bonds and the office was declared vacant 
March 10, 1870; Byron Sherman, elected November 

8, 1870; Samuel Truman, elected November 5, 1872, 
and re-elected November 3, 1874; James T. Brown, 
elected November 7, 1876; John T. AValker, elected 
November 2, 1880. 

COUNTY CLERKS. 

\V. E. Smith, appointed by the Executive March 

9, 1864; commission revoked June 111, 1864: and W. 
C. Grimes appointed to till the place June SO, 1864, 
and elected September 7, 1864; R. H. Chandler, 
elected November 6, 1866; Daniel Reinwalt, elected 
November S, 1868; J. J. Cushman, elected November 
8, 1870, and re-elected November 5, 1872, and re- 
elected again November 3, 1874; J. M. Sanford, elected 
November 7, 1S76; J. W. Richards," elected Novem- 
ber 5, 1878; J. H. Kent, elected November 2, 1880. 

COUNTY TREASURERS. 

Walter Goodell, appointed by the Executive, April 
4, 1864; Wallace Goodell. elected September 7, 1864; 
James Bucknor, elected November ti, 186(>, resigned 
June 1, 1867, and the vacancy tilled by the appoint- 
ment of Wallace Goodell, who resigned October 7, 
1867; J. G. Hughs, elected Novembers, 1868; W. 
J. Brandon, elected November 8, 1870, re-elected 
November 5, 1872, November 3, 1874, and Novom- 



HISTORY OF CHURCHILL COUNTY. 



363 



ber 7, ]87(>; Wm. Murphy, elected November 5, 1878, 
and re-elected November 2, 1880. 

COUNTY ASSESSORS. 

J. \V. Ciunmings, appointed by the Executive, 
April 4, 1864; Wm. S. Lee, elected September 7, 1864; 
J. B. Welch, elected November 6, 1866; Elisha Siev- 
rance, elected November 3, 1868; D. M. Wightman, 
elected November 8, 1870, and re-elected November 
5, 1872, and re-elected again November 3, 1874; E. 
Clark, elected November 7, 1876; James A. Daniel- 
son, elected November 2, 1880. 

COUNTV RECORDERS. 

Nelson Murdock, appointed by the Hxecutive April 
4. 1864; Ira E. Tierce, elected September 7, 1864; M. 
W. Hoyt, elected November 6, 1866, and re-elected 
November 3, 1868; J. W. Rich ard;*, elected November 

8, 1870, and re-elected November 5, 1872, and re- 
elected again November 3, 1874; J. H. Kent, elected 
November 7, 1876: J. .7. Cambers, elected November 
2, 1880. 

SUPERINTENDENTS OF SCHOOLS. 

A. W. Doolittle, appointed by the Executive, April 

9, 1864; George A. Nicholls, elected September 7, 
1864; C. D. Davis, elected November 6, 1866; James 
H. Job, elected November 3, 1868; E. P. Hall, elected 
November 5, 1872; Donald McArthur, elected No- 
vember 3, 1874; J. B. Ferguson, elected November 7, 
1876; J. W. Allen, elected November 2, 1880. 

COrXTY SURVEYORS. 

Wm. A. Jackson, appointed by the Executive, 
March 14, 1864, and elected September 7, 1864; A. 
W. Doolittle, elected November 6, 1866; N. A. Guill, 
elected November 3, 1868; Frank Goodnow, elected 
November 8, 1870; J. W. McCuusland, November 5, 
1872; James Uoft'man, elected November 3, 1874; 
William Reinhart, elected November 7, 1876; J. B. 
Ferguson, elected November 2, 1880. 

VALUABLE SPRINOS AND .MARSHES. 

Twenty-five miles southeast of Wadsworth, and 
about two and a' half miles from Ragtown,i8 Soda 
Lake, in the midst of a desert, and consists of an 
oval area of about sixteen acres, having a depression 
of seventy-five feet below the general level. It can- 
not be seen until the visitor almost reaches its rim. 
Good drinking water is obtained in this basin all 
ftround the deposits of soda, except on the northern 
side. Here a s])ring flows out from the north, the 
waters of which come from another small, circular 
lake, three-quarters of a mile in diameter and half a 
mile distant. Besides some other salts, the waters 
from the spring contain about thirty-three per cent, 
of soda. The deposit of soda occurs native, 
in the form of incrustations, which have been 
annually precipitated bj' evaporation from the water 
accumulating in the basin during the rainy season, 
and from the spring. It is several feet in thickness 
and formed in layers, between which are dirt and 
sand blown from the surrounding hills upon the 



diflerent strata. The soda is dug out in large pieces, 
and is then dried, separated from the impurities, and 
sacked for market. The drying process requires the 
most care, for, at a certain temperature and condi- 
tion, the soda deliquesces and disappears in the 
ground. In drj-ing, one-third of the weight of the 
soda is lost. The purest soda is obtained from the 
waters of the spring, which are pumped into large 
vats and evaporated. The solution at a density of 
30' and temperature of 70° Fahrenheit, is in 
the exact condition for the crystallization of the 
soda, and produces an article containing ninety- 
eight per cent, of the bicarbonate of soda. Soda 
Lake was discovered by Asa L. Kenyon in 1855. 
When he first saw it he supposed it be a large sheet 
of ice. In 1868 he sold it to Higgins & Dufty, who 
in turn sold it to Doe & Dowd. Its present propri- 
etor is J. S. Doe, of San Francisco. Works have been 
erected near the basin. The bed of solid soda will 
soon be dug out, but that obtained from the spring is 
believed to be inexhaustible. Five men is all the 
force necessaiy to prepare about sixty tons for the 
market every month. The cost of shipping it to 
San Francisco is about nineteen dollars per ton, and 
it sells there at from fifty-five to sixty-five dollars 
per ton. It is principally used in soap, glass and 
paper factories; in calico printing, bleaching and 
dyeing; and in the manufacture of yeast powders, 
washing soda, and in many other chemical opera- 
tions. A two-fifths interest in this proi^erty once 
sold for §35,000. 

NORTH SODA LAKE 

Is half a mile distant from the one just described, 
and is much larger in extent, covering an area of 
about 400 acres, and having a depth of 270 feet. 
The surface of the water is eighty-four feet below 
the level of the desert. The Nevada and Pacific 
Company owns and operates this property. Six 
crystallizing reservoirs, each one hundred feet square, 
and containing two feet of water, crystallize the 
soda by solar evaporation. During the summer 
months the waters are run into the reservoirs, but 
the crystallization is not perfected until the api)roach 
of winter. For this reason the same reservoirs can 
be used only once during the season. The facilities 
for evaporation can be erdarged to an indefinite 
extent. When the reservoirs are filled the cost of 
preparing the soda is very trivial. Little care is 
required until the water disappeai-s. Large quanti- 
ties of soda are annually consumed in Nevada for 
milling purj)08es, but the bulk of it is shipped to 
San Francisco. S|)ecinu'ns from North Soda Lake 
were awarded a prize modal and diploma at the 
Centennial Exposition. 

Near Soda Lake are 1,600 acres of borax landsi 
but only about 400 acres contain enough salts of 
borax to bo worked with profit, and this tract 
can be worked only once in two years. With 
j)resent facilities about 2,000 pounds of borax can 
be produced daily. The material taken from tiie 



3G4 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



marsh contains about ten per cent, of borax, but 
occasional!}- jields thirtj- per cent. At the pres- 
ent time the manufacture of borax in Nevada is 
not profitable, b}' reason of the immense importa- 
tation of boracic acitl from England, which is ad- 
mitted to this country free of duty. Instead of 
thirty-three cents per pound, a> formally, borax 
must now be delivered at the railroad for nine and 
a half cents. There is enough borax in Churchill 
and Esmeralda Counties to supplj- the markets of 
the world. 

A salt marsh near the railroad station of Hot 
Springs yields a large annual supply of salt, which 
is obtained with little trouble or expense. The 
whole face of the desert in this vicinity is white, 
being covered from time to time with saline waters, 
which evaporate and leave an incrustation of salt. 
Wooden vats were formerly used for the jnirpose 
of crystallization, but excavations in the gi-ound have 
been found to answer the purpose quite as well. 
The salt obtained is ninetj^-nine j)er cent, pure 
chloride of sodium. Many other salt marshes, 
much larger in extent, exist in Churchill Countj', 
and can be made a source of wealth when a suffi- 
cient demand arises for utilizing them. 

THE I. X. L. MINING DISTRICT 

Is in the Silver Hill range, forty miles southwest of 
Lovelock Station, on the Central Pacific Railroad. 
Stillwater is the nearest post-office. Ore was dis- 
covered in 1878, and a district was organized in 
September, 1879. The number of locations made 
in the district is eighty-five; the number of miners 
now there, twenty. The camp consists of two black- 
smith shops, a boarding-house, and a few cabins. 
The veins are found between a granite foot- wall and 
a slate hanging-wall. The veins run northwesterly, 
with the formation dipping to the northeast at an 
angle of sixty degrees, and contain free and galena 
ores. Gold predominates in some of the rock, and 
silver in other localities. The principal mines are 
the Bayfold, East Star, Black Prince, Iron Point, 
Spar, Morgan and ^lammolh. The Bayfcld mine 
contains a shaft 170 feet in depth ; the Iron Point 
mine, a tunnel 160 feet in length. Ereight is teamed 
from Stillwater at twenty dollars per ton, and from 
Lovelock at thirty dollars. Nut pine is abundant 
within a mile of the mines, and the supply of spring 
water is ample for all purposes. 

STILLWATEK THE COCNTV SEAT. 

The first settler at Stillwater was J. C. Scott, who 
located there in the fall of 18G2. In the spring of 
1803, W. II. Dowd and Moses Job arrived, and soon 
afterwards tliey were followed by William Page, J. 
G. Hughs, .M. W. Hoyt, J. W. Richards, J. M. Sim- 
ford, A. W. Doolittle, and others. Then it was sur- 
mised that Stillwater would eventually be the county 
scat of Churchill County, but more substantial 
attractions were offered by the fine grazing and 
agricultural lands in the vicinity. A station of the 



Overland Stage Company had also been established 
there in July, 1862. A town gradually grew up, 
which became the county seat in December, 1868. 
Stillwater was most prosperous in 1867 and 1868, 
having then a population of l.iO. The altitude of 
this site is 4,000 feet, and is in the valley of the Car- 
son, on the right bank of the slough connecting Cai- 
son Lake with the Humbtddt and Carson Sink. To 
the north and west of the town are cultivated fields; 
to the northeast are extensive grass and tule lands, 
while sage-brush lands stretch off to the southward. 
The streets are sparsely shaded by scattered cot- 
ton woods. 

Wadsworth is forty-four milesto the westward; Day- 
ton and Sutro are about sixty-five miles distant in a 
southwesterly direction. Stillwater's wood supply is 
obtained from the Silver Hill range, ten to twenty 
miles to the eastward, and chiefly consists of nut 
pine and cedar. There ai-e no prevailing diseases at 
Stillwater, and as in the case of Gilead, there is no 
physician there. The present population is forty- 
eight. A store, hotel, saloon, restaurant, post-office 
and blacksmith shop comprise the places of business. 
The buildings are constructed of wood. Public 
meetings arc held in the Court House. Carson River 
affords an abundant water-supply. The principal 
supplies of goods and merchandise arc brought from 
the Central Pacific Railroad at Wadsworth, by team, 
the freight charge being twenty dollars per ton. The 
educational facilities consist of one school, a teacher, 
and thirteen ])upils. The school house is 12x24 
feet in size,and is capable of seating thirty pupils. 
The taxable property in the township is valued 
at 871,000. Farming and stock-raising is the 
principal avocation of the surrounding settlers. 
The basement of the Court House contains a 
jail. No one has ever been killed in the township, 
and no serious disturbances of the peace have ever 
occurred. 

The Carson River overflows annually. The most 
noted occurrence of the kind took place in January, 
18C2. Before then, the waters of the Carson emptied 
directly into the Upper Sink, and passed thence 
through Carson Slough and Stillwater Slough, into 
the Lower Sink. The dr}' river bod could bo plainly 
seen in 1861, through which Old River now flows, 
carrj'ing with it direct into the Lower Sink a great 
part of the waters of Carson, instead of by the 
Upper Sink, and thence b}' the sloughs. The same 
flood cut a channel where New River now runs, and 
also changed the outlet of the Upper Sink into an 
inlet, taking .some of the water from New River and 
emptj'ing it into the Upper Sink. The remainder 
flows by Stillwater Slough into the Lower Sink 
thus flowing past the west side of the town of Still- 
water. The soil surrounding Stillwater is adobe, 
and is well adapted for grain. 

In 1876, Richards, Kent and Sanford constructed 
an irrigating ditch, taking water from Stillwater 
Slough, one and a quarter miles south of the town 



HISTORY OF CHURCHILL COUNTY. 



365 



The next season they raised the first crop ever pro- 
duced in the township, and tht-reut'ter successfully 
conducted agricultural operations. In 1879, Walker 
\ Brown cut a ditch and commenced taking water 
from the first ditch mentioned. At the present time 
Richards, Murphj- & Springer are taking water from 
the same source. 

The land is well adapted to the growth of cereals, 
and crops are growing larger annuallj". The farmers 
have fenced all their cultivated land into one field, con- 
sisting of 500 acres, thus saving considerable expense 
in the way of fence building. No subdividing fences 
are constructed. Both grain and pasture lands are 
irrigated. As high as sixty-five bushels of wheat 
have been raised to the acre in some parts of the 
count}-. For a distance of fifteen miles to the north- 
ward of Stillwater there extends a chain of sloughs 
and fine pasture lands, terminating at the " Big 
Sink," which is sometime.* thirty miles in width. Old 
River empties into the Carson Sink on the west side, 
after having meandered through the valley for twenty 
miles, with a scattering settlement along its entire 
length. The whole region is a net-work of streams 
and baj'ous, which have undergone many changes 
since the country was first settled. 

On September 2, 1862, J. T. May was interred on 
Mr. Magee's place. There are now eleven graves 
there, it being the burial place for the surrounding 
settlement. Back of Mr. Ferguson's place there are 
five graves. The first burial took place there in 
March, 1879. 

DESERTED EAELY SETTLE.MENTS. 

Huittown was at one time one of the most noted 
localities in the Churchill Count}' region, being a 
landmark of the past. In the earliest times it was 
a station on the overland road, when the emigrants 
moved across the Forty-mile Desert from Humboldt, 
and pushed on to the gold fields of California. When 
the Simpson route was discovered and adopted in 
1860, and emigrants came by way of Schell Creek, | 
Egan Canon, and Jaeobsville, on Reese River. Rag- 
town still remained an overland station. Asa L. Ken- 
yon settled at Ragtown in 1854, and has been the 
only permanent settler there since, stock-raising being 
his avocation. On his arrival there he found 200 
people, but they all left in the fall. Two reasons are 
assigned for the origin of the novel name of the 
town. One is that it was originally composed of 
cloth houses built by traders from California, who, 
leavinii in the fall, left their ragged shelters to flutter 
in the wind. According to another authoritj-. the 
emigrants, on reaching it, hastened to divest them- 
selves of their ragged garments, and plunge into the 
cooling waters of the Carson. Long, scattered jiilea 
of rags daily adorned the banks of that stream. 

There was once an emigrant burj-ing-ground at 
Ragtown containing 200 graves, results of cholera, 
fever and exhaustion in early years, which were vari- 
ously marked with log-chains, wagon-tires, etc. 
During the flood of 1861-62 it was completely cov- 
46 



' ered over and obliterated, and a public road now 

' passes over the spot. 

Shortly after reaching Ragtown, Kenyon located 
fifteen miles distant, on the ' Forty-mile Desert, " 
where he sunk a well and did a very good business 
in the sale of water to emigrants, llis charge for 
watering stock was twelve and a half cents per head. 
He also bought a store of his cousin, and in connec- 
tion with his water enterprise, retailed merchandise 
until 1800. At a time when the road was not kept 
open regularly, in the winter, a large party of In- 
dians visited him and desired to purchase gun caps, 
upon which Mr. Kenyon raised the price to S300 per 
box. They expressed surprise at such an enormous 
price, and asked the reason of it. '• The cap man is 
dead," replied Mr. Kenyon. For powder they were 
asked -^SOO per pound. " Is the powder man dead, 
too ? " they asked. " No," replied Mr. Kenyon, "but 
he is very sick." In 1867 an emigrant named Flem- 
ing perished from thirst on the desert between the 
Humboldt and Ragtown. He was out three days. 
Learning of the circumstance Mr. Kenyon went out 
to search for him, and finally found him in a hole in 
the ground which he had clawed out with hisfingers, 
being insane from suffering. He was brought back 
to Ragtown. but died the next morning, and was 
buried in the emigrant graveyard. 

In May, 1868, E. Clark paid a man twenty dollars 
to haul two wheels and a log of wood from the Cot- 
tonwood, on the Carson, to the crossroads of Rag- 
town and Wadsworth, preparatory to building a road 
between those two points. In June the first travel 
commenced. At about the same time the present road 
by way of Savage was completed. E. Clark purchased 
it in September, and has since owned it. St. Clair 
located the ranch on Old River, in 1862, which Thce- 
lan now owns, and established a ferry there. Dur- 
ing the following winter he put up a bridge, and toll 
for crossing it has been charged ever since. Mr. Hill 
purchased the ranch in 1S66, including St. Clair's 
store. In 1873, the ranch was purchased by Mr. 
Henry Theelen. 

In earl}' times Centerville, one and a half miles 
above Ragtown, was a well-known point. Varney 
iV Waters built a hotel there in 1860. Benjamin 
Curler purchased it in 1864. and subsequently sold 
it to Joseph Scott. Curler is now practising law at 
Belmont, Nye County. T. Varney was killed in 
1862 by Al. Millstead, who was hanged at Cai-son 
Citj- in 1863. Waters was killed on what is now 
known as the -Little Adobe" ranch, by a man 
named Wilson, who was subseiiuently tried and 
acquitted. In 1866, James Ferguson nwned a ranch 
near Centerville, and was visited one day by a bad 
Pah-Ute known as "Bufl'alo Jim." who was accom- 
panied by thirteen other Indians. They demanded 
two sacks of flour, a cow, and some money. Fer- 
nuson ofl'ered to give them the flour, but refused to 
trive anything else, and a quarrel ensued, upon 
which they strung him up to a hay press, but cut 



3G6 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



him down before life was extinct. They also cut 
open all the baled hay on the premises. For these 
outrages Ferguson swore that he would kill "Buffalo 
Jim;" and meeting him out alone, about a. year after- 
wards, he did kill him. lie then fled from the 
country, and at last accounts was living in Missouri. 
At the time he left Nevada he was the partner of 
Sheriff Scott. 

ANCIENT .niNING DISTRICTS. 

"Happy are the people." saj's Montesquieau, "whose 
annals are brief in the history books." By that 
standard the people of Churchill must bo the hap- 
piest of Nevada, and no one can gainsaj' it. Once 
its eastern districts were thronged with miners and 
prospectors, and the clatter of stamps was heard 
in its hills. With the discoverj^ of mines in the 
Humboldt Eange, in 1862, prospectors pressed for- 
ward into the wilderness, and the districts of Mount- 
ain Wells, Clan Alpine, and New Pass were formed, 
and active operations commenced. 

In Mountain Wells District a large number of 
claims were located; and in the years 1863-64-65 
many were sold to Eastern capitalists, who pro- 
ceeded to develop them. The village of La Plata 
was built, and became the county seat. A quartz 
mill of ten stamps was built, and for a time pros- 
pcritj^ seemed to smile on the region. The de- 
velopments, however, did not equal the expecta- 
tions, and the White Pine excitement absorbed 
the mill and miners. The county seat was re- 
moved to Stillwater, and soon thereafter La Plata, 
the place of silver, was relegated to its original j 
wilderness. The locality where once stood the hope- 
ful village is on the e;istern slope of the Carson 
Sink range, sometimes called the Uun Glen Range; 
and fronting it is Salt Valley, a broad expanse of bar- 
renness, but rich in salt, were transportation con- 
venient to make it available. In this range is Job's 
Peak, a conspicuous landmark for a wide expanse 
of country'. 

Clan Alpine District was organized in January, 
1864. and many claims located. Shafts were sunk, 
and drifts run, exposing veins of small size, contain- 
ing ore, both gold and silver, of about twelve dol- 
lars per ton in value. The countrj' rock is porphyry. 
The surrounding country being more valuable for 
producing suit than cereals, and mining not remun- 
erative, the district was abandoned. 

New Pass District was organized in the spring of 
1864, and ledges of gold-bearing ore were found, 
which, on the surface, appeared very valuable. The 
district lies in the Shoshone range of mountains, 
about thirty miles west of Austin, and the mines 
were chiefly worked b}- people from that city. The 
mines were quite thoroughly tested, but not yielding 
to exceed fifteen dollars per ton, were abandoned, 
but the State Mineralogist of 1867 regards them as 
valuable. 



J. W. ALLEN 

Was born in Van Buren County, Iowa, March 10, 
1843, and resided on the old homestead, attending 
the common school during his early j-ears, and as- 
sisting in the labors of the farm till he attained the 
age of twentj-'One years, when, bidding adieu to 
Iowa in 1864 he, in company with his mother and 
two sisters, and following his father, who had pre- 
ceded them one year before, emigrated from there 
to the State of Nevada, joining his father, C. Allen, 
and his brother Lemuel, who had found a home on 
the south side of Carson Lake. 

He resided from that time till 1868 in Churchill 
County, Nevada, from which place he removed to 
Sonoma County, California, where he remained 
till 1870, at which time ho returned to Churchill 
County-, Nevada, and entered into partnership 
with his father and brother Lemuel, in farming 
and stock-raising, till 1877, when he retired from the 
partnership and removed to his present homo on 
New River, 

He is the possessor of 420 acres of land, 240 of 
which is inclosed and mostlj- under cultivation. The 
soil is a rich black loam, susceptible of a high state 
of cultivation, and adapted to the growing of nrost 
varieties of gi'ain. 

Mr. Allen is much interested in the improvement 
of stock, particularly of horses, of the Clydesdale 
and Copperbottom breeds, many fine specimens of 
which may be counted among the horses on his 
ranch. 

In 1876 Mr. Allen united his fortunes in marriage 
with Mrs. Kate Peugh, and soon commenced house- 
keeping in his present residence, which he erected 
that year. He has been often called bj' his friends 
and neighbors to places of trust and honor, filling 
the office of Justice of the Peace of Upper Sink Pre- 
cinct for six years, and from 1874 to 1876 the office of 
Public Administrator of Churchill County, and has 
been more recently elected Superintendent of Public 
Schools for that countj' for the ensuing two years. 

Ho has over devoted himself to the advancement 
of morality and temperance, is a consistent and lead- 
ing member of the Church of the Seventh-day Ad- 
ventists and the Acting Superintendent of the Sab- 
bath-school, and District Socrotary of the Seventh- 
day Adventist tract and mission work in Nevada, 
and Clerk of the St. Clair Church. Ho is also known 
as a devoted and prominent advocate of temper- 
ance, and Secretary and Treasurer of the temperance 
organizations in the county, and Librarian for the 
library of that society. 

LE.MUEL ALLEN, 

The subject of this sketch is a native of Han-ison 
County, Ohio; on the twelfth of April, 183!t, he was born 
and in the same year his father and mother removed 
to Van Buren County. Iowa. There he remained 
with his father, assisting on tho farm and attending 
school, until tho year 1859. In that year he married 



bllSTUllY Ul UUUKCHILL COUNT\. 



367 



Mies Sarah Ann Peu<<h. and in the same year he and 
his wile started lor PiJJc's Pcaiv, but stopped in Kan- 
sas until the followinjj 3-ear, when lhe>^ returned to 
Iowa, and resided there uji to the year 18(i2. when 
they started lor I'iirson V'allej-. Nevada. They first 
settled seven miles above Fori Churchill, on the Car- 
son Hivor. Possessing little of this world's wealth, 
they found their little stock of provisions and the 
team of patient oxen, all that was left them with 
which to begin life; but rich in the mutual faith and 
affection they had for each other, they were nothing 
daanted, and cheerfully faced the dim and shadowy 
future. y\r. Allen had paid out his last two dollars 
on crossing the bridge spanning the slough at the 
sink of the Carson. There they remained until 
December 1, 1SG3. when they removed to the south 
side of the upper sink of the Carson Kiver. called 
Carson Lake. He there established u station called 
"The Wild Cat." taking his father as partner, 
who had come out to join him, as did also his mother 
and the family, the following j-ear. The station 
was on the old Pony iJoad, and there the family 
remained until 18G7, when he removed to their pi'csent 
residence. 

Since that time he has kept a " station " for the 
accommodation of the traveling public. He now 
owns in the countj- 1,040 acres of land, 500 acres of 
which is fenced and under cultivation. He cuts about 
600 tons of hay each year, and has also a fine bearing 
orchard, including a variety of fruit which yields a 
suilicient quantity to abundantly supply his own 
family and also his neighbors. Mr. Allen was 
ambitious to master the stud}- of the law, but being 
compelled to seek his own fortunes in life, has had 
but little leisure lime since early youth for anything 
like systematic stud}', but during the entire length of 
time of his residence in the Slate of Nevada ho has 
devoted every spare moment to the ])ursuit of his 
favorite study, and at leiiglh, on the sixteenth day of 
January, 1873, he was admitted to practice by the 
Supreme Court of Nevada. He was elected District 
Attornej" for Churchill Counfj' in 1871, and re-elected 
in 1873; he was again returned to the same oHice by 
the election in the year 1880. In the year 1875, he 
represented his county in the Assembl}', and was in 
1876 re-elected to that jiosition. The children living 
are six, three sons and three daughters. .Mr. and 
Mrs. Allen have buried three other children. Willi 
his usual desire to improve everything pertaining to 
his iarm, .Mr. .\llen is jiaj-ing s|)ecial attentioTi lo the 
breeding of good stock, antl he is the owner of a line 
Durham bull. Over the entire country- '• Lem Allen " 
is well known as one of the most " go ahead " men in 
a State where such men are numerous, and is alto- 
gether a representative man. His father, after a 
long residence in the count}-, has now removed to 
Reno, Washoe County, leaving, however, (in Chur- 
chill County) many representatives in both children 
and grandchildren. 



J. W. BOND 

Is a native of Noble County, Ohio, having been born 
in that county on the twenty-third day of March, 
1840. His earlj- years were passed on a farm in 
ihat county till the age of twenty-one, when ho left 
the labors of the farm to engage in the profession of 
teacher in the schools, in which employment he 
remained till the fall of 1862, when leaving 
his native home he emigrated to the State of 
Iowa, and there resumed his occupation of teach- 
ing, in vvhich he continued till the spring of 
1864, when he determined to seek the fortune 
awaiting him on the Pacific Coast. Relinquishing 
the honorable avocation in which he had been en- 
gaged for the previous years in Ohio and Iowa, 
he joined the westward moving army, and crossed 
the plains, to find a home in ('alifornia. There 
he remained till 1866, at which time he retraced 
his steps as far as Nevada, where he married Miss 
.Sarah C. Allen, a resident of the southern shore 
of the sink of the Carson, on the second day of 
September of that year. Returning to California 
soon after and locating in Sonoma County, he re- 
mained till A. D. 1878. During that time he was 
largely engaged in farming. In the spring of 
1878, having disposed of his interest in Sonoma 
County, he removed to Churchill County, Mevada, 
and investing the proceeds already accumulated by 
energy and thrift in lands in this county, which he 
has by industry and good husbandry made ]>roduc- 
tive, he has become one of the most prosperous and 
extensive farmers of the county. 

JOHN p. BROWN 

Was born February 8, 1826, in Luzerne Countj-, 
Pennsj'lvania. In 1842 he removed to Kane Countj', 
Illinois, and engaged in farming in that county up 
to the year 1850. He then started for California 
across the plains, and after the usual adventures and 
hardships encountered in those daj's on overland 
journeys, safelj' reached California. He first settled 
in El Dorado County, finally going to Placcrville in 
the winter of 1852-53. ]n February, of 1853, he 
went East by the Isthmus, and returned (o Cali- 
fornia with stock — his brother, Lyman, accomiiany- 
ing him; in the same year he went back to Illinois. 
Dui-ing 1854 he married Miss Delia .M. Tlioni])son, 
of Huntly, McHenry Count}', Illinois, a daughter of 
Shubael Trenk and .Margaret West Thompson. Al- 
most immediately after, he removed to .Michigan, 
where he was actively engaged in the lumber busi- 
ness for six years, when he again turned his steps 
toward the Pacific t'oast, locating in Silver City, 
Nevada. He speedily found em|)loyment by starting 
a business in teaming, which proved reniunoralive 
during his stay in that place. Since 1864 he has 
resided in Churchill County, whither he removed in 
that year to engage in farming. 

He is now the owner of a fine farm, containing 660 
acres of land, located on Old River, six miles below 



368 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



the old overland bridge, and twelve miles from the 
county 6eat. One hundred and sixty acres are under 
cultivation all well adapted to the raising of grain, 
vegetables, etc., and are all inclosed with a fence of 
live Cottonwood; he has also a young orchard of 
promising fruit trees, about two hundred in number, 
only four years planted, and all bearing, giving 
promise of heavy yields before many years. The 
larger portion of the farm extends along Old Kiver, 
and is well divided by ditches distributed at con- 
venient distances over the entire farm. The water- 
right is abundant for irrigating, and was the third 
recorded in the county. Mr. Brown is giving his 
personal attention to stock-raising, and may be con- 
sidered as very successful in the_busines8. Although 
but fifty-five years old, the active life of Mr. Brown 
has been marked by many changes, and is noticeable 
for energy and industry. He and his wife have had 
a family of three children, two of whom. William 
and Stella, are now living. 





State Senator from Churchill County, Nevada, was 
born in Freiburg, Baden, Germany, in a. d. 1830, 
where he received the advantages of a good edu- 
cation, imbibing much of the spirit of democracy 
that eventually led him to seek his fortune and 
cast his lot among the many who have found homes 
among the freedom-loving people of America. 

Leaving Germany when scarcely twenty years of 
age, he crossed the Atlantic Ocean, landing in New 
Orleans in the year 1850, when hearing tales of the 
fabulous wealth of California— the gold fields— he 
only remained sufficiently long to secure an outfit 
for the journey, when he started overland for the 
El Dorado of his hopes. 



Arriving in California in the lall of 1850, he at 
once located near the Yuba Hiver, in] Yuba County, 
and successfully engaged in mining, merchandising 
and teaming for seven years. Moved_by an honor- 
able ambition for a lai-ger field of enterprise, he dis- 
posed of his business in Yuba County, removed to 
Sacramento, then fast growing into importance and 
wealth, and became extensively engaged in the live- 
stock business. In 1S70, he removed from Sacra- 
mento, and located in Stillwater. Churchill County, 
Nevada, and became largely interested in merchan- 
dising, also dealing in stock. He is an honorable 
representative of that German element that has 
been so greatly conducive to the growth and pros- 
perity of this county. He has by his energ}-, indus- 
try and business capacity, accumulated a handsome 
independence, that places him among the substantial 
men of his county. In 1878. he was elected to the 
State Senate on the Eepublican ticket, and has dis- 
charged his duties with sincerity of purpose, and 
evident desire to advance the best interests of his 
constituents and the State. 

The Senator is married, and both in social and 
political life enjoys the confidence and respect of 
those who know him. He is now in the prime of 
life, with promise of many years of usefulness, a 
portion of which his manj' friends will undoubtedly 
insist upon being, as now, devoted to the interests of 
the public, and perhaps in a more elevated position 
than that now occupied by him. 

J. J. CLSHMAN 

Was born October G, 1838, in Piscataquis County, 
State of Maine, emigrating at the early age of two 
years to the State of Ohio, Lorain County, where 
he remained with his parents the following six years, 
accompanying them again in their second removal, in 
1840, to the count}' of Henry, State of Illinois; 
thence to Iowa, and back again to Illinois. There he 
remained, assisting his father with the care and labor 
of the farm, till 1859, when leaving his parents he 
crossed the plains to California, where he remained 
one winter, and the following summer moved to 
Nevada, remaining in Carson City during the sum- 
mer. In 1801 he purchased the ranch on which he 
now resides, located on ("arson Sink, two miles from 
the Carson Lake on the Belleville and Austin lioad, in 
Churchill County, embracing 1,700 acres of land, 
1,000 acres of which is fenced, and 125 acres under 
cultivation, the remainder being devoted to pas- 
turage. He has the ranch well stocked with cattle 
and horses, and finds the growing of them jirofitable 
and remunerative. Near the old residence, about 
one-quarter of a mile from his present one, erected in 
1877, and shown on another page of this work, he 
has a fine bearing orchard of many varieties of fruit. 
In 1865 he married Miss Mary Ellen Adams, by whom 
he has two sons, Roj-al D. and Clement O., aged 
fourteen and thirteen yearsj resj)ectively. He was 
elected Clerk of the County of Churchill in 1872, 



HISTORY OF CHURCHILL COUNTY. 



369 



and discharged the duties of the office so acceptabi)' 
that he was re-elected in 1874, and continued to ])er- 
form the duties till 1876, when he retired from pub- 
lie life to devote his attention to the care of his 
private business. 




''■SW^ 



The subject of this sketch, and whose name stands 
at the head of this article, was born in the city of 
New Orleans, State of Louisiana, on the thirteenth 
day of Maj-, a. d. 184:^, where he remained with 
his parents till the year 1853; his father during that 
time being engaged in buying and selling cotton, 
once recognized as the '-king" of Southern com- 
merce, if not of the L'nited States. 

During the year 1853, hearing much of the 
golden paradise of the Pacific Coast, his father dis- 
posed of his business in New Orleans, and, following 
the sun in his western course, accompanied by his 
family, came to C'ylifornia, by way of the Nicaragua 
route, settling in Tuolumne County. There he on- 
gaged in mining till bis death in 1879. 

William grew up to manhood in Tuolumne County, 
at times engaged in mining, after arriving at sufficient 
ago to be of assistance to his father, and at other 
limes in butchering, U> supply the mining cainjjs in 
the vicinitj'. In 1870, leaving Tuolumne County, he 
removed to St. Clair. Churchill County. Nevada, and 
again engaged in butchering, a business he had been 
largely engaged in since his earl}- youth, and in con- 
nection with that f<jlIowed farming, and is largely 
interested in stock-raising, growing and feeding many 
of the animals which supply his main business. 

In 1.S78 his integrity and business ability placed 



him prominently before the people for their suffrage, 
for the responsible position of Treasurer of the 
county, to which office he was elected, and so accept- 
ably discharged his duties, that ho was re-elected in 
1880, which office he now continues to fill, with honor 
and credit to himself, and to the satisfaction of his 
constituents. On his election in 1878, the duties of 
his office reijuiring his presence at Stillwater, the 
county seat, he removed to that place, and has since 
resided there. 

On the fourteenth of December, 1879, he married 
Miss Elizabeth Met tee. 

Ue is the owner of 1(JU acres of excellent farming 
land on the west side of Stillwater, and an equal part- 
ner in the ownershi)) of the irrigation ditch now 
under construction taking water from Stillwater 
Slough and running across his farm, supplying it 
with water for all needful purposes. 
a', l. kenvon. 

Tiio gentleman to whom this sketch refers is one 
of the pioneers of Nevada. He was born in Rome, 
Oneida County, New York, on the twentieth of April, 
1830. His early life was passed in his native State, 
where his time was varied between attending school, 
working on the farm of his father, and learning tho 
blacksmith's trade. His education was confined 
mostly to the common schools, and was of a nature 
such as is usually- obtained from similar institutions. 
As youth ripened into manhood, his ambitious nature 
would not permit him to remain in the quiet paths 
to which he had been accustomed, but called upon 
him to go forth into the world, and seek tho fortune 
that lies in store for those who have the hardihood 
to surmount the dangers and difficulties that beset 
the paths of the pioneers. During the summer of 
1852 ho crossed the plains to California, and located 
at Gold Run, Placer County, where he engaged in 
mining. In this he was very successful, and, during 
the following winter accumulated quite a fortune. 
The following spring he conceived the idea of becom- 
ing a speculator in horses, and, in ])ursuanco of this, 
ho returned to Missouri, and with the gold he had 
saved purchased a band of fine blooded stock, and. on 
tho eighth of .March, 1S54. started with it for Califor- 
nia. On tho following first of August, he arrived at 
Uagtown on the Carson River, and there disposed of 
his stock, realizing a handsome profit. His next 
business venture was starting a trading-post at that 
place for traffic with the emigrants. There were at 
this lime usually from .''(HI to 5(10 people at this sta-. 
tion, living in tents and willow houses, and the rags 
fluttering in tho breezes gave the place its significant 
title. In 1855 Mr. Kenvon erected a log house, 
which he used for a store and dwelling-house, and 
this was the only house lolY standing after the flood 
of 1S()2 in the town. .Mr. Kenyon has been a partic- 
ipant in many of the battles with tho Indians, and 
has also witnessed tho great mining excitements that 
have transpired in western Nevada. 



370 



HISTORY OF THE STATE ni EVAJM 





Born in Hatb Uount^-, Kentucky, the third day of 
November, 1839, is one of the first settlers of Old 
River, Nevada. Removing with his parents, in 1856, 
to Ralls County, Missouri, where he remained assist- 
ing his father with the labors of the farm till 1862, 
when, making the acquaintance of Dr. Glenn, of 
Colusa County, California, he purchased a number 
of mules, and in companj' with him crossed the plains 
into California as far as Sacramento, where he re- 
mained three months, till the fall of 1863, at which 
date he came to Churchill County, Nevada, at that 
time almost on the verge of civilization in its out- 
reach from the shores of the Pacific over and be- 
yond the snow-capped peaks of the Sierra. His 
youth and early j'cars of manhood having been 
passed in the honorable labors of the farm and the 
cultivation of the earlh, he was well able to judge of 
the adaptabilitj' of lands about the ('arson to the 
raising of grain, when properly prepared. Engag- 
ing in farming, he was among the first who encour- 
aged the growing of grain at Stillwater, and the 
originator of the plan, since so Buccessfullj- reduced ' 
to practice, for irrigating the land by means of 
ditches from Stillwater Slough, lie remained at Old 
River, farming, till 18G7, when, joining a party of 
Government surveyors under Colonel Monroe, he 
accompanied them in the surv'e}' of Arizona, return- 
ing in the fall of 1860. 

On his return the people gave due evidence of their 
appreciation of his iittogrily and ability by placing 



him in nomination for the office of County Recorder, 
and full assurance, by electing him, in which capacity 
he continued to serve the people till 1875, at which 
time he was transfen-ed to the office of Couiitj' Clerk, 
the duties of which office he continued to discharge 
till 1880. In November, 1880, he was elected to rep- 
resent the people in the Assembly of the State for 
the year 1881. 

In January, 1871, Mr. Richards, ambitious to ac- 
quire the art of telegraphy, commenced, under such 
instructions as could then be obtained, to practice, 
during all his leisure moments on the instruments 
of the Overland Telegraph Line, and so perfected 
himself that the company, in December, 1874, ap- 
pointed him their operator and agent, and made his 
office a repair office, with salary, and he now has 
charge of the line from Virginia City to Austin. 

In 1878 he was appointed Po.stmaster at Stillwater, 
which position he still retains. 

.JACKSON FERGUSON. 

The subject of this sketch, Jackson Ferguson, was 
born in the county of Cuyahoga, State of Ohio, on 
the fourth day of September. 1832, where he 
remained till the j^ear 1838, when he accompanied 
his parents in their removal to Wayne County, 
Indiana, where they were engaged in farming till 
1841, at which time all removed to Van Buren 
County, Iowa. Here he remained, dividing his time 
in labor on the farm and attending school, till the 
j'car 1853. at which time, having attained the estate 
of manhood, he married Miss Elizabeth Peugh, a res- 
ident of that county. In 1854, being moved bj' the 
reports of the golden wealth of (/aliforiiia, leaving 
family and friends, he joined the throng crossing the 
plains to the Golden State, came to California, and 
mined in Shasta and Trinity Counties till 1858. He 
then returned to Iowa, and remained till 18G2, when, 
accompanied by his family, ho again sought the 
Pacific Coast, crossing the plains during that year. 
Locating in Sonoma Count}', California, he engaged 
in farming and stock-raising, and also became largely 
interested in real estate business. In 18 — he dis- 
posed of his ]>roperty in Sonoma Count}', California, 
and removed to his present place of residence at St. 
Clair, in Churchill County, Nevada, and near Carson 
Lake. Here he purchased 740 acres of land bor- 
dering on Carson River and along the Belleville 
road. Of this, 400 acres are fenced, and the larger 
portion under cultivation. In 1878 the St. Clair 
Post-office was removed from St. Clair Station to 
the ranch of Mr. Ferguson, and he was appointed 
Postmaster, which office he now holds. He has also 
represented his count}- in the Assembly since 1878, 
with honor and fidelity, and to the satisfaction of his 
constituents. Mr. Ferguson was appointed to the 
position of Superintendent of Census for the State 
of Nevada, for the census of 1880, and entered 
actively in the discharge of the responsible duties 
of that position. His son, J. F. Ferguson, made the 



HISTORY OF CHURCHILL COUNTY 



371 



enumeration of Churchill County for the census of 
that year. Mr. Ferguson is the fortunate father of 
five sons and one daufjhter, which with one daughter 
sleeping in the churchyard, and •' the gude wife," 
who is still living, constitutes the family. 

W. H. A. PIKE 

Was born in Cornish, York County, Maine, on the 
twenty-fourth day of January. 1854. His early life 
was passed on the farm of his father, Henry B. Pike, 
who was one of the most extensive farmers and the 
leading cattle merchant of the State of Maine. The 
subject of our sketch received a liberal academic 
education, first at the Cornish High School, Ijimerick 
Academj-, and afterward at the Oxford Normal 
Institute at South Paris, Maine. His aspirations to 
become a lawyer prompted him to enter Bowdoin 
College, where he was admitted to the Preshman 
Class in 1873. 

In 1874, Mr. Pike decided to discontinue his col- 
legiate course, and '-go West," and we next find him 
settled in Churchill County, Nevada, where, for 
several years he was engaged in teaching school; 
and, being one of the few "born to command," his 
fitness for a teacher of the young was readily per- 
ceived, and he was admitted to bo one of the most 
successful instructors that ever presided over a 
school in the State of Nevada. At length becom- 
ing tired of the confinement consequent with his 
profession, he turned his attention in other direc- 
tions, and engaged in the practice of law. In this, 
as in all other things to which he has given his 
attention, he became eminently successful. In con- 
nection with his profession, he has been engaged in 
stock-raising, and is at the present time one of the 
principal cattle-raisers in his count}'. He was mar- 
ried in 1877 to Miss Ida M. Kenyon, of Churchill 
County, a lady of rare accomplishments, who was 
one of the first white children born in Nevada. 

J. M. SANFORD. 

The subject of the following sketch is a native of 
New York State, where he lived until 1855, at which 
time he removed to Wisconsin, and was engaged as 
a tiller of the soil for the succeeding six years. 

In 1861 he crossed the plains, and arrived at Hag- 
town, Churchill County, Nevada, in the fall of the 
same year, where he remained about one j'ear. He 
then went to Sacramento, California, and after a few 
month's stay there, returned to Nevada, and locating 
again in Churchill County, engaged in the business 
of stock-raising and ranching. By strict attention 
to his business he was soon on a firm ba.sis in that 
line. Ho was elected one of the C<imniissioners of 
this county in 18G9, and one year later removed to the 
county seat, Stillwater, where he has since resided. 
In 1873 ho was chosen to represent his people in 
the State Legislature, and was re-elected in 1875. In 
this honorable position he served his constituents in 
a satisfactory manner, and won laurels in that body 
that will remain green for years to come. He has 



also held the office of Justice of the Peace and Deputy 
Sheriff, and to-daj^ stands firm in the estimation of 
his fellow-men. 

In 1870 he opened a hotel, a view of which will bo 
found on another jiago, and has since catered to the 
public in a style known onlj' to those who "know 
how to keep hotel." 

HENRV TIIEELEN 

Is a n;itive of (xcrman}', born on the fourteenth of 
January, 1832. He emigrated to the United 
States when he was about twenty-nine years of 
age, settling in Illinois, where he remained em- 
ploj'ed on a farm until 1860, when, with others, 
he emigrated to California, settling at Red Bluff. 
Up to 1873 he was empk>ved in teaming, canying on 
a successful business between California and Nevada, 
and as far as Idaho, and to quite a number of other 
points. In that year he sold his teams and purchased 
the old St. Clair Station on Old Eiver, Churchill 
County, Nevada, where he is still settled, and is the 
proprietor of that very convenientlj' located station, 
which he successfully manages for the accommoda- 
tion of travelers, but more particularly for teamsters 
who team between Candelaria, Grantsville and Wads- 
worth. Mr. Theelen has 800 acres of fine land, 
extending for three miles along Old River, 200 acres 
of which are cultivated and inclosed with fence. 
With unfiiiling success he raises each year an 
immense crop of alfalfa, which he sells to the team- 
sters, and also feeds to some very fine stock owned 
by himself. He owns a toll-bridge crossing the 
Old River, from which he derives a handsome reve- 
nue. Ho also raises from 500 to 600 bushels of grain 
per ye,ir, and his alfalfa fields cover at least 160 acres. 
Mr. Theelen is extensively known, and throughout 
his large acquaintance is ver}^ much esteemed and 
respected. He is a married man, having married in 
1874, and is the father of two children: Kate, aged 
six years, and Annie, who is four years old. 

D. M. WIOHTMAN 

Claims Hancock Count}-, Illinois, as the place of his 
nativity, and wiis born on Maj- 3. 1839. When four 
years of age his parents died, leaving him to the care 
of his uncle. At seven years of age he removed to 
Jackson County, Michigan, where he remained until 
he was seventeen j-ears of age. In the year 1856, 
he went to Utah, after stopping ii Iowa a short 
time. His next removal was to Ophir, Virginia City, 
Nevada, reaching that wonderful mining district on 
the fourth of July, 1859 

In epitomizing a hislor}- of any of the bravo moii 
who turned their faces tow.irds the setting sun, in 
those earlier days when hardships were as much to bo 
expected as wolves and Indians, thej' who have fol- 
lowed after, when railroad travel and long cultiva- 
tion of lands have supersede<l the first named, and 
bravery and numbers have bamshed tho two last 
named, will find but scant justice done to the sub- 
jects of our sketches. But to many readers, memo- 



372 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



ries of those earlier days -will be made vividly real 
bj- what we write; and to another class of readers, 
each advance made toward the then outposts of civ- 
ili7.:ition will need but few words to suggest the long, 
patient and courageous struggle of those pioneers, 
who have but this terse record to tell of lives and 
adventures which will soon sound as unreal as 
stories of romance. 

In the fall of 1860, Mr. Wightman settled on bis 
present ranch on the (.'arson Sink, where he now 
owns 1,200 acres of hind, all fenced, 10(1 acres of 
which are cultivated in grains. lie has a good 
breed of stock, both cattle and horses, ranging over 
his rich pastures. He cuts about 400 tons of hay 
per year. The old adobe house, as shown in the 
view, was occupied bj- him as a residence until the 
year 1880, when he erected a fine frame house, 
which he now occupies. 

On the nineteenth of Jul}-, 1865, he married Miss 
Sarah J. Mc(Tee; seven children bless their union, 
five sons and two daughters. 

His ranch is located on the Belleville road, thirty- 
five miles from Wadsworth. In 1870, he was elected 
County Assessor, and discharged his duties so 
acceptabl}- that he was continued in that office until 
1876, a period of six years. Since then, the citizens 
of his count}-, appreciating his worth, have again 
called him to the responsible position of County 
Commissioner of Churchill County, the duties of 
which office he is now discharging with like faithful- 
ness and ability. 



CHAPTER XLII. 
HISTORY OF DOUGLAS COUNTY. 

County Boundaries — Area of Agricultural Lands — Lands for 
Piistoral Purposes — Valleys in Douglas County — Farms 
in Carson Valley — Adaptability to Fruit Culture — The 
Mines of Douglas County — Tlie Mammoth -Mine and 
Tunnel — Genoa Mining District — Organization of the 
County — Meeting of New Commissioners — Rates of 
Toll Kstablished — New Court House Secured — Rate of 
Taxation Fixed — Financial Condition of the County — Ap- 
pointments and Flections- — Historical .Sketch of (!enoa — The 
First Traders — The Pioneer Hotels— Early Condition of 
(Jenoa — (Jcnoa of the Present Day — Tlie ('mirt Ifouse 
Building — The Present Population — One of the Usual 
Episodes — Early .Settlement of (Uenbrook — Productiveness 
of the Soil — Friday's .Station and the New Road — First 
Hotel at (Jlenbrook — More Mills .it (ilenbrook — First Store 
at Glenbrook — The village of (Ilenbrook — The Shakspeari.in 
Rock — A Must Deplorable Affair — Rafting Logs Across 
Lake Tahoe — The Village of Sheridan — Medicinal .Springs 
of the County — Biographical Sketches. 

Douoi.AS is one of the nine counties created bj- the 
Territorial Legislature on the twenty-fifth of No- 
vember, 1861, when Nevada was first subdivided by 
that body into minor divisions. Originall}' it com- 
prised a portion of Millard County, Utah, and later, 
of Carson County. The Act of the Legislative As- 
sembly at that time established the county bounda- 
ries as follows: — 

Ik-ginning at Mftson's Ranch, on Walker River, 
and running westerly, in a straight line, to the mouth 
of Clear Creek; thence along the middle of said 



creek to its source; thence due west to the California 
line; thence south and southeasterly along said line 
to the western boundarj- of Esmeralda County; 
thence northerly along said boundary to the place 
of beginning. 

The western limits embrace the eastern summit of 
the Sierra Nevada, and include no inconsiderable 
part of Lake Tahoe, giving it such advantages of 
timber and transportation as to make it the princi- 
pal lumber producing countj- of the State. The 
timber and wood lands of Douglas County are about 
50,000 acres in extent, and although to a great de- 
gree exhausted by the immense drain upon them in 
the past fifteen years, are yet capable of supplying 
largo quantities of lumber and wood. 

AUE.\ OF AORICULTtIR.\L LANDS. 

In 1868, the County Assessor, S. C. Chase, esti- 
mated the agricultural lands of Douglas to be 50,000 
acres — 45,000 of which would require irrigation to 
be made productive; that but one inch of water per 
acre would be required for that purpose, and that 
the cost per acre for irrigation would be three dol- 
lars. The lands thus rated and treated, it was con- 
ceded would be exceedingly productive in character 
— raising wheat, barle)', oats, corn, buckwheat, and 
peas, besides j-ieldi ng large crops of potatoes of superior 
quality, as well as other root crops, with unfailing 
certainty, thus proving its capabilitj' to not only 
sustain a large population, but furnish a considerable 
surplus for export. Swamp and overflowed land was 
estimated at 2,000 acres, all of which could be re- 
claimed at a cost of ten dollars per acre. 

LANDS FOR PASTORAL PURPOSES. 

The same authority places the pasture lands at 
200,(100, and the desert lands at 100,00(1 acres. Since 
then — 1868 — no doubt the area upon which stock 
and dairy cattle can be profitably ke)U has been 
somewhat enlarged by the destruction of the forests, 
and consequent growth of shrubbery and bunch 
grass, upon which animals thrive, on the land for- 
merly occupied by large pine and other trees. Besides 
it is safe to assert, that the so-called -'desert" lands 
are covered to a great extent with the white sage — 
a shrub upon which cattle thrive in winter. 

The climate, water, and nutritious herbage of 
Houglas are unexcelled for dair3-ing purposes; and 
there are many reasons whj' the products of this 
branch of industry' should be greater in the future 
than they have been in the past. The butter pro- 
duct of Douglas County for 1880 is given at 40.000 
pounds — an increase in five years of .S6,000 pounds, 
which is an indication that it may be greater in the 
near future. The manufacture of cheese, as yet, 
seems not to have been undertaken, 

VALLEYS IN DOKdl.AS COUNTY. 

The greater portion of the ai-able land of Douglas 
County lies in Carson, Long, and Jack's Valleys. 
The first named is the largest, and its southern 
extremity lies within the limits of the State of Cali- 




m-.,. 




■f^vvCrHITc - , 



'"■^J?r. 






V- 



§ 





«Sliiii:> 




.'' V 



HISTORY OF DOUGLAS COUNTY. 



373 



fornia. The remainder, what is known as Carson 
Valley proper, is wholly within Doui^las County. 
The valley receives its name from the Carson River, 
which has its source in tho hiij;h Sierra, entering the 
plain from the south, and wends its serpentine way 
northeasterly throughout its entire length. This 
valley, or more properly, large inland plateau, has a 
mean elevation of about 4,500 feet above the level 
of the sea, is about thirty miles long, and eighteen 
wide; the lofty peaks- of the snow-clad .Sierra send- 
ing down their tentacle like, pine-enveloped ridges 
to skirt its western and southern border; while a 
lesser range — tho Pine Xut Mountains^dwarfed by 
comparison with its loftier neighbor on tho west, 
sage-brush mantled, and now only with an occasional 
stunted pinon upon its crests, forms the eastern side. 
Carson Vallej- embraces about 80,000 acres, one- 
tenth, or 8,000 acres, of which lies within the limits 
of California. 

FARMS IN C.\RS0N VALLEY. 

There are about 30,000 acres of land in Carson 
Valley inclosed by fence, and there are a number of 
good farms. Prominent among these is that of 
'Fred. Dangbcrg. five miles east of Genoa, who has 
4,648 acres, all fenced. He has forty miles of irrigat- 
ing ditches, leading water from the Carson River to 
this immense farm. In 1879 he had one field of 
reclaimed sage-brush land of GOO acres all sown to 
barlej'. About 1,500 acres are used expressly for 
grazing, and sustains nearly 1,000 head of stock. 
The crop of 1879 was GOO tons of barley and oats, 
and 1,600 tons of hay. 3Ir. Dangberg is an eld resi- 
dent, having settled in Nevada in 1853. Value 
of tho property, 860,000. 

A. Klauber, one of the early merchants of Genoa, 
and now of San Diego, California, owns a ranch 
of 1,83(1 acres, adjoining Mr. Dangberg on the north. 
Value. 830,000. 

F. A. A. Frevort has a farm of 830 acres, inclosed, 
south of Mr. Dangberg's ranch. Value, 818,000. 

Heiijamin Karmer cultivates 800 acres, seven miles 
south of Genoa, in the vicinity of Sheridan. Value, 
815,000. 

Henry Vansickle's farm comprises 1,800 acres, two 
and a half miles south of Genoa. Value, 825,000. 

William H. Boyd has a farm of 1,050 acres on Car- 
son River, one mile below Genoa. Value, 818,000. 

P. W. Vansickle owns what is known as the old 
Haines Kanch, of 620 acres, three miles below Genoa. 
Value. 812,000. 

The HI Dorado Wood and Flume Company have 
440 acres, with grist-mill. Value, 815,000. 

Lawrence Fray's farm, on the east side of Genoa, 
comprises 240 acres, and valued at 810,000. 

J. W. Haines owns 320 acres in the northern part 
of Genoa, upon which he has a fine dwelling, the 
whole valued at 812.000. 

One of the finest ranches in the valley is that of 
Herman Springmeyer, of 480 acres of superior land, 
lying five miles east of Genoa. Value, 812,000. 
47 



Joseph Jones has 790 acres of magnificent land, 
with tine buildings, IjMng north of Genoa. Value, 
820,000. 

John Child's ranch, adjoining the Jones' property 
on the north, of 640 acres, with its neat house and 
large barn, is valued at 820,000. 

Ex-Sheriff H. C. Crippen, at the Twelve-mile 
House, twelve miles from Genoa, owns 240 acres, 
valued at 88,000. 

Chris. Dangberg's farm, which adjoins Crippen's 
place on the northwest, embraces 960 acres, and is 
valued at 88,000. 

J. P. Pettigrew has a ranch of 440 acres, north of 
and adjoining Chris. Dangberg's land, which has all 
been reclaimed from sage-brush. Value, 88,000. 

Adjoining and west of the Pettigrew ranch, L. S. 
Ezell has 240 acres, valued at 85,000. 

On the west fork of the Carson River, eleven 
miles from Genoa, immediately at the base of the 
Sierra Nevada Mountains, Bartley Cary has a farm of 
150 acres, valued at 810,000. 

William H. H. Cary's ranch of 170 acres, lying 
south of Bartley Cary's, is valued at 88,000. 

Two miles north of Sheridan, on the main road, 
David Parke has 280 acres, valued at 810,000. 

Hugh Parke has 280 acres south of the last-men- 
tioned place, valued at 88,000. 

Fred. Dressier has 560 acres near Sheridan, valued 
at 815,000. 

Six miles east of Genoa is Desert Station, a hotel 
and stopping-place for freight teams and travelers. 
The land has been reclaimed from sage-brush. There 
is a good house here, a blacksmith shop, barns, and 
two wells where water is raised by windmills for irri- 
gation, etc. 

On the west fork of the Carson, one and one-half miles 
east of Sheridan, A. R. Brockliss has 840 acres, 
valued at 816,000. 

A. M. Taylor owns 517 acres one and one-half 
miles north of Sheridan, valued at 87,000. 

Near tho California lino, in the upper end of the 
valley, four miles southeast of Sheridan, John Bald- 
win has a farm of 440 acres, valued at 88,000. 

Anthony McGuin owns 580 acres two and one-half 
miles southeast of Sheridan, valued at 812,000. 

J. Q. Adams has a farm three miles north of Genoa, 
of 820 acres, whi?h is valued at 812,000. 

Hanson Berry's farm of 360 acres, situated three 
miles east of Sheridan, is valued at 810,000. 

There are a number of other ranches in the north- 
ern end of the valley, among which maj- be men- 
tioned those of William Cradlebaugh, Mrs. Sarah 
Claj'ton, J. W. Averill, Kichard Kirman, John Rosser, 
Ro.'fser & Wolfe, and Dangberg & Schultz, all under 
various stages of cultivation. But enough have been 
enumerated to give a fair idea of the capabilities of 
this beautiful valley. Stock-raising is a ])roniinent 
feature among the industries of the valley, and there 
are not less than 10,000 head of stock of various 
kinds scattered among the difl'erent ranches. 



374 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



Wherever irrij^alion is feasible, ditches have been 
diiij and the sa><e-brusli grabbed out; such land has 
proven among the best. Fully one-half the acreage 
now tilled was at one time covered with s;lge-bru^h 
and classed as desert land. Alumt 200 miles of 
irrigating ditches now ramify the valley, which afford 
an aggregate of about 500 inches of water. A fair 
average yield of this class oi' land, well tilled, is about 
as follows per acre: O.its and barley, twenlj* bu-hels 
e:ieh; potatoes, 250 bu-heis; timothy and ciover hay, 
mixed crop, one and oiie-h:ilf to two tons; alfalfa 
produces two crops year)}-, and yields about three 
tons per acre. 

This valley, and the river which runs entirely 
through it, received their name from Fremont, in 
honor of the famous mountaineer who first entered 
it when it was a portion of the tei'ritory of the 
Eepublic of Mexico. The Territorial Unterpriae, 
when fir-t issued at Genoa, in speaking of the dis- 
covery of the valley by the white men, and the 
manner of its christening, thus romantically saj-s:^ 

Years ago, Kit Carson, after a toilsome and peril- 
ous mireh over mountains, plains and desert wastes, 
looked out from the crest of a snow-encumbered 
mountain upon the beautiful valley that now bears 
his name. The last i'a3's of the setting sun glanced 
in (luivei-ing aiTows of light over the waters of the 
be:iulilul river which winds its way through the 
valley; th« snov. y peaks of tlie Sierra Nevada loom- 
ing up against the ))iirplo and trolden heavens; the 
steep mountain siiles; the tall ti'^'cs and the foam- 
ImlT vv, iters, all clothed in a sutfuiion of glorious sun- 
liirht. Were well calculated lo arouse the admiration 
of the ])ioneer, and (o form his conclusion that of 
all the beautiful valleys lie had triver-'ed in exi)lor- 
inic the vast wild^rne-H of the West, none were more 
fit to bear hi.s name than this. 

Many of the most important events occurred, and 
some of the most ihiilling scenes in the early hislorj' 
of Neva la were enacted in this valley; but as all 
Iiistorical matters that are worthj- of record occur- 
ring prior to tlu! t weiity-fil'lh of November, ISlil. will 
be found related in the gi'neral history of the .State, 
they are jiurposely omitted hero. 

Long Valley lies between the east and west forks 
of Carbon River, and is, as its name indicates, a long, 
narrow depression extendiiii: into California. Being 
traversed by a limpid mountain stream its entire 
leni;th. an abundant water sup])ly can be had for 
irriifalion when required. It has a dark, rich, |)rn- 
ductive soil, and is well adapted for dairying. An 
abundance of timber is close at hand upon the 
adjacent hills. 

Jack's Vam.ey is a small oasis lying at the east- 
ern base of the Sierra Nevada Jlountaiiis, bordering 
Clear Creek, and extentling several miles southerlj' 
from that stream. From its elevated ])osition it 
overlooks the Carson River, an<l like all other well 
watered spots of the re- ion in which it is bitualed, 
highly productlvo. 



ADAPTABIHTV TO FRUIT CULTURE. 

Like most portions of Nevada, Douglas County 
cannot pride itself upon a prolific fruit crop. 
Although there were, in 1880, 3,278 apple trees, G70 
peach, 433 pear, G70 plum, 469 cherry and 125 
nectarine trees, but little of those kinds of fruit 
matured. Late frosts, in summer, succeeding the 
warm weather of spring are the banc of the horti- 
culturists here. Toward the last of April or early 
in 3Iay of each year it scenis to be the rule of this 
elevated region for the foutheast wind to prevail for 
several days, and it is none the less a rule that this 
wind is the forerunner of severe frosts. As the fruit 
trees have generally, ere this time, put out their 
blossoms, these frosts destroy the embryo fruit. 
Should anj' escape, still later in the season, the 
month of June, again come the winds and frosts 
and cut down all fruits that were fortunate enough 
to escape the previous onslaught. Gooseberries, 
raf^pberries, strawberries and currants are more 
reliable, and mature in considerable quantities. 

THE .MINES OF DOUGLAS COUNTY. 

No paying mines have yet been developed iir 
Douglas County, notwithstanding the ouilaj- of 
money has been great and the effort j'ersistent in 
e.vploilation. In 1SG8, S. C. Chase, County Assessor, 
reports " no minertil land in the c<)utit\-,'' to the Sur- 
veyor General. But in the tabulated statement, 
which will be found on another ]>age of this vol- 
ume, will be found under the head of "Mining 
Industries," an estimate in 1880 of 24,000 acres of 
mineral lands and one quartz mill in the county. 
At various ])eriods there have been created within the 
limits of the county a number of mining districts; 
and even anterior to the discovery of silver there 
had been some little placer mining for gold at- 
temjited witli sluices upon the east fork of Car- 
son River, below and near the place known as 
Horseshoe Bend, toward llu^ upper end of the val- 
ley. And later, from a ))aper i)rinted August 13, 
1859, we have the following: — 

We learn that John Trumbo, of (ienoa, Carson 
Vallej', has recently had men out pro<|)ecling 
through the countrj' east of Genoa. These men 
found dirt on the east side of Carson Kiver. and in 
sight of town, which prospects from ten to thirty 
cents to the jian. 

Across the valley, about eighteen miles southeast 
of Genoa, in the lower hills of the Pine Nut iMount- 
ains, in the fall of 1859, there were found such min- 
eral "indications" as to create consiiierable excite- 
ment among the residents, and man}' claims were 
located. The following year, however, more encour- 
aging " prospects" were obtained higher up in the 
same range, at a short distance north of the road 
leading into the Walker River and Mono Lake 
regions, which caused an abandonment of the first- 
named discoveries, and the immediate formation of 
Eagle Mining District. 



HISTORY OF DOUGLAS COUNTY. 



S7S 



Silver Lake District was another miniiij;; locality 
in the Pino Nut ranire, the principal mine of which j 
was the Winters, and owned mainly by John B. 
Winters. Ore of the value of ?S 0(10 was ship]ied 
from this mine and sold at a net profit of 82,926. 
This mine is now owned b}- Harry Clauson, of Heno. 
A number ol' other districts were formed in the 
county abi>ut the same time, all of which have had 
their brief hour and are now forgotten. 

THE MAMMOTH MINE AND TUNNEL. 

The Mammoth mine is situated in Kaiflo District, 
and is aliout ihe on'}' one in the county upon which 
operations h.ive not been wholly suspended. There 
is a tunnel in progress to sti'ike the ledj^o, now in 
nearly 1.000 feet, and as large assays have been had 
of the ore, great expectations are indulged b}- those 
who are interested in the enterprise, when the ledge 
is once re.icb' d by the tunnel. The expenditure 
upon this work has been upward of $100,000. 

Genoa Mininc. District is adjacent to (he town of 
Gtnoa, one niiU- north, and wa-i created in 186f), at 
whi ;h time i;olil-lie:iring quirtz was found, a code of 
laws adopted, man}- large claitus located for tunnel 
pur])oses. manj- tunnels begun, and a gre:it deal oF 
labor and money expended witk barren results. Of 
course, nearly all locations must be under the man- 
agement of an incorporated company, and so it was. 
rrinci]i:il among these corporations was the Sierra 
Silver Milling. Saw and Quartz Mill Com]iapy, which 
dill more toward tl)e dcvelojimcnt of a mining prop- 
erty ihan ai'3' other conijiany. A tunnel was run 
1 800 feet in length, and the ledge not reached. Five 
yrars of labor, and a cash expenditure of §125,000, 
fiiKilly convinced the stockholdirs that the mining 
jiroperty thej- had located was of no value. The 
expenditure of this and smaller hums of money by 
other com|);mies for a time had a tendency toe.iliven 
business at Genoa, as well as to create false ho|ics 
and expectations of future commircia! greatness; 
but with a cessation of work came the inevitable 
reaction, and a dull season prevailed, until, at length, 
the jiroper level was reached, and business matters 
began to run smooildy in the legitimate channel 
where it has ever since remained. 

ORQANIZATION OF THE COUNTV. 

At the time of the passage of the Act fixing the 
boundaries of Douglas County, the inhabitants, 
according to the census returns taken in July of 
that year, numbered },07u, not including those 
residing in Jack's Valley. In December, Goveriior 
Nye appointed the following gentlemen to office, 
whose dill}- it was to or;ranize the county: — 

S. A. Kinsey, Uiram Molt, and Henry Vansicklo, 
Commissioners; Joel A. Harvey, County Clerk; 
Robert F. Hart, County Surveyor; William Wallace, 
Sheriff; Chauncej- N. Noteware, J'robate Judge; B. 
Rush Horton, Recorder; and John Tingman, Treas- 
urer. 

The Commissioners held their first meeting at the 



oflfico of J. C. Dean, in Genoa, oii the twenty-eighth 
of December, 1861, divided the county into six 
precincts, and a])])ointed Judges of the election to 
be held on the coming fourteenth of January, 1862, 
as follows: — 

For the Clear Creek Precinct, which extended 
from the stream of that name south to the north 
lino of Judge J. S. Child's ranch: J. 1) irsey, Wm. 
Cradleliaugh, and B. Webster; the polls to bo at 
J. Mc.Marlin's house. 

For the Genoa Precinct, extending south from 
Child's ranch to .M'iit>ville, including the Kings- 
bury- Grade, as far as the first summit: R. N Alkn, 
C. Tuille, and K. Mallorj-; the polls to be held at 
the office of J. C. Dean, in (Jenoa. 

Lake Yalley Pi-eciiict exlemied from the fir-t sum- 
mit to the California line, and J. Small, M. L. Mc- 
Donald, and Juffri'3's wi're appointed Judges; 

the polls to be held at Fridays. 

The Motlsville Prerinct extended from Jlott's 
place south to the line of C.ilifoniia. The east fork 
of Carson River was the east line of the precinct, 
and Israel Alott, J. Kirk, and E. R. Cary were 
appointed Judges; the polls to be at the res denco 
of Luther Olds. 

Mamrnoth Precinct included the country between 
Teasdale bridge on the E ist Carson and the south 
line of the county, taking in the E;igle Mining Dis- 
trict and Double Springs. Judgesof E cclio i: D. D. 
Olds and J. Rjdenbaugh, with polls at the Welch 
.Station. 

Walker River Prec'nct included that section of 
the cou iir}- l3'ing east an I so ith of DouUle Spri nirs; 

S. T. Ris-ue an i Himiltou being the Judges; 

the ])olii being located at the F.iirc lild Stition. 

MEETINO OF NEW COMMISSIONEIIS. 

On the twenty-ninth of January, 1862, fifteen jjaj's 
after the election, the County Commissioners newly 
elected held a meeting for the ])iirpo80 of transact- 
ing county business, and finding that the old Carson 
County Court House was not in condition to warrant 
fitting up for a continuation in its old line of service, 
they decided to pay J. S. Child thirty dollars for one 
month's rent fur a building for that purpose. They 
also decided to rent " the cell " in the old Reese mill 
an 1 fit it up for a jail. Having thus provided a ren- 
dezvous for lliemsolves and a place of safetj- for the 
criminals, they proceeded to divide the county into 
Road Districts and appoint Siijiervisors for such of 
them as had a road within their limits. The follow- 
ing gentlemen were selected: Wm. Hamilton for 
Genoa District, Benjamin M. Webster for Clear Creek 
District, and 1). H. Barber for Mottsville District. 
At the same time these Road Siijiervisors were 
authorized by the County Commissioners to pay men 
four dollars per day to work on the road. 

RATES OF TOLL ESTABLISHED. 

Toll-roads, bridges and ferries were a marked feat- 
ure in the business carried on in the county in tliose 
days, and as early as February 13, 1862, the Com- 



376 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



missioners commenced to deal with them as taxable 
property, and to control their rates. Toll-bridge 
licenses were established at fifteen dollars per quar- 
ter, and the owners were authorized to collect from 
the traveling public as follows: — 

For man and horse 25 cts. 

For wagon and two horses 50 " 

For each additional span 25 " 

For pack animal 10 " 

For loose stock 05 " 

Ferries were more numerous than toll-bridges, and 
their licenses were generally, S7.50 per month, and 
their authorized charges for ferrying were: — 

For loaded wagon with four or six animals S2 00 

For unloaded " " ■■ " « « i 50 

For loaded wagon with two animals 1 50 

For wagon without a load 1 00 

For each additional team 50 

For man and horse 50 

For footman and pack animal 25 

Toll-roads were charged different prices for a 
license, according to the length and importance, or 
cost of grades. For instance, the Eissue IJoad paid 
$15 per quarter, and the one from Double Springs 
which run to connect with the Kingsbury Koad, was 
charged §17.50 for the same time. The rates they 
were permitted to charge also varied, upon the same 
principle that controlled the license, but were about 
the same as bridges and ferries. 

NEW COURT HOUSE SECtmED. 

In February a committee reported to the Board 
that the Catholic Church could be procured for 
Court House purposes; that it could be made suita- 
ble for seventy-five dollars, and their report was 
accepted. 

RATE OF TAXATION FIXED. 

On the twenty-fourth of the same month the first 
rate of taxation for the county was levied of SI. 57 J 
on the SlOO for the following several purposes: — 

For county purposes 60 

For Territorial purposes 40 

For school 07i 

For county buildings 40 

For Federal purposes 10 

Total $1.57J 

On the following seventh of May so much of the 
resolution as had authorized a tax for the last three 
purposes above given was rescinded, which left the 
first tax collected in Douglas County at one percent. 

FINANCIAL CONDITION OP THE COUNTY. 

The financial condition of Douglas County in 
1880 is as follows: Value of real estate, 8548,544; 
value of personal property, 825(5,247.00, Total value 
of taxable property, 8804,791. (iO. The total debt 
was 81,559.29; cash on hand, 87,788.14; county and 
State tax, 820,119.79; county tax, 815,093. The 
population was 1,518; registered voters, 570. 

For particulars in reference to the products of the 
county from 1865 to 1880, inclusive, the number of 



acres under cultivation, the stock, grain and hay 
raised, the fruit trees and vines growing, and the 
amount of land irrigated, the reader will turn to 
pages 135, 13(i, 139 and 140 of the general history. 

APPOINT.MENTS AND ELECTIONS. 

In accordance with the Territorial law, the Gov- 
ernor appointed the first county oflScers, whose names 
have alreadj- been given, together with an account 
of the action of the commissioners in organizing the 
county. In January, 1862, a special election was 
held, when a second set of officers was chosen; and 
again in September of 1862, at the general election, 
a third set of officers was selected, making three 
sets of officers in control of Douglas County in one 
year. 

Following will be found the names of all the per- 
sons who have filled the dift'orent offices of honor 
and trust in the county subsequent to those first ap- 
pointed down to the present time, whether by elec- 
tion or otherwise, with the date of election and the 
particular office each has filled. The Constitution 
submitted to the vote of the people January 19, 1864, 
was defeated; consequently the officers elected to 
fill positions under that Constitution were with- 
out occupation. Se])tember 7, 1864, the New Con- 
stitution was adopted, and persons chosen at that 
election took possession of the various offices to 
which thej' were elected. 

SENATORS. 

P. Chamberlin, elected September 2, 1863; William 
Carj-, elected Januarj- 19, 1864; J. W. Ilaincs, elected 
November 8, 1864, re-elected November 6, 1866; 
Isaac W. Small, elected November 8, 1870; S. B. 
Rickey, elected November 3, 1874; J. W. Haines, 
elected November 5, 1878. 

ASSEMBLYMEN. 

Charles M. Tuttle and Robert Fisher were elected 
September 3, 1862; J. C. Dean and Robert Fisher, 
elected September 2, 1863; P. Chamberlin and llonrj- 
Epstein were elected Januarj- 19, 1864; Robert Fisher 
and J. T. Ilawley, elected September 7, 1864; I. \V. 
Small and H. Epstien were elected November 8, 1864; 
M. M. Gaige and Robert Fisher were elected Novem- 
ber 7, 1865; W. M. Caiy and E. Mallerj- were elected 
November 6, 1866; J. S. Child and K. F. Dangberg 
were elected November 8, 1S7U; Thomas B. Rickey 
and 11. F. Dangberg, elected November 5, 1872; J. R. 
Johnson and H. Vansickle, elected November 3, 1874; 
Benjamin Edson and P. F. Powers, elected November 
7, 1876; Thomas Irvine and 11. Vansickle, elected 
November 5, 1878; Thomas Irvine and John A. John- 
son, elected November 2, 1880. 

COnNTY COMMISSIONERS. 

p. C. Chamberlin, E. P. Welch, and Boland Aber- 
nathy were elected January 14, 1862. George 
Thomas appointed in place of Abernathy, February 
4, 1862. J. W. Small, B, M, Webster, and P. Cham- 
berlin were elected September 3, 1862; David Olds 



HISTORY OF DOUGLAS COUNTY. 



377 



elected September 2, 1863. Small resij^ned, A. U. 
Prey was appointed November 29, 18G3. E. Mallory. 
elected September 7, 1864; A. M. Taylor elected No- 
vember 7, 1864; P. Lif,'htlo. J. S. Child, and D. K. 
Winters were elected November 6, 186G; Henry Yan- 
sickle, J. W. Duncan, and I). K. Winters were 
elected November 3, 1868. Winters resigned Sep- 
tember 20, 1869. Henry Vaiisickle, Fred. Frevert 
and J. K. Winters were elected November 8, 1870; 
A. M. Taylor and A. B. Boles were elected November 
5, 1872; A. B. Boles and F. Frevert were elected 
November 3, 1874; L. S. Ezelland A. M. Taylor were 
elected November 7, 1876; David B. Park and W. H. 
H. Gary were elected November 5, 1878; Herman 
Sprinjimeyer and W . II. II. Gary were elected No- 
vember 2, 1880. 

PROBATE JUDGES. 

John S. Ghild was Probate Judge, residing and 
holding office in Genoa under the laws of Utah. 
Ghauncey N. Noteware was appointed by Governor 
Nye, December 14, 1861, and continued in office. 

DISTRICT ATTORNEYS. 

D. W. Virgin, elected Soi)teraber 2, 1863, resigned 
and A. T. Ilawley was appointed December 5, 1864, 
who resigned, and H. Doyle was appointed October 
1, 1866, and elected November 6, 1866; Moses Tebbs, 
was elected November 3, 1868, re-elected November 
8, 1870; George P. Harding, elected November 5, 
1872; D. W. Virgin, elected November 3, 1874; A. G. 
Pratt, elected November 7, 1876, re-elected Novem- 
ber 5, 187s ;Jno. H. Gradlebaugh was elected Novem- 
ber 2, 1880. 

COUNTY SHERIFFS. 

Geo. W. Brubakcr, elected January 14, 1862, re- 
elected .September 3, 1862; Jacob Moore, elected 
September 7. 1864; H. P. Burnham, elected Novem- 
ber 6, 1866 ; R. W. Bollen, elected November 3, 
1868, re-elected November 8, 1870 ; P. H. Roan, 
elected November 5, 1872, re-elected November 3, 
1874; H. P. Burnham, elected November 7, 1876; 
H. G. Grippin, elected November 5, 1878. J. F. 
Williams, appointed in place of Grippin, deceased; 
Williams, elected November 2, 1880. 

COUNTY CLERKS. 

Joel A. Harvey waselected January 14, 1862, and 
re-elected September 3, 1862, re-elected again Sep- 
tember 7, 1864; S. A. Kinsey, elected November 6, 
1866, re-elected November 3, 1868; Fred. Furth, 
elected Novembers, 1870; W. Swart, elected Novem- 
ber 5, 1872, and re-elected November 3, 1S74, re- 
elected again November 7, 1876; P. P. Wagstein, 
elected November 5, 1878, re-elected November 2, 
1880. 

COUNTY TREASURERS. 

Henry Vansickle, elected January 14, 1862 ; 
George H. Wilson, elected September 3, 1862, re- 
elected SejUember 7, 1864; Henry Vansickle, elected 
November 6, 1866 ; J. R. Johnson, elected No- 
vember 3, 1868 ; Noah Blossom, elected Novem- 



ber 8, 1870, re-elected, November 5, 1872; Peter 
Lightle, elected November 3, 1874; E. D. Black, 
elected November 7, 1876; A. Livingstone, elected 
November 5, 1878, and re-elected November 2, 1880. 

COUNTY ASSESSORS. 

J. R. Johnson was elected January 14, 1862; 
Robert Lyon, elected September 3, 1862; L. A. Scott, 
elected September 7, 1864; S. G. Ghase, elected 
November 6, 1866; B. B. Gary, elected November 
3, 1868; Joseph G. Lupton, elected November 8, 
1870, re-elected November 5, 1872, re-elected again 
November 3, 1874; R. (r. Montrose, elected Novem- 
ber 7, 1876, and re-elected November 5, 1878; Wm. 
W. Wyatt, elected November 2, 1880. 

COLLECTORS. 

H. P. Burnham, elected January 14, 1862; A. W. 
Wilson, elected September 3, 1862, and resigned 
December 1, 1862. C. N. Baker was appointed. 

COUNTY RECORDERS. 

B. Rush Horton, elected Januarj"^ 14, 1862; John H. 
Davis, elected September 3, 1862, and re-elected 
September 7, 1864, re-elected again November 6, 
1866; Robt. Lyon, elected November 3, 1868, re- 
elected November 8, 1870 ; Fred. Furth, elected 
November 5, 1872, re-elected November 3, 1874, re- 
elected again November 7, 1876; J. F. Longabaugh, 
elected November 5, 1878, re-elected November 2, 
1880. 

COUNTY SCHOOL SUPERINTENDENTS. 

J. G. Ogden was elected January 14, 1862, but did 
not qualify, and Gharles M. Tuttle was appointed 
April 8, 1862; C. Daggett, elected September 3, 1862, 
died, and A. T. Ilawley appointeti March 7, 1864; 
E. R. Gary, elected September 7, 1864 ; James Mc- 
Lean, elected November 6, 1866, re-elected Novem- 
ber 3, 1868. Resigned four days after the election; 
R. G. Dean appointed. A. M. Warnock, elected No- 
vember 8, 1870; G. B. Ilinkcl, elected November 5, 
1872; J. E. Johns, elected November 3, 1874; H. W. 
Smith, elected November 7, 1876 ; Koppel Rice, 
elected November 5, 1878; John F. Banning, elected 
November 2, 1880. 

COUNTY SURVEYORS. 

B. F. Hunt, elected Jaiuiarj- 14. 1862, re-elected 
September 3, 1862; Reed Bigler elected September 7, 
1864; office declared vacant September 4, 1865, and 
A. Lash appointed September 12, 1865, elected No- 
vember 6, 1866; L. S. Ezell, elected November 8, 
1870, re-elected November 5, 1872; G. P. Young, 
elected November 3, 1874, re-elected November 7, 
1876, re-elected again November 5, 1878; John Car- 
ney, oloetod November 2, 1880. 

PUBLIC AD.MINISTRATORS. 

J. R. Johnson, elected November 6, 1866 ; David 
Watty, elected November 3, 1868; Koppel Rice, 
elected November 8, 1870, re-elected November 5, 
1872; G. Slemmons, elected November 3, 1874, re- 
elected November 7, 1876; John Gardner, elected 



378 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



November 5, 1878; R. Raycroft, elected November 
2, 1880. 

HISTORICAL SKETCH OF GENOA. 

Genoa. Ibo countj- seat of Douglas County, is 
among the oldest settlements of Nevada. The locality 
first attracted the attention of some Mormons in 1848, 
who were eii route to the gold diggings in California 
from Salt Lake City, and during that and the succeed- 
ing years a few families settled here. Not until 1850, 
however, did it assume the title of Mormon Station, 
by which it was so well and widely known for many 
years afterwards. As a trading and recruiting place 
for the immense emigration which was then flocking 
toward California from the East, its situation was 
admirable, while its pastoral advantages were great, 
and the adaptability of the soil to the culture of grain 
and the hard}- vegetables had been proven. The site 
of Genoa is a pleasant one, on the west side of Carson 
Eiver, at the dehouihure of a small stream from the 
Sierra into the valley, and about midway between 
the northern and southern extremities of Carson 
Valley. The view from the town is pleasing to the 
eye. To the south, and immediately west, towering 
grandlj" to great heights rise the majestic peaks of 
the Sierra Nevada, while, spread out to tho east and 
north, are the dark green meadows and pastures of 
the Carson ValKy, with the willow-tringed stream 
meandering through it — presenting a picture of 
extreme beauty in front, and of rugged majesty 
behind. 

THE FIRST TRADERS. 

Principal among the Mormon settlersof Genoa was 
Col. John Ueese, after whom Reese River was subse- 
quently called, a man of robust energy and much 
enterprise. He started the first trading-post, and 
also fed the hungry emigrants for a consideration. 
But he did not stop at these. He put up a black- 
smith shop and shod their animals and repaired their 
wagons, and later erected a flouring and saw-mill. 

William Nixon, also a Mormon, came to Genoa in 
1856 from Salt Lake, bringing a stock of goods. 
Renting the "station" of Reese, he became the only 
merchant of the place for several years; but finally, 
like Reese, he supposed he had made money enough, 
and returned to Salt Lake, leaving as his successor 
in business a Mr. Child. Nixon built the small one- 
storj- house that now stands adjoining L. Prey's 
meat market. 

The next merchant to engage in business at Genoa 
was Mr. A. Klauber. who first came to the place in 

1858. He did not engage in business, however, until 

1859, when he built the house, which he used as 
a store, that now stands between the Court House 
and Odd Fellows Hall — a one-story frame structure, 
now belonging to M. Harris. V. Mandlebaum be- 
came associated with Klauber in 185!1, and the firm 
continued busiiiess under the name of Mandlebaum & 
Klauber. 

J. R. Johnson and S. Salmon, of the firm of Sal- 
mon & Johnson, were the next firm of merchants. 



They built of wood in 1860, and a brick store in 
1863, where Johnson and N. Blossom now do busi- 
ness. 

M. Harris came to Genoa in 1876, and first com- 
menced business there. He now keeps a general 
mercantile establishment under Masonic Hall, and 
is the owner of the lower story of Odd Fellows 
Hall and the old Klauber Building. He first came 
into Carson Valley in 1861. 

THE PIONEER HOTELS. 

After Colonel Reese, the first hotel was kept by a 
man named Merkly, who, after awhile, sold out to 
George AV. Brubaker, and he, in turn, disposed of 
the establishment to a man named Raycroft. Mr. 
Brubaker subsequentlj- erected the building in the 
north end of town known as Rice's Hotel. 

Thomas J. Singleton was a prominent hotel-keeper 
at Genoa in 1857, and so coTitinued to be a )iumber 
of years afterward. In 1857 he built a portion of 
the structure now known as the Nevada Hotel. 
The main ]iart was not added, however, until the 
summer of 1859. It was in this building where the 
unfortunate William J. Thorrington was tried and 
sentenced to death. 

In the earlj- p;irl of 1S60. the winter having been 
vcrj' mild in California, many people started from 
that State for the Comstock mines. About the time 
of arrival in Car^on Valley, in February and March, 
heavy storms came, and severe cold weatlier pre- 
vailed. Snow to the depth of nearly two feet cov- 
ered the ground for a month or more, cattle died off 
bj- hundreds, and those treasure- seekers who had 
come unprepared for such an emergency were thank- 
ful for any sort of shelter, or to submit to the most 
indifferent fare at high rates. All of the temporary 
houses — mostly of cloth — were crowded at the mines; 
Carson Cit}' was overflowing, and, therefore, man}' 
tarried at Genoa awaiting the coming of warmer 
weather. These causes combined to turn many hab- 
itations of the place into temporary hostelries, which 
were well filled, and the ]iropnetors well remun- 
erated, D. Sands, at this time, was a prominent 
landlord at Genoa. Among the transient hotel- 
keepers were a widow woman named Baldwin, and 
her son named White. The latter, several j-ears 
afterward, established a station at New Pass, on 
the Austin road, a few miles west of Jacobsville, and 
met a tragic fate — death by his own hand, after 
having killed his infant child. 

EARLY CONDITION OF GENOA. 

At the time of the discovery of silver, there had 
congregated in the immediate vicinity of Genoa 
about 200 ])cople, the most of whom had been 
attracted there by the agricultural and grazing 
advantages which the localitj- possessed. Several 
hundred people were engaged in gold mining to the 
southward at what was then called the Walker River, 
or Mono, mines, who, to a considerable extent, made 
Genoa their supplying point, Genoa also bad a 



HISTORY OF DOUGLAS COUNTY. 



379 



newspaper; it was connected with the outside world 
by a telegraph line, and the overland sitagea j)a8sed 
through. A grist and saw-mill were in 0]ieration. 
Two stores supplied the residents witli all neces- 
saries in the grocery and clothing lines, and it was 
the leading town of western Utah. Situated close 
to an abundant supply of ))ine timber, from which 
lumber, shingles, etc., could be clieajily manufactured, 
building was comparatively easy. During the im- 
mense emigration of former years it had been the 
favorite recruiting place for peo])lc tn route to Cali- 
fornia; and many here lingered for a few days or 
weeks to rest their cattle, and lay in stores prepar- 
atory to surmounting the last, then formidable, bar- 
rier — the Sierra Nevada Mountains — which barred 
the pathway to the Mecca of their weary ])ilgrimage 
from the far East; and it bid fair to become an 
important frontier town, which would be able to 
flourish upon its own natural resources. The dis- 
covery of the famous silver mine a few miles to the 
eastward of this prospective inland city, however, 
cfTectcd an entire change of circumstances, and, con- 
sequenil}-, a change of futuritj- awaited it — a differ- 
ent hi.-tory than that aniici])ated by its early resi- 
dents. 

GENO.A. OF THE PRESENT DAY. 

Although not the large and thriving town which 
the first settlers foresaw, Genoa cannot be robbed 
of its pleasant location. Job's Peak still lifts its 
loftj- ])innacle to the houthward more than G,()00 
feet above the town, sublimely grand and awful, ai:d 
the emerald-carpeted valley of the Carson yet re- 
poses in beauty at its feet. The little liamlet is busy, 
with no excess of population, and consecjuently there 
are no idlers nor tramps. There are forty-three 
dwelling-houses, large and small. Five hotels invite 
the traveler to a choice of transient homes, and 
each stands ready to replenish the inner man. These 
are the I{aycroft Exchange, Nevada Hotel, the 
Central. Jlicc's Hotel and the Italian House. Mrs. 
M. (iillman conducts the Nevada; and the Central, 
owned bj- J. C. Lufton, is kept by J. Banning. 

Of saloons, where but in a frontit^r town of equal 
po]iulation would one think of finding six? — the 
number in Genoa. This preponderance of drinking- 
places of itself indicates that the present residents 
are a social, jolly, bibulous class. There is one ])rint- 
ing office, two stores of general merchandise, two 
meat markets, two boot and shoe shops, three black- 
smith and wagon shops, one drug store, one bakery, 
two livery and feed stables, and two barber shops. 
And then come the comfortable school house, and 
Masonic and Odd Fellows Halls. 

THE COURT IIOl'SE HriI,l)IN(l. 

Genoa, being the shire town of Douglas County, 
also numbers among its architectural features a fi.io 
Court House. This building was erected in ISti"); is 
of brick, with iron doors and shutters, and intended 
to be fire-proof. It is of two stories — the ground 
story being twelve feet high in the clear, and the 



upper story, fourteen feet. The building is CGx.'iB 
feet. Lawrence Gilman and Eufus Adams were the 
constructing architects, and the contract price for 
building was 818,000, but it cost a trifle more than 
that sum. 

THE rUESENT POPULATION 

Numbers about 500, with an auxiliary population, 
upon the contiguous farms, of nearly the same num- 
ber. There are two daily lines of stages running 
from Genoa to Carson City, the cajiital of the State, 
furnishing s])eedy transit of mails and passengers to 
the iron road; thus placing the Genoese in swift 
communication with the outside world. 

A fire, which consumed six buildings south of 
Masonic Hall, occurred on the nineteenth of June, 
1873. The roof of the hall was also burned. The 
total loss was about 84.000, of which only 8500 was 
covered by insurance. A second fire occurred on the 
twenty-seventh of the same month, which destroj-ed 
a brewery. 

The Nevada and California Telegraph Company 
has its main office here. This is a private enterjirise, 
and was comjileted in September, 1878, in circuit 
with Vii-ginia, Gold Hill, Carson, Silver City, I'ayton, 
and £m])ire. It communicates direct with the 
Mountain House and Aurora, in this State, and with 
Colville, Briilgeporl and liodie, California. Length 
of line 112 miles. It works direct with Virginia 
on San Francisco business, messages being repeated 
from Virginia. 

The Genoa Flume and Lumber Companj-'s V 
flume terminates here, discharging the wood, which 
is cut high up in the mountains, into the Carson 
River, whence it is floated to the mills at Empire, or 
taken from the stream above that place, and hauled 
to Carson City. 

ONE OF THE USUAL EPISODES. 

In the fall of 1S58, Genoa was the scene of one of 
those unfortunate cjiisodes too common in newly 
settled communities of the American frontier. Colonel 
Reese, being the oldest settler of the place had, by 
virtue of his prioritj- of arrival, laid claim to largo 
tracts of grazing and haj' lands along the Carson 
River fronting the town. John K. Trumbo, whilom 
of Salt Lake Citj-, where ho exhorted the saints, and 
in later j-ears in ]iersuasivo strains extolled the worth 
of old wagons, harness, saddles, and the fine points 
of both broncho and emigrant iiorses and mules, as 
an auctioneer at the old Horse Market, at the corner 
of Sixth and K Streets, Sacramento City, California, 
was Reese's son-in-law, and had left Calil'ornia and 
removed to Genoa. People were coming into the 
now settlement (piite ra])idly. many of tluni desired 
land, and thinking that the first-comers had no par- 
ticular right to monopolize the entire public domain, 
began to crowd upon their claims. Among the most 
enterprising of the latter was Warren Wasson, who, 
after becoming familiar with the situation, squatted 
upon a land claim and began to fence it in. It so 
happened that the particular tract which Wasson 



380 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



coveted was claimed by Reese, or members of bis 
family, and Trumbo undertook to dispossess him. 

As Wasson was one day hauling lumber upon the 
land for fencing purposes, he found himself con- 
fronted by Trumbo, armed, and a young son of 
Reese, some sixteen or seventeen years old. Trumbo 
had doubtless gone there more "for a bluff" than 
for any desperate business, probably expecting that 
a show of arms would deter the energetic settler 
from further attempts to occupj- the land. But 
Trumbo, if he had so supposed, reckoned without 
his host. His adversary was not the sort of a 
man to be frightened off, and after some threat- 
ening talk, pro and ro7i., Trumbo, seeing that he 
could not well back out without being charged 
with cowardice, opened his batteries upon Wasson 
— firing at him several times without effect. The 
latter had in- his belt a Colt's navy revolver. Un- 
limbering this weapon he brought it to bear upon 
his assailant, took deliberate aim, notwithstanding 
the fusilade of Trumbo, and, firing, placed the lat- 
ter hors du combat with a shattei-ed thigh. By 
this time young Reese, who had all the while 
watched the fray, finding the battle had not gone 
his waj-, essayed to try his prentice hand, and 
came running up to Wasson, who was not notic- 
ing him, presented a pistol of ancient form and 
fired full in the hitter's face. But the pistol, onlj- 
having been loaded with shot, did no further dam- 
age than to fill Wasson 's face with leaden pellets, for- 
tunately none of which touched his eyes. Wasson, 
though having five shots left, magnanimously re- 
frained from shooting the boy, and turning his 
attention to assisting the prostrate Trumbo, placed 
him on his wagon and conveyed him to his home, 
where he lingered many months between life and 
death, but finally recovered, though lamed for life. 
Public sentiment attached no blame to Wasson, 
nor did Trumbo bear him malice afterwards. All 
of the participants in this little affair are yet living. 

E.MU.Y SETTl.E.ME.NT OF GLENBROOK. 

Glcnbrook is located in a beautiful cove on the 
shore of Ijake Taboo, and is the great lumber man- 
ufacturing town of the State of Nevada. The site 
of Glenbrook was first claimed and squatted upon 
in the Spring of 1860, by G. W. Warren, N. E. Mur- 
dock and R. Walton. 

In 1861 Capt. A. W. Pray erected a saw-mill, which 
was lor several j'cars run by water, conducted 
through flume and ditch for more than half a mile, 
but the constantly increasing demand for lumber, 
and a lack of water in the dry portion of the year, 
compelled him to abandon that motor-and resort to 
steam. This he did in 1864, the newlj' modeled mill 
costing 820,000. These were the first mills built 
upon the soil of Nevada, at Lake Tahoo, though one 
had been constructed in Lake Valley, California, in 
1860, now known as Woodburn's ..Mill. At the 
beginning of the enterprise Captain Pray had part- 
ners, but he eventuallj' bought out their interests, 



and in 1862 also purchased the possessory title of 
the original locators — Warren, Murdock and Wal- 
ton — at a cost of about S9,000. The old pioneer mill 
is 3^et standing. With far-seeing saga'-ity Captain 
Praj- secured from the Government a title to 1,000 
acres of land — locatingit with Sioux scrip. A portion 
of this land was heavily timbered, while some was 
excellent for grain, hay and vegetables. 

PRODUCTIVENESS OF THE SOIL. 

The productiveness of the soil upon the lake shore 
is somewhat wonderful, considering the rigorous 
winters and ils high altitude. But the soil, being 
the fine debris from abraded granite, very soon 
warms up under the influence of the summer sun 
after the disappearance of the snow. Captain Pray 
has several hundred acres under cultivation, and it 
is no uncommon thing to cut four tons of timothj' 
and clover hay to the acre, while three tons are a 
certainty. The hay land is not irrigated. The aver- 
age of the wild hay crop, or indigenous grasses, is 
about one and one-half tons per acre. Wheat and 
barley grow pi-ofusely, and Captain Pray's crop was 
so large one season that he brought in a reaper to 
harvest it. He thinks he has harvested some crops 
that have j-ielded sixty bushelsof wheat to the acre, 
and there have been instances where oats have been 
measured that stood seven feet and eight inches high. 
Ilaj', baled for the use of logging teams, sells at 
Glenbrook at twenty-five to thirty dollars per ton. 

Friday's station and the new road. 

In 1860 J. W. Small and M. K. Burke located the 
place a few miles above Glenbrook, upon the Placer- 
ville road, and built the hou.se which has over since 
been known as " P'riday's " Station. This is about 
three-fourths of a mile inside of the Nevada State 
line, and Mr. Small still lives there. At that time 
all the travel, which was becoming very great, 
entered Carson Valley princi])ally bj' the way of the 
Kingsbuiy (Jrade. In 1862 a now route was con- 
templated from Friday's Station to Carson City, fol- 
lowing the lake shore for some distance, and then 
diverging into the bead of King's Cafion, and enter- 
ing Eagle Valley at the Capital City. This road was 
called the Lake Bigler Toll road, was of easy grade 
for a mountain thoroughfare, somewhat shortened 
the distance to the great mining center, and was 
completed in 1863. 

FIRST hotel at OLENBROOK. 

The now road diverted much of the travel, and, 
consequentlj', eligible sites for public houses were 
sought along its lino, and buildings for this pur- 
pose erected. Of these there were none more suit- 
able nor pleasant than the little cove upon which 
Pray's mill was located, and the same year that the 
road was finished, 1863, Winters &. C'olbath erected 
the large structure which has since been known as 
the (ilenbrook Hotel. This property now belongs to 
Yerington & Bliss. 





'.^'^' 








/ 



M?? A.F. ORESSLER 



A.F.DRESSLER. 



•v.: -i -.y 'r ._.-.; Aijf't'. 



.,»^ ■ 




Kesioence ^''' Home Ranch »• A.F. Dressler. 

SHERIDAN, DOUGLAS d NEVADA 



HISTORY OF DOUGLAS COUNTY. 



381 



MORE MILLS AT OLENBROOK. 

Lumber was at this time in good demand, and a 
common article readil_v commanded twenty-tive dol- 
lars per thousand, and clear, forty five dollars. No one 
l>orson could be expected to long maintain the exclu- 
sive mono))oly of its manufacture, and the Pray Mill 
was followed by one erected by J. H. F. Gott' and 
George .Morrill in the north part of the town. This 
did a good business until it was dostroj-od by fire. 
The site and remaining plant were then sold to A. H. 
Davis iV Son, who built the Davis Mill, which event- 
ually passed into the possession of Weils, Fargo & Co., 
and'is still retained bj- that firm. 

In 18T:i the firm of Yerington i*c Bliss began the 
lumber manufacturing business at Glenbrook, and 
have since that time been among the heaviest dealers 
in the Pacific Coast iStates. They have connected 
the timber belt of the entire valley of Lake Tahoe, 
as well as the surrounding mountains sloping toward 
it, by rail and V flume with the trans-mountain val- 
leys and great consuming points of the interior. 
During the year 1873, at the time that firm began 
operations, the lumber product of Douglas County 
was only 906,000 feet. This rose in 1875 to 21,700,000 
feel, but with the enormous consumption of timber 
it had fallen in 1880 to 12,000,000 feet. 

FIRST STORE AT ULENBROOK. 

The lumbering, dairy and other interests, which 
were springing up all around the lake, 'soon attracted 
quite a population sgid created the necessity of estab- 
lishing a trading-post at a point best located for a'gen- 
eral distributing depot. Glenbrook was selected as the 
most available spot, and in 1874 J. A. Rigby and A. 
Childers built the first store, and offered for sale the 
first stock of goods there. The building was built 
over the water, and sot on piles in front of the 
present hotel. Tiiis may in some degree account 
for the mj'stcrious disappearance of Mr. Childers, 
who came up missing one morning, and was never 
heard of more. It is surmised that ho maj' have 
accidentally stepped oft' into the water and been 
drowned, as from this peculiar sheet of water the 
body of not a single person drowned therein has 
ever yet been taken. After the disappearance of 
his partner, Mr. Rigby admitted into the business 
VV. T. and S. C. Davis, and the firm name was then 
changed to Davis Co. & Bro. In January, 1877, 
the building was burned, and the same year Cap- 
tain Praj- built the present handsome two-storj' 
structure, .'50x62 ieet, the corner part of which is 
now occupied as a store by J. .M. Short, and the upper 
story as a hall. 

THE VII.LAOE OF GLENBROOK. 

Besides the Glenbrook Hotel, in the spring of 1876, 
Captain Praj' converted his planing-mill. which had 
been used in conjunction with his sawmill, into a 
hotel, which he christened the Lake Shore IIou.sc. 
There are also several boarding-houses in the village. 

Glenbrook supports two saloons, both being con- 

48 



ducted by the same firm, however, B. Greenhood and 
Levi Knowles. The first saloon in the place was 
opened by Rico & Comstock, in 1877, in John Toll's 
building. 

There are at (rlenbrook thirty cottages, onesaw-mill, 
one hotel, one store, one saloon, one livery stable and 
one meat market . all under one ownership, that of Capt. 
A. W. Pra}'. These rent as follows: Cottages, from 
five to ten dollars per month; the store for 81,072 
a year; livery stable, twenty-five dollars per month; 
meat market, fifty dollars, and the hotel for seventy- 
five dollars a month. 

The cottages are principally rented to the em- 
ployos'of the mills, those engaged ujjon the railroad 
and flumes, and the wood-choppers, with their 
families. An occasional tourist stays here for two 
or three of the hottest months of the year, and there 
are quite a number of transient pleasure-seekers 
passing through from stage to boat, but onlj- a few 
who are not regularly engaged in business tarry 
long. 

THE SHAKSPEARIAN ROCK. 

A singular illusion is presented to the observer 
from Glenbrook — the profile of a man reclining, with 
face upturned, appears at the apex of a mountain 
peak. From a fancied resemblance to the greatest 
of all poets, it is called Shakspeare Rock. It was 
first noticed in 1862 by the wife of Rev. J. A. Benton, 
of California, who was at that time sketching the 
mountains. 

A MO.ST DEPLORABLE AFFAIR. 

Near Shakspeare Rock is a cavern, the entrance to 
which is ten feet high and twentj- wide, upon going 
through which to the north the cavern is reached, 
being about twenty feet wide, seventy-five feet long, 
and about fifty feet high to the roof. To reach this, 
ropes are required, and great caution must be 
observed lest by a false movement the explorer bo 
plunged into the yawning chasm below. It was to 
view this place that a gay party of young people 
from Carson City left the village of (tlenbrook on 
the ninth of September, 1877. The party were .Miss 
Carrie Rice, Miss Vade Phillips, Miss Esther Moody, 
Frank Williams, William Clark, and William Cramer, 
the latter being Miss Rice's escort. Upon reaching a 
precipitous point overlooking the cavern, where the 
surface presented but a smooth, solid granite front, 
and where the entire parly should have paused, 
these two young people, Mr. Cramer and Miss Rico, 
clasped hands, and ihoughtlcfsly started down the 
iiidineil plane leading to the chasm, thinking they 
could stop upon its brink. Swiftly they shot down 
toward the fateful precipice, and when too late, 
essaj-od to chock their furious progress. Both fell 
down. Miss Rice went over the precipice, and 
when aid was procured was found Ij'ing about ten 
yards from the mouth of the cavern, breathing, but 
unconsc'ous. She died in an hour. Her escort fort- 
unately succeeiled in grasping something to which 
he held, and was rescued. 



382 



HISTORY OF. THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



RAFTING LOOS ACROSS LAKE TAHOE. 

Ab the forests in the immediate vicinity of Glen- 
brook were denuded of timber, the millers were com- 
pelled either to suspend Operations or draw upon 
some other source for a supply of logs. On the 
western shore of Lake Tahoe, in California, were 
virgin forests of immense trees, extending from the 
water's edge, upon the sloping foot-hills, to the deep 
snow line on the mountain sides; and human inge- 
nuity sought and soon adopted methods to render this 
large reserve available^ Steamers were brought into 
requisition; the trees were felled, cut into suitable 
lengths, hauled upon trucks drawn by oxen and 
rolled into the water. The logs are then, confined 
in " booms," consisting of a number of long, slim 
spars fastened together at the ends with chains, 
which completely encircle a " raft " of logs arranged 
in the form of a V — some of these rafts containing 
timber enough to make 250.000 or 800,000 feet of 
lumber. In this condition they are -attached to the 
steamer with a strong cable, and towed to the mills 
at Glenbrook, which, being built immediately upon 
the lake shore, are so arranged that the. logs can be 
hauled by machinery upon the ways to the saM' 
carriage as required. 

A number of small steamers are employed for this 
purpose; and the noble forests that once were the 
pride and beauty of the western shore of Lake 
Tahoe are fast disappearing before the destructive 
ax of the woodmen, and they, too, will soon be a 
thing of the past. The principal vessel used at this 
time for towing logs is an iron tug called the Meteor. 
This boat was built at Wilmington, Delaware, bj- 
Harlan, Holling.sworlh & Co.; after having been put 
together it was taken down, shipped by rail to Car- 
son City, and then hauled to Lake Tahoe by teams. 
This was in 1876. The Meteor is a propeller, eighty 
feet long and ten feet beam, and will run twenty 
miles an hour under a pressure of KiJ pounds of 
steam. This vessel cost 818,000, and when not en- 
gaged in towing logs, is frequently seen making the 
tour of the lake with sonie^distinguishod personage 
on board. 

THE VII.LAOE OF SHERIDAN. 

Sheridan is a small village situated eight miles 
south of Genoa. The princi])al business houses are, 
one store of general merchandise, two hotels, post- 
office, a saloon and a blacksmith and wagon shop. 
The surrounding county is well ailapted to grazing, 
and several dairymen have settled there. Among 
these is Harrison Hurry, who milks over 100 cows, 
and makes a large quantity of butter. 

MEDICINAL SPRINGS OF THE COUNTY. 

Near Henry Vansicklo's, at the base of the mount- 
ain spurs which jut into the valley from the west, 
two miles south of Genoa, are some largo thermal 
springs, now known as Wallej^'s Hot Springs. Here 
is a large hotel building containing fortj- rooms, with 
bath-houses adjoining. There are eighty acres of 



land belonging to the property, and the improve, 
ments were made at a cost of §100,000. These springs 
have a great reputation for the cure of rheumatic 
and scrofulous affections, and have become a noted 
place of resort. The location is extremely pleasant, 
the scenery grand, and the climate in summer invig- 
orating and healthful. 

Upon the land of Captain Pray, near Glenbrook, 
on Lake Tahoe, there is a mineral spring, the cura- 
tive properties of whose waters in certain complaints 
is highlj- lauded. Iron seems to enter largely into 
its composition. 

JOHN gUlNCV ADAMS, , 

Son of Elias and Belinda Adams, was born May 15, 
\Kii, near Columbus, Adams County, Illinois. His 
father was one of the first settlers in Adams Count}\ 
and from whom the county derived its name. In 
early life the subject of this sketch learned the brick 
makers' trade, and for many years followed that 
business in connection with his farm duties. In 
May, 1850, he, in company with his father, emi- 
grated to Utah, and was engaged in farming and 
stock-raising until the first of June, 1853, at which 
time he came to Carson Valley, and located on the 
ranch now owned by Joseph Jones, and has since 
resided in this valley. In connection with his 
brother, under the firm name of R. and J. Q 
Adams, was engaged in the same occupation as in 
Utah. After a time they sold one-half of the 
ranch and built the fine brick residence in which Mr. 
Adams now lives, and for alfout five years kept 
a hotel. He says "those were the happiest days of 
my life," everything brought almost fabulous prices; 
hay was worth from forty to eighty dollars per 
ton; barley half a dollar a pound, etc. Going back 
to his former business he made the brick used in the 
construction of the United States Branch Mint, at 
Carson Citj-, also for the Court House at (ienoa. 
Mr. Adams was married to Miss lillen Dolan, daugh- 
ter of Patrick and Mar}' (Welch) Dolan, October 1, 
18(56. By this union there are three children, all 
living. The following are their names and date of 
birth: Mary Lydia, July 18, 1867 ; John Elias, De- 
cember 24, 1868; William T^ufus, November 16, 1871. 
In politics, Mr. Adams is a Republican, but takes no 
active part therein. His ranch is under a good state 
of cultivation, and well adapted to the growing of 
all kinds of grain, vegetables and hay. A view of 
the ranch, in connection with portraits, will be found 
elsewhere. 

JOHN S. CHILD 

Was born in Derby. Orleans County, Vermont, on 
the first of September, 1825, where he lived until 
twenty-one years of age, when he went to Massachu- 
setts, and resided until he came to the Pacific Coast 
in 1852. On the fifth of April of the last-named year, 
ho sailed from New York for the Pacific Coast on 
the slii]) Xorllfrn Liijlil. the first trij) made bj' that 
boat, and came by the Nicaragua route. His first 
experience in California, was in the mines at Placer- 



HISTORY OF DOUGLAS COUNTY. 



883 



ville, Kl Dorado County, where he spent between two 
and three years. In Julj", 1854, he came to Carson 
Valley, Nevada, where he has since resided. During 
the first four j-ears in this place he was eiii;ai;ed in 
merchandising;, and sinj'c then has given his atten- 
tion to stock-raising. In 1858 ho received the 
api>ointmont of Probate Judge, of Carson County, 
and held the office until the creation of Nevada Ter- 
ritory. This office was not sought by him and ho has 
never known to whom he was indebted for the appoint- 
ment. After the organization of Douglas County, he 
was appointed County Commissioner, and in 1870 
waselected a member of the Assembl}-. In 1859 ho 
was married to iliss A. E. Lufkin, of Placervillo, Cal- 
ifornia, who departed this life in Kebruarj', 1873. 
He was again married in February, 1874, to Miss 
Eveline A. Gilbert, of Carson City, Nevada, a native 
of Cato, Cayuga Countj', N'ew York, born January 
14, 1826, and came to California in 1852, where she 
lived until 1861, when she came to Carson City, 
Nevada. Portraits of Mr. and Mrs. Child are pro- 
duced elsewhere in this book. 

AUGUSTUS F. DRESSLER, 

Son of Christian and Maria Dressier, was born in 
Mulhausen, Germany, on the twenty-ninth of May, 
1831. He learned the trade of dj-eing and printing 
caTico in his boyhood, and followed that business 
until he came to America. Leaving his native coun- 
try on the seventh of March, 1851, he arrived in New 
York on the second of Ma}', same year. He expe- 
rienced many difficulties upon landing in llio I'nited 
States from being unable to speak the English lan- 
guage. His first situation in his adopted countrj- 
was with a farmer on Long Island, where he worked 
two years, and afterward moved to Minnesota, fifty 
miles north of St. Paul, to the town of Montieello, 
and entered the employ of Geo. M. Botram, for whom 
he worked seven years. In 1860 Mr. Dressier started 
for California, with three wagons drawn by oxen, 
and arrived in Carson Valley, Nevada, in the fall of 
the same year, being six months fn making the trip. 
Hearing that times were dull in the country he had 
started for, he concluded to remain in Carson Valley, 
and soon found emploj-ment. In 18(>3 he purchased 
a ranch on the west fork of the Carson Kiver and 
settled down to improve the same. In 1875 he 
bought a ranch in Sheridan, and has since resided 
there. In 18(16 he was married to Augusta Wil- 
helmina J)ietz, daughter of Christian F. and Chris- 
tina Diet/., natives of Morseh. Mrs, Dressier was 
born in Krfust, in Germany. Their union has been 
blessed with five children, the following being their 
names and date of birth: Maria F., July IS, 18(i8; 
L. Adolphc, December 26. 1869; VVilhelm F., March 
9,1871; Rosalie, April 11, 1873; Clara A., July 18, 
1875. Christian F'ritz. a son of Mrs. Dressier by a 
former marriage, is recognized as one ol" this family, 
and is a bright, active boy of seventeen years. 

In politics Mr. Dressier is a staunch Kejiublican; 
in religion, a Protestant. A view ol' Mr. Drossler's 



residence, in connection with portraits, will be found 
elsewhere. 

nON. J. W. IIAINES 

Was born in Stanstcad. Lower Canada, August 17, 
1826. His parents were Americans, formerly citizens 
of the State of Vermont. In the year 1832 his fam- 
ilj- emigrated to the wilds of Ohio, where he worked 
upon a farm until 1843, when he changed his occu- 
pation, and from that time until 1849 sailed upon the 
lakes, between Buft'alo, New York, and Chicago, Illi- 
nois, During the summer of '49 he crossed the 
plains to California, in charge of the " Ohio train," 
as Captain, arriving in Placervillo, El Dorado County, 
July 31st. There were fifty-six men in this company. 
Upon their arrival in California, the company went 
up the Sacramento River in a boat called the AUedo. 
The hardships of this trip discounted those of the 
trip across the plains, and lasted from August until 
December. In the spring of 1850, Mr. Haines 
entered the mercantile business in Sacramento City, 
under the firm name of Haines, Lyon & Co., which 
was changed to Haines, Webster & Co. in 1853. In 
the spring of 1855 we find our subject Marshal of 
Sacramento City, and in 1859 he came to Nevada 
with a band of sheep for the Virginia City mai-ket. 
While on his trip across the mountains he encoun- 
tered a snow-storm which held him a prisoner, in 
Lake Valley, for eleven days. At the end of that 
time his stock had become reduced in such manner 
as to be unfit for market, and he was obliged to 
drive them to the sink of the Carson to winter. In 
1863 he located permanently in Douglas County, 
then the Territory of Nevada, with his famil}-. Mr. 
Haines was a member of the first Constitutional 
Convention, and has represented the people in the 
State Senate, was also an elector for Grant at the 
his first and second elections. A view of Mr. 
Haines' residence will be found in another part of this 
volume. 

DAVID R. JONES, 

The suliject of this sketch, is fully entitled to the 
rank of pioneer, he being one of the earliest settlers 
in this State. He was born in Wales, in 1830, and 
came to the United States when quite young; settled 
first in the State of Wisconsin, and in 1853 came to 
the Pacific Coast, and has since lived in what is now 
Douglas County. Mr. Jones is well known through- 
out the section of country in which he resides, is a 
man of high moral character, strictly honest in his 
dealings with both (ioii and man, and has for the 
I ])ast ten years promulgated the word of tiod in the 
cliurch of the " Latter Day Saints." Much credit is 
due to Mr, Jones for the masterlj- manner in which 
he has overcome the many obstacles that beset the 
paths of the early settlers in a country like this. 
Surrounded on all sides bj- unseen dangers, he has 
lived to see his family giow up, an honor to their 
parents, and a blessing to the land in which they 
live. In politics ho is a staunch Kepublican. A view 
of Mr. Jones' home is to bo found in this volume. 



384 



HISTORY OB' THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



CHAPTER XLIII. 
HISTORY OF ELKO COUNTY. 

Agriculture and Mining — Organization and Boundaries — Mau- 
agement of County Affairs — Appointments and Klections — 
Elko Grange No. U — Valleysoftlie County — F. Honeyman— 
John C. ^A■ood— Col. J. B. Moore— William Myers— W. T. 
Crane — I'rincipal Mining Districts— Mineral Soap Mine — 
Principal Towiis and Cities — Henry Martin (Irant — Hon. J. 
B. ToUey— Fort Halleck. 

The county occupies the northeastern portion of 
the State, and contains a larger area of land adapted 
to cultivation and stock-raising than anj- other sec- 
tion within its boundaries. There are numerous 
streams wending their way tlirough the elongated 
vallcj's that lie between the chains of mountains 
which travei'se the county generally from north to 
south. These streams being fed by numerous springs, 
produce an abundance of water, for this section, 
when compared with some other portions of the 
•■• Great American Basin," of which it forms a part. 
The mountains, slopes and plateaus are covered with 
nutritious grasses that afford excellent pasturage for 
the vast herds of cattle, which fatten there for a 
foreign market. 

Grains and vegetables of all kinds are grown in 
abundance wherever water can be brought upon the 
land, and thousands of acres, that have been con- 
sidered fit only for the homes of the coyote and hare, 
are now bearing the necessaries of life in quantities 
unequaled in the history of agriculture. Though 
no part of the State of Nevada is probably better 
supplied with living streams of pure water than that 
which comprises Elko County, artificial means for 
procuring a larger supply must be resorted to before 
the thousands of acres of land within its boundaries 
can be reclaimed and made to contribute to the agri- 
cultural products of this county. 

In nearly every part there is to be found an abun- 
dance of game of diftcrent varieties, while the streams 
are bountifully supplied with the finny creatures, 
making this a sportsman's paradise. 

Here grazing and agriculture claim the su])romacy 
over the mining interest. The well-waterud valleys 
and the snow-gathering hills of this elevated region 
bring forth abundant forage u]ion which many 
thousands of animals fatten throughout the year, and 
the nutritious herbage, the purity of the water and 
rarity of the atmosphere produce a superior and 
healthier class of stock than is possible in most 
other localities. This superiority has been most 
observable in the beef and mutton and the products 
of the dairy, but may bo looked for in amort^ marked 
degree when attention is ])aid to the ecjuine race. 
The rugged hills, the invigorating climate and other 
conditions, are such as to invite the breeders of racers 
of jjurest blood with assurance of lungs and muscle 
that no other land can equal. The agricultural con- 
dition and progress of the valleys of i'illko are given 
in detail in this chapter, as well as the descriptions 
of the mining districts. The right for agriculture to 
claim the precedence will bo disputed by the miner. 



The miners of the county have produced a vast 
amount of bullion in the past, and their future is 
bright and hopeful. Gold and silver have been the 
metals most sought, but copper and lead exist in 
great abundance. In the elevated plateau of the 
north, particularly in the districts of Tusearora, Corn- 
ucopia, Golconda and Bull Run, and the placers of 
Independence, McCau's and other streams, the first 
are mined, while in the southeast are rich veins of 
copper, and in the southwest are found argentiferous 
galena and carbonate ores of great value. With 
such resources, a soil of perpetual wealth on the 
surface and mines of the precious and useful metals 
beneath, Elko may claim supremacy among the coun- 
ties of Nevada. 

0R0.\NIZATI0N A.ND B0UND.A.RIES. 

By an Act approved March, 5 18G9, Elko County 
was ci'eated out of Lander County, and its bound- 
aries were established as follows: — 

It shall lie east of a line drawn north and south 
through a point on the Central Pacific Railroad 
track, three miles west of the machine shop of the 
Central Pacific Railroad Company, situated in the 
town of Carlin: and north of a line drawn east and 
west through the most northerly part or portion of 
the military post or camp known as Cam]) Ruby, the 
latter described line being the northerly- line of the 
proposed county of White Pine. 

By an Act approved .March 1, 1871, all that ])art 
of Lander lying between the forty-first and forty- 
second parallels of latitude, constituting the northern 
portion of Lander, was added to Elko. The cession 
included about 2,772 square miles. 

On February 16, 1875, an Act was passed over the 
Governor's veto, ceding to Eureka a triangular strip 
or piece from the southwest corner of Elko (,'ounty, 
which included within its limits the mining district 
of Galena. 

MANAOEiMENT OF COUNTY AFFAIRS. 

The creative Act made Elko the county seat, and 
provided that there should be no election until there 
were a thousand voters in the county. The first 
Commissioners, who had been appointed by the 
Governor, took the nocessarj- steps to ascertain the 
number of voters; and at their first meeting estab- 
lished nine voting precincts. Registers were ap- 
pointed to take the number of voters, and May 31, 
1800, they reported the total number to bo 1,097. 

The Board thereupon appointed June 21, 18G9, as 
the day of election, fixed the polling-places, and 
named the inspectors of election. There wore 478 
votes cast at the first election. The names of the 
successful candidates at this election will be found in 
the list of county officers apjiointed and elected. 
The Central Pacific Railroad ("ompany jn-osented 
the county with a block of land upon which to 
erect proper county buildings. 

The Board of Commissioners acceiUed the gift 
and proceeded to build a Court House and County 
Jail and make such other public improvements as 






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HISTORY OF ELKU COUNTY. 



885 



were deemed essential to the dij^nity and honor of 
the people of a newlj* organized and rapidly grow- 
ing county. 

The Legislatuic passed a law creating a State 
University, and left the location of it ojjcn to the 
competition of the various counties of the State. 
Elko was noted as "the railroad town" of the State, 
and her people were anxious to make it famous as 
the seat of learning as well. They therefore made 
liberal propositions. They offered to donate the 
land and erect the buildings and make them a free 
gift to the State. This offer was accepted b}' the 
State, and the county expended §20.000 to secure 
the State University'. J5onds, bearing high rates of 
interest, were issued to pay for the buildings. Scrip 
was issued to pay current expenses and over-due 
interest, until, in less than four years after the or- 
ganization, the county debt had reached the enor- 
mous sum of SI 12,470, while the entire population 
was less than 3,000. But the steady increase of 
population and the factthat Elko is specially adapted 
to grazing and farming, has enabled the county, by 
strict econom3- and good management in later j'ears, 
to pay current expenses and reduce the debt of the 
county to less than 800,000. The population is now 
nearlj' 6,000, and the affairs of the county are in a 
healthy and prosperous condition. 

For a more perfect knowledge of the products ol 
the county, the number of acres under cultivation, 
and the stock raised and maintained, reference may 
be had to the tables on pages 135, 130, 139 and 140 
of the general history of the State. For the bullion 
product see table in the later pages of this work. 

APPOINT.MENTS AND ELECTIONS. 

In the following list will be found the names of all 
the county officers, with the date of appointment or 
election, from the organization of the county to the 
present time: — 

SENATORS. 

J. B. Moore, elected November 8, 1870; Cj. II. 
Shepherd and G. Cohn, elected November 3, 1874; T. 
N. Stone, elected November 7, 1876; G. H. Shepherd, 
elected November 5, 1878; J. B. Tolloy, elected 
November 2, 1880. 

ASSEMBI.V.MEN. 

J. A. Savage and J. \V. Ellyson, elected November 
8, 1870; H. C. Street and J. A. Savage, elected 
• November 5, 1872; J. C. Dow, H. II. Peyton, E. Pen- 
rod, and F. J. Franks, elected November 3, 1S74; G. 
Griswo'd, J. B. Tolley, and J. H. Moore, elected 
November 7, lS7t>; J. S. Mayhugh, B. L. Pliimmer, 
and S. M. Beard, elected November 5, ls7H; J. Z. 
Kelly, O. H. Ballinger, and James McBurney, elected 
November 2, 1880. 

COUNTY COM.MISSIONEUS. 

John Wa88on,M. P. Freeman, and Sol Lewis were 
appointed County Commissioners by the Executive, 
March, 1869. Wasson resigned April 29, 1869. John 
W. Epley, and \V. M. Gillispie were sworn in aa the 



successors of the first Board, May 10, 18G9; Len. 
Wines, J. Pierson, and J. II.Leffingwell were elected 
June 21, 1869; D. C. Butterfield, S. S. Sears, aad J. 
Marks, elected November 8, 1870. Butterfield 
resigned September 4, 1871, and T. B. Henley 
appointed to fill vacancy. A. W. Gedney was 
appointed in 1872. in place of J. Marks. George 
Seitz, G. B. Able, and A. J. Smith, elected November 
5, 1872; A. Wiseman and John Hunter, elected 
November 3, 1874; Thomas Holmes and F. E. 
Hughes, elected November 7, 1876. Hughes became 
non-resident, and his office was declared vacant, 
July, 1878. S. S. Sears and R. M. Conley, elected 
November 5, 1878; F. Honeyman and J. J. Camp- 
bell, elected November 2, 1880. 

H. P. Lathro]), M. D., was elected Coroner June 
21, 1869. 

nrSTIUCT ATTOUNEVS. 

Wm. M. (iillispie, elected June 21, 1869; J. H. 
Lucas, elected November 8, 1870; J. H. Rand, elected 
November 5, 1872; II. C. Street, elected November 
3, 1874, re-elected November 7, 1876; J. W. Horsey, 
elected November 5, 1878; G. A. Kingston, elected 
November 2, 1880. 

COUNTY SHERIFFS. 

J. B. Fitch, elected June 21, 1869, re-elected No- 
vember 8, 1870; resigned October 8, 1872, and W. G. 
Craighead, appointed to fill vacancy. H. H. Scott, 
elected November 5, 1872; H. W. Brown, elected 
November 3, 1874, E. L. Seitz, elected November 7, 
1876; J. B. Fitch, elected November 5, 1878, re- 
elected November 2, 1880. 

COUNTY CLERKS. 

J. W. Stainbum was appointed County Clerk April 
3, 1869; Thomas A. Waterman, elected June 21, 
1869; H. H. Scott, elected November 8, 1870; 0. E. 
Green, elected Novembers, 1872, re-elected Novem- 
ber 3, 1874, re-elected November 7, 1876, re-elected, 
November 5, 1878; A. G. Dawlej', elected November 
2, 1880. 

COIJNTY TREASURERS. 

M. P. Freeman, elected June 21, 1869; G. H. Shep- 
herd, elected November 8, 1870; M. P. Freeman, 
elected November 5, 1872, re-elected November 3. 
1874; J. 11. Bradley, elected November 7, 1876; H. 
M. Grant, elected November 5, 1878 ; Thomas Gib- 
lin, elected November 2, 1880. 

COUNTY ASSESSORS. 

William G. Seamands, elected June 21, 1869; H. 
A. Ilarville, elected November 8, 1870. re-elected 
November 5, 1872; E. II. (Jriswold, elected Novem- 
ber 3, 1874, re-elected November 7, 1876; H. V. 
Mundell, elected November 5, 1878, re-elected No- 
vember 2, 1880. 

COUNTV RECIIRDEUS. 

U.T. llaflord, elected June 21. 1869; F. A. Rogers, 
elected November 8, 1870, re-elected November 5, 
1872, re-elected November 3, 1874, re-elected No- 
vember 7, 1876; S. M. Henley, elected November 5, 
1878, re-elected November 2, 1880. 



386 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



COUNTY SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS. 

Dr. M. V. Hudson, elected June 21, 1869 ; A. 
Kinkead, elected November S. 1870; resigned May 
H, 1872, and T. B. Henley appointed to fill vacancj-. 
T. B. Henley, elected November 5, 1872; E. S. Yeates, 
elected November 3, 1874; 8. S. Sears, elected No- 
vember 7, 1876; T. W. Huntington, elected Novem- 
ber 5, 1878; F. F. Muller, elected November 2, 1880. 

COUNTY SURVEYORS. 

E. H. Griswold, elected June 21, 1869; C. C. Tracy, 
elected November 8, 1870, reelected November 5, 
1872, re-elected November 3, 1874; R. M. Catlin, 
elected November 7, 1876, re-elected November 5, 
1878; J. C. Smyles, elected November 2, 1880. 

PUBLIC ADMINISTRATORS. 

H. J. Cady, elected June 21, 18G9; H. Ward, elected 
November 8, 1870, failed to cjualify, and fl. C. Street 
was appointed May 6, 1872; L. Terry, elected Novem- 
ber 5, 1872, became non-resident, and Charles E. 
Abbott was appointed November 3, 1873, to fill 
vacancy; C. C. Melius, elected Novembers, 1874; N. 
F. Peterson, elected November 7, 1876; Isaac 
Gates, elected November 5, 1878; Isaac Syoc, elected 
November 2, 1880. 

ELKO GRANGE, NO. 9, 

Was organized at Elko, in 1875, with twenty-four 
charter members. . The first oflBcers were J. A. 
Tinker, Master; E. Burner, Overseer; G. W. Lit- 
ton, Steward; J. F. Burner, Lecturer; E. S. Yeates, 
Chaplain; J. Hunter, Treasurer; J. L. Keyser, Sec-' 
retary; H. Tuttle, Gatekeeper; Mrs. G. Litton, Ceres; 
Mrs. A. C. Tinker, Pomona; Miss M. Yeates, Flora; 
T. Hunter, Assistant Steward; Mrs. H. Tuttle, Lady 
Assistant Steward. 

The largest membership at any one time was 
eighty-one, and a very little decrease is reported at 
the present time, the books showing seventy-five 
members in good standing. Their financial condi- 
tion is good, though a little in debt, they having a 
brick building, worth $800. The present officers 
are J. A. Tinker, M.; J. Brain, O.; G. \V. Litton, S.; 
E. Burns, L.; Mrs. L. M. Hunter, C; Mrs. G. W. 
Litton, T.; Miss N. Tinker, Sec; J. Yeates, G.; Mrs. 
E. Littlepen, C; Miss F. Kinnerson' P.; Miss E. 
Glide, F.; J. Dencor, A. S.; Miss E. Litton, L. A. S 

VALLEYS OP THE COUNTY. 

Clover Valley lies between the Spruce and Ruby 
Mountains on the west, and the Steptoe range of 
mountains on the east, and is about thirty-five miles 
long by twenty miles wide on an average, its general 
direction being north and south. In some places it 
widens out to a distance nearly' equal to its length, 
and then gradually narrows up to about ten miles, 
giving it a picturesque ap]>earnnce, when viewed 
from the surrounding mountain tojis. Warm Creek, 
so called, winds its way in a serpentine manner from 
north to south, receiving additional waters from no 
less than twenty smaller streams that rise in the 



mountains and empty into it. There are numerous 
springs, also, that contribute to the waters of the 
main stream. These small creeks are named after 
the different ranchers through whose lands they flow. 

The earlj' settlement of the valley, according to 
statistics from F. Honeyman, was by a number of 
United States army officers, who conceived the idea 
of doing a litilc ranching in connection with their 
official duties. In 1864, Captain Thurstin, Lieuten- 
ant Tolls and Doctor Long settled on the ranch now 
owned by Mr. Honeyman, at the south end of the 
main settlement. After one year's experience, these 
gentlemen sold their interests to George Brumfield, 
a discharged private soldier, and he remained in 
possession until 1869, when he sold the claim to Mr. 
Honeyman, who owned the adjoining ranch, and 
who was one of the early settlers, he having a 
claim and men at work for himi as early as 1864. 
He settled permanentlj' there in 1866. In 1868, the 
valley commenced to receive settlers, and during the 
succeeding three years the population increased 
very rapidly. 

An abundance of wood is found in the mountain 
ranges on both sides of the valley, consisting of 
mountain mahogany, pine, cedar and quaking- 
aspen, with an occasional spruce or fir on the east- 
ern side. 

The main settlement is in the northwest portion 
of the valley, about twelve miles from the town of 
Humboldt Wells, on the Central Pacific Railroad, 
and thirty-one miles from Sjjrucc Mountain Mining 
District. The railroad company own ever}' odd 
section of land in the whole valley, and have sold 
comparatively little. 

The land being well watered, agricultural pur- 
suits are a prominent feature. Oats and barley are 
extensively raised, about 23,000 sacks being the 
result of the crop of 1880, also considerable wheat 
and a large amount of vegetables. There are about 
6,000 head of cattle, owned bj' the settlers, that find 
good pasturage, and in the winter a groat many are 
driven into the valley to roam at will during the 
cold weather, it being sheltered by the high ranges 
of mountains. It is second to none of the winter- 
grazing ranges. Over 3,000 head were driven to this 
locality during the winter of 1880. During an 
unusuallj- cold snap in 1880 the frost touched the 
crops slightly for the first time. The valley has also 
been visited b y crickets, but the damage done by 
them was very slight. 

The present population is about 125, of whom 
fortj'-tliree are voters. In the spring of 1872 a 
public school was started, and is kept about eight 
months in the year. 

The Indians have a ranch and cultivate about 
fifty acres, princi])allj' in roots, there being about 
half a hundred of them in all, including squaws and 
papooses. The bucks also work for the settlers, at 
one dollar per day. 



HISTORY OF ELKO COUNTY 



n87 





The subject of this sketch, was born in Leitrim 
County, Ireland, in 1833. At the age of seventeen 
years he emigrated to the United States and settled 
in the citj' of New York, where he remained until 
185G,engai,'ed in a dyeing establishment during most 
of the time. In the last-named year he came to 
Califoi'nia \ty the Nicaragua route. Arriving in the 
land of gold, he sought his fortune in the mines, and 
after one year's experience on the main Yuba River, 
he went to Oregon, where ho engaged in farming. 
From there he went to Washington Territory, and 
again took up the pursuit of mining, and remained 
until 1861, when he returned to California. The 
Rebellion breaking out about that time, he was one 
of the first to enlist in the defense of his adopted 
country, joining the Third California Infantrj' Reg- 
iment, under Colonel Connor, as a private, in which 
' capacity he served his country only two months, 
being elected Second Lieutenant during that time. 
His regiment was ordered to Utah, where he was 
kept until the close of the war, having re-enlisted as 
a veteran in the meantime. During his four j-ear's 
service he commanded a battery of light artiilerj- 
most of the time. At the close of the war be was 
mustered out of sjrviee, and came to Nevada, set- 
tling in Clover Valley, Elko County, his present 
location, where he has since resided, engaged in 
farming and stock-raising. His ranch is situated 
eighteen miles south of Humboldt Wells. 




»IB 



PHOTO BY LOUIS MONACO. EUREKA. NEV. 

/ohi C. IVood 

Was born on the twelfth of Januarj', 1829, near Rose- 
ville, Parke County, Indiima. At the age of nine- 
teen he went to the State of Illinois, where he 
remained until 1850, when he came to California by 
way of the plains. The haps and mishaps incident 
to such a trip were passed in safety, and upon reach- 
ing the Pacific Const he entered the usual field of 
labor, that of mining, which occupation he followed 
in Calaveras County for five years, al Angel's Camp 
and other places. In 1855 he went to San Joaquin 
County, where he remained until 1859, when he 
removed to the State of Iowa. In 18()2 he returned 
to California, and one year later came to Carson City, 
Ormsby County, where he engaged in the lumber 
business, remaining until the j-car ISfiO. Soon after 
the excitement upon the discovery of the mines in 
White Pine County broke out, ho went to Hamilton, 
in that county, thence to Eureka, thence to Spruce 
Mountain, and in the fall of 1^7(1 located at Clover 
Yalley, Elko County, where he has since resided, 
extensivclj- engaged in farming and stock-raising, 
his ranch containing 4S(l acres. During the past two 
years he has handled large quantities of grain with 
good success. In 185() he was married in San Joaquin 
County, California, to Miss Eliza Webb, a native of 
Tennessee. Their union was blessed with three 
children, onlj- one being alive at the present time, a 
daughter, married. On the twentieth of April, 1859, 
his wife died. During his sojourn in Iowa, he again 
entered the connubial state, being married to Miss 
Jeannette Simons, at Lebanon, Van Buren County, 
on the twenty-first of October, 1860. Eight children 
have been born to them, four of whom are now liv- 
ing — two boys and two girls. 



388 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



Huntingdon Valley is another fine tract, and is 
twenty-five to thirty miles in length, and an average 
width of ten miles, running from the extreme 
southern line of the county northerly to .the junction 
of Huntingdon Creek with the south fork of the 
Humboldt River, the former stream, which affords 
ample irrigating facilities, running entirely through 
it. Many fine farms are here cultivated, large num- 
bers of stock are raised and fattened for market, and 
general thrift is indicated by the homelike and sub- 
stantial improvements of its inhabitants. Diamond 
Range lies upon its western side, and the east Hum- 
boldt Range upon the east, from the latter of which 
many small streams, as Smith and Twin Creeks, put 
down into the valley and join Huntingdon Creek 
toward the west. 

iNDEPr.-NDKXCE Valley lies about fifty miles north 
of the town of Elko, between the Tuscarora Mount- 
ains on ihe west, and Jack Creek range of mount- 
ains on the east, and is about twenty-five miles long, 
by eight miles in width, being in the shape of a 
quarter moon. The south fork of the Owyhee River 
traverses the valley from east to west, or nearly so. 
There is an abundance of water, many small creeks 
rising in the mountains and swelling the main stream. 
This valley' was discovered by a scouting party of 
United States soldiers, and derived its name from 
having been first seen bj' them on the fourth of July. 
Along the river are beautiful meadows that widen 
out in some places to three miles, which produce 
thousands of tons of hay. Lying at an altitude of 
7,0(t0 feet above the level of the sea, grain docs not 
grow as well as could be wished, though it is raised 
to some extent. The land is used principally for 
grazing purposes, only about 300 acres beingdevoted 
to agriculture, most of which lies in the eastern por- 
tion of the valle}'. Wood is found in the gulches in 
limited quantities, but in the Jack Creek range, on 
the east, there is plenty of timber, and a saw-mill is 
established on the creek by that name, whence 
come the mining timbers for the Tuscarora silver 
mines. About forty men are constantly employed in 
the lumbering business at this mill. 

Old Tuscarora, a deserted town, lies on the north 
side of the south fork of the Owyhee River, about 
two and one-half miles southwesterly from the 
present town of that name. The road from Elko, 
Carlin and Battle Mountain passes through this val- 
ley to Tuscarora. 

There is a school district established and a school 
bouse eroeted at the creek. The placer mines in the 
valley on McCan Creek, are still worked b}* China- 
men in the spring of the year, when there is plenty 
of water. Stock-raising is engaged in to a consider- 
able extent, there being about 15,000 cattle and 3,000 
horses that find ])aHturage in the mountains and along 
the streams. There are sixt}' voters and about 
twenty women and children inhabiting this valley, 
and some of the residences would do honor to a 
modern city. 



Lejioille Vallev, though smaller than some 
others, compares very favorablj' with its larger 
neighbors in man}- respects. Beginning at the foot- 
hills of the Ruby range of mountains it widens out 
at the Humboldt River, its course being about north 
and south, is about fifteen miles long by four miles 
in width on an average, and is situated about twenty 
miles from the town of Elko. 

The first settlers were John Walker, Thomas A. 
Waterman and McClain, who came from Aus- 
tin in 1804 and located in this valley. Xone of the 
gentlemen are residents of the place at the present 
time,^the last one moving awaj- in 1875. The water 
supply is unlimited; Lemoille, Bowlder and Salt 
Creeks traverse the valley and empty into the Hum- 
boldt River. On the banks of these streams grow 
Cottonwood and quaking-aspen, and in the mountains 
are to be found the usual mahogany and piflon or 
nut pine. One-half of the valley is the property of 
the Central i'acific Railroad Company. 

Frost has twice played sad havoc with the crops, 
principally on the lowlands bordering on the streams. 
Wheat and barley are raised to a considerable ex- 
tent, and some of the finest potatoes produced in the 
State come from this section. Unlike many other 
localities, it has never been troubled by that scourge 
in the shape of crickets that have found their way 
into the county. The nearest mioing is in Railroad 
District. 

In 1876 a school was established that has an aver- 
age attendance of about thirty-five scholars. The 
]>ost-otlice was established in 1880. 

As a stock-raising section it is a success, being 
well watered, and the surrounding country covered 
with nutritious grasses. In connection with the 
business, a curious incident took place in 1871. 
Thomas Atkinson owned a band of sheep, twenty- 
five of which were herded and driven oft' by a mount- 
ain ''luK-k," or Rooky .Mountain sheep, that was 
finallj- killed by John Walker. 

Instances have beert authenticated in the State of 
singular hybridizing of domestic and wild stock. J. 
J. O'Doughertj^, of Egan Canon, had a small flock 
of sheep, of perhaps thirty ewes, in 1867, several of 
which had hybrid lambs. Two of them resembled 
antelope, in that they were akin to the young of 
that animal in color, and had sharp, straight, spike 
horns, projecting backward some five or six inches 
long, when not more than three months old. Another 
resembled the common black-tailed deer more than 
it did the family to which the dam belonged. Still 
another was of a dingy white, with long forelegs, 
and shorter hind ones, the elevated muzzle and 
watchful jdisposition of the ovis montatui, or big- 
horned mountain sheep. The ewes, with other 
sheep, had been purchased from a drove that came 
from New Mexico a year and a half before, and as 
they were desired entirely for mutton, were not 
permitted to breed, all the bucks having been killed 
oflf. In the fall of 1868 these ewes hod strayed off, 








■-V 



11 M- 







HISTORY OF ELKO COUNTY. 



3S9 



and were lost sight of for many months, the owner 
never expecting to see thom again. An Indian 
came one day and reported having seen them upon 
a certain mountain, some twenty miles awaj'. The 
owner sought them, and succeeded in getting them 
home. They had been in an isolated place far 
beyond the reach of any animals of their own kind. 
After they had been home about two months their 
owner was astonished to find that several of them 
had dropped lambs of the character above described. 
Offers to purchase the hybrids at a fanej' price wore 
refused by the owner, who declared it his intention 
to send them to the Smithsonian Institution, at 
Washington, as curiosities in nature. But this in- 
tention was frustrated by the death of the animals, 
which occurred before any of them became ten 
months old. 

iloiND Valley is situated thirtj- miles south of 
Elko and seventy miles northeast of Eureka, with 
the Rubj' Mountains on the east and the Pine Valley 
range on the west, is five miles long and one and a 
half wide, taking the same direction as Smith's Creek, 
which runs through it from northeast to southwest. 
W. M. Kennedy claims to have been the first settler in 
1861. Governor Bradley came into the valley the 
same year with stock, but remained onl}^ a short 
time. Kennedy located on Smith's Creek, and named 
the valley from a mound that was near his location. 
In former years the frosts have injured the grain a 
little, but not lately. Water from the mountains is 
l)lentiful in the spring, and wood is obtained from 
the Kuby ilountains. 

I'r.E.\s.\NT V.ALI.EY is one of the smallest in the 
count}', being about four miles square, but is in a 
fine location and is wonderfull)' prosperous. Accord- 
ing to the information imjiarted b}' Mr. II. A. 
Youngs, the first settlers were Frank Williams and 
(xeorge Seitz, who anchored there as early as 1868, 
neither of whom are at present residents of the 
place. The valley heads in the Iluby range of 
mountains, ami runs about northeast, and is well i 
watered from the several creeks which flow through 
it. The whole area of the valley is made to 1)0 pro- 
ductive, nearly all of it being under cultivation. 
(Jrain is the principal product, and about 1,500 tons 
was the total of the crop of 1880. One-half the val- 
ley is the property of the railroad company, but is 
nevertheless settled upon. In 1877 the grain was 
injured to some extent by the crickets that found 
their way into the valley from the distant north. 
Smut has once or twice visited the valley, but has 
not done much damage. 

Nearly all of the original log cabins are replaced 
by frame houses, which give the valley a fine appear- 
ance. The land is well fenced. Pleasant Valley 
School District is located here, having a school house, 
with improved furniture, and an average attendance 
of fifteen scholars. The inhabitants number about 
sixty, of whom thirty-six are voters. Wood- is ob- 
tained from the mountains. Cedar lumber is found 
49 



in the South Fork range, which divides the South 
Fork and Pleasant \'allej-. 

Jfr. Youngs became a resident of this valley in 
1871, and it was upon the ranch now owned by him 
that the leaders in the great car robberj' in 1870 
lived, purporting to be ranchers. A detailed account 
of this daring robberj- will be found elsewhere. 

HrBV Vallky lios east of the range of mountains 
bearing the same name, beginning about eight miles 
south of the old overland stage road. It is about 
seventj^ miles in length by about sixteen in width, 
and is (me of the most fertile sections in Elko 
County. The general direction of the valley is 
nearlj- north and south, narrowing at both ends, 
making it a grand corral. It is well watered by 
the many streams which rise in the mountains and 
flow through it, and for a distance of over fifty 
miles are numerous ranches that are irrigated there- 
from. The eastern side of the valley looks dry and 
barren when compared with the beautiful green, 
cultivated fields on the western side. Xear the 
center are two beautiful lakes, called Franklin and 
RubJ^ the former ten miles long by four wide, and 
the latter twelve miles long by three wide, including 
the tules that grow around its shores. 

On the east side of the valley grows the pifion, a 
species of timber found in nearly all the mountain 
ranges. The Ruby Mountains are generally des- 
titute of timber, but on the high elevations j-ellow 
pine is found, though difficult of access. Along the 
streams grows a sufficient ijuantity of cottonwood 
for all purposes of the settlers. Everj-thing con- 
sidered, this is one of the finest valleys in the State 
of Nevada. 

According to the information so kindly furnished 
by Col. J. B. Moore and E. II. Griswoid, the honor of 
first settlement is given to William Rogers — known 
as " Uncle Billy" — who arrived there as earlj- as 1859. 
in the employ of the United States Indian Agent, for 
the pur|K)so of selecting a reservation for the Sho- 
shone Indians. His selection was a part of what 
was afterward known as the Overland Farm The 
Government did not a])prove the selection, however, 
but Uncle Billy built a cabin and put in a small 
patch of grain, and planted some vegetables near the 
center of the valley, thus demonstrating the fact 
that the land was capable of being made productive. 

In 1S()1 the Overland .Mail and Telegraph Com- 
]ianys established stations at the south end of the 
valley. In 1S(!2 Colonel P. E. Connor, established 
Camp Ruby, while «« route for Salt Lake, Utah, 
leaving two com])anies of the Third California 
\'olunleor Infantry, under command of .Maj. P. A. 
(Jallager, who was succeeded in 1863 by Lieut, Col. 
.1. B. Moore, who hehl command of the post until 
the fall of 1804, when Cajjt. (J. II. Thurstin, with a 
j)ortion of the Nevada battalion, took command. In 
1800 the camjt was abandoned, and the troops were 
removed to Fort Ilalleck. 



390 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



In 1865 the Overland Mail Company becoming 
tired of paying the exorbitant prices demanded by 
the Mormons for barley and oats, concluded to raise 
grain for their own use, and accordingly put in about 
1,000 acres in Kuby Valley. Their experiment 
proving a success, others entered into the same pur- 
suits, and this was the pioneer grain country of 
eastern Nevada. All the supplies for the company 
were raised there until the line was drawn oft' in 
18G0. upon the completion of the Central Pacific 
Eailroad. 

Col. J. B. -Moore and Lieut. K. Gilman had 
raised grain and vegetables the previous year, 
though not in great quantities. There was a grist- 
mill built in 1867 by C. A. Griswold and Samuel 
Woodward, on the overland farm, with two runs of 
stone. They also built a saw-mill during the same 
year on Cave Creek. Both these mills were run by 
water. This was the onlj^ saw-mill ever built in the 
valley, and is still standing, there being but one 
other in the county of Elko. 




Col. J. B. Moore. 

Was born in the town of Piermont, Grafton County, 
New Hampshire, on the twenty-eighth of October, 
1828. He remained there until 1840, and during 
that time received a limited education, such as can 
be obtained in the common schools, lu the last- 
named year be went to Boston, Massachusetts, where 
he cast his first vote for President James K. Polk. 
In 1846 he enlisted in the First Alassaehusetts Regi- 
ment of Volunieers, and served through the Mexi- 
can War. (jame to California in 18.52, where he 
served seven consecutive years on the San Francisco 
police force. In 1861, at the breaking out of the 
Rebellion, he raised a company of volunteers for the 
Third Regiment, of which ho was elected Captain. 
In the month of October of the same year he was 



promoted to be Lieutenant Colonel. In 1863 he 
came to Nevada, and commanded Camp Ruby, also 
Camp Douglas, in Utah; and was discharged in the 
month of January, 1865, at his own request. Set- 
tling in liubj' N'alley, he engaged in farming and 
stock-raising, and still resides in the valley. He 
raised the first grain in Elko Countj'. In 18G9 was 
elected to the State Senate on the Republican ticket 
by a majority of only one vote, against a Democratic 
majoritj' of 150 in the county. Served in the fifth and 
sixth sessions. In 1876 was elected to the Assembly, 
being the only Republican elected in the county. Was 
Deputy Warden of the State Prison in 1879, and 
has held numerous positions of trust in the county. 
The Colonel still continues in single blessedness. 

WILLIAM MYERS 

Was born in Herkimer Count}', New York State, 
September 28, 1839, where he lived until the fall of 
1858. He then came to the Pacific Coast by way of 
the Isthmus of Panama, and settled in Contra Costa 




IVm. Myers. 



County, California. He afterwards lived in various 
parts of that State until the j'ear 1862, when he 
enlisted in Company B, Third Infantry California 
Volunteers, Col. P. Edward Connor, commanding. 
July 12, 1862, the regiment left California and was 
stationed in Utah, whore it was engaged in fighting 
Indians part of the time. Ho held the office of Com- 
missary Sergeant of the Regiment for one year and 
was then promoted to Second Lieutenant of Company 
E. After about three years' service he resigned and 
came to Nevada, settling in Kuby Valley, Elko 
County, his present location, where he has since 
resided. He has a ranch containing 640 acres, and 
is quite extensively engaged in stock-raising as well 
as being a good farmer. In politics Mr. Myers is a 



HISTORY OF ELKO COUNTY. 



391 



strong and consistent l{o|)ubli(.'an. Was married 
March 17, 18i!9, to Miss Lottie Mangus, at Horkimor, 
New York State. They have two children named 
Ruby and Mabel, aged respectively nine and four 
years. 

Silver t?REEK Valley heads in the Bull Run 
Mountains, and runs east and west, being about twelve 
miles in length and has an average width of eight 
miles, lying about twentj- miles south of the Idaho 
boundary. It is strictlj' an agricultural section, being 
well watered bj* several creeks, among which are 
White Rock and Bull Run, that flow west and empty 
into the south fork of the Owyhee River. About four 
thousand acres have been broken up and seeded to 
grain and grass. Land under fence is valued at five 
dollar.s |>er acre. The present population as ]ier 
census of 1880 is seventy-four. 

South Kork Valley beads in the J?uby, or East 
Humboldt, range of mountains, lying between them 
and the Inskipt Mountains, and runs nearly east and 
west. Its length is about fifteen miles by one-half 
mile in width on the average, and is nearly- all fenced 
and under good cultivation. The upper end is de- 
voted to agriculture while the lower end is used as a 
grazing range for the thousands of cattle that find 
pasturage upon the nutritious grasses that grow in 
abundance upon the mountain slopes. The valley 
terminates in a cafion on the ranch of W. A. Shep- 
herd, the gorge stretching away for twelve miles to 
the Humboldt River. The scenery through this 
cafion is magnificent, and would well i-epay the 
tourist for his trouble in visiting this locality in 
beholding this grand upheaval of nature. The 
Central Pacific Railroad Company owns a portion 
of this valley, although it is nearly all occupied 
by the settlers. Grain is the principal product, 
though the frost sometimes happens along at a 
time when it is of no benefit to the ranchers. 
The crop is seldom a failure, however. Fruit does 
not thrive, but berries, such as strawberries, goose- 
berries, etc., arc a success. Melons are also raised at 
the upper end of the valley. 

The old Hamilton and Eureka road passes through 
the valley, which lies directly south of the town of 
Elko, a distance of sixteen miles. (Jottonwood grows 
in abundance from the ranch of G. H. Shepherd, to 
the head of the valley, a distance of some ton miles. 

According to information received from the last- 
named gentleman, the first settlers were John Rich- 
ardson, T. Chandler, W. A. Tucker, Robert Toller 
and \V. T. Crane, who arrived and anchored there 
in 18G7, in the spring. G. II. Shepherd arrived in 
18C8, and W. A. Shepherd came in 1871. 

The population at this time does not exceed seven- 
ty-five, and about thirty-five votes are polled. A fine 
school house adorns the settlement, and two schools 
are maintained. 

W. T. CRANE 

la a native of Pennsylvania, was born in the year 
1829, in Green County, whore he passed his boy- 




PHOTO. BY TOGO. SACRAMENTO, CAL. 

IV. T. Crane. 

hood days until sixteen years of age. In 1845 he 
went to Illinois, and was engaged in farming until ho 
came to the State of Nevada, in 1808. He first set- 
tled in Austin, Lander County, adding stock-raising 
to his former business, in which he has been success- 
ful. In 1867 he moved to his present location. South 
Fork Valley, Elko County, where he has since 
resided, engaged in the same business. He has held 
the office of Postmaster at Coral Hill, also that of 
Justice of the Peace. On the first of January, 1857, 
he was married to KlizaWallace, a native of Sangamon 
County, Illinois, their union proving fruitful, eleven 
children having been born to them, ten of whom are 
now living. The following are the names of the 
children, and the date of their birth: — 

Geo. W. W., born January o, 1858; Jessie Rae, 
born March 2G, 1800; Knox A., born November 1(5, 
1861; Mary E, born April 18, 1865; Lizzie L., born 
January 28, 1867; Henry Shepherd, born February 
14, 186!l; Emma Francos, born January 2S, 1871; 
Charles Humboldt, born December 20, 1872; Andrew 
li., born May 15, 1875; Jennie B., born October 27, 
1877; James M., born .May 11, 1879. Jessie Rao, the 
second child, died August 6, 1861. 

Star Valley heads in the Rubj- range of mountains, 
its general direction being north and south — is about 
twelve miles in length with an average width of 
eight miles, and lies twenty miles southwest from 
the town of Wells. There is an abundance of water 
flowing through the valley, the principal creeks 
being Herders, Arikler, Deering and Boulder, which 
rise in the Rub}^ range and traverse the valley, 



392 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



greatly to the advantage of the ranchers. Wood 
is procured from the mountains, consisting of mount- 
ain mahogany, yellow pine and aspen. Barley is 
the principal grain jiroduct, though wheat and oats 
are raised to a considerable extent. The frost has 
never injured the crops, with the exception of one 
season. Crickets have made their appearance, but 
have never seriously injured the grain. Stock-rais- 
ing is a prominent feature in this locality, the cattle 
finding excellent pasturage along the streams and 
on "the neighboring mountain slopes. 

A public school was established in 187G, which 
has an average attendance of sixteen pupils. The 
school building, which was erected in the latter year, 
is an ornament to the section, and would do justice 
to any ordinary city. The building and furniture 
cost SI, 250. When the small number of population 
is considered — only about 150, with twenty-five 
voters — this institution reflects great credit upon the 
little band of pioneers, who, isolated as they are, 
desire to give the young a chance for an education. 
The nearest post-office to this place is at Deeth's 
Station, on the Central Pacific itailroad. 

Thousand Spring Valley, at the source of the 
Humboldt River, is another great grazing section, 
and largo quantities of hay are here yearly cut. 
This place in former times was a goal toward which 
the weary emigrant hopefully plodded, knowing 
that if once reached his foot-worn and emaciated 
cattle could speedily recruit. The valley receives 
its name from innumerable springs — some of cold, 
some of warm and others of mineral water. On 
the northeast are the Goose Creek Mountains, and 
the canon of the Humboldt affords egress to its 
waters at the southwest. To the northward is a 
high plateau, also abounding in springs, in which 
heads the many creeks and tributaries of Snake 
River, whose waters flow into the Columbia and 
thence to the Pacific. Notwithstanding its eleva- 
tion, there is no barrenness ; it abounds in forage 
throughout valley and hill, offering superior induce- 
ments to stock-raisers. 

PRINCIPAL .MINING DISTRICTS. 

ALABA.MA Dlstrict lies forty miles north of Hum- 
boldt Wells, and was discovered in 1871 by Messrs. 
Noll and Slack. Several locations were made, but 
only a small amount of work has ever been done 
in the district. A shaft was sunk to a depth of 
fifty feet, which disclosed a vein of considerable 
thickness. Water caused a cessation of work. Some 
of the ore taken out was shipped to Winnemucca, 
and worked there. The Dayton is the chief mine. 

Aurora District was discovered in December. 
1875, at which time its organization took place, and 
several locations were made. A code of laws was 
adopted in regard to the water privileges, locations, 
etc. Wood and water are found in abundance in 
close proximity to the mines. Developments arc in 
order; the indications are fair. 



Bruneau District is situated about two miles 
from Island Mountain District, and is, therefore, 
about seventy-five miles north of Elko. It was 
formerly known as the W^^oming. Limestone, 
granite, sla*,e, and quartzite'are the prevailing rock 
formations, and the ore found here is comparatively 
rich. Wood and water are found in abundance in 
convenient distances, making the facilities for min- 
ing exceedingly good. The Mordis is the principal 
mining company. Their prospects were good, but for 
undefinable reasons the place is deserted. It was 
hero that G. W. Marlis was killed by a Chinaman 
on the eleventh of September, he being the only 
white man left in the district. The first location 
was made in July, 1869. 

Cave Creek District lies twelve miles north of 
F'ort Ruby, on the eastern slope of the Ruby Mount- 
ains, near the summit. The organization of the dis- 
trict took place on the fourth day of June. 18G!t, 
having been discovered in the preceding month of 
May by General Ewing. There is an abundance 
of wood and water close by the location. The 
Amazon, Mississippi, Dodds, Exchequer, Enterprise, 
Longmore, Murphy, and others, are claims which 
were located the same month in which the district 
was organized. The country rock is limestone, and 
the ore carries lead, copper, and chloride of silver. 

Centennial District was originally named Bull 
Run, and afterward changed to White Rock, and 
finally received the name it now beai's. The mines 
were discovered in 1SG8, but the district was not 
properly organized until June 21, 18G9. It is situ- 
ated in the Bull Hun range of mountains, sixty- five 
miles, air line, north of the town of Elko. About two 
hundred locations were made soon after the organi- 
zation of the district. The chief formations of the 
mountains in which the mines are situated are gran- 
ite and limestone, with a bolt of porphyry between 
the two. James Patterson, now of Carlin, was the 
first Recorder. Wood in abundance is found in 
close proximity to the mines, consisting of ma- 
hogany, tir, white and yellow pine, pifion, juniper, 
Cottonwood and alder Sufficient water for all 
purposes is found in the canons in the immediate 
vicinity of the mines. The Blue Jacket ia one of 
the principal mines and has a twentj'-stamp mill 
and two Bruckner furnaces. Among the other 
prominent mines are the Porter, Tuscarora, On- 
tario, Potosi and Revenue, upon which considerable 
work has been done. This is a fine agricultural 
section, there being some fine cultivated ranches 
on Silver Creek, a few miles to the northwest. 

Cope District was organized .May 27, ISGP. It is 
situated on the Owyhee River, about twelve miles 
from the Slate line. Plenty of wood and water are 
found in the immediate vicinity, and in Duck \'alley, 
twelve miles away are some fine agricultural lands. 
The character of the formation and veins here is 
similar to that of Ueose River District, in Lander 




^••■■■■1- '^ ■■' ■■ ./-.^^^i;:- 



RANCt-i r" r;E:5iDENCE<>' A.B. FITCH. 

LYON CVNEV. 



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RESIDENCE ,.'" DAIRY RANCH »• T. B. SMITH. 

SMITH VALLEr, ESM E RALDA C?, N EV. 



HISTORY OF ELKO COUNTY. 



393 



County. The ores also contain considerable horn 
silver near the surface. The Excelsior and El 
Dorado were among the princij)al mines. The 
former was put on the stock board at San Francisco, 
at KHi.iion shares, and was quoted in 1S73 at S2.'M). 
A shaft was sunk to a depth of about liOO feet on this 
mine and another on the Argenta reached a depth 
of 240 feet. Mountain City grew up in consequence 
of this discoveiy, and at one time was one of the 
most prosperous mining towns in the State. In 
1871-72 it contained about 1,000 people, some of the 
buildings were of cut stone and two were built of 
brick. The frame buiMings have near)}' all been 
moved awaj". There is one, out of twelve hotels. 
that still continues business, also one store. The 
closing down of the E.xcelsior in the fall of 1873 
caused the decline ot the town. 

Cornucopia District was discovered in August, 
1872, by Mart Durfee, and organized during the 
same month. It lies about sixty-five miles north of 
Carlin. There are at present onlj- about ten miners 
at work in the district, though about fifty locations 
have been made. The principal mines are the 
Leopard, Hussey, Panther and F'isher, the first two 
being the only ones upon which work is now done. 
The quartz veins are found principally in porphyry, 
and run northeast and southwest with the forma- 
tion, and dip at an angle of 45° to the southeast. The 
ores are mostlj' free-milling, silver-bearing, carrying 
some gold, and are worked by the roasting process. 

The only quartz mills built in this district were by 
the Leopard .Mining t'ompanj', first a ten-stamp, 
which was consumed by fire and replaced by a 
twenty-stamp mill at a cost of Slli;{,000, which was 
likewise destroyed on the eleventh of July, 1880. 
This company sunk a shaft on their mine a distance 
of 800 feet. The longest tunnel in the district is on 
the Fisher mine, which is 250 feet. 

Freights are received from the town of Carlin, and 
are hauled to the district at a cost of two cents per 
pound. The ores are shipi)ed to Bull ituii and Tus- 
carora, for working. Wood and timber are procured 
from the Jack Creek range of mountains, a distance 
of sixteen miles away. 

The excitement incident to the discover}* of this 
district caused the building of the town of Cornu- 
cojiia, which at one time, in 1874, was quite lively 
and containe<l about l.ddO inhabitants, and polled a 
vote of 400. Considerable business was transacted 
during the excitement, requiring five stores and other 
buildings in jiroportion. It was a prosperous town 
until the destruction of the quartz mill, since when 
the population has steadily decreased until there are 
very few people left in the place. The census of ]8S(I 
places the number ;it 174. A fine twostory hotel, 
containing thirty rooms, is the only one running at 
this time. In 1874 L. I. Ilogle erected a large 
boarding-house and saloon, at a cost of 88,0(10. 

Delano District is situated north from the town 



of Tocoma, distant about thirty miles. The prevail- 
ing geological formations are limestone and porphyry. 
Very little work has been done in this district, 
though quite a number of locations were made. 
Wood and water for all purposes are found in the 
vicinity. There were hopes at one time that the 
mines would be developed by the Servia and Slavonia 
Mining Companj', which incorporated in San Fran- 
cisco for that purpose, but these hopes were never 
realized. It is a quiet place at the present time. 

DoiJ.Y Vauden District is located about sixty 
miles south of Toano, and was organized in 1872. 
No work is being performed there at the present 
time, though the localitj- was considered good about 
eight years ago. The prevailing formation is lime- 
stone, and the ores are of a character requiring the 
smelting process. There being a scarcity of water 
along the wagon road from the nearest railroad 
station makes freighting veiy costi}-. Wood is 
found in the vicinity in quantities for all j)urpose8. 

Good Hope District lies in Elko County, about 
twenty -five miles northwest of Tuscarora. and was 
discovered in 1878, the nearest post-office being Cor- 
nucopia. The place was originally called Aurora. 
Miners' cabins constitute the village. There are at 
present about fifteen miners in the district, but about 
fifty locations have been made. The principal mines 
being Tiger, I'age and Kelly, Snyder, Voii and I, 
Amazon, Kattler, Golden Era, Buckej'c, Aurora, 
Atlantic Cable, Trade Dollar, and Silver Brick. The 
veins run principally north and south with the forma- 
tion, which is porphyry, anddij) at an angle of about 
75° degrees west. The ores are usually free-milling, 
and are worked by the Freiburg, or roasting, pro- 
cess. The ledges are silver-bearing, with a slight 
trace of gold. The deepest shaft is on the Page 
and Kelly, and has reached a depth of 110 feet. 
The ores are shipped principallj- to Tuscarora, 
some going lo Salt Lake, Utah, however. Freights 
are received by team from Cornucopia and 
Tuscarora, at an expense of fifteen to twenty 
dollars per ton, during the summer months. The 
wood supply is principally of sage-brush for fuel, 
but the timbers for mining purposes are obtained 
in the Bull l{un Mountains, and hauled to this dis- 
trict. Amazon and Four-mile Creeks furnish the 
water supply. The population of the district is 
sixty. 

(ioosE Creek Distuict lies in the mountains bear- 
ing the same appellatiiui, about thirty miles north 
of Tecoma, a station on the Central Pacific Railroad. 
The mines were first <liscovered by an Indian, who 
pointed them out to Messrs. Thomas and Brown. The 
organization took place in the summer of 1872, and 
about ninet}' locations were made. The geological 
formation is limestone and [lorphyry, the veins vary- 
ing in width, and crop out in many places on the sur- 
face. Wood and water are very scarce in the 
immediate vicinity, though there is a good supply 



394. 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



within a radius of four or five miles. Assays give 
from SI 60 to 8350 per ton. Some work is being per- 
formed in the district at the present time. 

Grand Junction District is well wooded, and has 
an abundant supply of water. It is situated about 
fifty-five miles from Klko. in a northerly direction, 
and quite a number of locations were made, but no 
important results were obtained. It is now lying 
ijuiet, those holding claims living in hopes of further 
development. 

Granite Mountain IJistrict lies three miles west 
of Dolly Varden District, in the same range of 
mountains. It was located in August, 1872, by 
William Muncey and Judge Eciliy. The ore is prin- 
cipally copper. Work is entirely suspended at the 
present time. 

Halleck District is situated about six miles from 
the Fort bearing the same name, and is on the 
northwestern slope of the Ruby range of mountains. 
It was organized during the summer of 1873, and 
quite a number of locations were made by the 
otticcrs and soldiers from the Fort. (iold and sil- 
ver are found in small quantities in the ore veins. 
Work is suspended at this time. 

Hick's District is situated near the Island, Mount- 
ain District, distant about ten miles. There are some 
prospectors still there who firmly believe in this 
eventually becoming a noted locality. The McDon- 
ald mine was bonded at one time for a considerable 
sum, that and the mine bearing the same name as 
the district, being the principal locations. Some 
very good ore has been produced by both these 
mines. 

Island Mountain District was organized in Sep- 
tember, 1S73, and is situated seven t^'-fivo miles north 
from Elko, and twenty-five miles south from the 
Idaho line, near the Eruneau Mountain. The orig- 
inal discoverers were E. Penrod, C. T. Russell and 
W. D. Newton, the first named being one of the 
discoverers of the Comstock Lode in ISSO. In 1875 
a town started up, and several bouses were built, 
but in 1878 it declined and only a few buildings 
remain, among which are a hotel and blacksmith 
shop, also a Chinese store. The principal features 
in this district are the placer mines, though (piartz 
is found to some extent, generally in porphyry forma- 
tion. The principal mines are the Owyhee and Hope 
Consolidated, Groelm and French, and W. A. Penrod. 
There are only five white men and fifty Chinamen 
in the district, though about 100 locations have been 
made. The (|uartz veins run northwest and south- 
east, with the formation, and generally dip about 
40° to the northeast. The veins carry but little 
silver, but go from §20 to 8400 in gold, which is 
worth 819.50 per ounce. The longest tunnel is on 
the Island .Mountain Mine, and is about sixty feet; 
the deepest shaft is on the Golden Star, and is about 
seventy-five feet. The latter mine was recently sold 



by Henry G. Catlin to a New York company, but 
the purchasers have not yet commenced operations. 
Freight is received from Elko, and costs about thirtj' 
dollars per ton. Wood is found in abundance in the 
mountains four or five miles distant, and consists 
principally of mountain mahogony and cottonwood. 
There arc no ores now worked in this district, but it 
is expected that when the new company begins ope- 
rations those who have retained their interests in the 
district, will realize the fruition of their fondest hopes. 
The Owyhee Canal in connection with this district, 
deserves mention. It was built by a company which 
organized in 1874, with J. W. Pence as President, 
but is owned and controlled at the present time by 
E. Penrod. Its total length is about ten miles, 
including the branches, which aggregate about three 
miles, and has a capacity of 500 inches of water. It 
has a reservoir located two miles from the lower 
end, that covers an area of two acres, and cost about 
81,000. The total cost was about 810,000. Unfort 
unately there is only suflScieiit water to keep it run- 
ning two months in the year to its full capacity. 
The altitude is 7,500 feet, and the winter weather 
is severe. In the spring the melting of the snow 
on the mountains produces the water supply. 

KiNGSLEY District was originally located in Decem- 
ber, 1862, by Felix O'Neil, and is situated in the 
Antelope Mountains, about ten miles north of the 
old emigrant road. After partially organizing, and 
doing nearly, a month's work on the claim, Mr. 
O'Neil was driven from the locality- bj' the Mor- 
mons. In 1865 the claims were discovered by a 
soldier named George Kingsley, and the district 
was reorganized under the above title. It lies in 
the second range of mountains east of Egan Canon, 
in a country abounding with wood and grass; water 
in limited quantities is found in springs. In 1867 
about thirtj- shafts were sunk, varying in depth 
from twenty to 100 feet. The geological formation 
of the district is granite and limestone. Rich cop- 
per oi'e is found here, and a furnace, omploj'ing 
twenty men, is running. The district is about 
seventj' miles from Toano, and about thirty-five 
miles from Schellbourne. 

Kit Carson District lies in a northerly direction 
from Humboldt Wells, distant about sixtj' miles, 
and was organized in 1872 by the same parties who 
located the Salmon District. Quite a number of 
locations were made, but developments are still 
necessary. The formations are granite and lime- 
stone. The ores contain gold, silver, and copper. 
Little, if any, work is in progress there at the pres- 
ent time. 

liONE Mountain District wa» organized in June, 
1869, and is situated about thirty miles in a north- 
erlj- direction from the town of Elko. Considerable 
excitement prevailed incident to the discovery of 
this mining locality, but soon died out from the 
want of confidence. Wood is scarce in the district, 



HISTORY OF ELKO COUNTY. 



39c 



but water in sufficient quantities m obtained from 
springs in the immediate vicinity. There are four 
or five miners at work there at the pre.sent lime. 
W. R. Litchfield was the first Recorder. 

LrciNE, OR RuELi,, District is situated about five 
miles from Tecoma, southeast of the Central Pacific 
Railroad; a portion of it lying in Utah, but the prin- 
cipal locations are in this State. There are several 
mines which produce smelting ore, one of them hav- 
ing a furnace verj- complete in its appointments, 
which was erected and ei|ui])])ed at an expense of 
nearly §4(1,000. This furnace is idle at present, and 
is the property of the estate of 1. C. Bateman. The 
town was quite lively at one time, and there is still 
considerable pruspocling in the vicinitj'. The [jopiila- 
tion has dwindled down to about a dozen people. 
There is one hotel, one brcwerj', and a lew houses. 
The ores are chiefly lead, but carry a large per- 
centum of silver. Some beautiful specimens of wol- 
framine from this camp were exhibited at the Cen- 
tennial Exhibition, and received a prize medal. They 
were the property of Mr. Adams. 

Murray District is situated in the northwest cor- 
ner of the county, and was organized in July, 18(59. 
The Eclipse, Wool, Kansas, Black Eagle, St. George, 
Raven, Lodi, and others, were at one time considered 
good claims. On the Wool claim there was a tunnel 
run about eighty-five feet. Shafts were sunken other 
mines, but at the present time nothing is doing in the 
district. 

Rock Creek District was discovered in August, 
187t), and is situated at the head of the creek, from 
which it is named, about ten miles distant from the 
town of Tiiscarora, in a westerly' direction. (Jood 
prospects are found, and about twenty-five miners 
are at work in the district. Wood and water are 
found in suflicient ipiantities for mining purposes in 
the immediate vicinity. 

Salmon District is situated near the Kit Carson, 
and about sixty miles north of the town of Toano.on 
the Salmon Falls iiiver. It was organized in 1872 
by Messrs. Hanks, Noll, and Lewis. The ores are 
principally copper, several tons of which have been 
shipped to San Francisco. Developments arc neces- 
sary in order to judge what this district is capable 
of producing. There are some fine agricultural lands 
in the vicinity. 

Sooner District, formerly known as " Fair 
Weather," is situated about ten miles east of Mount- 
ain City, in the Bruneau range of mountains. It 
was first located in April, 1870, and organized in the 
following July. The geological formation is granite. 
The ores are argentiferous galena and copper. Wood 
and water for mining purposes are found in sufficient 
quantities near the location. The district at present 
is abandoned. 

Spruce Mountain District is situated about forty 
miles south of Humboldt Wells and due east from 
Elko. It was a lively camp in its earlier days, and 



still continues to exist, after experiencing many se- 
rious drawbacks. The Ingot Mining Company 
erected a magnificent smelting furnace at an enor- 
mous outlay, and for a time bid fair to astonish the 
world with its ))roduction of bullion; but for some 
unaccountable reason the furnace was closed down 
in 1872, long before the ore veins gave evidence of 
being worked out. The district is well watered and 
an abundant supply of wood is found very conven- 
ient to the mines. Other companies erected furnaces, 
and a bold endeavor was made to keep this camp 
in a lively condition, but to no purpose. The geo- 
logical formation of the district is limestone and 
porphyry. Among the most prominent claims lo- 
cated there in the palmy days of this camp were the 
Star King, Latham, Fourth of July, Black Forest, 
Melrose, Iroquois Chief and others. 

A New York company is putting up a large furnace 
at the present time, which will undoubtedly enliven 
things, and greater developments in the near future 
may be looked for. The camp at present contains 
two hotels, two saloons, one livery stable, one black- 
smith shop, one butcher sho]), six families and fifty 
miners. 

TuscARORA District was organized in July, 1867, 
and lies in the mountains bearing the same name, 
about fortj^-five miles north from the town of Carlin, 
which is the nearest railroad station. The Owyhee 
River has its source in this locality, the waters of 
which flow into the Pacific Ocean. The district 
was discovei-ed by the Beard Hrothers, but the 
work was confined mostly" to placer mining for some 
time thereafter. The principal quartz mines are 
Grand Prize, Argenla, Independence, Navajo, Belle 
Isle, Young America, South, Silver Star, Silver Prize, 
Star Spangled Banner and Commonwealth. The 
geological formation is iiorph}^-^-, the veins gener- 
ally running with the formation. The (Jrand Prize 
vein runs east and west while nearly all the others 
run north and south, and generally dip at an 
angle of 45° north, the Belle Isle lying nearlj' flat. 
The ores are nearly all free-milling, and carry gold 
in considerable quantities near the surface, which 
diminishes as the dc])th increases. The greatest 
depth of shaft was on the Grand Prize, about 600 
feet. The longest tunnel is on the Independence 
Mine, which is about 1,.")00 feet. 

Pine, fir and cottonwood timber is obtained from 
the Jack Creek Mountains, a distance of from ton to 
sixteen miles. The water supply for mining pur- 
poses is obtained from the mine. F'reight is received 
by teams from Carlin and Elko, and costs from one 
and one-fourth to three cents per pound. At pres- 
ent there are about 500 miners in the district. 

WvoMiNfi Dlstrict is situated about twent}' miles 
southeast of Cope District, and was discovered in 
October, 1869. Organization took place on the fol- 
lowing third of November. The geological forma- 
tion is granite and slate, with limestone near the 



39G 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



Ruramit. In the mountains fir timber is found, while 
along the creek, which flows through the center of 
the district, cottonwood grows to a considerable 
extent. In the cafions are fine springs of clear, cold 
mountain water. Among the ])riiKipal mines are 
the Mountain King, Uhrysopolis and Miners Delight. 
The courses of these leads are northeast, and dip at 
an angle of 30° to the southeast. The ores contain 
silver, copper, antimony and arsenic. There ie very 
little work being performed at the present time. 

Mineral So.\i> Mine: A very remarkable deposit of 
mineral soap was discovered by the Hon. G. II. 
Shepherd in October, 1875, near the junction of 
Smith Creek and the south fork of the Little Hum- 
boldt Eiver. It lies south of the railroad, and was 
discovered while in search of coal deposits. The for- 
mation in which the soap is found is of limestone. A 
stratum of coal one-half inch in thickness, lies fifty 
feet beneath this vein. The soap and coal veins lie 
horizontal, ai.d parallel with, and in many respects 
bear a strong resemblance to each other. It is free 
from grit and makes a fine toilet soap, though not 
strong enough for bleaching or washing purposes. 
It is easily dug out with a shovel, and when dry 
crumbles to a dry powder. 

An analysis made by a chemist gave the following 
qualitative result : Silicic acid, sesquioxide of alumi- 
num, magnesia, oxide of iron, traces of lime, and 
water — corresponding to a mixture of clay and 
steatite, tinged by iron. 

PRINCIPAL TOWNS AND CITIES. 

Carlin dates back in the annals of time to the 
year 1868. J. A. Palmer was the first settler, he 
having located in the month of July of that year. 
In the following September, S. Pierce joined with 
Mr. Palmer, and stands second on the list of pio- 
neers of the town. In 186!) C. Boyen, James Clark, 
and others, settled there. This being the end of the 
Humboldt Division of the Central Pacific Railroad, a 
town sprang into existence in a very short time. 
The place is located on the Humboldt Piver bot- 
tom, with mountains on the north and south. 
The altitude, b}- railroad survej-, is 4,897 feet. The 
round-house and car-shops of the Central Pacific 
Railroad being located at this place, gives it a 
lively appearance, t'arlin was most prosperous in 
1871, at which time there were about eight hun- 
dred inhabitants, while at the present time it has 
but about five hundred. The nearest towns are 
Klko, twenty-live miles east, I'alisado; nine miles 
west, both on the line of the railroad ; Tuscarora 
is forty miles north. 

The wood supply for the place is obtained from 
the mountains and consists of juniper and cotton- 
wood. Water is procured from wells. One school 
house adorns the place, built in 1871, at an expense 
of 81,500, which sum was raised principally by sub- 
scription. The building is of wood, is 30x60 feet, 
and will seat 100 scholars. The average attendance 



of children is about thirt3--five. There is a Sunday- 
school with about fifty scholars, held under the 
auspices of the Episcopalian denomination; also a 
lodge of the Independent Order of (rood Templars, 
and one of the King Solomon Brotherhood. 

Stock-raising and ranching is carried on to a con- 
siderable extent easterly of the town, many of the 
old settlers being engaged in those pursuits. On the 
night of November 28, 1879, the library building, 
furnished by the railroad company, was entirelj' 
consumed by fire, likewise 1,1(10 volumes of books, 
a piano, and the furniture, entailing a loss of $3,000, 
on which there was an insurance of 82,000. The 
value of taxable property in the township, not 
including that belonging to the railroad company, is 
about S50.000. There is a cemetery which is enclosed, 
but as the locality is exceedingly' healthy, and there 
being no prevalent diseases," it has been but little 
used. 

At present Carlin contains the railroad machine 
shops and round-house, four stores, one hotel, two 
saloons, two restaurants, two blacksmith shops, six 
other ])laces of industrj-, one telegraph office, one 
express office, one ])hysician, and one jail. 

Elko is the county seat of Elko County, and is situ- 
ated on the north side of the Humboldt River, on the 
line of the Central Pacific Railroad, at an altitude of 
5,000 feet above the sea level, (reorge F. Paddle- 
ford is credited with being the first settler, he having 
anchored there as early as the first of December, 
1869. Fred. Wilson came during the same month. 
CdI. Frank Denver and Len Wines had selected this 
point early in 1869 as the most eligible for the 
receipt and discharging of freights and passengers 
from the railroads to the White Pino mining dis- 
tricts, and a road was laid out and constructed by 
these gentlemen connecting the two points. A line 
of stages was started by them, and were followed by 
Wells, Fargo & Co. and Hill Beachy & Co. Soon 
after this the railroad company laid out the town 
site and sold lots, through their agent, D. H. Has 
kell, at prices ranging from 83(10 to 8500 per lot of 
25x100 feet. These same lots sold, in the following 
June, for from 81.5(10 to 82,000, at which time the 
population had increased to 2,000, and the town 
contained 500 houses including shanties and tents. 

The nearest towns are Carlin, twenty-five miles 
west, and Wells, fiftj'-five miles east, both on the 
line of the Central Pacific Railroad. 

The Prosbj-terian denomination has a church 
built of wood, which cost about 82,0(MI, and will 
seat 200 people. Two other religious organizations 
are in existence. The Presbj'terians also conduct a 
Sunday-school, containing about ninety scholars. 

Among the corporations are a large Milling Com- 
pany, with a flouring mill, built at a cost of 812,000; 
the Elko .Mining and Soap Deposit Company, f)rgan- 
ized in May, 1879; and the Water Company, organ- 
ized in 1873. Water for the use of the town is 
taken from the Humboldt River, and conducted in 



HISTORY OF ELKO COUNTY. 



397 



pipes wlierevcr required. The supply is unlimited. 

Freights are shipped from this point to Tuscarora, 
Kailroiid District, and to the neighboring valleys, at 
a cost of from three-fourths to one cent per pound; 
and supplies are received from San Francisco and 
the East. 

There is considerable stock-raising and farming 
ill the neighborhood, large quantities of wheat and 
barley being raised, most of which is shipped to 
the mines in the interior. 

The Masons, Odd Fellows, Good Templars, For- 
resters, and Patrons of Husbandry, all have their 
lodges, and are generally in a flourishing condition. 
The first two mentioned own cemeteries for the 
burial of deceased members, which are enclosed and 
decorated. There is no public cemetery in the 
town. The prevalent diseases of the locality are 
of pulmonary character, but, as a general thing, the 
place is verj- healthy. 

A school house of brick, 20x60 feet, with a seat- 
ing capacity of 200, employing three teachers, with 
an attendance of about !')(( scholai-s, is a noted 
feature, and a credit to the inhabitants. There is 
also a public hospital that ranks well with similar 
institutions elsewhere. 

The total value of taxable pi'operty in the town- 
ship is about 8341,000; and the total length of the 
streets is about four miles, which are well supplied 
with sidewalks of brick and planks. 

About one mile from the town are situated the 
Hot Sulphur Springs, one of those strange freaks of 
nature for which the State of Nevada is noted. 

The Elko Independent, a daily and weeklj^ news- 
paper, is published with S. S. Sears as editor and 
proprietor. The State University is located here. 

Elko has been visited by the fiery elements at 
dift'erent times, the most disastrous of which 
occurred on the nineteenth of October, 1871, when 
that portion of the town Ij'ing between Fourth and 
Fifth .Streets, on Commercial, was destroyed, includ- 
ing a large portion of Silver Street, known as China- 
town. The loss was upwards of 875,000, on which 
there was an insurance of about $10,000. On the 
twentj'-first of Janiiarj-, 1875, another extensive fire 
burned that portion of Commercial Street lying 
between Fifth and Sixth Streets, with the exception 
of the two corner buildings. The loss incurred at 
this fire amounted to about §20,000. 

A jail, built of brick, with iron cage ceils, the 
structure costing SI 0.000, stands as a warning to 
evil-doers. 

At present the town contains 800 population, ten 
stores, one hotel, seven saloons, two restaurants, two 
livery stables, two blacksmith shops, one lumber 
yard and ten other ])laces of industry; one clergy- 
man, five lawyers, two physicians, and two other pro- 
fessional men. 

IlKNRY JI.MITI.N (IKANT, 

Son of Cyril R. and Abby Falcs (Mason) Grant, was 
born in Wooiisockett, lihode Island, September 4, 
50 




1812. He received a thorough education, his in- 
tention being to adopt the profession of civil engi- 
neer. At the age of eighteen 3-ears he left school, and 
was occupied in various clerical duties until 1863, 
when ho engaged as clerk and accountant for a 
copper mining compaiij-, in the Lake Superior 
country. This he continued until 1866, when ho 
came to the Pacific Coast in the interests of a New 
York com]>an}-, who were devclo|)ing mines in Nye 
County ill this State. Ho remained in their employ 
two and a half years as chief accountant. In 1868, 
he returned to the East and was married to Miss N. 
Arda JJorison, daughter of D. H. Rorison, of Ypsi- 
lanti, Michigan. Mrs. Grant was born in Seneca 
County, New York, a lad}' of unusual force of char- 
acter, excellent judgment and cultivated tastes; and, 
after a life of usefulness, departed this life. May 31, 
1878. Upon the return of our subject to this coast, ho 
accepted a position with the Owyhee Mining Com- 
pany as accountant for the working of the Poorman 
Mine at Silver Citj-, Idaho, where he remained until 
1870, at which time he engaged in the banking 
business in .Mountain City. I'iko County, Nevada, for 
himself. He followed this business for three years, 
but failing to bo remunerative it was abandoned, 
leaving him somewhat embarrassed; but through his 
extra exertions, and pure self-denial, he paid his in- 
debtedness dollar for dollar. In 1873, he engaged 



398 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



as cashier in a banking house at Elko, Elko County, 
Nevada, and there continued until 1880, when he 
was appointed, by Wells, Fargo & Co., as their agent 
in the same town, which position he now holds, and 
conducts in connection therewith, a general insur- 
ance business. In 1878, he received the Eepubli- 
can nomination for County Treasurer, and was 
elected by a majority of G27 votes, this in a strongly 
Democratic county, being a strong indorsement of 
his standing in the community. Mr. Grant is, at 
present, also largely interested in stock-raising and 
farming in Ruby Valley, Elko County. He has an 
interesting family of three children: Harry M., born 
January 15, 1872; Adele, bom March 31, 1874; and 
Sarah A., born July 15, 1875. 

Fort Halleck was established in July, 1867, by 
Capt. S. P. Smith, of the Eighth United States 
Cavalry, under orders from the General commanding 
the Department of California. This fort is on the 
right bank of Cottonwood Creek, about six miles 
from its source, and the same distance above its 
junction with Secret Creek, thirty miles southeast 
from the town of Elko. It is in latitude 40° 48' 45" 
north, longitude 115° 19' 34" west, altitude 5,800 feet, 
magnetic variation 10° 21' 24", and has a post-office, 
at present in charge of Charles E. Maj'er. The 
military reservation covers about nine square miles. 
There are no large tribes of Indians now in this 
vicinity. A few wandering Shoshones are seen occa- 
sionally. 

The East Humboldt Range is directly back of the 
fort. Several of the peaks rise to a height of 12,000 
feet above the sea. The range is scantily covered 
with a growth of mahogany, pine, cedar, and aspen. 
In the canon is a fair growth of Cottonwood, poplar 
and willow. 

The soil is a rich, black loam, quite fertile when 
irrigated. The country is exposed to frosts almost 
every month in the j-ear, so that only the hardier 
vegetables can be raised. Juno, July and August 
are generally very warm. The winters are usually 
long and the snow-fall very heavj'. The prevailing 
wind is from the southwest. The annual rain-iall 
at the fort in three years was fi.Gl inches. The 
health of the country is excellent. The mean tem- 
perature is 46°. The maximum tompcraluro for 
several years past was 108°. Minimum, 27° below 
zero. Maj. Geo. B. Sanford, of the First United 
Slates Cavalry, is commander of the fort. The gar- 
rison consists of Company I, First United States 
Cavalry and Company G, Eighth United States 
Infantry. 

HON. J. B. TOLLEY 

Is a native of La Fayette County, Wisconsin. When 
but thirteen years of age, ho started for California 
by the overland route in company with a brother, 
and being a delicate boy sufl'ered greatly from the 
privations consequent upon such a long and tedious 
trip. His first occupation after reaching the land of 
gold was mining at Placorvillo, El Dorado County, 




V/ ,/ '■ 



J. B. Tolley. 

California, where he was not favored by dame for- 
tune, and soon afterwards accepted the position of 
clerk in a grocery store at Michigan Bar, Sacra- 
mento County, whei'o he remained during the winter. 
In 1851, he emigrated to Trinity County, in the 
same State, and again sought his fortune in the 
mines on Texas Bar; but the hostility of the Indians 
was a great hindrance, and the severity of the 
winter of 1852, caused much suffering among the 
bold pioneers of that region. In 18.")3. Mr. Tollej^ 
invested in a pack-train, packing supplies from 
Colusa to the northern mines, enduring all manner 
of hardships in the interests of his enterprise. In 
1854, ho returned to the State of W^isconsin, and 
devoted himself to a course of mental culture, attend- 
ing a select school at Mineral Point, and afterwards 
the seminar^' at IMattsville, reaping invaluable bene- 
fits therefrom. In 1861 he, in company with his 
father, drove a herd of cattle across the plains to 
Trinity County, California, and experienced great 
trouble from the redskins, having some desperate 
skirmishes with them. Upon his arrival in Califor- 
nia again, he pursued mining until 1862, when he re- 
turned to his native State. The next year he again 
sought the Pacific Coast, accompanied by his family, 
this time taking the route via the Isthmus of 
Panama. For seven years he followed his old occu- 
pation, that of mining, when he received the appoint- 
ment as agent for Woodruff k Ennor's Stage Line, 
at Elko, and was afterward appointed as assistant 
superintendent of the Leopard Mill and Mining 
Compan3% at Cornucopia. In 1876 he was elected 
to the Assembly, and in 1878 he removed to Tus- 
carora, his present ])Iace of residence, from whence 
he was elected Senator from Elko County, a position 
he now holds. 



HISTORY OF ELKO COUNTY. 



399 





Is a native of Christian county, Kentucky, and ■was 
born on March 14, 1827. Hia parents were farm- 
ers, and at the tender age of sixteen years ho com- 
menced the battle of life for himself In 1845 he 
went to New Orleans, Louisiana, and entered the em- 
ploy of a wholesale firm as salesman. The breaking 
out of the Mexican War caused him to leave his situ- 
ation, and he hecanie one of the first volunteers in 
answer to the call by General Gaines for six-months 
men to assist General Taylor on the Rio Grande. 
One year later he returned to Kentucky, and spent 
the succeeding five years in the emploj- of W. \V. 
Western, a stock dealer. 

In 1853 he started, with a band of cattle, from 
Texas for California, and spent the winter in the 
Cherokee Country, and completed the journey the 
next summer, delivering the stock at Redding, Shasta 
County, California. He then remained with his 
brother, J. A. Shepherd, at the place then known as 
Doak & Bonsell's Kerry. 

In 1858 he commenced merchandising at same 
place, now known as Shepherd's Ferry, on the San 
Joaquin river, in San Joaquin County. In the spring 
of 1866 he closed out his business at that place, and, 



with a large stock of goods and a band of horses, 
went to Virginia City, Montana, disposing of them 
at a decided advantage, and in the fall returned to 
California. In the spring of 1SG8 he came to Nevada 
and settled in the valley of the south fork of the 
liumboldt River, in Elko Count}-. The next fall he 
commenced to grade what is known as the Elko and 
Hamilton Toll-road, the first road of the kind in 
eastern Nevada, and for six months after its com- 
pletion was a bonanza, but Hill Beachey constructed 
an opposition route running parallel with it. and the 
bonanza ceased to exist. After the White Pine 
excitement was over his attention was turned to 
stock-raising, a business he still follows. In the early 
organization of Elko Count}' he was elected Countj' 
Treasurer, and he has been twice elected to the State 
Senate, having two years of his present term yet to 
servo, and rejoices in the fact that ho was born a 
Democrat and has never sold his birthright. His 
nominations at the hands of his party have been 
without opposition, and the journals of the State 
Senate reveal a record of his unvaried hostility to 
monopolies that in itself speaks volumes. It is 
safer to trust a man's record than his promises. 



400 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



Humboldt Wells is situated on the Central Pa- 
cific Railroad, fifty-seven miles east of Elko and 
thirty-!*ix miles west of Toano. It was first brought 
into existence by the railroad company, as a station, 
being the end of the Humboldt and Ogden Division. 
It lies on an open plain at an altitude of 5,629 feet 
above the sea. On the south are seen the snow- 
capped mountains, elevated 10,700 feet above the sea 
level, reaching with majestic grandeur away up 
among the clouds. In every direction mountains are 
to be seen from this town, though those on the 
south rear themselves far above their neighbors. 

The station was established in 1869, and R. P. 
liamill was the first settler, he being the agent for 
the railroad company, and also for Wells, Fargo & 
Co. His date of settlement was in September of 
the last-named year. The next settlers were H. P. 
Renshaw and W^m. Humphreys, who opened a sa- 
loon in a log shanty on Christmas, 1869. P. D. 
Freese and T. A. Jones arrived in 1870. Badt & 
Cobn opened a store in 1871. The first hotel was 
built and opened to the public by J. H. Smith in the 
same year, and is now known as the Depot Hotel. 
In 1871 a stage line was established, running south, 
by way of Spruce Mountain, to Schellbourne, and 
that, in connection with the developments of the 
mines, by an Eastern company from Philadelphia, 
gave the place a start. 

From 1872 until 1876 the place was most prosper- 
ous, though the population never exceeded 300. A 
supply of wood, consisting of mountain mahogany, 
nut pine and cedar, is obtained in the mountains to 
the east. The water supply is from wells and springs, 
there being no public water-works. A school house, 
built of wood, capable of accommodating fifty schol- 
ars, has an attendance of about forty children, under 
the instruction of one teacher. 

Among the curiosities of nature that are found in 
this vicinity are the celebrated Humboldt Wells, from 
which the town derives its name, mention of which 
is made in the general history, page 18. 

On the twenty-fourth of March, 1877, there was 
an extensive fire, that swept awaj' the main part of 
the town, including the buildings belonging to the 
railroad company. This was a sad blow to the busi- 
ness interests, and the loss was very heavy, amount- 
ing to about 850,000. The fire was undoubtedl}' of 
incendiary origin. Another fire occurred February 
21, 1881, which entailed a lo.ss of about §20,000. 
Notwithstanding these calamities there is still life 
in the place. 

In the cemetery are twenty-three graves, mostly 
of children. The prevalent diseases are mountain 
fever and pneumonia. 

Stock-raising around the outskirts oi the town is 
quite oxtensive, though agricultural pursuits are not 
engaged in to any great extent. 

At present the place contains IfiO persons, the 
round-house and railroad buildings, two general 
merchandise stores, two grocery and variety stores, 



one hotel, two saloons, one restaurant, two barber- 
shops, one blacksmith-shop, one liverj' stable, two 
breweries, one harness-shop, one Chinese store. 
The official name of the place is Wells. 

TcscARORA is one of the most prosperous towns in 
the State, and was first started by men who were in 
search of the gold placer mines reported, by the 
Indians, to be located in that vicinity. According 
to the best authority obtainable HamiUon McCan 
was the first settler, he arriving in the month of Sep- 
tember,1867, and during the next month, Warren Shoe- 
craft, Tim Brown, .M. H. Black and the Beard 
brothers, John and Stejihen, arrived there. The 
location of the foregoing gentlemen was at Old Tus- 
carora, about two andone-half miles southwest of the 
present town, and is now deserted. An adobe fort 
was built in 1868 by the settlers for protection 
against the Indians, and is still standing. 

In 1875, the discovery of silver caused an excite- 
ment, and many people rushed to the new El Dorado 
during the year, at which time the present town 
was started, situated at the foot of the mountains 
which bear its name, on the west side of Inde- 
pendence Valley, about four miles from its head. 
Among the first to settle in the present town was A. 
V. Lancaster, who put up the first building, which 
was used as a store, boarding-house, and saloon. 

In 1876 it was a very lively camp and contained 
about 3,000 inhabitants, and though the population 
has decreased, the prosperitj- of the place still 
remains. It is located on the foot-hills which skirt 
the valley at an altitude of about 7,000 feet. The 
houses are built principally of wood, though there 
are some constructed of brick, stone and adobe. The 
nearest towns are Cornucopia twenty-five miles, 
Columbia forty-five miles, and Mountain City. The 
wood supply is obtained from the mountains on the 
opposite side of the valley, and consists of pine, Cot- 
tonwood, quaking-aspen and alder. The water is sup- 
plied by a private company and is obtained from the 
mountains back of town. There are two churches, 
Methodist and Catholic. A Sunday-school connected 
with the former contains about sixty scholars. 

The mining interests have kept (ho town in exist- 
ence, the quartz-mills furnishing employment for 
many men. The Grand Prize, twent}' stamps; Tus- 
carora. Independence and Navajo, ten stamps; Lan- 
caster, ten stamps; and De Frees, ten stamps; being 
located at this place. 

Freights are received bj- teams froin Elko and Car- 
lin, the former fifty-eight miles, and the latter forty- 
six miles distant. The cost of transportation from 
these places being from one and one-quarter to three 
cents per pound. 

Tuscarora has a school of about 150 scholars, em- 
ploying three teachers, although no regular school 
building lias been constructed. The building used is 
a wood structure 25x45 feet, and is rented for that 
purpose. 











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B.H. REYMERS. 



Mrs B. H.REVMERS. 



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RESIDENCE AND RANCH OF B. H. REYMERS. 

MASON VALLEY, ESMERALDA CO., NEVADA. 



HISTORY UF ESMKRAi.DA COUNTY. 



401 



There is eonsidoruble stock-raising in the viciniU'. 
but agricultural pursuits are not engaged in to any 
great extent. The Hot Springs in close proximity 
to the place are a great natural curiosity. The 
Ti meg- li'e clew, a daily twentj^-colunm newspaper, is 
published here by O. L. C. Fairchild, and is one of 
the lire papers of the State. 

The town has a number of secret societies, among 
which are Tuscarora Lodge Free and Accepted Ma- 
sons, Tusearora and Cornucopia Lodges Independent 
Order of Odd Kellows, also a lodge of the Independent 
Order of Good Templars, and the Tuscai'ora Miners' 
Union. 

The total value of taxable property in the town- 
ship is about §700,000. 

Tuscarora has been very fortunate in regard to 
fires, there having been but few of any consequence. 
Among them was the burning of the Grand Prize 
Mill, January 1, 1879, which caused a loss of about 
820,000, and the destruction of J. R. Wilkin's hotel 
and some other Iniildings, which ])roved a loss to 
their owners of about 810, OOU, on which there was 
an insurance of 86,0()i). 

The prevalent diseases arc mountain fever, pneu- 
monia, and diphtheria. 

There is no jail, which speaks well for the inhab- 
itants, a small lock-up answering every purpose in 
that lino. 

At present the town contains twelve stores, one 
hotel, eleven .saloons, eight restaurants, two liverj- 
stables, three blacksmith shops, three butcher shops, 
one telegraph office, one express office, two assay 
offices, two clergymen, two physicians, four lawyers. 



CHAPTER X L I V . 
HISTORY OF ESMERALDA COUNTY. 

Organizatiun ami Boiiridarios — Conflict of Authority — Double 
Courts anil Double Electiou — Unpaid Warrants — Financial 
Statement — Change of Houmlaries — Appnintnieiitsanil Klec- 
tion — Topography, Mines, ami Agriculture — .Settlement of 
Mason Valley — Albert .James Barrett — Albert H. Krway — 
J. J. Vox — .John IJurrard (lallagher — Aihim llerbolil — C. 
Hernlel)en — Angus McLeoil — Bcrnhard H. Keymers — -Abuer 
Stanton Hiehanlson — Warren Benjamin .Saunilers — .Settle- 
ment of Smith's Valley — T. B. Smith — Columbus Mining 
District — Esmeralda .Mining District, Uold .Mountain — 
Lida Valley anil other Mining Districts — W.H.Spragg — 
J. C. Hinds — Aban<loncd Districts — I'rincipal Towns and 
Cities — Execution of Desperadoes in 1S|)4 — (irand Jury 
lieport . 

One of the nine counties into which the Territory 
of Nevada was divided by the Act of the First Ter- 
ritorial I.iegislature, api)rovod November 2"), ISdl, 
was the county of Esmeralda, with the seat of justice 
^ at Aurora. The following boundaries wore given: 
Beginning at a point where the thirty-sevcntli ])arallel 
of north latitude intersects tlie one hundred and six- 
teenth meridian, and running west along said thirty- 
seventh parallel to the ("alifornia line; thence along 
said line, in a northwesterly direction, to the sumnjit 
of the divide between the east and west forks of the 



Walker River; thence along said divide, in a north- 
erly direction, to the head- waters of Desert Creek; 
thence, following down the middle of said creek, to 
a point where it debouches from the mountain; 
thence, following the base of the mountain, to the 
west branch of Walker River; thence across said 
river to the base of the mountain; thence, following 
the base of the mountain in a direct lino, as near as 
may be, to Mason's Ranch; thence due east to the 
one hundred and sixteenth meridian; thonco south 
along said meridian, to place of beginning. 

This vast tract, 27.") by 14(1 miles in extent, as in 
the case of Humboldt and Churchill Counties, was 
composed chiefly of outside and unexplored terri- 
tory' — a country that was considered worthless, and 
was devoid of white inhabitants. The only people 
within its limits wore those scattered along the route 
of travel from Carson to Aurora, in .Mason and 
Smith Valleys, and in the town of Aurora itself. 
The balance of the county, embracing all of the 
territory of Nye County, then belonging to Nevada, 
was a ban-on, unknown waste. 

CONFLICT OF AUTHORITY. 

The uncertainty of the exact location of the east- 
ern boundary line of the State of California kept 
Aurora a bone of contention between that State and 
the Territory of Nevada for two j-ears. The spring 
of ISGl finding Aurora a new and rapidlj- growing 
town, and Monoville, also a new town of some im- 
portance, the California Legislature organized the 
county of Mono, by Act of March 24, 18G1, and es- 
tablished the seat of justice at Aurora. The terri- 
tory included in the new county embraced that lying 
between Amador and Fresno Counties, and between 
the summit of the Sierra and the eastern line of the 
State. The Act provided also for an election, to be 
held June 1, 18(51, for County Clerk and ex officio Re- 
corder and Auditor, Sheriff' and e.v officio CoWcHor. 
District Attorney, Assessor, Treasurer. Surveyor, 
Coroner and three Supervisors. The Governor was 
to appoint a C'ounty Judge. These officers were to 
hold office for the full term, commencing ai the next 
annual election for Assemblyman. The new countj' 
was attached to Tuolumne for re])resentative pur- 
poses. P.J. Hickey, W. M. Boring, K.W.Casey, 
C. N. Noteware, L. A. Brown, G. \V. Bailey and T. 
A. Lane were appointed a Board of Commissioners 
to supervise the election and issue certificates. 

In accordance with the above Act an election was 
held June 1, ISfil, and resulted in the choice of the 
following officers for Mono Count)', California, nearly 
all of whom were residents of Aurora: County 
Clerk, R. M. Wilson; Sheriff, N. F. Scott; Di.strict 
Attorney, R. E. Phelps; Assessor, J. H. Smith; Treas- 
urer, William Feast; Surveyor, L. Tuttle; Super- 
visors, E. tireen, Charles R. Worland and J. S. 
Schult/.. Tho Governor of California appointed J. 
A. Moutrio County Judge. 

Governor Nye arrived in Nevada in July, 1861, 
and in dividing the Territory into Council and Rop- 



402 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



reeentative Districts, became convinced that Aurora 
was within the limits of Xevada, and therefore made 
it, with a large tract of adjacent country, Council 
District One, with one Councilman and two Eepre- 
/ eentatives. August 24, 1 SGI, the Esmeralda Union 
(j^ Club, a large patriotic association of Aurora, recom- 
mended an election of members of the Territorial 
Legislature, in accordance with the proclamation of 
Governor Nye, and also sent K. M. J lowland, H. G. 
Phillips, L. A. Brown, \V. E. Johnston, F. K. Bech- 
tel and Samuel Young to Carson City to attend the 
Union Convention for the nomination of a candidate 
for Delegate to Congress. An election was accord- 
ingly held August ;^1, 18(>1, resulting in the choice of 
John \V. Pugh for the Council and Samuel Youngs 
and William E. Teell for the House of Eepresenta- 
tives. These gentlemen sat in that body and helped 
frame the first laws of the Territory of Nevada, 
while the city from which they came, and which 
contained nine-tenths of the population of the dis- 
trict they represented, was the county seat of ^lono 
County, California, and was governed by officer!^ 
elected and acting under the laws of California. 

It was by this first Territorial Legislature that 
the county of Esmerald was created with Aurora as 
the county seat, making that city the seat of justice 
of two counties, under the laws of one State and 
one Territory, and complicating matters as much 
as it was possible to do. California by no means 
relinquished her claim to the disputed territory, 
upon the above action of the Nevada authorities, 
but her Legislature continued to exercise its juris- 
diction, and to grant toll, water and gas fran- 
chises in the city of Aurora and vicinity. The 
Nevada Legislature, not desiring to press mattere 
until the boundary line could be definitelj- de- 
termined, excepted Esmeralda fi'om the provisions 
of the Act of November 28, "1801, calling an elec- 
tion of county officers for January 14, 18G2, pre- 
ferring to leave the disputed territory under the 
authoritj' of the Mono Count}^ otHcers until the 
boundary question could be settled. The same Act 
granted the Governor power to appoint officers 
and organize the county of Esmeralda, whenever 
in his opinion it was desirable to do so. 

By Act of March 26, 1861, the California Legis- 
lature appointed a Commissioner to act in concert 
with the United States Surveyor in locating the 
boundary line, and approjjriated 810,000 to defray 
the expenses. By Act of November 20, 1861, the 
Nevada Legislature ai)])ropriated 81,000 for the 
same purpose. Nothing was accomplished by either, 
and the year 1802 passed without the vexed ques- 
tion being settled. The disputed line ran in a south- 
east direction from the point where the thirty-ninth 
parallel of north latitude intersects the one hundred 
and twcntietli degree of longitude west from (Jreen- 
wich, to the jjoint where the thirty-fifth parallel 
of north latitude intersects the Colorado Hiver. The 
citizens of Aurora were divided in their inclinations 



and ideas. Those who preferred forming a portion 
of California maintained that the line ran northeast 
of Aurora by the Five-mile House, while those who 
desired to be in Nevada were just as po.sitive that 
the line passed southwest of the city and through 
the Bodie District. There was but little else than 
the inclination of the people that decided their opin- 
ions as to the location of this line, an actual case of 
"the wish being father of the thought." As a rule 
the Eepublicans were in favor of Nevada, and the 
Democrats of (^alifornia, and as at that time the Re- 
])ublican8 were in a large majority, California stock 
was quoted very low. In 1862 Judge Moutrie re- 
signed, and Judge Baldwin was appointed. The 
same year Sheriff Scott was killed by Indians on 
Owens River, and G. \V. Bailey was appointed to the 
vacancy. 

At the election of September 3, 1862, the county 
of Esmeralda not having been fully organized and 
the terms of the Jlono County officials not having 
expired, there was no election for count}' officers 
whatever. There were, however, chosen lour mem- 
bers of the Territorial House of Representatives, 
John W . I'ugh, Councilman from the First District, 
holding over as a member of the Territorial Council 
for Esmeralda County. The gentlemen elected were 
as follows: John S. Ross, Arthur M. McKeel, J. \V. 
Calder, A. D. Allen. The last-named gentleman did 
not take his seat, and Esmeralda had but three 
Representatives in the second session of the Terri- 
torial Legislature. 

The first officer of Esmeralda County was John 
F. Kidder, who was appointed Surveyor by the 
Governor, July 8, 1862, followed by the appointment 
on the twenty -second of the following December, of 
Wm. M. Dixon as District Attorney. 

On the second of December, 1862, the Nevada 
Legislature passed a joint resolution, requesting the 
Governor to organize Esmeralda County as soon as 
prat'ticable, but he did not consider matters suffic- 
iently settled to do so at that time. In Februarj-, 
1863, the conflict between Roopand Plumas Counties 
over the Honey Lake region brought matters to a 
'crisis, and ste])s were taken to bring the boundarj- 
difficulty to a final settlement. By the Act of April 
27, 1863, the California Legislature directed the 
Surveyor General of that State to establish the point 
of intersection of the thirty-ninth parallel of north 
latitude, and the one hundred and twentieth degree 
of west longitude, and to survey the State line from 
that ])oiiil north to the Oregon line, and southeast 
to the Colorado River. The same Act appropriated 
825,000 to defraj' the expenses of the surve}', and 
re(iuested the Nevada authorities to ajijioint some one 
to act in conjunction with the Surveyor General. 
Acting Governor Clemens ap])ointed Butler Ives as 
Boundary Commissioner on the j)art of Nevada, and 
the survey was thus jointly undertaken. 

No sooner had the initial point of the survey been 
established in the clear waters of Lake Tahoe, than 



HISTORY OF ESMERALDA COUNTY. 

/ 



401 



the Governor became convinced that Aurora was in 
Nevada Territory , and Juno 22, 18(13, appointed the 
following officers: Sheriff, D. tV. Francis; Clerk, 
Cyril Hawkins; Commissioners, C. 1). Wingate, 
Samuel Youngs and John F. Moore. Samuel Youngs 
declined the appointment, and the following day 
John Hawkins was appointed in his stead; he also 
resigned on the first of August. It was the duty of 
these officers to organize tlie county and prepare for 
an election of county officers at the next genei-al 
election in September. 

DOUBLE COURTS AND DOUBLE ELECTION. 

In the month of July, 1863, Judge Turner, CJhief 
Justice of the Territory, and assigned by Governor 
Nye as Judge of the Second District, opened a term 
of the District Court for Nevada in Aurora. At 
the same time Judge Baldwin, of Mono County, was 
holding county court, and the novelty was presented 
of two courts sitting concurrently, exercising juris- 
diction bj' virtue of authority derived i'rom distinct 
sources. By wise and judicious management, no 
conflict of authority was inaugurated, and the session 
of each court was held quietly and with no inter- 
ference with the proceedings of the other. Causes 
were brought in either court, as the litigants pre- 
ferred, the majority being taken before Judge Bald- 
win, his court being held there regularlj'. 

When the second daj'of September, 18()3, arrived, 
the boundary line had not been surveyed as far south 
as Aurora, and the uncertaintj- of location was still 
as great as ever. The term of office of the Mono 
County officials, elected in 1861, expired, and it 
became necessary to elect their successors. A bril- 
liant idea was conceived; they would hold two elec- 
tions, one for Mono and one for Esmeralda. P^ull 
tickets were nominated by both Republicans and 
Democrats, making four in all, two for each county. 
In Aurora the election was lively. The polls for the 
Esmeralda election were held in Armory Hall, and 
those for Mono in the Police Station, some distance 
awaj- on the same street. Considerable hilarity was 
exhibited and good feeling prevailed, people voting 
at one place and then passing down the street to 
vote at the other, thus making sure to hit it on one 
side if they missed it on the other. The Republican 
ticket was successful in both contests. 

FOR MONO COUNTY. 

County Clerk, John Hawkins; Sheriff, H. J. 
Teel ; Treasurer, E. R. Rhoades ; Assessor, J. H. 
Smith. 

At this time Judge Baldwin was holding a term 
of the County Court, and when the line had passed 
Aurora, leaving it in Nevada, objection was made 
to the jurisdiction of the court in the case then 
before the court, and it was sustained by the Judge, 
who declined to try any more cases in Aurora. 

Within twenty days after the election those en- 
gaged in the boundary survey reached Aurora and 
passed to the southwest, leaving the city in Nevada, 



-r 

much to the disgust of some of the strong 
adherents of California, who asserted that the sur- 
veyors ran the lines around Aurora in order to leave 
it in Nevada, and there are some of them who 
maintain to this day that there is a jog in the 
State line. In order to obviate any possible diffi- 
culty in regard to the legality of the Esmeralda 
County election of September 2, 1863, the (iovernor 
apjiointed, on the nineteenth of that month, the 
officers that had been elected, adding to the list 
A. S. Peck, as County Judge, and all were sworn 
into office on the twentj'-second of September. 

As soon as the question of location was settled, 
R. M. Wilson and William Feast, officers elected 
for Mono County, loaded all the records upon a 
wagon and took them across the line to the then 
little town of Bodie, and the next spring, when 
Bridgeport was declared the county seat ot Mono, 
took them to that i)lace. An Act approved Feb- 
ruary 9, 1864, to have these records transcribed, 
was repealed January 10, 1865, because of opposi- 
tion by citizens of Esmeralda, who were not willing 
to pay §10,000 for that purpose, and the law was 
never carried into effect farther than to expend 
8300 for the necessarj^ books. 

The officers for Mono County elected in 1863, 
nearly all remained in Aurora,, and their places 
were filled by appointment bj* the Governor of 
California; R. M. Wilson, the County Clerk, removed 
to Bridgeport, and William F'east continued to dis- 
charge the duties of Treasurer, although residing 
in Aurora, until his death in the summer of 1864. 
H. J. Teel who was elected Sheriff of Mono County, 
was appointed Deputy Sheriff of Esmeralda, by 
Sheriff Francis, there having been an agreement 
made bj- them before the election, that in which- 
ever county Aurora was decided to be, the one 
elected sheriff of that county should appoint the 
other his deputy. 

UNPAID WARRANTS. 

The taxes for 1861 and 1862 were collected in 
Aurora for Mono County, but those for 1863 were 
not; and as soon as the money in the treasury 
became exhausted outstanding warrants remained 
unpaid. When the county seat was settled at 
Bridgeport the officers of Mono County refused pay- 
ment on all ]ireviousIy issued warrants, on the 
ground that the expense was incurred in and for 
the benefit of Aurora, and that Esmeralda County 
should ])iiy them. There are outstanding now some 
§20,000 of these old warrants, the larger portion of 
which have been collected together, and suit is now 
pending to compel Mono Count)- to paj- them. 

FINANCIAL STATE.MENT. 

The Board of County Commissioners elected in 
1863 met on the twenty-ninth of September, and 
divided the county into three townships, Aurora, 
Sweetwater, and Excelsior District, being the elec- 
tion precinct established in each. The brick build- 



f 



404 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



ing on the corner of Pine and Silver Streets, now 
owned by the county, was leased of Preble, De Noe 
& Co. for 8250 per month, to be used as a Court 
House. The jail that had been erected by the Mono 
County authorities was also leased. In December, 
1864, the Court House was purchased by the county 
for §12,000, for which county warrants were issued. 
After considerable discussion about the best manner 
in which to redeem these warrants, and after the 
Commissioners had made and rescinded two orders 
for the issue of bonds for that purpose, one for 
822,000, and the other for 825.000, (here were issued 
in October, 1865, bonds to the amount of 811,500, 
and all warrants on the Court House Fund then out- 
standini^ were paid. These bonds bore interest at 
the rate of two per cent, per month; and in Decem- 
ber, 1871, 88,000 in bonds, with interest at the rate 
of one and a half per cent, per month, were issued 
to redeem all the old bonds still outstanding. In 
1874 a jail was made in the Court House building at 
an expense of about 81,500, and two bonds of 8500 
each were issued, due in one year, with interest at 
one and a half per cent, per month, which were 
paid. In September, 1877, the house and lot known 
as the Kidd House were purchased for 8500 of S. B. 
Smith, to be used as a countj^ hospital. Under the 
Act of March 14, 1877, amended January 31, 1879, 
the Commissioners issued 8H*,(I00 on the eleventh of 
February, 1879, to provide for current expenses. 
They were made to fail due 82,000 each year after 
the fifth year, interest ten percent, per annum. The 
total debt of the county at the present time is 
$32,915. Amount of cash in the treasury, 810,767. 

CHANGE OF BOUNDARY. , 

By the Act of Fobruarj' 16, 1864, creating the 
county of Nye, Esmeralda lost more than half of 
its territory, all that portion east of the meridian of 
40° 30' west of Washington being set off into the 
new county. This Act was amended March 0, 1865, 
by making the line of the one hundred and seven- 
teenth degree of longitude west from Greenwich 
the lina of division, thus restoring a narrow strip 
of what had been taken. By the Act of March 
5, 1869, the boundary between Nye and Esme- 
ralda was declared to be a line running from the 
intersection of the California line by the meridian of 
longitude 40° 15' west from Washington, norlhto 
the thirty-eighth parallel of north latitude; thence 
northwe.-iterlj' to the hot springs on the Wellington 
and Keeso J{ivcr road; thence north to the thirty- 
ninth parallel of north latitude. The Act of Febru- 
ary 26, 1875. changed the eastern lino to the meri- 
dian of longitude 40° 7'; thence north to the thirty- 
eight parallel northwesterly to Hot Springs, and 
north ia the thirlj'-ninth ])arallol, as before, leaving 
the boundaries as they exist at jtresent, the north- 
ern boundary never having been changed. 

Al'l'OlNTMENTS AND KI.ECTIONS. 

A complete list of the officers of the county from 
its organization down to thepresenttime is herewith 



given, together with the date of appointment or 
election of each. The vacancies in oftice by death, 
resignation or removal, if any have occurred, will 
also be noted, with the names of the persons se- 
lected to fill the same. 

SENATORS. 

J.J. Coddington, elected Councilman under Terri- 
torial organization September 2, 1863; B. S. Mason 
and William Wethcrall, elected Senators under the 
provisions of a State Constitution, Januarj' 19, 1864, 
but never qualified as the Constitution was rejected; 
J. C. Parks, elected Councilman September 7, 1864; 
Lewis Doran and John Ives, elected Senators No- 
vember 8, 1864; B. S. Mason and Lewis Doran, 
elected November 6, 1866; T. W. Abraham, elected 
November 3, 1868; W. .M. Boring, elected November 
8, 1870; J. G. Mc('linton and Frank Campbell, elected 
November 5, 1872 — Campbell to fill vacancy caused 
by the death of W. M. Boring; A. Garrard, elected 
November 3, 1874; John B. Gallagher, elected No- 
vember 5, 1878. 

ASSEMBLYMEN. 

J. W. Calder, Jacob Hess, and J. H. Graj^ were 
elected Eepresentatives under the Territorial organ- 
ization, September 2, 1863. Gray did not take his 
seat. John S. Mayhugh, J. G. McClinton, E. T. 
Loomis, and G. A. Green were elected January 19, 
1864, under the provisions of a State Constitution 
which was rejected, therefore never qualified. A. S. 
Peck was elected County Judge under the same 
regime; J. C. Darragh, P. B. Comstock, and L. Eice 
were elected Ec))resentatives September 7, 1864; D. 
H. Haskell, John S. Mayhugh, D. Wellington, and 
Cyril Hawkins, elected Assemblymen. November 8, 
1864; A. M. Wingate, J.S. Mayhugh, T. N. Browne, 
and B. V. Poor, elected November 6, 1866. Browne 
resigned April 0, 1867. C. P. Shakspeare, E. R 
Shimmin, John S. Ma3'hugh, and S. J. Davis, elected 
Novembers, 1868. Mayhugh resigned July 7, 1869, 
Angus McLeod, D. C. Simpson, D. F. -Manning, and 
M. R. Delano, elected November 8, 1870; J. B. Gal- 
lagher, Robert McCall, W. H. Carpenter, and P. M. 
Brummer, elected November .">, 1872; Alexander 
Spencer, R. I. Hubbard, R. V. Tone, and E. R. 
Willis, elected November 3, 1874; C. P. Shakspeare 
and H. E. Sargent, elected November 7, 1876; J. J{. 
Kldred and Charles P. Shakspeare, elected Novem- 
ber 5, 1878; W. F. Bolding and T. M. McGowan, 
elected November 2, 18S0. 

COUNTY COMMISSIONERS 

Appointed by (Governor Nye June 22,1863: C. D. Win- 
egate, Samuel Youngs, and John F. Jlooro. Youngs 
declined, and John Hawkins was appointed, but re- 
signed August Isf. P. W. Randall, Geo. A. Green and 
Cieo. A. Whitney-, elected Soptembor 2, 1863. Randall 
resigned January 22, 1864. and W. II. Hurgcss ap- 
pointed by Commissioners April 5th. The Su- 
preme Court decided the aj)])()intment illegal, and 
the Governor appointed Samuel Youngs April 11, 







•r^' 




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,^^'r^.- ■■ 










HISTORY OF ESMERALDA COUNTY. 



*0o 



18S4. D. W. Davis, George A. Green and Samuel 
Youngs, elected Septemher 7. 1864; George Benson 
elected November 7, 18G5 ; E. B. Cooper, M. Y. 
Stewart, and E. U. Smith, elected November 6, 1866. 
Cooper resigned and J. G. MeClinton was appointed 
hv the Governor April If), 1867. lie resigned Sep- 
tember 25, 1868, and the Governor appointed Gardi- 
ner C. White October 5, 1868, to fill the vacancy. 
W. G. McBride, G. C. White, and Henry Williams, 
elected November 3, 1S6S. McBride and While re- 
signed, and T. H. Burt and Frank Neal were ap- 
pointed August 3, 1869, to fill the vacancies. F. 
Strackler, R. Keever and E. W. Bennett, elected 
November 8, 1870; Henry Williams and C. Dumay, 
elected November 5, 1872. Dumaj^ did not qualify, 
and Angus McLeod was appointed June 2, 1873. T. 
B. Smith and F. Strackler, elected November 3, 
1874; P. L. Traver and D. C. Simpson, elected Novem- 
ber 7, 1876. Franklin Neal was appointed January 
15, 1880, in place of Traver, deceased. D. C. Simp- 
son, and T. B. Smith, elected November 5, 1878; W. 
S. Stone and G. A. Hamilton, elected November 2, 
1880. 

PROBATE JUDGES. 

Wm. M. Boring was elected Probate Judge, Sep- 
tember 7, 1864. 

DISTRICT ATTORNEYS. 

R. S. Mesick was elected Prosecuting Attorney, 
under Territorial Government, September 2, 1863, 
resigned January 22, 1864, Geo. S. Palmer appointed 
to till vacancy; S. H. Chase, elected Prosecuting 
Attorney, September 7, 1864; T. N. Browne, elected 
District Attorney November 7, 1865, vice S. H. Chase, 
elected District Judge; W. M. Boring, elected No- 
vember 6, 1866; T. N. Browne, elected November 3, 
1868, removed from county, and W. K. Boring 
appointed April 5, 1869. to fill vacancy; John Curtis, 
elected November 8, 1870; M. A. .Murphy, elected 
November 5, 1872, re-elected November 3, 1874, 
re-elected November 7, 1876; A. L. Greeley, elected 
November 5, 1878. According to the canvass Daniel 
Holland received more votes than (irooley, but the 
latter successfully contested the election. Cande- 
laria was re-counted and (ireeley given the office. 
D. J. Lewis, elected November 2, 1880. 

COUNTY SHERIFFS. 

D. G. Francis, elected September 2, 1863, re-elected 
September 7. 1864, re-elected November 6, 1866, 
re-elected November 3, 1868; John B. Helm, elected 
November 8, 1870, re-elected November 5, 1872, 
re-elected November 3, 1874; L. B. Lott, elected 
November 7, 1876, died September 25, 1878, and J. 
B. Hiskey ajipointed October 7th, to fill vacancy; 
Clem. Ogg, elected November 5, 1878; David J. IJobb, 
elected November 2, 1880. 

COINTV CLERKS. 

E. B. Dickinson, elected September 2, 1863, re- 
elected September 7, 1864; Jas. S. Jamison, elected 
November 6, 1866: F. K. Bccbtel, elected November 

51 



3, 1868; D.J. Lewis, elected November 8, 1870, re- 
elected November 5, 1872; I. N. Farwell, elected 
November 3, 1874, re-elected November 7, 1876, re- 
elected November 5, 1878, re-elected November 2, 
1880. 

COUNTY TREA.SrRERS. 

Eben Rhodes, elected September 2, 1863, re-elected 
September 7, 1864; W. A. Howard, elected Novem-. 
ber 7, 1865, vire Rhodes, who had resigned. Howard 
resigned April 16, ^1866, and J. (i. MeClinton was 
appointed to fill vacancj'. Oliver Kimball, elected 
November 6, 1866; G. W. Daran. elected November 
3, 1868; Wm. H. Hail, elected November 8, 1870, 
re-elected November 5, 1872, re-elected November 3, 
1874, re-elected November 7, 1866, died November 
26, 1876, and O. Kimball appointed December 11th, 
to fill vacancy; A. V\^ Crocker, elected November 5, 
1878; Angus McLeod, elected November 2, 1880. 

COUNTY ASSESSORS. 

J. H. Smith, elected September 2, 1863; J. H. 
Richardson, elected September 7, 1864; Ira P. Hale, 
elected November 6, 1866; M. A. Murphj-, elected 
November 3, 1868, re-elected, November 8, 1870; S. 
M. Booker, elected November 5, 1872; Dennis 
Thompson, elected November 3, 1874; C. J. Dunlap, 
elected November 7, 1876, re-elected November 5, 
1878; office vacated for non-qualification, February 
10, 1879, and Dennis Thompson appointed the next 
day; December 2, 1879, office again declared vacant 
for not filing a new bond, and G. II. Hatch was 
appointed January 6, 1880, to fill the vacancj'. S. B. 
Hines, elected November 2, 1880. 

COUNTY RECORDERS. 

John Hawkins, elected September 2, 1863, died, and 
Cyril Hawkins appointed January 8, 1864, to fill 
vacancy; G.L. Church, elected September 7, 1864; I). 
W. Hastings, elected November 6, 1866; J. G. Me- 
Clinton, elected November 3, 1868, resigned July 20 
1869, and G. C. White appointed to fill vacancy; G. 
C. White, elected November 8, 1870, re-elected No- 
vember 5, 1872; David McKee, elected November 3, 
1874, re-elected November 7, 1876. II. W. Barton 
was appointed August 14, 1877, vice McKee, deceased. 
I). J. Lewis, elected November 5, 1878; H. W. Bar- 
ton, elected November 2, 1880. 

COUNTY SUPERINTENDENTS OP SCHOOLS. 

J. B. Saxton, elected September 2, 1863; Ira P. 
Hale, elected September 7, 1864; W. C. Meredith, 
elected November 7, 1865, vice Ira P. Hale, who 
resigned October 4, 1865. Meredith resigned April 
16, 1866, and Hale was again appointed to fill 
vacancy; Larkin Smith, elected November 6, 1866; 
B. T. Tade, elected November 3, 1868, resigned 
October 5, 1869, and Ira P. Hale appointed to fill 
vacanc}'; Ira P. Hale, elected November 8, 1870, 
resigned July 3, 1871, and S. B. Smith appointed 
to fill vacancy; W. H. H. Buckley, elected Novem- 
ber 5, 1872; H. D. Fletcher, elected November 3," 
1874; J. F. De Vol, elected November 7, 1876; 



406 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



John M. Dormer, elected November 5, 1878, re- 
signed April 6, 1880, and H. D. Howard appointed 
to fill vacancy; Edwin Wood, elected November 
2, 1880. 

COUNTY SURVEYORS. 

Wm. Me Bride, elected September 2, 1863, re-elected 
September 7, 1864; re-elected November 6, 1866; 
Chas. E. Baldwin, elected November 8, 1870; A. Gar- 
rard, elected November 5, 1872; J. R. NcNeese, 
elected November 3, 1874; resigned April 3, 1876, 
and Franklin Neal, appointed to fill vacancy; F. 
C. Farnham. elected November 7, 1876; the oflRce 
was declared vacant March 8, 1878, for non -resi- 
dence, and J. M. Houston, appointed to fill vacancy; 
J. M. Houston, elected November 5, 1878; re-elected, 
November 2, 1880. 

PUBLIC ADMINISTRATORS. 

Henry Keever, elected November 6, 1866; S. M. 
Booker, elected November 3, 1868; Samuel Youngs, 
elected November 8, 1870, re-elected November 5, 
1872; Henry Keever, elected November 3, 1874; 
Henry D. Fletcher, elected November 7, 1876; A. 
H. Hawley, elected November 5, 1878; Henry 
Keever, elected November 2, 1880. 

TOPOCiUAPHY, MINES AND AGRICULTURE. 

The topography of the county and the character 
of the soil differs very little from the balance of the 
State. A large body of fresh water, called Walker 
Lake, covers a considerable ai-ea, extending from the 
mouth of Walker River in a southeasterly direction 
a distance of twenty-five miles, having an aver- 
age width of nine miles, and abounds with fish at all 
seasons of the year. The lake is deep, and like all 
bodies of water in the Great Basin of Nevada, has 
no outlet. The waters from Walker River flow 
into it winter and summer. The floods in the last 
days of 1861 and first of 1862, raised its waters 
seventeen feet. The surface gradually receded un- 
til about 1867-68, when another flood raised them 
about seven feet. With these exceptions the waters 
of the lake have been gradually decreasing, owing 
probably to the supply being largely used for irri- 
gating the ranches along the course of the river. 
The Walker River has its source in two main 
branches, which rise in the f?ierra Nevada and 
unite about forty five miles from the mouth of the 
stream. The main stream then flows northerly, 
makes a coni])lete curve to the east, and then flows 
south into Walker Ij.ike. The bottoms and valleys 
lying along the river and the creeks flowing into it, 
constitute a large ])()rtion of the tillable land of the 
county. Upon Walker Ijake are two small steam- 
boats, used in conveying produce from Mason Val- 
lej' to Columbus District, shortening the usual 
route of travel considerably. One of those boats 
is forty feet long, and carries ten tons, the other 
being of the same capacity and ton foot longer. The 
first was built in the valley and taken down the. 
river, while the other was constructed at the lake. 



Three principal ranges of mountains, the Wassuck, 
Excelsior and Volcano, together with a great many 
lower and shorter ranges of hills, traverse the county 
in all directions, the general course, however, being 
north and south. Several hot springs, a number of 
borax and salt marshes, numerous iron, copper, gold 
and silver mines, are found in the county; the pro- 
duction of gold, silver, salt and borax, aside from 
agriculture, being the chief industries. 

The superficial area of the county is about 9,000 
square miles, a great deal of it being utterly value- 
less. Of the balance it is estimated that there are 
150,000 acres suitable for agriculture, 300,000 acres 
of grazing land, 150,000 acres of timber land, covered 
with a growth of pinon, or dwarf ])ine, and 750,000 
acres of mineral land. Of the agricultural lands 
some 13,000 acres ' are ini-losed, and 8,000 under 
cultivation. 

These lands lie in Mason, Smith and portions of 
Antelope Valleys, along the branches of Walker 
River and Sweetwater Creek, in Fish Lake Vallej% 
and in a few isolated localities where water can be 
obtained for irrigation. Haj- and barley are the 
principal crops. There is always a great demand 
for these in the mining districts adjacent, and a good 
price can always be obtained. Considerable stock is 
raised in the county, and small orchards are found 
in considerable numbers. For statistics giving the 
products of the county for each year from 1865 to 
1880, the number of acres under cultivation, the 
stock and grain raised, and the fruit trees and vines 
growing, the reader is referred to the tables to bo 
found on pages 135, 136, 139 and 14(i of the general 
history. For the bullion product see tables in the 
latter pages of this work. 

The Carson and Colorado Railroad, opened for 
travel in the si)ring of 1881, penetrates to near the 
center of the county, skirting the east shore of 
Walker Lake, traversing the valley- of Walker River 
and connecting with the general system of railroads 
by the Virginia and Truckee Railroad at Mound 
House, in Lyon County. 

SETTLEMENT OF MASON VALLEY. 

In 1854 N. H. A. Mason, in company with two 
brothers, was driving cattle from the Western States 
to California, and passed through the fountrj\ now 
known as Mason Valley, along ^Valker River. Their 
cattle were stampeded, and in collecting them they 
had a good opportunity of learning something 
of the value of this section as a grazing range. 
In 1859 Mr. Mason again visited the place, and, after 
making a thorough examination, located what has 
since been known as AIason"s Ranch. The fall of 
that year a large band of cattle from the East was 
wintered there, and, in 1860, he drove from Califor- 
nia (Stanislaus County), what cattle he had there 
to the Nevada range. 

In October, 1859, Wm. 11. Dickson located on 
what is now the reservation, up the river, about 
fourteen miles from the lake, where Campbell, or 



HISTORY OF ESMERALDA COUNTY. 



407 



Wasson, later built the reservation house. He is 
still a resident of the valley. 

During the Indian troubles Mason and Dickson 
drove their stock to Antolojio Yalloy. In July the 
former returned to his ranch, but Dickson's claim 
was lost to him because of its being on reserved 
Indian laiuls, and he did not return \intil 1S(>2. 

The tirst house built in the vallej- was by ilr. 
Mason in 1860, 16x24 feet in dimensions, the walls 
being eight feet high, and were of willows and 
adobe. The roof was of tules, and the sides were 
made by placing poles in the ground, then nailing 
willows to them, and filling in between with mud. 
It was built near the center of section thirteen, town- 
ship fourteen north, twenty-five east. The structure 
was maliciously burned in 1866. 

Tom Wheeler and brother settled about eighteen 
miles south of Mason's Ranch, on the west fork of 
Walker River, in the fall of 1861. The place is now 
owned by D. Wilson. The next settlers were Angus 

McLeod, Charles Sneider, and Clement, who 

came in the fall of 1862, and took up what is now 
known as McLeod's Ranch. The same fall A. J. 
and C. D. Lane and W. K. Johnson, in connection 
with John R. Bradlej-, purchased a part of the 
Mason Ranch, and drove cattle in from California to 
the place. The same fall William, George and 
Richard Alcorn, three brothers, settled between the 
McLeod and Lane ranches. In 1863 Jesse Wood- 
cock and Porter settled on the east side of the 

river, opposite McLeod's, and during the same year 
Sprague, Kimball and Buler took up the ranch now 
owned by Mason where his house is built. 

Mr. Mason, in 1861, sowed about one acre of 
barley and planted some potatoes on the bottom 
across the river from the old original house. The 
second effort in this line was in 1863, bj^ Angus 
McLeod and another, who both raised barley that 
year. In 1864 several parties had fields of grain. 

In 1861, Mason run a portion of what is now 
known as the Mason Ditch, for irrigating purposes 
on his ranch. It is now about four miles long, and 
has cost about $2,000. The next was the Joggles 
Ditch, taken out in 1863, that being connected with 
a slough, has a total length of about six miles, and 
cost 83,000. The I^ane & Johnson Ditch was also 
taken out in 1863 on the opposite side of the river. 
and is about three miles long. This was followed by 
the McLeod Ditch in the same j-ear. It is two and one- 
half niilcslong. The Sprague, Alcorn, andBuIer Ditch 
was dug in 1864, and is now one of the main ditches 
of the valley. In addition to the above are several 
that have been constructed since, among which are 
the Greenwood and Fox ditches, on the East Walker, 
and the Mickey, Weston, Nichol, and Merritt ditches 
on the West Walker. 

A tragic incident transpired in Mason Valley, in 
the winter of 1865-66, in which William Johnson, 
who came to Mason Vallc^' in 1862, lost his life. He 
came in company with Charles Lane, from California, 



and they brought an Indian with them. This son of 
the desert was accustomed to amuse himself by but- 
tingheads with a ram belonging to Messrs. Lane and 
Johnson, and during one of bis trials of hard-head- 
edness, the ram used a little too much force and 
knocked the redskin out of time. This so enraged 
him that he seized a club and commenced pounding 
his victor, when Mr. Johnson interfered, and in order 
to make his arguments effective slapped the Indian 
across the face. 

During that night Johnson was murdered, and 
suspicion was at once attached to this Indian, who 
had taken a horse and disappeared. A ]Kirty imme- 
diately started on his trail and found him in a min- 
ing camp, in Peavine District, near where the town 
of Reno now stands. On their waj- to the valley, 
those having him in charge, concluded that the surest 
plan for making a good Indian, would be to hang him, 
which they proceeded to do. lie was accordingly 
hanged to the limb of a tree, on the banks of the 
Carson River, below Dayton, near the place now 
owned by Mrs. Newman and Mr. Ilonej-man. 

The valley runs nearly north and south, is eighty 
miles long, with an average of nine miles in width, 
the Walker River running through its entire length. 

The statutes make four counties corner on Mason's 
Ranch, but the point of contact has never been 
determined by survey, although a strict construction 
of the statutes would seem to carry the line about 
six miles north of his present home, and take the 
whole vallej- into Esmeralda County. This is not 
the construction now given, however. There are at 
present 260 voters in the valley, thirty-one of them 
voting in Lyon County. 

ALBERT JAMES BARRETT. 

Was born in Fairfield, Somerset County, Maine, on 
the twenty-eighth day of February. 1822. His 
ancestors were among the earlj' settlers of America, 
his great-grandfather and six sons coming from 
England and first settling in Massachusetts prior to 
the Revolutionarj- War, five of whom served in the 
struggle for independence against the mother coun- 
try. His father. Mr. C. Barrett, was born in New 
Hampshire, and his mother, Betsj- Barrett ni'e Davis, 
was a native of Maine. On the father's side the 
English is allied with Scotch, his grandmother being 
a descendant of the Chalmers of Scothind. a family 
respected and esteemed on either side of the Atlantic. 
Barrett, Sen., father of the subject of this sketch, foL 
lowed the cooper's trade, and the son was, at the 
early ago of five years, inducted into the mysteries of 
sawing staves, and at seven years was promoted to 
the "bench," shaving hoops. He continued to fol- 
low this trade until 1850, when, animated by a desire 
to improve his fortunes, he embarked on the steamer 
Crescent Citij for ("alifornia. Cro.ssing the Isthmus 
and finding no steamer ready to sail, ho engaged in 
working at his trade for two months, and then tak- 
ing passage on the A'orlherner, landed in San Fran- 
cisco on the sixth of July, 1851, and from thence to 



40K 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



the mines. Not finding the success he anticipated, 
he left the mines and settled in Sacramento, working 
at his trade for three years. From thence he 
removed to Michigan Bar, and for one and a half 
years followed merchandising. Subsequently he 
engaged in the same business in other places, closinir 
at Brownsville. 

In 1857 he purchased a ranch in Yolo County, on 
which he resided for three years, and then disposing 
of that removed to San Francisco. Dissatisfied with 
city life, in company with Capt. A. VV. Pray, he 
removed to Nevada and erected the first saw-mill at 
Glenbrook, near Lake Tahoe, in which business they 
continued for one year, and then selling his interest 
in the mill removed from Glenbrook and located on 
Clear Creek, in Ormsby County, Nevada, farming 
for two years at that place, and subsequently for 
thirteen years near Dayton. Eenting his ranch 
in Dayton, he removed to Mason Valley, Esme- 
ralda County, where he still resides. 

Mr. Barrett was married March 22, 1848, to Miss 
Clin E. Day, daughter of Tobias and Pha-be Day, of 
the State of Massachusetts. They are blessed with 
five children, all living — George A., Mary W., Charles 
H., Isabel F., and Lettie C. The eldest daughter, 
the wife of Charles W. Mallett, resides near her 
parents in Mason Valley. They have one son, 
William Albert, born July 28, 1879. 

Mr. Barrett cast his first vote for Henry Clay, the 
great Whig leader and orator, in 1844, and like most 
of the New England men of that political school, 
early united with the Eepublican party, to which he 
has ever since belonged. In religion Jie is best 
described as a Protestant in its most acceptable 
sense, than which he could hardly be otherwise edu- 
cated, as he was in the common schools of New Eng- 
land. 

ALBERT H. ERWAY, 

Son of Charles and Susannah (Croddit) Erway, was 
born near Ithaca, Tompkins County, New York, 
January 8, 1811. His parents were also natives of 
New York State. The first fifteen years of his life 
were divided between working on a farm and 
attending school, and at that age engaged as a 
driver on the " raging canal " in summer, and was 
in the lumber business during the winter. In 1835 he 
removed with his parents to the State of Michigan, 
locating at Three Itivers, St. Joseph County, and 
entered a store as clerk, and soon after purchased 
the business, and conducted the same for about three 
years. The succeeding thirteen years he devoted to 
the occupation of farming. In February, 1852, he, 
with his family, sailed from New York on the 
steamship El Dwmlo, crossed the Isthmus of Pan- 
ama, and took passage on the steamer Oreyon for 
San Francisco, California, where he landed April 
7th. His first occupation in that State was mining 
on Mormon Island. The next winter he went to 
Sacramento and in companj^ with a friend, ])ur- 
ohased a stock of goods, which they took to a place 



called Fiddletown. In this enterprise they were 
successful, and continued the business until . after 
the destruction of Sacramento City bj- fire. He 
then commenced freighting with a six-mule team, 
making Stockton, San Joaquin County, his head- 
quarters. In 1855 he returned with his family to 
the East, and located in Cass Count}*, Michigan, 
where he engaged in the lumber business. One 
year later he sufl^ered losses bj' fire, and went to farm- 
ing, which he followed until 1860, when he went to 
Mills County, Iowa; thence to Nebraska, and kept a 
hotel at Plattsmouth, Cass County, until 1862, when 
he went to Denver, Colorado, and, contracting the 
Salmon Eiver mining fever, started for the north- 
west. He spent one winter packing supplies from 
Walla Walla, Washington Territorj-, to the mines 
in Idaho. In 1S63 he again sought California, and 
engaged in freighting from Sacramento over the 
mountains. In 186G he purchased a ranch sixteen 
miles below the latter city. In 1868 he came to 
Nevada, and engaged in the wood business at Carson 
City, Ormsby County, also was interested largely 
in freighting, but reverses overtook him, and he 
was left to again build up a business, his entire cap- 
ital consisting of a ten cent piece, which was at- 
tached to his watch chain. At the end of eighteen 
months he had by strict attention established him- 
self in business, and had teams worth fuU}^ S3, 000. 
In 1876 he settled in Mason Valley. Esmeralda 
Countj", fully satisfied, after traveling over the 
State, that this valley is inferior to none, as an 
agricultural district, in the State. 

Mr. Erway was married Februarj' 11, 1838, to 
Miss Abigail Jane Phillipps, a native of Kentucky. 
Their union was blessed by eight children, all living 
at this time, six of whom are being educated in the 
Eastern Slates. Mrs. Erway died February 18, 
1869. 

In politics, Mr. Erway is a Democrat of the old 
school. In business, he has always been success- 
ful until he reached a certain point, when reverses 
would surely overtake him, but now with his fine 
ranch as a backer, he need fear no foe. He is 
able to produce 2,000 bushels of grain per year 
from his place, and thoroughly understands his 
business. 

J. J. FOX. 

The subject of the following sketch is a native of 
Germany, born in the town of Auggen, Muellhcim. 
In the year 1854, he left his " Faderiaiid,"' bidding 
adieu to the scenes of his youth, and came to the 
United States of America. His first location after 
reaching American soil was in the State of Missouri, 
where ho lived nearly five years, and in 1859 emi- 
grated, having California as his objective point. 
He came by way of the plains, and underwent all the 
trials peculiar to a trip across the country. He 
finally reached the Pacific Coast, and for a period of 
about five years was a resident of the "Golden State." 
In 1864 he crossed the mountains and became a resi- 



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HISTORY OF ESMERALDA COUNTY. 



409 



dent of Nevada, and in the winter of 1865-66, located 
in Mason Vallej', Esmeralda County, where he now 
lives. Mr. Fox has a fine ranch in this beautiful 
valley, and is one of the much-esteemed citizens of 
that locality; a man of sterling worth, honest and 
upright in his transactions with his neighbors, and 
will in time become one of the solid men of the State. 





/^^^^^f^^ 



Was born in County Mayo, Ireland, in 1843, and 
came with his parents to America when but a child. 
Arriving in this country, his people went to the 
State of Wisconsin, where they have since resided. 
The subject of this sketch began the battle of life 
for himself at an early age, and by industrj^ and 
economj' saved money enough to pay his way at 
school, and graduated from Bull's College, at Racine, 
Wisconsin. Possessed of an ambitious nature, and 
realizing the fact that wealth and intellectual im- 
provement are the result of personal eft'ort and 
industry, he seized upon the first opportunity to 
reach the much talked-about land of gold. California, 
and engaged himself to a man to assist in driving a 
band of sheep across the plains. Upon bis arrival 
in California he did not realize the fruition of his 
fondest hopes, and with youth and health as his 
stock in trade, he turned his attention to the "briny 
deep," and shijiped before the mast on a vessel then 
at San Francisco, engaged in the lumber and South 
American trade, and in this ship visited all the ports 
from Puget Hound to Valparaiso. During that 
time he saved some money, and entered the stock 
business, which resulted decidedly to his advantage, 
and for some years he was engaged in traveling in 
the interests of his business, and became well known 



in every town in California and all the northwestern 
Territories, often going as far east as Fort Hen- 
ton, on the Missouri River. It is a safe assertion 
to say, that Mr. Gallagher is one of the best 
informed men, in regard to the geographical lay 
of the country, and the peculiarities of its inhab- 
itants, to be found west of the Rockj- Mountains. 

Having acquired a substantial capital, also a good 
reputation as a stock-man, he settled in Mason Val- 
ley, Esmeralda County, Nevada, and purchased a 
largo tract of land. In 1873 he was elected to the 
Assembly of the State Legislature; and in 1878 
was elected to the high and honorable ])osition of 
Senator, an office he has sustained to the satisfac- 
tion of his constituents. Mr. (Jallagher is an exam- 
ple of what can be accomplished with industry, 
economy, perseverance, and a well-balanced head. 
His position in life, single. 

ADA.M IIEIIBOLD 

Is a native of Germany, born at Baden, in 183."). At 
the age of thirteen years he, with his jjarcrits, emi- 
grated to America, and settled in Canal Dover, Tus- 
carawas County, Ohio, and remained in that town 
about five 3'ears. His father was by trade a cooper, 
and followed that business. In lS.").'i, the family re- 
moved to Sabuhi, .Jackson County, Iowa, and for 
two years the subject of this sketch was trained to 
the calling of a farmer in connection with his father. 
During the year 1855, the elder Mr. Herbold sold 
bis farm and bought a brewery in the same town, 
and with the assistance of his two sons, Adam and 
John B., succeeded in building up a good and flour- 
ishing business. In 1856 the mother of the family 
departed this life, and the duties of the household 
devolved upon her only daughter, a young lady just 
blooming into womanhood. There is an old adage 
that says, ''misfortunes never come singly-," and so 
it proved in this family, for during the year 1859 
the brewery and buildings connected therewith, 
were consumed by fire, while our present subject 
was away on a visit to the State of Kansas. Upon 
learning of this second calamity ho came home. 
His father had already commenced rebuilding, and in 
a short time thereafter, while boating sand across 
the Mississippi River, for use in j)lastering the 
building, the flat-boat sunk, ami before assistance 
could be rendered our subject was an orphan. He, 
assuming the management of the property, finished 
the building and occupied it in a ditt'erent calling, 
that of the butcher business. 

In 1861 Mr. Herbold sold out his interests in Iowa 
and came to the Pacific Coast, his objective point 
being California. In company with Colonel Hes- 
ter, ho crossed the plains, enduring untold hard- 
ships. Upon reaching Salt Lake City, Utah; he 
sold his cattle and purchased horses, and continued 
the journey as far as Walker Lake, in Nevada, 
and was obliged to camp for some time to recruit 
his animals. The Indians refused to allow this 
little band of worn-out pioneers to graze their stock 



410 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



in that vicinity, except upon condition of payment 
therefor, to which the travelers were obliged to con- 
sent. When they got ready to move on, however, 
thej- found themselves minus most of their horses, 
they having become mired in the mud and died, 
without the consent or knowledge of their owners. 
This was a damper on the spirits of the emigrants, 
as there were only six horses left, and it was impos- 
sible to haul their heavily laden wagons over the 
mountains to California. So Mr. Herbold concluded 
to winter in Mason Valley, which he did, and has 
since lived there. His son. John Adam, being the 
first white child born in that valley. 

Mr. Herbold was married in 1857 to Louisa Alber- 
tine Berger, a native of Prussia, born in 1839, com- 
ing to America ten years later. Mrs. Herbold has, 
like a true wife, followed the fortunes of her husband, 
until now she can rest in the knowledge that they 
are beyond want, and can enjoy the fruits of their 
united labors. 

Mr. Herbold is at present engaged iu the dairy 
busiuess and stock-raising, in connection with his 
farm labors. Eight children have been born to 
them, only two of whom are living. 

0. UERNLEBEN. 

The subject of this sketch was born in JJuvaria 
on the tenth daj' of May, 1838, where he resided 
until early manhood, emigrating from there to the 
United States in the year 1859, and soon after located 
in Missouri, remaining till IStiO, when he disposed 
of his interests there, and, procuring an outfit 
suitable for the journey, crossed the plains to find a 
home at Michigan Bar in the southeast corner of 
Sacramento Countj', California. There he remained 
only one year, going to Nevada in 1861, and engaged 
in mining at Virginia City for three j'ears. but not 
finding it as remunerative as he had hoped gave up 
mining and removed to El Dorado Canon, where for 
two years he was engaged in supplying wood to the 
people of that vicinity. In 18G5. disposing of his 
interest in the wood business, he turned his hopes 
towards ranching, and, purchasing a farm in Mason 
Valley, settled down to the honorable pursuit of 
farming, and with such' success that he has become 
the possessor of a fine farm and a comfortable home. 

In 1809, while residing in Virginia Citj', he mar- 
ried Wilhelmina Keymers, a native of Hanover, 
Germany, where she was born on the ninth day of 
February, 1847. She sailed for the United Slates in 
1868, landing in New York, whore after remaining 
two months, she took passage by ship for San Fran- 
cisco, California, and soon after went to Virginia 
City, Nevada, where she resided some seven months, 
and there remained till her marriage with Mr. Hern- 
leben. In 1872 she visited her native home in 
Germany, and returned in September, 1873. Mr. 
Hernleben has remained industriousl}- employed on 
his farm since his marriage, though not so closely 
but that he found the time to visit the Elastern 
States during the year 1876, and to bo present at the 



Centennial Exhibition at Philadelphia. They have 
no children of their own, but this disappointment is 
largely consoled by the presence of an adopted 
daughter, the child of a sister of Mrs. Hernleben. 
named Birdie Pfeifer, born in Mason Vallej'. Nevada, 
on June 27, 1871. 

HON. ANGUS m'lEOD 

Is a native of Arkansas, and was bom in 1837. 
October 23d. His parents died when he was young, 
and he was left to seek his own fortune or misfor- 
tune as circumstances, ability, and nerve should dic- 
tate. At twenty years of age he started for 
California, over the plains, with a few cattle, in com- 
panj- with W. C. iLcCune. They had altogether 
about 1,000 head of stock, and lost half of it before 
the Sierra Nevada Mountains were reached. It was 
the year 1857, when the Government was having 
trouble with Brigham Young, and the Indians were 
verj- troublesome along the route. About 100 head 
of animals were run off by them, and one man was 
killed at City Eock, where the Fort Hall and Salt 
Lake roads come together. At the place where the 
road passes over the high country, on the north side 
of the Humboldt I?iver, between Elko and Gravelly 
Ford, they reburied a man named Nichols who had 
been killed by Indians in a train that was moving 
in advance of them. Two daj"8 march farther down, 
on the north side of the river, thej' came upon seven 
fresh graves; men killed also by Indians. This was 
rather a startling and sudden transition from the 
peaceful pursuits of the Arkansas farmer to that of 
traveling among hostile tribes in the mountains. 
That winter he crossed the mountains to California, 
wintered there, and returned to Carson Valley the 
next spring, to assist in driving the stock across the 
Sierra. In September, 1859, he again visited Nevada, 
and became a clerk for Moses Job, at the place now 
known as Sheridan, in Douglas Count}'. In the 
spring of 1860, he purchased a couple of teams, and 
became a freighter from California to the mines in 
Nevada, continuing that business for the next three 
seasons, each year increasing his transportation 
facilities. The succeeding two years his trains 
freighted lumber, etc., to Aurora, in Esmeralda 
County. In the fall of 1862, McLeod took up the 
ranch in Mason Vallej- that he now owns, a sketch 
of which can be seen in this book. In the fall of 
1864 he moved on to this land, where he lived until 
March, 1878, when he returned to Aurora, the county 
seat. Since removing to the latter place his time 
has been principallj' occupied in caring for his houses 
there, and attending to matters concerning the Car- 
son and Aurora, as well as the Aurora and Sunshine 
Toll-roads. He is a half-owner in each, and Henry 
Williams is his partner. In August, 1880, he com- 
menced taking charge of the Exchange Hotel at 
Aurora. The property belongs to him, and a view 
of the same also accompanies this work. He still 
continues in the business, in addition to his num- 
erous other attairs. In 1871, Mr. McLeod repre- 



HISTORY OF ESMERALDA COUNTY. 



411 



sented Esmeralda County in the State Lei^islatiiro; 
in 1873 and 1874 was a County Commissioner of 
the same; and at present is its Treasurer. In 1877, 
July •'^d, he was married to Miss Mary K. Ellis, of 
Gold Hill, Nevada. They have two children, named, 
Charles A., born on the twenty-ninth of April, 
1878; and Henry S., born on the fourteenth of 
October, 1879. 

BERNHARD H. REYMERS, 

A native of Hanover, (Jermany, was born in 1840, 
and eame to the United States at the early age of 
twenty years, in the ship Christopher Columbus, ar- 
rivintj at Castle Garden, New York, on the twenty- 
seventh day of November, 1800, alone and destitute, 
having lost everything on the voyage. Securing 
employment at blacksmithing and house-moving 
during the winter and following spring, ho earned 
enough to paj- his passage to Nevada, arriving there 
in June, 1870. Going to Esmeralda County, he im- 
mediately, on his arrival, found employment on a 
farm for two years, and bj^ industry and economy 
secured means to. purchase a large tract of land, 
and at once engaged in farming, which he carried on 
extensively till 1875. In April, 1873, he married 
Miss Henrietta Motseher. also a native of Hanover, 
Germany, at the town of Wadsworth, Nevada. 

In 1875 he abandoned his farm, and, going to 
Candelaria, then becoming noted as a mining town, 
he managed the boarding-house for the Northern 
Belle Mine until June, 187G. He then, accompanied 
by his wife, visited Germany to see their parents, 
then residing in Bremen and Hamburg, and remained 
till the following October, when they returned and 
again settled on the farm. 

Mr. Reymei-s has, by his industry and energy, 
placed his farm under good improvement, and by 
attention to business and economj' acquired a large 
and valuable property. 

Thej^ have three children living. May and Willie, 
of five and two years, respectively, and Eda, of un- 
numbered years, the queen of the household. Two 
others, Wilholmina and Emma, are waiting across 
the river. 

DR. ABNER STANTON RICHARDSON 

Was born in Jericho, Chittenden County, Vermont, 
on the twenty-ninth day of June, A. d. 1841, where 
he resided with his parents, Sylvanus and Jiaura 
(Goodhue) Richardson, till about the age of tifleen 
years, receiving the advantages of the common 
schools till suffieientl}- advanced to enter the fJroen 
Mountain Academy at Underbill, Vermont, and sub- 
sequently the academy in Frielburgh, Missiscjuoi 
County, Canada, and from there entered the Med- 
ical Department of the University of Pennsylvania, 
at Philadelphia, of which school he is a graduate. 

When scarcely twenty years of age his studies anil 
profession were interrupted by the war of the Re- 
bellion, and, inspired by the patriotism of all true 
lovers of one's country, enlisted in the First Regi- 
ment of Vermont Volunteer Infantry, as a private 



soldier, and served three months, till the regi- 
ment was mustered out. Ho afterwards enlisted for 
three years, and was engaged in the battle of Big 
Bethel, and participated in the attacks on the forts 
below New Orleans and in the siege of Vicksburg. 
After the close of the war he settled in Pennsyl- 
vania, an<l resided there from 1865 to 1870, when ho 
removed to Chautaucjua County, New York, where 
he resided till 1876, when he migrated to Nevada, 
first settling at Belleville for eighteen months and 
then in Mason Valley, where he has ever since re- 
sided, engaged in the practice of medicine. His 
skill and integrity have obtained for him a lucrative 
practice and the confidence of his numerous patients, 
of which he is in every way worth3^ In 1870 the 
doctor was married, in Buffalo, New York, to Miss 
Phrebe M. Decker, of Roj^al Oak, Oakland County, 
Michigan. Ho is a consistent and exemplary mem- 
ber of the Methodist Episcopal Church and an active 
member of the Masonic Order. 

WARUEN BEN.IAMIN SAUNDERS 

Was born in Lagrange, Lorain County, Ohio, on 
the thirty-first day of October, 1829. His father, 
Horace Saunders, and mother, Miranda, daughter of 
Nathan Clark, of that Slate, soon after their mar- 
riage removed to Lorain County, among the first 
settlers of that part of Ohio. There for half a cen- 
tury he took active part in the stirring events of the 
early days of the State, living to see the dense wil- 
derness transformed into cultivated fields; the log- 
cabin give place to commodious dwellings and stately 
mansions; the narrow path of the wilderness to 
I'oads, highways, and railroads; the pack-horse to 
the stage-coach and cars. After outliving the al- 
lotcd years of man, respected for his integrity, 
energy, and intelligence, he died on the twentj'-fifth 
daj' of September, 1873, at the ago of seventy-two 
years, mourned by all who knew him as a Christian 
whose deeds of kindness and charity adorned his 
profession. 

The subject of this sketch remained in Lorain 
County ,^assi8ting on the farm of his father during his 
early life, and till April, 1852, when ho started over- 
land with a small party for California, crossing the 
plains with teams, and arriving in Beckwourth Val- 
ley on the twentieth of August of that year. In the 
autumn of the same year, he moved to Rich Bar in 
Plumas County, and engaged in mining for a few 
months, and thence to Feather River, in Butto 
County, where he mined till the spring of 1857. 
Hearing favorable reports of Siskiyou County, he 
disposed of his interests in Butto County and going 
to Siskiyou, engaged in mining for four years, but 
failing to find it as profitable as he hoped, he closed 
his business and removed to Carson City, Nevada, 
and for two years engaged in carpentering and the 
millwright business, a trade he had learned in Ohio. 
.\fter laboring in Carson City for two years, he 
again returned to mining, removing to Palmyra Dis- 
trict, Como Mountain, where ho planted all that ho 



412 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



had reaped and gathered in the previous years of 
labor and of toil. Leaving Palmyra District and 
mining for ever, he sought a location where he could 
return to the time-honored pursuits of his youth, 
and in company with N. (ireenwood and (J. Mecum- 
ber, purchased a "squatter's location " in Mason Val- 
ley in the spring of 18G5, and began at once the con- 
struction of the Greenwood Ditch, and having com- 
pleted the same, thej' turned their attention to 
clearing and improving their farms. Mecumber soon 
sold his interests, and not long since, Greenwood 
disposed of his and removed to another portion of 
the valley, Saunders alone remaining on the original 
location. In 1868 Mr. Saunders and W. R. Lee lo- 
cated a mill site on the West Walker River, and 
erected tbe Mason Valley Mill, a two-story mill, 
with two run of stone propelled by water-power. 
They continued to operate the mill till 1871 success- 
fully, when William Wilson became the owner, and 
Mr. Saunders returned to the care of his farm. His 
labors of cultivating and improving have been re- 
warded by a farm productive in the growth of all 
grains and fruits common to the climate and altitude, 
and a residence commodious and comfortable, sur- 
rounded by shade trees, orchard and garden, views 
of which can be found on another page of this work. 

Mr. Saunders was married on the thirtieth daj- of 
September. 1873, to Mrs. Anna Kreisel, daughter of 
T. G. and Rebecca Fcigenspan, natives of Germany, 
where the father died in 1852. Mrs. Saunders came 
to America in 1854, and settled in Wisconsin, where 
she married Ferdinand Kreisel, and with him re- 
moved to California in 185G, where he soon after 
died, when she with her two children, Edward and 
Theodore, in 1S(!2 removed to Nevadn, where she 
resided with her children till her marriage with .Mr. 
Saunders. In 1876 she returned to Germany, attend- 
ing the Centennial Exhibition at Philadelphia on 
her return, in company with her mother, who now 
rests in the cemetery in Mason Valley. 

Mr. Saunders has never engaged in politics, and 
has held no office other than School Commissioner. 
Is a Republican, conservative in politics, and a Prot- 
estant, charitable in religion. 

SETTLEMENT OF SMITH VALLEY. 

Mr. T. B. Smith furnishes the following history 
of Smith Valley;— 

This valley is pleasantly situated among the hills 
in the northwestern part of Esmeralda County. Its 
length from southeast to northwest is over sixteen 
miles, whilst its average width is six miles, giving i 
an area of more than 60,000 acres. 

In the month of August, 1S5!1, a ]>arty of herds- 
men from Stanislaus County, California, consisting j 
of R. B. Smith, T. B. Smith, S. Baldwin, and J. A. 
IJogers, crossed the mountains with their cattle from 
the San Joaquin Valley, by the Big Tree route, and 
commenced the settlement in this valley. Thej' 
had been informed by a i)arty of emigrants who had 
passed this way four years before, that there was 



a good place here to winter stock. Upon viewing 
the valley, the herdsmen decided to settle here, the 
abundance of white sage and bunch grass being in 
great contrast with the scarcity of pasture in Cali- 
fornia, because of several successive dry seasons. 
They pitched their camp about the center of the 
valley, near the banks of the West Walker River. 
A tule house was constructed, in which the whole 
party passed the winter. It was no warm recep- 
tion they met with in their new house. The winter 
was colder than any since known there. Heavy 
snows covered the ground, and severe frosts froze 
two feet of ice on the river, that had to be broken 
in order to water the stock. Provisions had to be 
procured in Genoa, at a distance of forty miles 
away, and twenty cents a pound was the price paid 
for flour at this place. To crown their trials, the 
little tule house took fire in the spring, and was 
quickly converted into smoke and ashes. 

Soon after their arrival the question of a name 
for the valley was discussed, and that of Smith 
Vallej' was agreed upon, in honor of the Smiths, 
of which there were two in the party. In the 
summer of 1860 there was an addition to the col- 
ony in the person of J. B. Ijobdel, who settled 
about six miles south of the original cam)). He was 
a farmer, and in the following spring put in a crop 
of barley and vegetables, which he irrigated with 
water from a sm;ill mountain stream called Desert 
Creek. This was the pioneer crop. In 1868, Lob- 
del sold his ranch to H. Mather, whose wife-^then 
Mrs. W. R. Johnson — was the first lady to settle in 
the valley. Soon after Lobdol made his settlement, 
W. L. Hall and 1). C. Simjtson located a ranch five 
miles further south. Wright and Hamilton built 
the station now called Wellington, at the head of 
the valley, and on the southern route from Carson 
City. Daniel Wellington jMirchased the station in 
1863, and in 1865 had a post-office established there. 
It is now the property of J. Nicliolson, who is Post- 
master. 

When the mining interest commenced in Aurora, 
in 1860, Wellington became, and is still, an impor- 
tant stage station. The stage changes here, and the 
repairing and horse- shoeing is done in a shop. Mr. 
Zadok I'icrce has lately established a store, station, 
and blacksmith shop some half mile below Welling- 
ton, and now commands the whole trade of the 
valley. 

Lobdel's success in raising crops showed that the 
valley was well adapted for cultivation, while the 
ra])id rise of the mining interests at Aurora created 
a brisk demand for farm products. Those advan- 
tages were soon realized, and farming became the 
leading industrj'. The first ditch was constructed in 
1862 by the two farming companies. Fuller & 
Mitchell, and Hall & Simpson. Its length was four 
miles, and the cost was 82.000. The ranch to which 
it belongs is now the property of Frank Rivers. 
Messrs. Hall & Simpson found a ditch one-half mile in 




MRS. CHARLES SNYDER. 



CHARLES SNYDER. 



^m^^^^WiW^- 



fti?€ 




HOME RANCH & KtblUtiNuc ui- lHARLES SNYDLK. 

ESME 'ALDA C0.,MASON VALLEY, N EV 



HISTORY OF ESMERALDA COUNTY. 



413 



lenn;th on their place when they came, which they 
say was built by the Indians. In 18()3 the Smith 
Company constructed a ditch nearlj- four miles in 
Icnslh, at a cost of SI, 200. It now beionfjs to the 
Smith Brothers, and sui)plies water for their farms, 
which lie about four miles north of Wellington Sta- 
tion. In 1S(>4 an incorporated company constructed 
the West Walker Ditch, about seven miles in length, 
at a cost of S4,000. It supplies abundant water for 
the tract of about 1,500 acres, lying one mile north- 
east of Smith Brothers, and embracing the farms of 
A. H. Hawley, J. McViear, H. M. Schooley, Mrs. E. 
McCall. W. R. Hutson, and J. N. Mann. D. Well- 
ington built a ditch the same year to irrigate the 
ranch now owned by J. A. Rogers. It is two miles 
long and cost 8600. In 1876, McFarnahan & Gard- 
ner completed a capacious ditch at a cost of 820,00(1. 
It runs along the side of a verj- precipitous hill for a 
distance of four miles, and reaches a point which 
none of the others could have watered. Its entire 
length is eight miles, and it irrigates the ranches of 
M. C. Gardner and J. Irwin. In 1877 the Burbank 
Brothers completed a ditch some five miles in length 
at a cost of 81,200. It irrigates the farms of S. M. 
and S. E. Burbank. A ditch of large proportions 
is now in process of construction on the north side of 
the river. It is intended to be about eight miles in 
length, with a capacity sufticieiit to irrigate four or 
five thousand acres. It will have two reservoirs to be 
used in case of low water in the river. This will 
bring under cultivation a fine tract of land. It is 
owned by Hall & Simpson, J. N. Mann, and M. C. 
Gardner k Co. There are several other farms in the 
vallej- bcsidesthose mentioned, and are owned b}- Hall 
& Simpson, \V. L. Hall, L. C. Hobart, Mr. Phinne- 
mon, and Leonard Hamilton. In the north end of 
the valley is a fine ranch, the property- of J. C. Hinds, 
watered bj- native springe. On this ranch are the 
celebrated Hot Springs, resorted to by many for 
their medicinal pro|)erties. 

The farms above mentioned cover an area of about 
C,000 acres, and j-ield a fair compensation for tillage. 
The soil varies in dift'erent parts of the valley, the 
prevailing character being a mixture of sand and 
loam. It is well adapted to the growth of alfalfa, 
and all kinds of trees thrive. There are several fine 
orchards which jiroduce well in favorable seasons, 
the fruit being of the finest quality. The staple pro- 
duct is hay, of which the greater portion is alfalfa, 
which averages four tons to the acre. Vegetables, 
such as corn, potatoes, melons, etc., do well. The 
principal stock-raisers are \V R. Hutson, Hall ct 
Simpson, C. Smith, J. A. Rogers, A. H. Hawley, 
Burbank Brothers, and T. B. Smith. The latter 
makes a specialty of raising Ayrshire stock for the 
dairy. The winters are cold, yet not so severe but 
stock-cattle can be wintered without feeding. 

T. B. S.MITII, 

Born in Berkshire County, Massachusetts, on the 
second day of April, 1834, is now a resident of Well- 
52 



ington, Esmeralda County, Nevada. In his early 
life, he like most bo\-s of New England parentage, 
alternated from the labor of the farm to the wooden 
bench and high desk of the country district school. 
Having arrived at the age of fifteen years ho was 
apprenticed to a firm in Bristol, Connecticut, to learn 
the trade of rule making; but becoming dissatisfied 
with this business, packed his portmanteau, and bid- 
ding adieu to Bristol and its " rules " departed for 
Lebanon. New York, where he engaged as clerk in 
the store of Tilden iV Co., until the spring of 1853, at 
which time he decided to cast his lot with those seek- 
ing the golden shores of the Pacific. Crossing the 
plains during that year, ho arrived in California late 
in the fall, and for a few years was engaged in min- 
ing with the usual success of the early daj-s. He 
then turned his attention to stock-raising, but finding 
his business circumscribed in California, migrated 
with his flocks and herds to the goodly lands of 
Nevada. In the fall of 1867, he married Miss Maggie 
Nichol, of Wellington, which union is blessed with 
three children — Dwight T., James U., and Maggie 1., 
aged twelve, nine and four years respectively. 

HALL A SIMPSON 

Are extensive farmers and stock-ranchers in Smith's 
Valley, Esmeralda County. The engraving of their 
place gives one an idea of the beautiful valley and 
improvements nestling in the embrace of the bold 
range of mountains. The proprietors have, doubt- 
less, anchored permanentlj-. and intend to build up — 
have built up — a charming home. The stream on 
which it is situated bears the name Desert Creek. 

Mr. Warren S. Hall is a native of Pitston, Maine, 
born in 1826. He was on this coast, in the ship 
Barnstable, as early as 1845, and left for Boston in 
1848, about the time of the discovery of gold, 
returning again in 1849, since which time he has 
made the coast his home. He came to Nevada in 
1851, and soon after located the Eagle Ranch, where 
Carson City now stands. Ho settled on the present 
homo in December. 1860. 

D. C. Simpson was born in Cape Noddick, Maine, 
in 1832, and came to California in 1850, and to 
Nevada in 1859, locating on the farm where he now 
resides in 1860. 

The Arm have been doing business together 
twenty one ^-ears, and propose to continue the part- 
nershi]) well into the next century. Their principal 
force is expended in raising cattle for the Nevada 
market, the mountains and vallcj-s around them 
aftbrding an excellent range both summer and winter. 
The large barn is to store hay, with which to carry 
stock through the exceptional severe seasons, which 
are liable to occur. 

PRINCIPAL MINING DISTRICTS. 

Columbus District, at present the most important 
in the county, is sixty miles southeast of Aurora, and 
thirty-five miles northwest of Silver Peak, in the 
Candolaria Mountains. Facts in reference to the 
organization and early history of this district were 



414 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



gleaned from an article written b}' Wells Drury and 
published in The Tru« Fissure in November, 1880. 
The organization was made b)' Mexicans; and the 
preliminary meeting was held in Washington Dis- 
trict, Lander County, in 1864. The presence of hos- 
tile bands of Indians within the district made it 
unsafe for white men to live in this region at that 
time. For this reason a special law was passed by 
the organizers of the district, allowing the Recorder 
to live outside of the district until it was sufficiently 
populated to be safe within. 

The laws adopted by the miners allowed the 
owners of claims to have the free use of all streams 
crossing their property, as well as all timber growing 
on their claims; a provision not very essential as 
there was neither timber or water on any of the 
claims. At the present time, the only timber to be 
found is the dwarfed greaswood, and there is no 
water excujjt what is hauled to the mines in barrels 
and tanks. The fir.st meeting was held August 17, 
1864, the necessary laws passed and ofiicers elected. 
Jose A. Ochoa was elected President, Casimiro 
Arteche, Secretary, and C. L. Benedict, Eecorder. 
Although the organization was by Mexicans, the 
minutes were written up in English. The Eecorder 
was allowed to live in Washington District till 
Columbus District was sufficiently populated to be 
safe to live in. 

Notice of the first claim was put up August 31, 
1864, for 1.400 feet, and signed by Antonio Barbe, 
Seneriano Arna, Jose A. Ochoa, Refugio Galuviz, 
Ventura Veltran, Maria Hurtado, and Angel Parcha, 
and named the Jesus Maria Ledge and Gold 
and Silver Mining Company. On the same 
day a large number of other claims were made, 
among which were the fiuadalupe, the Zaragosa, 
Chol»la,S:incho Panza, and other.s. On the eleventh 
of October the San Pedro was recorded. After that 
came the Esmeralda, the San Callentano and many 
others, nearly all of which bore Mexican names, the 
Mexicans holding a virtual monopoly in the camp up 
to this time. By degrees, however, a few Americans, 
Sclavoiiians and Germans managed to get their 
names on the notices of location, and the control of 
the district finally passed from the hands of the 
original claimants, together with the ownership of 
the propertj'. 

The records show that Gov. L. R. Bradley was one 
of the early locators in this district. His claim em- 
braced 400 feet, and was called the Bradley ground. 
His son, John Bradley, was half owner with him. 
Alf. Doten, well-known in Nevada as editor of the 
Gold Hill N^eios, was also one of the early locators. 
He was interested with Andy Colman, W. II. Virden, 
Abram Lewis, Donald Ross and Harloy Fay in two 
claims, known as the Zenobia and Tuscarora, 1,400 
feet each. On the twelfth day of October, 1865, the 
Northern Belle and the Southern Belle claims were 
located by Alsop J. Holmes, M. C. Hubbard, Fran- 
cis Seip and Edmund Griffin, having 1,000 feet each. 



On the twenty-sixth of May, 1865, Mineral Mining 
District, being uninhabitable, was, on petition of 
its claim-holders, annexed to Columbus District. 
Candelaria Mining Claim was located May 22, 1865, 
and from this the town of Candelaria is supposed to 
have received its name. 

The mineral belt on which Columbus District is 
established is about twenty miles in length, and 
four miles in width. The ledges are found princi- 
pall}- in slate and granite, and in the limestone 
adjoining those formations. The general character 
of the ore is a chloride of silver, carrying galena, 
copper, iron, antimony and arsenic. The ledges 
generally run parallel and crop boldly, frequently 
from twelve to fifteen feet above the surface, and 
are from twelve inches to three feet in width. 
The rock taken out bj- prospectors assayed from 
S50 to 8200 per ton, but the absence of wood and 
water, and the generally' desolate character of the 
district, operated to prevent a rapid development 
of what were known to be rich ledges. The near- 
est wood and water was found eight miles from 
the mines. 

Ill 1870, active operations were commenced by sev- 
eral comjianies. Samuel Youngs moved a four-stamp 
mill here from Aurora that year, and the Columbus 
Mill and Mining Company built a ten-stamp mill, as 
did also Sweetapple& Ilazeltine. Water was brought 
from the town of Columbus, a distance of eight miles 
from Candelaria Hill, where the mines are located, 
and wood was hauled an equal distance, thus ren- 
dering the working of the mines very inconvenient. 

The leading mine in the district is the Northern Belle, 
at Candelaria, first located in 186.'), and relocated in 
July, 1870. It was worked not vcr}' successfully till 
1873, when such a bodj' of ore was opened up that the 
companj' decided to build a twenty-stamp mill, which 
was completed in the spring of 1875. The mill was 
erected six miles north of the mine, and water was 
brought to it by a ditch, and pipe, fifteen miles in 
length, at a cost of S25,000. A road was built to the 
mine, and another to the source of wood supply. 

The Northern Belle (^ompaiij' built a new twenty- 
stamp mill in the fall of 1876. Up to 1878 the yield 
of bullion from (his mine was >?3.754.(I00. and divi- 
dends had been paid to the amount of 81, 500, 000. Since 
then the mine has continued to be very productive, 
although the yield of 1S77, 81.270,000, has not been 
equaled. The other leading mines in the district are 
the General Thomas, Mount Diablo, Metallic, Victor, 
Vanderbilt, Platina and Baluartel. 

EsMERAi.PA Mining District. This district, sur- 
rounding the town of Aurora, was the first discov- 
ered in this portion of the State, and gave its name 
to the county, a name that was a rival of Nevada for 
the honor of being the name of the State. As this 
was the first quartz discovery in the county, the fol- 
lowing account of the circumstances under which it 
was made will be interesting. It is from the pen of 



HISTORY OF ESMERALDA COUNTY. 



415 



J. Wells Kell}', in the First Directory oi Nevada Terri- 
tory, published in 1SC2: — 

The credit of this discover^' is due to J. M. Corey, 
James M. Bnily and E. 1{. Ilioks, and was brought 
about in the lollowing manner: Messrs. Corey and 
Braly, residents of San Jose, haviiii; t;ono over to 
Wa-^hoe in the sprinu; of 18(i(i, on a jjrospecting tour, 
which contemplated the exploration of a pretty wide 
range of country, found themselves prevented by 
Indian troubles from extending their labors beyond 
the immediate vicinit}' of Virginia, until late in July. 
They then struck north, and having examined the 
district about P3-ramid Lake to their satisfaction, 
returned and passed over into the Sullivan District, 
east of Carsoi\ liiver. Here they fell in with Hicks, 
who, having ])ros|)ected the country from Oregon 
down, was still following u]) his searches for silver, 
heading south. Having a similar object in view, the 
throe formed themselves into a company, and con- 
tinuing their journej- in that direction, along the 
Pine Nut range of mountains to the West P^ork of 
Walker River, bent their couise east, and pursuing a 
zig-zag route through the mountains between the 
forks of the Walker, worked their way down as far 
as Mono Lake. Here they bent their steps to the 
northeast, and, passing through the Bodie, El 
Dorado and Masonic Districts, all being worked to 
some extent at that time, thej' proceeded in that 
///direction until they reached the rugged chain of hills 

I west of Walker I^ake. Having inspected these, and 
a similar range further east, without meeting with 
anj- encouraging prospects, thej' determined to go 
south to the Coso region, then already somewhat 
talked of. and, if necessarj-, push their journey the 
length of Arizona, or even Mexico. 

For the purpose of getting an extended view of 
the suiTounding countr}', and shaping their course, 
they ascended a high peak in the Wassuck range of 
mountains, which, seen a long waj' off bj' the trav- 
eler approaching Ksmeralda, has since very properly 

^ been named Corey's Peak. Having, from this ele- 
vated position, determined a route, they entered 
boldly upon what promised to be a long and toilsome 
journey through one of the most fearfully barren 
sections of the Great Basin. The}' had not gone far 
until a want of water compelled them to make a 
deflection toward the west. Coming upon a spring 
in a valley-like depression encompassed by steep and 
rockj- hills, they camped for the night. In the 
morning Hicks, who seems to have been the hunter 
of the party, started out with his rifle to look for 
game. Passing over a craggy height lying west of 
y their camp, since known as Esmeralda Hill, this 
man, who had a quick and observing eye, noticed 
the peculiar appearance of the quartz ledges, hero 
quite numerous, and, breaking ott' some pieces, 
brought them into camp. His companions, better 
versed in mineralogy, at once detected in the blue 
streaks that had attracted his attention the sul- 
phi'rets of silver, and, proceeding to test it, found the 
metal present in abundance. With such a prospect 
all idea of going on without further inspection of 
the locality was of course abandoned. The three 
went out, and, examining the neighborhood, found 
the hills ribbed with quartz veins from to]> to bottom. 
Having tested these veins and found them all more 
or less impregnated with the precious metals, they 
took up seven of thenumhcr. The spotfrom which the 
first pieccofrock was taken bj- Hicks is in the Discov- 
ery Claim of what is now known as the " Old Win- 
nemucca" Ledge, located near the brow and on the 

"^ west declivity of Esmeralda Hill. This occurred on 



>{he twenty-fifth of August, 18G0, a day that will be 
memorable as having brought to light one of the 
richest and most extensive mineral districts ever yet 
discovered. [Newlj- discovered districts were usu- 
allj' so regarded. — Ed] 

Having taken uj) this small number of claims, act- 
ing, under the circumstances, with a moderation 
highly- commendable, these young men hastened to 
Monoville, twenty-five miles distant, and acquainted 
the inhabitants with the discovery. On the thirtieth 
of August, a companj' of some twentj- returned with 
them, when a mining district having been duly laid 
out, and a set of rules and regulations adojited, 
numerous claims were taken up. This district, ten 
miles square, was, at the suggestion of J. M. Corey, 
named Esmeralda — an appellation that has since 
gradually extended itself to the adjacent country, 
and finally been given to the county erected from a 
portion of it by the Legislature of Nevada. 

The name Esmeralda, thus ap])lied to the new dis- 
covery, is the Spanish name of the green jewel^which 
in English is called emerald. 

Reports of the rich discovery, with samples of the 
rock, soon made their way to Carson and Virginia, 
and iramediatelj- there was a great rush for this 
region, and before winter set in every out-cropping 
ledge was taken up. The little collection of tents on 
the hill was known by no distinctive name, the whole ,' 
region being called Esmeralda. No attempt wa* 
made to build a town there, but the later comers 
pitched their tents on the flat at the head of the 
canon, and the advantages of this place as a site for 
the town was so evident, that before long every one 
was located there. The winter was severe upon 
those who spent it in the new town, the canvas tents 
and rude huts constructed of stones being but scant 
protection from the rigorous climate of that high 
altitude, 0,(500 feet above the level of the sea. Not- 
withstanding the unpropitious weather, the people 
continued to arrive all the winter, and the population 
became so great and the evi<lences of permanency so 
certain, that the next spring the Legislature of Cali- 
fornia created the new County of .Mono, with Aurora, 
the name that had been given to the new town, as 
the county seat. 

For several years the yield of bullion was very 
great, the celebrated Wide West, and the Real Del 
Monte, Crocket, Ktna, Lord Byron, Juniata, Ante- 
lope, Utah, Winnemucca, Esmeralda, Lady Jane, and 
others being very productive. The mines have 
never been worked below the water level, and the 
work done seemed to develope the following facts 
(see State Mineralogist's Report 1867-68): — 

First — There seems to be a bolt of quartz, nearly 
barren, underlying, every mine at about tho same 
depth. 

Second — In every instance it is above tho water- 
level . 

Third — The jrold decreases genorallj' from tho 
depth of about 1(1(1 feet, and finally entirely disap- 
pears where the barren quartz is found, while the 
silver increases from the depth of about 1(1(1 feet to 
the barren quartz. It does not wholly disappear, 
but tho yield is not sufficient to pay for reducing. 



416 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



, Fourth — The water-level is reached in this barren 
quartz. 

Fifth — At the greatest depth to which this belt 
has been opened there was evidence that rich silver 
might reappear. 

Inference — These mines may be worked profitablj- 
at greater depths. 

Acting upon the inference deduced from the above 
facts, and encouraged by the important develop- 
ments in the Bodie District, the Real Del Monte 
Company was incorporated in October, 1877, with 
a capital stock of 85,000,000; and a new shaft was 
started on Last Chance Hill, with the design of 
making a thorough and deep prospect. The shaft 
has three compartments, and has already reached 
the depth of 750 feet, at which point a station is 
established, and cross-cutting being done. The 
shaft is also being continued down 250 feet further. 
If rich developments are made by this companj- 
similar efforts will be made on a number of the 
ledges, and Aurora maj- look to become again the 
mining center she was in the days of her infancy. 
Since this company has been at work business has 
improved, and the town advanced, and there arc 
now some 250 men at work in this mine, or prospect- 
ing some of the others. 

The quartz mills that have been at Aurora, only 
one of which, the Coffee Mill, is now running, deserve 
mention bj' name. 

Pioneer Mill, built, and commenced running in 
June, 1S61, by Green, Culver, and Jackson, the first 
in the district, and cost 825,000. It was situated on 
Willow Spring Gulch, in the upper part of town 
Eight stamps. 

Union Mill, built in 1861. Cost, 830,000. Eight 
stamps. Esmeralda Kavine in lower edge of town. 

Taylor & Co's Mill, below Coffee Mill, on opposite 
side of street. 

Moses Mill, built in 1862. Below the Union Mill. 
Cost, 816,000. 

Napa Mill, built in 1862. Cost, $20,000. Eight 
stamps. 

Aurora Mill, commenced running May 11, 1863 
Cost, 850,000. Ten stamps. 

Pine Creek Mill — This mill was also known a^ 
Brodie's and as Luf kins'. Built, 1802. Eight stamps. 
Cost, 840,000. 

Gibbons' Afill, built, 1862. Coat, 815,000. Four 
stamps. 

Clayton's Mill, built in 18G2, one mile east of town. 
Twelve stamps. Cost, 830,000. Afterwards called 
Spring Valley Mill. 

Lamb's, or Peck's, Mill, built in 1862, near Clay- 
ton's Mill. 

Antelope Mill, built in 1864, in Bodie Gulch. Gran- 
ite and brick. Twenty stamps. Cost, 8150,000. 
First built in 1863 with eight stamps. 

Alturas Mill, built in 1862. Seven stamps. Cost, 
820,000. 
-V Wide West Mill, built in 1862. Granite and briek. 
Cost, 8150,000. Twenty stamps. 



Fogus Mill, built in 1863. Twelve stamps. Cost, 
850,000. 

Independence Mill, built in 1863. Cost, 890,000. 
Sixteen stamps. 

Real Del Monte Mill, built in 1863, in Bodie Gulch. 
Cost, 8250,000. Granite and brick. Thirty stamps. 

Union Foundry and Coffee Mill, built in 1862. 
Cost, 820,000. Complete foundry and a four-stamp 
mill. Now running on custom work. 

Nearly all of the above mills ceased operations in 
1863-64r-65, though the Antelope and Real Del Monte 
ran several years later, and the Coffee Mill is still 
running. 

Bullion to the amount of 816,000,000 had been 
produced in the district up to 1880. 

Gold Mountain District is twenty miles south- 
east of Lida Valley, just at the northern extremity 
of Death Valley, in the same range of mountains, 
and the first discovery was made by Thomas Shaw 
in 1866, the district being organized in September of 
that year. It is supposed that it was here that C. C. 
Brcyfogle obtained the rich specimens that he 
claimed to have found in Death Valley, and in search 
of which so manj' people were so eager and so dis- 
appointed. But little work was done until 1871, 
when some new discoveries were made, especially 
the Oriental, which was discovered that year by 
Thomas Shaw, who found some very rich gold crop- 
pings, and on which a shaft has since been sunk 150 
feet. This ore was worked by a six-foot arastra. 
No mill has ever been erected. There are two min- 
eral belts in the district eight miles apart, and sep- 
arated by a high valley. They are called the granite 
and slate belts. The princi])al locations on which 
more or less work has been done are the Oriental, 
from which the richest specimens in the State have 
been taken; Enterprise, Old Gal, Mountain View, 
Golden Leaf, in the granite formation, and the State 
Line, Kelley and Ober, Ann Arbor, and the Liberty. 
Some. 200 locations have been made in the district. 
Wadsworth, until Hawthorne was started, was the 
nearest railroad station and the source of supplies. 

There is plenty of pine nut timber in the district, 
but water is scarce. The ore is free-milling gold, 
with some silver; and at present there are ten men 
living in the district. 

LID.V VALLEY AND OTHER DISTRICTS. 

LiDA Valley District is about twenty-three miles 
southeast of Silver Peak, and was discovered by Will- 
iam Scott, in May, 1871, and organized August 
7th of that year. 

The formation is limestone, slate, and granite. 
The veins that have been traced for a distance of 
eight miles vary in width from eighteen inches to two 
feet, run from northeast to southwest, and dip to the 
southeast. Some of the silver ore, in which is a small 
per cent, of gold, is free-milling; but it generally car- 
ries lead, with some copper and iron, as a base 
metal; pinon pine in abundance upon the surround- 





Uj^'IcIul 



"'iV,»» 






'£^y?l4^--^^__^ 




RESIDENCE AND RAiNi^n ur i^. nLhiNLLoLN 

MASON VALLEY, ESMERALDA CO.,NEVADA. 



\ 



HISTORY OF ESMERALDA COUNTY. 



417 



ing muuDtains, water suflScient for milling purposes 
in springs and shallow wells. Ores are now worked 
raw. There are two mills in the district, one an 
eight-stamp, the other having five, and both are run 
by steam. Freights by team cost five cents per 
pound from Wadsworth, distant 1G8 miles away in 
an air line. What the reduction will be in gaining a 
nearer railroad station at Hawthorne, is yet to be 
seen. There have been about 250 locations made in 
the district, fifty of which are still in existence, 
among the more important of which arc the Brown's 
Hope, Death Vallej', Suwaneo, Cinderella, Lida Hill, 
or '' Hawkej'e,'' Lida Belle, Blue Dick, Sapphire, 
Centennial, and Fortunatus, or •• Buster." 

The greatest depth obtained is by shafts on the 
Fortunatus and Brown's Hope mines, each having one 
250 feet down. The longest tunnel is on the Suwanee, 
and is 200 feet. 

•Montezcma District was discovered by Thomas 
Nagle, ifat Plunkott. and a man named Carlyle, on 
the twenty-fourth of -May, 1867, and shortly there- 
after the district was organized. The mineral bell 
is six miles long and about two miles wide. The 
rock formation being limestone and calcareous shale, 
and is very compact. The water supply is limited, 
while wood is found in abundance, and very con- 
venient to the mines. The district lies ninetj^ miles 
from Belmont, and fourteen miles from Silver Peak, 
and has an altitude of 7,750 feet above the level of 
the sea. About sixty locations have been made. The 
manner of finding the ore is bj' making cuts in the 
limestone from one to five feet in depth, but few of 
the deposits having croppings. In the fall of 1870 
a fine ten-stamp mill was erected, and, after a run f)f 
about four months, was shut down. It was provided 
with four pans, one largo settler, and four reverba- 
tory furnaces. The ores obtained in this district are 
the chloro-bromide (embolite), sul])hide of silver 
and antimony (sittengerite), malachite and azarite. 

Oneota District was discovered May, 1870, by 
Mr. Wetherell, who was led to the place b)' an 
Indian who had found some rich rock here. This 
gentleman located the Indian Queen. The district 
was organized June 20, 1870, and the following 
spring a large number of locations were made. In 
1802 a district was organized here by some parties 
who were prospecting for gold in the White Mount- 
ains They discovered a ledge two and one-half 
miles north of the Indian Queen, but no valuable 
rock being found, the district was abandoned. There 
are several good springs, a fine stream of water, and 
wood in abundance. The district is about thirty 
miles southwest from Columbus, and within two 
miles of the California line. The Indian Queen is 
the principal mine, and is now incorporated. For the 
first two or three years ore was sent to IJeno and 
San Francisco for reduction, and in this way the 
mine yielded $200,000 up to January, 1875. At 
this time the incorporation was formed, a four-stamp 



mill completed in June of that year, and since then 
the yield has been much greater, and a large amount 
has been paid in dividends. 

Pine Grove District is about forty miles north- 
west from Aurora, and was discovered Julj' 9, 1806, 
by William Wilson. A great many locations were 
made, only three of which, the Wilson, Kean and 
Wheeler, were found to be valuable. The district is 
cut by many canons running in ditferent directions, 
forming an irregularly shaped mountain, the mass of 
which is granite. Tlie veins are found on both 
sides of the principal canon, having a courije north- 
east and southwest. These mines are worked for 
the gold, although some silver is found in the rock. 
There are three mills in the district, the Pioneer with 
ten stamps, the Central with five stamps, and the 
Wilson. The Central is not now running. 

Palmetto District lies west of the Lida, and was 
organized in 1866, the discoverers being II. W. 
Bunyard, Thomas Israel and T. W. McNutt. About 
fifty locations have been made, and at one time things 
were in a flourishing condition, but at the present 
time there are no miners in the district. It lies in the 
same range as the Lida, Sylvaniaand tJold Mountain 
Districts. A large twelve-stamp mill was erected in 
1866. for the purpose of working the ores from the 
Champion, and one or two other mines on the same 
lead. Water was obtained by sinking wells in 
sufficient quantities to supply the mills and mines, 
and after a successful run of a few months the mill 
was obliged to shut down for the want of ore, the ore 
body giving out, and the mines requiring much dead 
work and capital before other ore bodies could be 
uncovered, wore finally abandoned. The mill being 
left to look out for itself, has been entirely taken 
away, although the mines and mill-site are still held 
by the old company under the patent. Pinon timber 
is found in abundance in close proximity, the mines 
being situated in an immense forest. The ores of the 
district carry considerable copper, being silver ores, 
carrying no gold. The leads run east and west, dip- 
ping to the north. The deepest shaft is on the 
Champion mine, and is about 100 feet in depth. 

Sylvania District lies twelve miles southwest of 
the Lida, and was organized in 1872 under the name 
of Green Mountain District, but in lS7li was changed 
to its present name. The first location was made in 

1870 by Kincaid, which was followed by about 

100 others. The district is located in a spur of the 
White Mountain Kange, and there are at present ten 
men at work there. The ores are principally galena, 
with some silver and gold-bearing leads which seem 
to indicate permanency. The formation is slate and 
limestone, the veins running east and west. Smelt- 
ing works were erected at Lost Springs, in 1875, but 
are not running at the present time. The timber 
supply is abundant, and of the kind known as pifion 
])ine. Water is obtained in sufficient quantities from 
the many strong springs in the immediate vicinity. 



418 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



The deepest shaft in the district is on the mine owned 

by Kincaid and John Judd, being 150 feet, and i 

the longest tunnel, about 200 feet, is on the Uncle 
Sam. The post-office is at Lida, but the nearest rail- 
road station is Hawthorne. 

Silver Peak and Red Mountain are virtually 
one district, situated in the high mountains east of 
Fish Lake Valley. The latter was discovered and 
organized in July,'18ti4, during which year a three- 
stamp mill was erected, and later a thirty-stamp 
mill, called the Red Mountain Mill, was erected at a 
spring a few miles from the mine. About this time 
ledees were found but a few miles distant, and Silver 
Peak District was organized. The principal vein 
is the Red Mountain, and the Crowning Glory the 
leading mine. Operations were suspended in Novem- 
ber, 1870, the mill was shut down and all the hands 
discharged. Since then but little work has been 
done by the Silver Peak and Red Mountain Com- 
pany. 

abandoned districts. 

There are a great many other districts in the county 
some of which have been entirelj- abandoned, while 
others are being slightly prospected, or being M^orked 
simply for the purpose of holding the claims. in the hope 
that in the future developments will make them valu 
able. There is no doubt that when the narrow-gauge 
railroad is completed to the Columbus District, an 
upward influence will be given to the whole region. 
The districts now prominent, of which particular 
mention has not been made, are the Baldy, Cornell, 
Cottonwood, Desert, Lake, Walker itiver, Tule 
CafiOD, Masonic, Van Horn, Montgomery, ilinnesota. 
Thunder Springs, Blind Springs, Hot Springs, Inde- 
pendentia, Pahdet, and Washington. There are now 
about 500,000 acres of mineral lands, sixteen quartz 
mills, and there have been 22,292 tons of ore crushed. 

J. c. hinds, 
The subject of the following sketch, is a native of the 
State of Pennsj'lvania, and first saw the light of da}- 
about sixty years ago. In 1844 he left his home and 
for many years was a traveler, having in his wander- 
ings been twice nearly around the world. In 1800 
he located where ho is at present to be found, the 
genial owner and proprietor of the celebrated "Hinds' 
Hot Springs," a view of which will be found in this 
volume. The medicinal tjualities of the water of 
these springs are among the wonders of the present 
age. There are three different classes of baths, each 
bath combining the waters of many springs with 
various degrees of temperature. The springs are 
situated only ten miles from Wellington Station. A 
good-sized volume could bo written about these 
springs, but suffice it to saj- that they are fast becom- 
ing a popular resort, and rank first among the health- 
sustaining institutions of the Pacific Coast. 

W. H. SPRAOO 

Is a native of New Brunswick, and first opened his 
eyes upon this sinful world in the year 1833. When 



a lad of but fourteen years he removed to the State 
of Maine, and settled in Cumberland County. In 
1853 he " went west" to the State of Wisconsin, and 
two years later went to Illinois. In 1859 the ex- 
citement connected with the discovery of the mines 
at Pike's Peak, in Colorado, caused him to emigrate 
to that section of the countrj-, and soon after he 
continued his journey and landed in (California. In 
1862 he crossed the mountains and has since that 
time been a resident of Nevada, engaged in min- 
ing. He was the discoverer of the Excelsior mine, 
and lias been extensively interested in several other 
mines. At present he is interested in the Ludwig 
Copper Mine, and he, with his associates, have re- 
cently erected a new furnace at that place. This 
mine is in the Wilson District, and bids fair to 
realize for its owners a bonanza. Mr. Spragg was 
married to Miss R. G. Knox, daughter of Captain 
John Knox, of Kentucky, and they have one child, a 
daughter, Alice, wife of Charles T. Martin. Mr. 
Spragg has a residence and ranch in Mason Valley, 
and is very comfortably situated. 

PRINCIPAL TOWNS AND CITIES. 

\/ Aurora, the county seat of Esmeralda County, is 
located in the center of Esmeralda Mining District, 
and was first settled \>y J. M. Carey. James M. Brady 
and E. R. Hicks, who came from San Jose in the 
spring of 1860 on a prospecting tour. They organ- 
ized the camp and named the town, and in the spring 
of 1801 the Legislature of the State of California 
created the new county of Mono and fixed the 
county seat at Aurora, supposing it to be within the 
limits of the county. The officers of Mono County 
located here, rented a Court House and built a jail. 
During that 3-ear the town continued to increase; 
many substantial buildings were erected, and hotels, 
stores and other places of business were opened. 
Messrs. Green, Culver and Jackson erected the Pio- 
neer Quartz Mill, a steam mill with eight stamps and 
four roasters, which cost over 825,000, owing to the 
high rates of freight and exorbitant prices paid for 
material and labor. During the next two years 
Eighteen quartz mills were erected, some of which 
only ran for a short time. The height of pros- 
perity was reached in 1863-64, at which time 
there were twenty stores, a dozen hotels and as 
many more boarding-houses, and saloons in great 
numbers. The population in the summer of 1863 
was 6,000. During the summer of 1864 most of the 
mills shut down, and the following winter half the 
people left, and the population continued to decrease 
till 1870. 

Aurora has only had two fires of anj- magnitude, 
the first of which occurred at three o'clock in the 
morning of the sixth of January, 1806. All the 
frame buildings on both sides of Antelope Street, 
between Pine and Aurora Streets, were burned, 
entailing a loss of about 840,000. The next fire 
was at 11 o'clock in the forenoon of September 



I 



HISTORY OF ESMERALDA COUNTY. 



4.19 



11, 1873. In half an hour ten wooden buildings, 
reachinc; from the corner of Pine and Antelope 
Streets to the drug store, were burned, including 
the County Jail and AVingate Hall badlj- dam- 
aged. The Pah-Utos worked bravely in helping to 
subdue the flames. 

In 1S80 Aurora had 500 population, four stores, 
seven saloons, one hotel, two lodging-houses, four 
restaurants, one livery stable, one blacksmith shop, 
one Methodist organization, one telegrajih office, one 
express office, one assay office, one clergyman, four 
attorneys, one doctor, one dentist, one hospital, onie 
school building, 20x40 feet. of brick, one newspaper, 
the Esmeralda Herald; S200,000 value of taxable 
property. 

The nearest railroad station is Hawthorne, distant 
twenty-eight miles to the northeast. Bodie lies 
twelve miles to the southwest. Belleville, east forty- 
eight miles, and Pine Grove, north forty miles, 

Belleville is situated on a slope in the foothills fac- 
ing west, and was started in 1878; was most prosper- 
ous from that time until 1876, the greatest number of 
population having been about 500. The altitude of 
the town is about 5,000 feet. Candelaria lies south of it 
eight miles, and Marietta, northwest ten miles. At 
present it contains about two twentj'-stamp quartz 
mills, thirty houses, twelve families, 150 men em- 
]>loj-ed by the company, 300 population, four stores, 
two hotels, seven saloons, two restaurants, one livery 
stable, two blacksmith shops, one telegraph offino, 
one assay office, one express office, one doctor, no 
lawyers or clergymen, one school house, built of 
wood, 20x30 feet. 

Freights are received from the new railroad town 
of Hawthorne, forty miles away, for which one and 
one-half cents per pound is charged. 

Candelaria derived its name from the mine of 
that name, located May 22, 1865. It is also the 
name of one of the mass days of the Catholic Church, 
■which accounts for its having been given to the 
location bj' its Spanish discoverers. 

In 1875, John McDonald erected a saloon on or 
near the mine referred to, but, owing to a lack of 
business, closed down. In the summer of 1876, 
Zadoc Pierce purchased the McDonald property, and 
opened a small store. Later he formed a co-part- 
nership with George Vernon. That year a town 
site was surveyed on the flat north of the hill, by 
J. B. Hiskey, and in November it contained a 
post-office, four stores, two hotels, eleven saloons, 
one restaurant, one livery stable, and a number of 
dwelling-houses. 

In 1880, the population was estimated at 000, the 
registered vote was 359, and the town contained 
six stores, one hotel, ten saloons, three restaurants, 
two livery stables, one blacksmith shop, three law- 
yers, three doctors, one school house, lGxl2 feet, no 
church, one assay office, one telegraph office, one 
express office. 



The wood and water supply is obtained from a 
distance, water being brought in wagons from 
Columbus, eight miles, and costs four and one-half 
cents per gallon. Wood is obtained in the Excel- 
sior Mountains, twentj- miles west, and from mount- 
ains twelve miles to the south, and is of the kind 
known as nut pine. 

The nearest towns to Candelaria are Columbus, 
eight and a quarter miles to the southeast; Belle- 
ville, eight and three-quarter miles to the northwest, 
and Metallic, three-quarters of a mile in the direc- 
tion of Columbus. Freights come from the railroad 
station of Hawthorne, liftj--five miles distant, and 
cost twentj- dollars per ton. Prior to this, team- 
ing freights came from Wadsworth Railroad Station, 
130 miles distant, at an expense from San Francisco 
of four cents per pound. There is a twenty-four 
column weekly paper published at Candelaria, by 
John Dormer, that was started June 5. 1880. There 
have been seven homicides, the following being the 
names of the victims: John Ferris, Joseph Tur- 
ner, Thomas Logan, Traver, Moore, one Chinaman, 
all of whom were shot, and John Lawless, who was 
killed with a pick. 

Columbus was an outgrowth from the discovery 
of mines; was the first town started in the district of 
that name, and its commencement dates from 1865. 
The building of a quartz-mill was the first thing that 
concentrated settlement there, the mill being located 
at this point because of its proximity to the salt 
and borax flats, as well as the facility for obtaining 
water, that is found by digging wells but a few 
feet into the ground. Nut pine and cedar wood 
are found in the adjacent White Mountains. In 
1866, the town had gained a population of about 
200. The place has not been entirely dependent 
upon the mines, for the large deposits of salt and 
borax in the vicinity have supplied an industry that 
has supported quite a population. The Pacific 
Borax ('onipany commenced operations in Septem- 
ber, 1872, at the Columbus Marsh, five miles south 
of Columbus. In 1875 the company also went to 
work in Fish Ijake Vallej', ten miles farther south, 
and a little village of some forty cheap buildings, 
chiefly adobe, sprang up, containing some twelve 
families, and 200 pcoj)le. This conii>any suspended 
work some time ago. Teel's Salt Marsh, and the 
Virginia, or IHioades', Salt Marsh lie north and north- 
west of Columbus, and have been worked quite 
oxtensivclj'. The former is at ])resent being worked 
by Smith Brothers, and the latter by A. J. Rhoades. 

Columbus was most prosperous between the years 
1870 and 1875, during which time the number of its 
population is reported to have reached 1,000. The 
buildings are of wood and adobe. There is no church, 
but a school house, built of adobe, 16x20 feet, with 
twenty pupils to attend in it, is among the institu- 
tions of the town, 



420 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



At present there are about ] 00 people living there, 
and the town contains two quartz mills, two stores, 
one hotel, one restaurant, six saloons, one black- 
smith shop, one livery stable, one doctor, one attor- 
ney, one express office, a post-oflice and a news- 
paper, the Borax Miner. 

In early times W. W. Barnes started a weekly 
twenty-four column paper, known as the Columbus 
Times, there, but was forced, for want of patronage, 
to suspend ])ublication. The nearest railroad station 
is at Hawthorne, distant tittj'-eight miles, and team- 
ing freights from that place are thirty dollars per 
ton. 

There have been several homicides in the place, 
and two men have been hung, one of them, a Mexi- 
can, being lynched for killing a countryman. 

(tReenkielu is a thriving little town in the cen- 
ter of the rich agricultural country in Mason Valley. 
In 1869 W. R. Lee settled upon 160 acres where the 
town now stands. In 1S71 Dennis Iliggins and E. 
W. Bennett came, and the year following Mr. Hig- 
giiis purchased the KiO acres of Lee, and had it 
patented in his own name. There was at that 
time the saloon of James Downey, the store of 
E. W. Bennett, and the blacksmith shop of Isaac 
Sims, on the land. Geiger, of the Virginia Geiger 
Grade, kept store about two miles below the present 
site of (treiMifiokl. He settled there about 1863. In 
1872 William Withero and B. .(ackson came, and J. 
S. Craig in 1873. At present, the town is in a pros- 
perous condition, having a population of 200, five 
stores, three hotels, two saloons, two restaurants, 
three livery stables, three blacksmith shops and four 
other places of industry. A tri-weekly mail goes 
there from Carson. J. S. Craig is the present Post- 
master, and agent for Wells, Fargo's Express. 
Freights arc received from Wabuska, twelve miles 
distant. They have a wood school house 20x30, 
with a seating capacity of forty. The regular at- 
tendance is twenty-two. The Methodists have a 
church building that will seat 200; also a Sabbath- 
school of twenty-five scholars. A good supply of 
pure water is obtained from private wells, and wood 
is procured from the mountains. The town is at an 
elevation of 500 feet, and is healthful the j'car round. 
The Post-oflice address is Mason Vallej', but an eflbrt 
is being made to change it to Greenfield. 

TuE Town ok L'ida Valley was laid out in the 
valley by that name on March 1, 1872, and now con- 
tains three stores, one saloon, one boarding-house, 
one blacksmith shop, one butcher shop, one livery 
and feed stable, and one post-oflice. 

J. S. CRAIG 

Is a native of Ireland, County of Donegal, and was 
born in October, 1839. Leaving his native homo at 
the early age of twenty-two years became to Amer- 
ica and settled in Philadelphia, Ponnsj'lvania, and 
there learned the saddler's trade, at which ho worked 
till 1860, in which year he took passage for the State 



of California, by way of the Isthmus of Panama, 
and from thence to Nevada the following spring, 
engaging in the saddler's business in Aurora, Esme- 
ralda County, for a period of eight years. From 
thence he removed to Pine Grove, in 1869, and re- 
sided thereuntil 1875, whence he removed to Green- 
field, Esmeralda County, where he now resides. Mr. 
Craig has, during his leisure hours, devoted himself 
to the study of the law, with such success that he 
was admitted to the Bar in 1S68, and with his pro- 
fessional avocation combines the pursuits of the mer- 
chant and hotel keeper, besides having charge of the 
express and post-offices, kept in the store adjoining 
his hotel. To offset the seeming blessings before 
mentioned, Mr. Craig might count among his misfor- 
tunes that of having been Justice of the Peace dur- 
ing most of the years of his residence in the Silver 
State, an office that during the early years of the 
settlement of the State necessarily combined the 
Legislative, Judicial and Executive in one. 

One of many instances illustrative of this occurred 
at Rockland, Nevada, in 1872. During one of those 
early entertainments known as "sprees," a despe- 
rado, known by the name of Australian Kelly, 
engaging in a free fight such as often were indulged 
in in those days, was stabbed, and at the time sup- 
posed to be fatally, bj- one Griffith. A man by the 
name of John Grosser was arrested for the crime, 
though at the time of the affray he was asleep in 
bod. Kelly believed, as did his friends, that Grosser 
was the guilty parly, and that Kelly was mortally 
wounded. The^- determined to be avenged. To 
accomplish this, throe of Kelly's friends entered the 
building whore Grosser was held in custody by a 
Constable, while the fourth, a largo, powerful fellow, 
remained outside. At the time agreed upoij, he 
entered the room, and, accosting Grosser, asked if he 
was the man who cut Kelly. Grosser at once an- 
swered he was not. The other, drawing a revolver, 
replied, '' You aro, and you shall die;" but before he 
could use it Justice Craig, who was present, with 
great courage and presence of mind, seized the 
would-be murderer and thrust him outside the build- 
ing, closing the door. Immediately the throe others 
rushed for Grosser, when they were met by tho 
dotermined presence of the Constable, supported by 
a cocked revolver, ready at a moment's notice to 
second and su]>port the action of tho " Court." 

They soon decided that Grosser was not the man 
the}- were looking after, and tho little meeting 
adjourned without notice. On the examination 
Grosser was clearly proven innocent, and was re- 
leased — his life saved by the courage and prompt 
action of the officers of tho law. 

Justice Craig was married in August, 1873, to 
Miss Kitlie A. McGower, a native of New York City, 
at the home of her parents in Bridgeport, Mono 
County, California. They have two little daughters 
living, and have buried one son, who died in early 
childhood. 











(l/aj% 




RESIDENCE, Ml LLt.-" RANCH OF W.R. LEE. 

ESMERALDA CO., MASON VALLEY, N EV. 



HISTORY OF ESMERALDA COUNTY. 



421 



JASPER DANIEL 

Is a native of the State of Indiana, born in Warren 
County, March 13, 1843, where he remained until he 
reached the age of thirteen 3'ears. His facilities for 
obtainint; an education were only those of a common 
school, but he was one to improve his opportunities, 
however measure the)' mij^ht be, and succeeded in 
acquiring a fair knowleilge of the common branches. 
In 1856, Mr. Daniel romovcfl to the State of Iowa, 
and was a resident of that State until 1862, at which 
time he emigrated to the far West. He endured the 
hardships of a journe)- across the plains and wintered 
with the -'Saints" at Salt Lake Citj-, Utah. The 
next year he continued his travels toward the sotting 
sun, and as he expresses it: " Willed away eight 
years of the choice portion of his life." Being a man 
who observes, he learned a great deal concerning the 
countrj' and the peculiarities of the people of the 
State of California and Territory of Nevada, where 
he lived during the eight years before mentioned. 
He finally returned to Iowa, and was married to the 
lady who ])residcs over his household at the present 
time. In 1876, Mr. Daniel returned once more to 
the Pacific Coast, and has since been a resident of 
Greenfield, Esmeralda County, Nevada, where he is 
engaged in blacksmithing, also deals largelj' in 
agricultural implements and general merchandise. 

Mrs. .Tosie Daniels, wife of the subject of the fore- 
going sketch, is a native of the State of Iowa, born 
in Audubon County, July 5, 1856, where she 
remained during the first year of her life. In 1857, 
she went with her parents to Missouri, and for the 
succeeding fourteen j-ears lived in that State, and 
then returned to Iowa, and was soon after married. 
Her union with the husband of her heart, has been 
blessed with two children, as follows: Ida E., aged 
seven years and Ernest B., aged two years, 

Mr. and Mrs. Daniel are much respected b}- their 
neighbors, and are a well-to-do couple, living in the 
knowledge that thej' have by industry and energy 
succeeded in establishing a homo surrounded with 
the comforts of life. 

W. R. LKE 

Was born in Covington, Kentuckj', in 1831, and dur- 
ing the same year removed with his parents to Ox- 
ford, Ohio, where he remained until 1830, when 
another move was made, this time to Wayne County, 
Indiana, and that place was the family headquarters 
until the subject of this sketch reached his majorit)-. 
In 1852. .Mr. Lee, with his father and mother, came 
to California, and settled in Shasta County. Ho hav- 
ing learned the trade of his father, that of a mill- 
wright, came to the Territory of \evada, in ISiil, 
and settling in Dayton, followed that business until 
1863, when he went back to California, and in 1865 
went to the Owens River country where he remained 
until 1868. In the last-named year he again 
anchored in Nevada, settling on the place now called 
the Wilson Mill property. Mr. Lee built the mill in 
the same year, and sold to William Wilson in 1871, 
53 



at which time ho located the land where the town of 
Greenfield now stands. In 1873 he sold said land to 
Dennis Higgins, and removed to his present home, 
two miles north of Greenfield, in Mason Valley. 
During that year ho built his flouring mill, and 
started it running on the fourteenth of October. 
These are two thirty-two-inch turbine water-wheels, 
with a six-foot head of water, and the mill has a 
capacity of twelve barrels of flour, and fifteen tons of 
barlej% per run of twelve hours. Wheat is ground 
for ten'dollars per ton and barley at three dollars. 
.Mr. Ijeo ships quite extensivelj' to Bodie, Belleville 
and Candelaria, and has the satisfaction of knowing 
that he is a public benefactor in establishing an 
institution of so much value to the communitj' in 
which he lives. Nearly everything about his estab- 
lishment is the work of his own hands, he having 
made everything in connection with the mill except 
the buhrs. 

Mr. Lee was married to Miss Sylvia A. Kincaid, a 
native of Ohio, October 30, 1863. .Mrs. Lee came to 
Dayton, Nevada, in 1862, with her brother Alfred 
Kincaid. Her union with Mr. Lee has been blessed 
with eight children, six of whom are now living. 
The following are their names and ages in 1881: 
David A., fourteen years; Louisa, twelve years; 
Schuyler, eight years; Robert E., six years; Eva B., 
four years; Nettie M., nine months. The names of 
those deceased, Elmore and Frank. 

Hawthorne is the name of the town site at the 
present terminus of the Carson and Colorado Rail- 
road, on the east shore of Walker's I,ake. The fol- 
lowing is taken from the Virginia Evening Chionic/e 
of April 1, 1881, in reference to the new town: — 

The new town of Hawthorne, on the line of the 
Carson and Colorado Railroad at Walker Lake, will, 
in the near future, give employment to a great many 
workingmen of all classes. The town at present con- 
sists of two tents and a clapboard shanty, but when 
the railroad begins to crawl out that way it will grow 
very rapidlj'. Hawthorne will doubtlessbe the countj' 
seat of Esmeralda County in a j-ear or two. and as it 
will be at the Junction of the railroad and the Bodie 
wagon road, it is sure to be a prosperous jtlace. The 
new wagon road to Bodie, which is owned by the 
same men who are building the Carson and Colorado 
Railroad, is as fine a grade as is to be found any 
place in the mountains. From .Vurora to Bodie a 
new route has been taken, that, although two miles 
longer than the old one, is nearly an hour shorter in 
time. The old grade, which is still traveled bj' a 
few, is in places precipitous and dangerous. The new 
grade is so constructed that a railroad track could be 
laid down on it without much additional work. The 
railroad will not bo built to Bodie, however. The 
])eo|ile out there ])refer to have the teams and 
teamsters. 

Esmeralda County for the past ten years has had 
a steady and healthy growth. Her present popula- 
tion is 3,220; assessed property valuation, 81,179,388; 
and total debt, 832,!tl5. 

EXECUTION OF BESPEUAD0E8 IN 1864. 

In the year 1863 Aurora was u prosperous mining 



422 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



town of most flattering prospects for the future, with ' 
a population of not less than 5,000; with a city gov- 
ernment; two daily newspapers; two fire companies 
of sixty men each, with their machines; two military 
companies, uniformed and fully equipped, with com- 
modious and convenient armories; a brass band of 
eleven pieces, together with all other appendages 
and accompaniments that go to make up a full- 
fledged city. In common with all lively mining 
camps, it was infested with bad characters; gam- i 
biers and thieves were numerous, and wert' inces- ' 
santly getting drunk and killing each other. A 
"man for breakfast" became so common an oc- 
currence, that the citizens ceased to be interested 
in ascertaining his name and the circumstances of 
the killing, feeling a sensation akin to gladness 
when it was announced that one more rowdy, they 
cared not which one, had met his natural and deserved 
fate. A feeling of insecurity, however, rested con- 
tinually upon the people; they knew not at what 
time a peaceable citizen might be shot down. ■ 

A reign of terror existed during this period, cul- 
minating on the ninth of February, 1834, and it was 
useless as well as unsafe, to invoke the majesty of 
the law for the jirotection of person or property. 
No witness could then be found that would be willing 
to tell what he had heard or stten in any given case. 
for to do so tliey would be the next victims in the 
hands of that desperate gang of murderers and 
thieves who had been attracted to Aurora from the 
report of the richness and extent of her mines. It 
made no difference how often this gang of cut-throats 
maj' have assaulted one, or taken propertj-, a jury 
could not be selected who had the moral courage to 
find a verdict against them, as sure death awaited 
them if they did so. The officers of the law, includ- 
ing even the Judge on the Bench, were more or less 
under the same influence of fear of personal injurj- 
or loss of popularitj- in a political power. Nor were 
the political parties of the daj' altogether free from 
the annoyance and interference of this villainous 
gang. At a primary- election held by the I'nion 
Party in September, 1864, for delegates to represent 
Aurora in the County Convention, these ruflians, who 
were all Hemocrats, insisted upon voting, and having 
other persons who were not members of the Union 
Party vole also, and they enforced their demand to 
vole by walking uj) to the officers of the election 
and holding out in one hand their ballot, and in the 
other hand a pistol which was pointed at the officer. 
Thus things continued to go from bad to worse. If 
the ticket voted by this gang had been successful, a 
Democratic "secesh" delegation would have been 
elected to the Union Republican Convention. 

One of the leaders of this gang of rowdies, thieves, 
fighters and murderei-s was John Uailey, then recently 
from Sacramento, a young man of but twenty-five 
years of age. Another of the gang was Sears, one of 
whose acts led to the culminating event. Sometime 
in Ihc month of April, 1863, ho had seen a horse tied 



in front of Mayberry's, near Hoy's Station, on the 
banks of the West Walker; mounted the animal and 
rode away. The owner, a German named Louis 
Wedertz, was much distressed b}- the loss of his 
horse, and followed down the road to Jack Wright's 
Station, now Wellington, and asked assistance of W. 
R. Johnson, who was keeping the place. Mr. John- 
son directed John A. Rogers, one of his men, to mount 
and pursue the robber and bring the horse back. 
Away flew Rogers in hot pursuit, leaving a dense 
trail of dust behind him. The thief was overtaken 
at Sweetwater, and being called upon three times to 
stop, and refusing to comply, was shot dead. The 
horse was returned to the happy German, and both 
Johnson and Rogers were commended for their activ- 
ity in recovering the stolen property-, the fate of the 
robber being considered a deserved one. 

The balance of the band determined to kill John- 
son for the part he took in this aftair, and laid their 
plans to accomplish this secretly. They sought to 
induce him to go to Adobe Meadows, where they 
owned a ranch, and keep a station there, intending 
to kill him, where there would be none to witness 
the act. They so far prevailed upon him that he 
was in Aurora on the first day of February, 1864, 
with the intention of going with them to view the 
place on the following day. Their intentions were 
discovered by one of Johnson's friends, who told him 
that if he went with them to Adobe Meadows ho 
would certainly be killed, and advised him to tell the 
conspirators that he had received a letter from his 
wife that necessitated his return home in the morn- 
ing, and that he would go with them .some other 
time. Johnson did as he was advised, and retired to 
bed. The conspirators were satisfied that their 
victim had discovered their intentions, and deter- 
mined to kill him that night. They went to the 
place where he was sleeping, aroused him, and coaxed 
him down to a saloon, where the balance of the 
night was spent. Between four and five o'clock in 
the morning Johnson started for his lodgings, and 
was met on Antelope Street by lour men, and shot. 
Not content with this, the murderers cut his throat, 
and set fire to his clothing. Great was the excite- 
ment in the morning. The citizens felt that the 
time had come for them to do something, knowing 
that if left in the hands of the law enough pcijured 
testimony would be ])rocured to acquit the pcr])e- 
trators. Quickly arratigements were made for the 
organization of a vigilance society. Three of the 
men, John l)ailey, James Masterson, and John Mc- 
Dowell, (i/itis Three- Fingered Jack, were arrested 
by the authorities, and lodged in jail, while Sheriff 
Francis, with an eager posse, started in pursuit of 
William Buckley, who had fled. The prisoners 
were given a preliminary examination before .Justice 
Moore, at the old policestation, during which an alter- 
cation occurred between one of the Dailey crowd, 
named Vance, and a citizen by the name of Watkins. 
resulting in the shooting of Vance in the groin. 



I 



HISTORY OF ESMERALDA COUNTY. 



423 



Tho three men were committed for trial at the con- 
clusion of the examination. 

51 can while tho organization of the vigilance society 
was progressing in the Wingate Building, some 350 
of the law and order citizens joining the organiza- 
tion. An executive committee of twelve ol' the lead- 
ing citizens of Aurora was selected to decide the 
conduct of the organization, and their orders were 
full}- and {iromptly obeyed. Colonel Palmer was 
appointed Marshal by them, and executed all orders. 
The society was divided into companies, with proper 
officers, and everything was done in a most systema- 
tic manner. Captain Tecl, the Deputy Sherifl", was 
arrested and guarded in his own house, some of the 
guards belonging to the Esmeralda dangers, of 
■which company he was Captain. Other police offi- 
cers were placed under like restraint, and the vigil- 
antes maintained a guard over the police station and 
jail. Vance and a number of other bad characters 
were confined in the police station, and a few days 
later liberated, and requested to immediately vanish 
from sight, a request which they complied with 
hastily. Vance was afterwards killed, at Austin, by 
Irish Tom, one who had left Aurora in the same 
unceremonious manner as himself. 

AVhile these events were transpiring in Aurora, 
Sherifl' Francis, with his posse, were in hot pursuit 
of Buckley. The fugitive had secreted himself in a 
cabin near the Mono Lake placer mines, and when 
the pursuing party approached, a dog which accom- 
panied them ran up to the cabin and began to bark. 
Buckley looked out to see what was the matter, and 
then fled from the rear door, pui>ued by the dog. 
Not seeing the fleeing murderer, but being convinced 
that the dog had discovered something, the party 
hastened after them, and soon came U])on tho saga- 
cious animal, watching at the mouth of a prospect 
hole. From this hole Buckley was soon brought, 
and the party started for Aurora, where they arrived 
during the night. As soon as tho Sheriff passed 
with his prisoner within the guard lines he was 
arrested, and placed under guard in his office, while 
Buckley was confined in the jail. Tho vigilance 
committee had taken charge of tho arms of the 
Esmeralda Rangers, and used Armory Hall for their 
headquarters. On the summit of the hill, in the 
center of North Silver Street, 100 feet northeast of 
Armory llall, was erected a gallows large enough for 
the quadru))lc execution. 

For several days saloons had been required to close 
their doors at 9 o'clock in tho evening, and on tho 
ninth, the day set for the execution, business of all 
kinds was suspended. People for miles around came 
flocking into town, and on that day no less than 
5.000 were gathered hero, tho majority of them being 
in sym])athy with the proceedings. The town was 
very quiet, guards patrolod tho streets, and everj-- 
thing was still and orderly, and when Governor Nye 
telegraphed to Samuel Youngs, one of the County 
Commissioners, that there must be no violence, that 



gentleman sent the following reply: "All quiet and 
orderlj-. Four men will be hung in half an hour." 
At noon tho vigilante companies formed in a hollow 
square about the scaffold, being under the command 
of Colonel Palmer, who received his orders from the 
executive commiltee in Armorj- Hall. Tho four 
doomed men were escorted to the scaffold, while 
guards upon the outside of the square kept the crowd 
at a distance. The execution could be witnessed 
to great advantage from a number of places in town, 
and at each one of these was assembled a crowd of 
eager spectators. At half-past 1 o'clock a little 
cannon that stood beside the gallows was tired, the 
rope was cut, and tho four men disappeared through 
tho trap-door and were soon hanging lifeless, a terrible 
example of the vengeance of an outruLa'd commu- 
nity. 

Two days later Governor Nye, I'rovost Marshal 
Van Bokkelen, and United States JIarshal Wasson, 
rode into town, but accomplished nothing and left 
on the third day. The effect of this wholesome ex- 
hibition of justice and the absence of the bad charac- 
ters warned out of town, was a quiet and orderly 
community for some time, and a considerable modi- 
fication of lawlessness ever after. 

KEPORT OF THE GRAND JURY 

Of Esmeralda County, Second Judicial District, for 
the March Term of said Court, a. v. 1864. 

To The Honorable District Court: The Grand 
Jury, whose term is about to expire, in conformity 
with custom, have the honor to jiresent this report: — 

In the discharge of our duties we have examined 
thirtj--six cases, of which twenty-two true bills are 
found, ten ignored or dismissed, and four cases con- 
tinued to the next (irand Jury. Tho Grand Jury 
find it necessary to direct the attention of the County 
Commissioners to the condition of the County Jail, 
which has been leased from the county of Mono, Cal- 
ifornia, by the Commissioners of the county of Esmer- 
alda. At this time it contains four prisoners, against 
whom have been found indictments for various 
offenses by this Grand Jury. The j)rison itself is 
inefficient and insecure, and totally unfit for tho 
lodgment and safe-keeping of the ))risoners therein 
We feel warranted, after inspection, in recom- 
mending that some other locality and a more suit- 
able building be jirovided. We do not hesitate to reit- 
erate tho report of the Grand Jury of last October 
Term, as to its total unfitness, however careful and 
particular the officers in charge maybe, to secure tho 
itimates. 

The Grand Jury would therefore call the attention 
of the County Commissioners lo this subject, and 
suggest the purchase of some suitable location in this 
City and erection thereon of a building better 
adapted to the i)urpose,*nd more convenient than 
the one now leased by the county. Until that is 
done, we would recommend that a night guard be 
placed over the present place of confinement till the 
l)risoners therein confined shall have been brought 
to trial or their cases disposed of. 

The Court room and various county offices are 
leased from I'reble, Devoe & Co., by the County 
Commissioners, for the sum of 8250 ])or month, tho 
owners thereof reserving to themselves the right to 
lease or let the center or Court room at any and all 



i^' 



+24 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA 



times, provided they do not interfere -with any Court 
of Record. The floor of the room occupied bj- the 
County Recorder, as also that of the Probate Judge, 
is of such a character that we beg leave to call atten- 
tion thereto. It contains great openings and not a 
few holes, through which come noises from a saloon 
below, to the disturbance and annoyance of those 
engaged in malting Records, whereby mistakes are 
liable to occur. We therefore recommend that the 
owners of said property be required, at as early a daj- 
as possible, to construct therein floors of such char- 
acter that there need be no further cause of com- 
plaint. An examination has been made into the con- 
dition of the afl'airs of the Justice of the Peace for 
Township No. 1, and everything therewith found 
satisfactory. 

The City Marshal's ofiBce, rented at a cost of fifty 
dollars a month, is a small frame building in the back 
of which are two cells. Although we believe that as 
yet no one has succeeded in escaping therefrom, yet, 
it is patent to all that to make the attempt is to be 
successful. The prisoners in these cells are fed at a 
cost to tiie city of one dollar per diem, whereas, upon 
inquiry it is found that the prisoners confined in the 
County Jail are fed at a cost to the County of SI. 50 
per diem. We find the books and records of all the 
countj' oflScers kept in a neat, correct and clearly busi- 
ness-like manner. Having thoroughly examined the 
bonds of all the county officers, it is found that one 
of the bondsmen on the undertaking of the ("ounty 
Assessor has filed a protest, notifj'ing the pi«nper au- 
thorities that he has withdrawn, as one of the sure- 
ties upon said bond, for the sum of §2,000. We also 
find that many of the bonds on file are without the 
necossarj- stamp required by the United States Inter 
nal Jievenue Law, and upon others the sureties have 
been c]ualified before officers not authorized by law 
to administer oaths in such cases. 

With these exceptions the bonds are all correctly ex- 
ecuted and approved, and in our opinion the bondsmen 
are all good and responsible men. We also find that 
the County Assessor has not complied with the pro- 
visions of an Act of the Territorial Legislature 
(approved December 20, 18C!1), providing for an 
assessment on the gross proceeds of the mines. Since 
the ])resent Assehsor entered upon the discharge of 
the duties of his office, to wit, From October 1, 18G3. 
to January 4, 18()4, there has been shi|)ped from this 
county by Wells, Fargo & Co., of Aurora, bullion 
amounting to 8219,770, upon which a revenue of 
8659.31 has been lost to the county and Territory by 
the negligence and inefficiency of the County Asses- 
sor. We also find for the last quarter ending this 
day, that there has been shipped by the above-men- 
tioned company, bullion amounting to 8307.500, upon 
which an additional revenue of 8922 50 is due this 
county. We would especially call the attention ol' 
the proper authorities to a nuisance now infecting 
nearly everj' part of this cit}-, to wit, the numerous 
disgusting Chinese brothels tliat exist on most oC 
our public streets, to the great detriment of public 
morals and danger of propertj', and recommend that 
some action be immediatoJy taken that will effectu- 
ally abate the evil. 

Among other alleged ])ublic offenses, we have been 
called upon to investigate the action of a self-styled 
" Citizens' Safetj' Committee," and upon inquirj' we 
find that it was composed of over six hundred of our 
best, most substantial and law-abiding citizens. We 
find that this association was organized on the sec- 
ond of February, 1864, and on the ninth of the same 
«aonth, four men, to wit, John Dailoy, Wm. Buckley, 



John McDowell, alias "Three-Fingered Jack," and 
James Masterson, were executed for the murder of 
W. R. Johnson, and various other crimes, by being 
hung by the neck on a gallows near Armorj' Hall, 
in the city of Aurora, at the hands of, and in pursu- 
ance of a preconcerted action on the part of, said 
association. Having considered the homogeneous 
character of our population, isolated as we are. and 
removed from the influences of older communities, 
and the great difficulty and expense of procuring 
witnesses, which deter persons of limited means from 
prosecuting and bringing to justice the perpetrators 
of crime, and the fact that within the last three years 
some twenty-seven of our citizens have come to their 
death by the hand of violence, and the delaj-s and 
inefficiencj', and we believe also, the indifference of 
those who were the sworn guardians and ministers 
of the law, and the unnecessary postponement of 
important trials, whereby many notorious villians 
have gone unpunished, we are led to believe that the 
members of that association have been governed by 
a feeling of opposition to the manner in which the 
law has beeti administered, rather than by any dis- 
regard of the law itself, or of its officers. 

Under institutions so eminently popular as under 
those which we live, where all power for the correc- 
tion of abuses emanates from the people themselves, 
it is not to be wondered at if thej- should exercise 
that power when the tardiness or maladministration 
of the law fails to correct evils complained of ; and 
when those who are deeply interested in good and 
wholesome laws, and in seeing them purely adminis- 
trated, will not give sufficient attention to our elec- 
tions to secure proper and sober legislators, judicial 
and othei- officers, they must expect insecurity of life 
and property. In this we find the true cause whence 
have sprung many of the evils of which we have suf- 
fered. The Grand Jury deplores the necessity that 
called into existence that association or self-styled 
" Citizens' Safety Committee," yet it is believed that 
the members of said association were influenced in 
their actions by no personal or private malice, but 
were actuated b^- a due regard for what the}- deemed 
the best interests of the community at large. Feel- 
ing assured now. however, that lawless ruffianism 
has been effectually checked, and will no longer dare 
put at defiance our laws and its officers, and being 
satisfied also that there is a determination on the 
part of all our officers to fully and faithfully perform 
all their duties, we, therefore, in view of iUI these 
facts, dismiss the whole matter as being one of those 
peculiar results of circumstances which cannot be 
full}- justified in the ej-es of the law. j-et we cannot, 
in our o])iiiion, eft'ect an3'thing by presentment that 
would result in ))ublic good. 

We believe the association has ceased to act and 
formally dissolved, but doubtless the members are 
ready, if ever sad occasion should again require it, 
to assert the right of self-preservation and the 
supremacy of natural law over defective statutory 
forms and tedious tribunals, when, thereby, the sub- 
stantial ends of justice can be best or alone attained, 
and societ}' relieved of the horrors of unchecked and 
triumphant villainy. 

It is sincerely hoped by every member of this 
(irand Jury that never again may dire necessity 
require ly-ene wal of that terrible scene on the ninth 
of Februftry, 1864. 

We desire, before closing this report, to bear testi- 
mony to the able, efficient and )irompt manner in 
which the Sheriff' and his deputies have each dis- 
charged their duties as oflSccrs of the law, in arrest- 




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RESIDENCE. 5T0RE AND SHOP OF JASPER DANIEL 

GREENFIE LD, MASON VALLEY, ESMERALDA CO.,NEV. 



HISTOFIY OF EUREKA COUNTY. 



425 



ing and confining in prison the desperadoes tliHt have 
recently suffered at the hands of the above-named 
committee of citizens. We also reiurn our thanks 
to Deputj' Sherifl' Capt. H. J. Teel, for tlie j)rompt- 
ness with -whioh he executed all orders of the Jury, 
thereby greatly facilitating the dispatch of business; 
also to the county officers generally, for such infor- 
mation as was required of them. 

John S. MAVHidH. 
Foreman of Grand Jury. 

SUPPLEMENT. 

While submitting our general report, we deem it 
our duty to add a few su])plementar}- remai'ks rela- 
tive to the late outbreak and escape of three prison 
ers from the t'ounlj- Jail. Wc find ujion inquirj- that 
the following-named prisoners, to wit, Geo. Alexan 
dcr, G. Valliano and Nicholas George, escaped from 
their cells, between the hours of 7 and 8 o'clock on 
the evening of the twenty-fifth instant, bj' removing 
a portion of the planking from over the cell dooi-s, 
thereby gaining access to the main or front room of 
the prison, when they escaped by making a breach 
in the south or front wall. 

We learn upon inquirj- also, that the only imple 
ment in possession of the prisoners, by which 
u they effected their release, was an ordinarj' table- 
knife, with which they jiicked the mortar from the 
wall, thereby rendering the removal of the stones an 
easy task. The Grand Jury Committee, whose duty 
it was to examine into the condition of the public 
buildings, suggested to the proper authorities the 
necessity of placing a night guard over the jaM until 
the prisoners therein confined should be brought to 
trial, and had these suggestions been followed, no 
escapes would probablj' have taken place. 

We would mention, however, in justice to the Sher- 
ift' and other ofticcrs of the law, that they have made 
all efforts in tlieir power to recapture the fugitives, 
but as 3'et without success. 

We deem it not inappropriate to state, in conclu- 
sion, that in consequence of the great difficulty wn 
have labored under in procuring witnesses, many of 
whom have been brought from a great distance, mak- 
ing it necessary for us to adjourn from day to daj- 
while awaiting their arrival, our session has been 
protracted to an unusual length. In the discharge 
of our duties we liave examined one hundred and 
forty witnesses, besides reviewing a great deal of the 
written testimony given in the various cases tried in 
the Justices' Court, and now, having finished the bus- 
iness before us, we submit this our report and ask to 
be discharged. 

All of which is most respectfully submitted. 
John S. Mayhuoh, 
Foreman of Grand Jury. 



CHAPTER XLV. 
HISTORY OF EUREKA COUNTY. 

Pioneer Mines and Mining — Creation and Boundary — Action of 
Commissionera — Appointments and KIcctiona — Topograph- 
ical Features — Principal Mining Districts — Eureka District 
in 1870 — Eureka District in iS7G — The Process of deduction 
— Hon. Samuel Loni;liy —Prospect Mountain — (icology of 
Eureka District — Williams' Salt Marsh — HemarkaUe Min- 
ing Accident — Statistics of 1878-80 — The Pish t'rcek War 
of 1S7"J — The Principal Towns — Beowawe — Kurcka — 
Pioneer Items of Eureka — Buililin^;s and Materials — Several 
Disastrous Fires — Sudden and Destructive Flooils— Fxlmund 
R. Dodge — Hon. (i. W. Merrill — Hon. Henry Rives - 
Palisadi^Ruby Hill. 

The earliest incidents of Eureka's history were 
associated with the Indian wars, the overland mail 
and pony express, already related. Till the year 1873 
it formed part of Lander County, but its general his- 
tory is readily separable, and will be here given even 
while it is a part of the mother county. With the 
discovery of the Reese River mines, and the planting 
of such a frontier post as Austin in the wilderness, 
troing at one bound to the very center of the Terri- 
tory, and the unexplored region of the maps, gave 
an extraordinarj- impetus to prospecting, and soon a 
very large area of country was run over and new 
districts formed. First the prospectors ran northerly 
and southerly along theToiyabe Range or contiguous 
spurs, and then easterly on the overland road and in 
its vicinity. In the north was found the great out- 
croppings of the Cortez Giant, cutting through 
Mount Tenabo, then other ledges of smaller size and 
richer surface ores, and the district of Cortez was 
formed early in 18t)3, probably the first in what is 
now Eureka County. Here active operations have 
been carried on continuouslj-, although at times on 
the verge of abandonment until success crowned 
good judgment and perseverance. 

Eastward, near the overland stage station of 
Diamond Springs, silver-bearing veins were found in 
May, 1864, and Diamond District was formed. Pros- 
pectors ranged through the mountains with much 
energj', and often with little judgment, as is proven 
by the neglect to discover the richest outcroppings 
until a number of j-ears afterwards. The discover}' 
which gave the name to Eureka, and subsecjuently led 
to the explorations that disclosed the rich bodies of 
ore that have since given the place its wealth and 
celebrity, was made on the nineteenth of September, 
18G4, by a prospecting party from Austin, composed 
of Messrs. W. O. Arnold, W. R. Tannchill, G. T. 
Taimehill, J. \V. Stotts. and Moses Wilson. This 
party found a species of rock difi'eriiig from anj- they 
had previously seen, and curiously examined it. The 
crojipings at Austin were a rich chloride, and when 
pieces of ore were placed in a fire, small globules of 
silver would appear on the surface. This experiment 
was tried with ore found by Arnold and bis com- 
panions by ])lacing large pieces of the rock in their 
camp-fire, the result being a flow of metal greatly 
surprising the prospectors. They could not believe 
it silver, and it was too hard for lead. However it 



426 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



was metal, and they exclaimed. •' Eureka," locating 
their claims and organizing a district under that 
name, with G. T. Tannehill, as Jiecorder, locating at 
what is since called Xew York Canon. 

The ore taken to Austin proved to be valuable, 
being a combination oflead and silver, but not work- 
able in the mills, and therefore not available but by 
smelting or some new process. The lead mines, as 
some called them, did not create the usual excite- 
ment attending new discoveries, and but few visited 
the new localitj*. The discoverers were without cap- 
ital, and sought to sell, as they did not know how 
nor had they the means to develop their new prop- 
erty-. In 1864 thirty, and in 1865 thirty-one claims 
were located; the next year but fifteen, then in 1867 
but eleven, and in 1868 forty-three, which increased 
in 1869 to 354. There are now about 3,000 claims 
recorded, which, however, does not indicate that 
there are so many distinct mines or veins in the dis- 
trict. 

F'ollowing the original locators came Alonzo Mon- 
roe, M. G. Clough and Owen Farrell, in 1805, who 
were led to the locality bj- an Indian, and who lo- 
cated the Buckeye and Champion mines on what is 
now known as Euby Hill. In the meantime the first 
locators were seeking purchasers of their propertj', 
and were successful in disposing of it to a party of 
New York capitalists. In 1806 the purchasers of the 
original locations began operations, expefiding large 
sums of money, but through want of knowledge of 
the proper treatment of the ores failed in their eiforts 
to work the property profitably. 

This failure, and others following, dampened the 
prospects of the district, and it was not until 1869 
that interest in its wealth was again aroused. In 
that year the "rush " to White Pine occurred, and 
as the excitement abated, people looked at the 
mines of Eureka. Monroe and a i'cw others were 
there and the abandoned furnaces were standing in 
a dilapidated condition. 

With this brief review of the general history we 
will return to particulars. 

CREATION AND BOUNDARY. 

The county of Eureka was created out of Lander, 
by an Act approved March 1, 1873, and its bound- 
aries wore described as follows: " Beginning at a 
point on the north boundary line of Lander County, 
equi-distant between the northeast and northwest 
corners of said Lander County; thence running due 
south from said initial point to the south boundary 
line of said Lander County; thence running east 
along said south boundary line of Lander Countj' to 
the southeast corner of said Lander County; thence 
running north along the east boundarj- line of said 
Lander County to the northwest corner of White 
Pine County; thence running west along the south 
boundary line of Elko County to the southwest cor- 
ner of said Elko County; thence running along the 
west boundary lino of Elko County to the northeast 
corner of said Lander County; thonce running west 



along the north boundarj* line of said Lander County 
to the place of beginning." On February 16, 1875, 
an Act was passed over the Governor's veto ceding 
to Lander a triangular strip or piece from the south- 
west corner of Elko Count}-, which included within 
its limits the mining district of Galena. By an Act, 
approved March 2, 1881, a small strip was added to 
the eastern boundary of Eureka Count}-, being 
detached from White Pine County. It begins at a 
point where the eastern boundary of Eureka crosses 
the summit of the Diamond range of mountains!, and 
extends northward along the summit of the mount- 
ains to the southern boundary of Elko County. 

The Act creating the county, stipulated that 
Eureka County should pay one-half the public debt 
of Lander; fixed the seat of the new county at the 
town of Eureka, and named the first county officers. 

ACTION OF COMMISSIONERS. 

The first meeting of the County Commissioners 
took place at Eureka on March 20, 1873, Commis- 
sioners, D. H. Hall, E.E. Phillips and L. W. Cromer 
being present. V. H. Harmon presented his commis- 
sion as County Clerk, and was recognized as such. 
William Arington presented a commission as County 
Commissioner, signed by the Governor, but the Board 
rejected him. The amount of the various bonds to 
be given by the county officials was then fixed upon, 
after which commissions were presented by District 
Attorney, G. W. Baker, and by T. C. Edwards as 
County Recorder. William M. Gates appeared as 
attorney for A. S. Campbell, and claimed for his cli- 
ent the office of County Recorder. The matter was 
spread upon the books without the recognitiin of 
either party by the Board. Later in the day Camp- 
bell was recognized. W. A. Edwards was appointed 
County Surveyor, and J. D. Sullivan was recognized 
as Sheriff, and L. P. KoUey as Superintendent of 
Schools. The Board then adjourned, but assembled 
again on the 21st. C. C. Wallace was recognized as 
County Assessor and W. A. Seaton as County Treas- 
urer. Various gentlemen offered to furnish rooms 
for county seat i)urpose8 free, and their ofters were 
taken under advisement. On March 22d the Board 
rejected the bond of William Head, who claimed to 
be County Superintendent of Schools, and declared 
the position already filled. On March 25th, Skat- 
ing Rink Hall, on the southwest corner of Main and 
Bateman Streets, was accepted for county purposes, 
the property being presented to the Board by J. O. 
Darrow. 

On April 8th the Board abolished Vanderbilt 
Township, which includtid all that part of the county 
lying south of a lino running as a continuation west 
from the south line of Elko County. Palisade Town- 
shij) was created the same day, and Vanderbilt 
Township was re-established on the following day. 
It was abolished finally on October 23, 1876, and its 
territory made a part of Eureka Township, in 
accordance with a petition presented to that effect. 
The Act creating Eureka County and naming its 



HISTORY OF EUREKA COUNTY. 



427 



county officials provided that if 500 citizens should, 
before the first Jfonday in July, 1873. petition for an 
election, such election should bo called for the first 
Mondaj- in August. A petition asking for such 
election was duly presented to the County Commis- 
sionei-s, but they decided, on Jlay 5th, that the ])oti- 
tion was not in accordance with law, as it did not 
contain the names of 500 persons who were actually 
citizens. Manj' persons who were not citizens had 
signed it. On June Uith the question came before 
the Commissioners again, additional names having 
been procured, but again the application was refused. 
On May 10th bids were received for the building of 
a County Jail, the lowest being for the sum of S3, 750. 
All were rejected. On May 14th the Board ordered 
new bids to be received, but the Commissioners 
reconsidered the matter, and concluded to build a 
jail themselves.- On April 2l8t the Board approved 
of the settlement made of public matters between 
the counties of Eureka and Lander. On December 
2d, in response to a petition of 680 citizens, repre- 
senting three-fifths of the taxable property of the 
township, Eureka was declared subject to the pro- 
visions of the Act approved February 21, 1873, 
enlarging the governing powers of towns and cities 
of Xevada. This Act was made to apply to an area 
two miles in length north and south of the Court 
House, and one mile west of the same, and half a 
mile east of the same. On March 9, 1874, the pay of 
the County Commissioners was fixed at ten dollars 
per daj- each, when actively engaged. On March 
16lh Ruby Hill Township was created, its area being 
described as two miles in length north and south, 
and one mile in width. On September 11, 1876, 
this township was abolished, and its territory was 
made a jjurt of Eureka Township. On May 18th 
Henry Mathey was granted permission to lay gas 
pipes in Eureka, " the grant to expire in four months 
unless gas works have been erected in the mean- 
time." In September, fifteen voting ])recincts were 
created, and afterwards two more, making seventeen 
in all. In October, 1873, bonds to the amount of 
820,000 were issued to meet public expenses, and in 
December 817,347.04 more were issued to meet the 
indebtedness to Lander County. These bonds have 
all been paid. 

In 1875 the new Board of Commissioners created 
Mineral Hill Township out of the territory then 
recently acquired from Elko County, but subse- 
quently reconsidered their action, and abolished the 
township. In 1877 they issued current expense 
bonds to the amount of 85,000, which were paid in 
1870. In 1878 the sum of 81,2{»0 was paid to KIko 
County on account of the cession to Eureka of the 
Mineral Hill strip, and Pine Valley School District 
was created. In 1880 the new Court House was 
formally accepted, and Eureka School District bonds 
to the amount of 820,000 were issued. 

At present the county is divided into the five 
School Districts of Eureka, Palisade, Beowawe, Min- 



eral Hill, and Pinto. The school tax collected in 

1872 amounted to 85,275. The children of school 
age in 1878 was 472. Eureka County now has two 
daily and one weekly newspapers. The SeiUinel and 
the Leader are published daily at Eureka. The 
Week/;/ Mlnit«j Niwn is published at Ruby Hill. (See 
chapter on the Press of Nevada.) 

The chief industries are mining and grazing. For 
full statistics of the products of the countj- from 

1873 to 1880, the number of acres under cultivation, 
the stock and grain raised, and the fruit trees and 
vines growing the reader is referred to the tables 
to be found on pages 135, 136, 139 and 140 of the 
general historj'. For the bullion product of the 
county, see general table of bullion products. 

APl'OINTMENTS AND ELECTIONS. 

The first officers of Eureka County were named in 
the Act creating the county, March 1, 1873. 

Below will be found a complete list of all the 
officers of the county from its organization down to 
the present time, with the date of appointment, or 
election of each. The vacancies in office bj- death, 
resignation, or removal, if anj^ have occurred, will 
also be found, with the names of the person selected 
to fill the same. 

SENATORS. 

Geo. W. Cassidy and Geo. \V. Baker, elected No- 
vember 7, 1876; \Yilliam Doolin, elected November 
5, 1878; W. W . Uobart, elected November 2, 1880. 

ASSEMBLVJIEN. 

M. B. Bartlett and Thomas Wren, elected Novem- 
ber 3, 1874; D. E. Bailey, M. G. Cavanaugh, J. L. 
Smith and A, W. Atchinson, elected November 7, 
1876; Thomas Robinson, William Wermuth, J. L. 
Smith and F. E. Fisk, elected November 5, 1878; G. 
W. Merrill, 11. A. Knight, Samuel Longley, and James 
Adams, elected November 2, 1880. 

COUNTY COMMISSIONERS. 

D. H. Hall, E. E. Phillips and L. W. Cromer 
appointed March 1, 1873; John Hoi-n, J. W. Leran 
and J. H. Morrison, elected November 3, 1874; T. D. 
Page and Jose])h Oberer, elected November 7, 1876. 
The seat of the latter was declarecL vacant for non- 
residence March 4, 1878; A. W. Campbell and B. J. 
Turner, elected November 5, 1878; N. Smith and C. 
N. Mikel, elected November 2, 1880. 

lUSTHICT ATTORNEYS. 

Goo. W. Baker, appointed March 1, 1873; Geo. W. 
Merrill, elected November 3, 1874, re-elected Novem- 
ber 7, 1876, re-elected November 5. 1878; W. II. 
Davenport, elected November 2, 1880. 

COUNTY SHERIFFS. 

John I). Sullivan, appointed March 1, 1873; George 
Gilmore, elected November 3, 1874; James Sias, 
elected November 7, 1876; Matt Kyle, elected No- 
vember 5, 1878, re-elected November 2, 1880. 

COUNTY CLERKS. 

F. il. Harmon, appointed March 1, 1873, re-elected 
November 3, 1874, re-elected November 7, 1876; E. 



428 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



R. Dodge, elected Novembers, 1S78; C.J. R. Buttlar, 
elected November 2, 1880. 

COUNTY TREASURERS. 

W. A. Seaton, appointed iMarch 1, 1873; W. A. 
Montgomerj', elected November 3, 1874; R. Ryland, 
elected November 7, 1876; S. Cooper, elected Novem- 
ber 5, 1878; R. Sadler, elected November 2, 1880. 

COl'NTY ASSES.SORS. 

C. C. Wallace, appointed March 1, 1873; J. C. 
Powell, elected November 3, 1874; H. Knight, elected 
November 7, 187(j; H. A. Knight, elected November 
5, 1878; C. C. Wallace, elected November 2, 1880. 

COUNTY RECORDERS. 

A. S. Campbell, appointed March 1. 1873, resigned 
December 2, 1873, and iSamuel Bell was appointed. 
Bell resigned May 7, 1874, and T. J. Tennant was 
appointed to fill vacancj'. R. L. Chase, elected No- 
vember 3, 1874, re elected November 7, 1870; B.C. 
Levy, elected November 5, 1878; L. Molinelli, elected 
November 2, 1880. 

COUNTY SUPERINTENDENTS OF SCHOOLS. 

William Head, appointed March 1, 1873; A. E. 
Kaye, elected November 3, 1874, re-elected Novem- 
ber 7, 1876; G. J. Scanland, elected November 5, 
1878, re-elected November 2, 1880. 

COUNTY SURVEYORS. 

W. A. Edwards, appointed March 1, 1873; T.J. 
Reed, elected November 3, 1874; II. H. Conklin, 
elected November 7, 1876; T. J. Reed, elected No- 
vember 5, 1878, re-elected Novembtr 2, 1880. 

PUBLIC AD.MINIS'I'RATORS. 

Francis Hanson, appointed March 1, 1873, office 
declared vacant December 10, 1874; James Williams, 
elected November 3, 1874; A. C. Bishop, elected 
November 7, 1876; J. W. Smith, elected November 
5, 1878, re-elected November 2, 1880. 

T0PO0RAriIIC.\L FEATURES. 

Like other portions of the State, the surface of 
Eureka County consists principally of mountains and 
valleys. Humboldt River flows across the northern 
part, with a general course to the west. Maggie 
Creek from the north and Pine Creek from the south 
empty into the Humboldt. Fish Creek rises in the 
southwestern part of the county, flows east into 
White Pino County and sinks. Numerous small 
streams originate from mountain spring.s, flow a few 
miles and disappear in the earth. Along the west- 
ern boundary are the Sulphur Mountains, extending 
from the Humboldt River on the north to the line of 
Nye County on the south. The Diamond range of 
mountains skirts the eastern border for nearly 100 
miles south from the Humboldt River, then trending 
westerly crosses the southeastern |)ortion of the 
county. The general altitude is high, the lowest point 
being on the Humboldt at Beowawo, which is 4,695 
leet above the sea. 

Prospect Mountain and some of the lotlior peaks 
of the Sulphur Range, have an altitude of 9,500 feet. 



Diamond Mountain, which overlooks the town of 
Eureka, has an altitude of 11,000 feet. 

The topography of the county does not encourage 
agricultural pursuits. The soil is generally sterile, 
and water is not plentiful. In favorable localities, 
along the Humboldt, Fish Creek and Pine Valleys, 
good crops of hay and garden vegetables are raised. 
The grazing interest is steadilj' growing in impor- 
tance, the white sage and bunch-grass, found almost 
eveiywhere, aftbrding ample pasturage for cattle. 
The few cottonwoods along the streams, the pinon 
and mountain mahogany and dwarf cedar in the 
foot-hills, furnish timber for fuel and charcoal. 

Pine Valley extends southward from Palisade for 
the distance of fifty miles. It is wedge-shaped, the 
point being to the north, and the valley being about 
three miles wide at the southern extremity. Pine 
Mountain looms up to the southwestward, being 
sprinkled with timber. The other mountains are 
almost denuded, yet hero and there men can be seen 
at work cutting fuel for the railroad engines, the val- 
ley being pierced bj- the Eureka and Palisade railroad. 
Pine Creek heads in the I'ine Mountains and flows 
northward to the Humboldt. The principal crop 
raised consists of wild hay. Eighteen miles south- 
ward from Palisade is the haj' ranch of the Eureka 
and Palisade Railroad (Company, consisting of 2,500 
acres of fenced bottom land, from which 1,000 tons 
of hay are cut annually. The company runs a line 
of freight teams from the terminus of their road at 
Eureka, to Piochc and all intermediate points, em- 
ploying from 300 to 400 mules, each team hauling 
from 30,000 to 40.000 ])ound8. The hay cut at the 
ranch is for the jiartial subsistence of these teams. 
(The j'ear the railroad was built the number of 
freight wagons thus emploj'cd was 201); animals, 000; 
men, 10(1; stages, 32; miles traversed, not including to 
Belmont, 230.) From Palisade to the railroad ranch 
there are thirteen ranches, including five dairy 
ranches. J'ine Valley contains a school district 
twenty miles in length, north and soulh, in which 
there are thirteen pupils. 

principal .MINI.Nii DISTRICTS. 

Antelope District, twenty miles north of Eureka, 
lias been prospected to a considerable extent, and 
many locations have been made; but no reduction 
works have been erected. 

CoiiTEZ Distuk-t is in an isolated mountain east of 
the Toiyabe Mountains, at a locality about thirty 
miles southeast of Beowawo Station, on the Central 
J'acific Railroad. Ore was discovered in May, 1863, 
by Dr. Hatch and others, from Austin, and a district 
was at once organized. For a brief period it ex- 
cited remarkable attention on account of its mon- 
ster lodes and the distance thej' could be traced. 
One of its claims, the Nevada Giant, was considered 
the greatest discover}- in the State, but failed to re- 
alize its great expectations, but recent developments 
are proving its bidden wealth. Its large quartzite 













W.HSPRAGG. 



MR5.W.H.SPRAGG. 




RESIDENCEf-^^HANCH OF W.H. SPRAGG. 

ESMEnAU)A CO MASON VALLEY, N EVAOA. 



LITM S^ir.^N A ^/' 



I 



HISTORY OF EUREKA COUNTY. 



429 



dyke, 400 feet in width, was found to be not entirely 
composed of pay ore. It yields very well, however, 
and is being steadily worked. The prineiiial mines 
are located on the westerly slope of the loft}- peak. 
Mount Tenabo. The Garrison is the most important 
location in the district. Steam hoisting works and 
all the necessary appliances for working ore are in 
use. The water for the steam engine is packed on 
mules a distance of about three miles. The prevail- 
ing formation is limestone and ([uartzite. The veins 
are small but rich. The ores require roasting before 
amalgamation, and are of very high grade and carry 
both gold and silver. The deepest shaft, that of the 
Garrison, extends down 300 feet. 

The mill which the Cortez Company built in lS(i.3, 
at a cost of SIOO.OOO, and which was subsequentlj- 
enlarged from eight to sixteen stamps, was sold in 
1860 to Samuel Wenban, one of the original locators, 
for Sti.OOO. It is situated about eight miles from the 
mines, by wagon road, and four miles by trail. The 
ore is transported on mules. Wood is found in 
abundance about eight miles from the mines. Most 
of the labor in the mines is performed by Chinamen. 
The district is producing well. 

The following description of Mount Tenabo and 
its great vein is from the Reese River Reveille of Jan- 
uary 4, 1807:— 

This vein is imbedded in the bosom of Mount 
Tenabo, a ]>eak 11.500 feet above the level of the sea, 
and upwards of 5,(100 feet above the surrounding 
vallej's. 

Its base u]) its side to the vein is covered with a 
scrubby pine, while its summit, and 1,500 feet below, 
is overgrown with grass and shrubs. 

The scarred and rugged mountain looks eternal. 
Some '5,000 feet above its base a vein of silver-bearing 
quartz cuts its face obliquely, burj'ing itself in the 
mountain at one end and penetrating into the valiej- 
at the other, after stretching out in ])al]iable vii'w to 
the length of 1S,(;50 feet. Its width is 400 feet. 
This vein, or perhaps more |)roperl}-, stratum of the 
mountain formation, bears beds of ore, the extent of 
which is only conjecture. The workings at various 
mills have proved encouraging. The vein is encased 
in crystalline limestone. 

Twentj' locations have been made with the follow- 
ing names and dimensions: — 

Commencing at its greatest point of altitude is 
the Chieftain, (ienesee County, 1,400 feet; Murphy 
Comjtanj-, SOO feet; Gill Com])any, 800 feet; Taj'lor 
and Passmore, 800 feet; Dewitt (Company, 450 feet; 
St. Louis Company, 2,000 feet; Meacham & lirolhers, 
400 feet; Niagara, 400 feet; Savage Company, 400 
feet; Nebraska Coni])an}', 1,200 feet; Cortez (iiant, 
Mount Tenabo Comiiany, 4.000 feet; Elmore Com- 
panj", 200 feet; lUissell Com|>aiiy, 600; Continental 
Companj-, 1,000 feet; Argentine Company, 1,000 feet; 
Empire Comjiany, 800 feet; Conn & Brothers, 400 
feet; Traverse Company, 400 feet; and the Anna 
Burr Company, 2,000 feet. The latter claim is some- 
what broken, and at its termination the vein pene- 
trates the earth and is lost altogether. The vein 
disappears also at the u|)j)er boundary of the ("hief- 
tain. It has been openeii at several i)oints along its 
course, in every case disclosing mineral. 

The Gill, Taylor and Passmore, and St. Louis loca- 
54 



tions, near the upper end of the vein, have been 
worked, the two latter considerably. The Cortez 
Giant, which lies near the center of the vein, is the 
most full}- developed, and has yielded a considerable 
amount of bullion this season. Some work has also 
been done on the ('onlinental, situated towards the 
lower end of the vein, with about the same results 
as in the other cases specified. Of this vein there is 
little exact knowledge, but that it stands out upon 
the mountain face, a large, palpable fact. It will 
probably be developed, and when that day arrives 
we believe the Nevada Giant will be regarded as 
among the remarkable veins of the world. 

DiA.MOND District is situated on the western slope 
of the Diamond Mountains, about twenty-five miles 
northeast of Eureka. Ore was discovered in May, 
1864, and the district was organized in July follow- 
ing. Very little work was done until 1866, when 
the Mammoth claim was stripped forty feet. Several 
tons of ore taken from it were sent to Austin and 
reduced, and yielded 8150 per ton. In this mine the 
walls are of hard blue limestone, well defined, and 
carry lead, iron, and antimony. The (^hampion, 
Cumberland, Silver Wreath, Utah, Blue Ware, and 
Cash, are among the other most prominent claims. 
The vein of the Champion is three feet wide, and dips 
east at an angle of sixty degrees. The ore is found 
in pockets, and averages 8100 per ton in silver. The 
mineral belt of the district is about three miles in 
length, and three-(iuarters of a mile in width. The 
ores are argentiferous carbonates. A smelting fur- 
nace was erected in 1873, and some bullion was pro- 
duced. Wood and water are to be had conveniently 
and in sufficient quantities. 

EUREKA DISTRICT IN 1870. 

To the general observer Eureka Mining District 
will be understood as comprising all the mining re- 
gion contributory, or in the immediate vicinity of 
the city of Eureka, and the history of these to com- 
prise about all pertaining to the county. There are, 
however, several organizations within the limits, 
each of which bear a difl'erent name, as Prospect 
Mountain, Secret Canon, and Pinto. The early his- 
tory of Eureka has been mentioned in the introduc- 
tory to this county up to the date of its revival in 
the season of 186!). On the sixteenth of July, 1870, 
a newspaper was established in the now camp, and 
in its first issue published the following account of 
the district, which forms an important link in its 
history: — 

Flight months ago. where the town of Eureka and 
its furnaces now stand, was a wihl waste. In No- 
vember, Colonel I). K. Buel arrived in the canon, and 
bonded the Buckeye and Champion niiiics. then only 
just located and barely opened. At about the same 
time. Colonel Hobbins came to Eureka and i)urehased 
the Kentuck and Mountain Boy mines. In Decem- 
ber both these parties commenced to smelt. The 
former hired the McCoy furnace, and under the 
hands of .Messrs. Jones & Williams, as foremen, 
worked ores from the Buckeye. The latter built a 
draft furnace, and, under the directions of Mr. W. T. 
K. Pritchard, smelted ores from the Mountain Boy. 



430 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



Both works proved the practicability of smelting the 
Eureka ores successful Ij', and, what is most impor- 
tant, they demonstrated that smeltinu;. under skillful 
direction, was more profitable in this district than in 
any other yet tested in the State of Nevada. In fact, 
their operations, though then necessarily conducted 
on a somewhat narrow scale, showed the fact that 
the limit to the money to be made in the business 
was marked only by the extent of the operations 
and the size of the works. 

Eneouraijed by these results, in January Messrs. 
Bateman iV: Buel commenced the erection of exten- 
sive works, while Colonel Robbins, representing the 
Buttercup Mining Company of New York, made 
arrangements for starting up larger operations. 
The energj- of the Bateman Association, as the com- 
pany was now called, brought their works to com- 
pletion rapidly, and on the twenty-fifth of April 
last they fired up their first new furnace, and in a 
few weeks after the second one began to run out 
bullion. In the meantime the Marcelina Mining 
Company commenced to build their furnace and 
work their mines under the direction of Jlessrs. 
Wilson & Pritchard. Messrs. Wallace & Bevan, who 
had prositected the district in the fall, returned from 
Philadelphia with two iron cupola furnaces and the 
necessary machinery. Between the first and fifteenth 
of May, these furnaces were all in full blast, and the 
results up to the thirtieth of June are as follows: — 

Eureka Consolidated Mining Company (late 
Batuman, Buel ct Co.)— bullion, 374 tons; 
average value, 8348 per ton ; total §130,152 

Marcelina Mining Company — bullion, 200 

tons; average value, S350 per ton; total . 70,000 

McCo}- Furnace^bullion, 110 tons; average 

value, 81.")0 per ton; total 49,500 

Buttercup Mining Company — bullion, 100 

(ons; average value, S375 ))er ton; total.. 37,500 

Wallace and Bevan — bullion, 75 tons; aver- 
age value, $350 per ton ; total 26,250 

Total 8313,402 

Not to extend our present notice to too great 
a length, we select the operations of the Eureka Con- 
Bolidated Mining Company for fiftj'six days imme- 
diately' preceding the transfer of the works from the 
Bateman Association to the Consolidation, to show 
the comparative costs and profits of smelting in 
Eureka. We are indebted to the urbanitj- of Col- 
onel Ingoldsby for these figures, who gave them to 
us from the books of the company, and, therefore, 
are thoroughly authentic and reliable. 

In fifty-six working days, the company smelted 
76(i tons 308 pounds of ("hampion ore, which gave 
238 tons of bullion, realizing in New York §348 per 
ton. The net results stand thus on the book: — 

Bullion, 238 tons, at S34S per ton $82,824 

Total costs, including mining, hauling, coals, 
smelting, freight to New York, refining, 
commissions, etc 37,186 

Leaving not profit, in fifty-six daj's 845,638 

The amount of coal consumed in smelting this ore 
was 25,832 bushels, and the cost of mining and 
hauling from the duni)) to the platform at the fur- 
naces was $4.25, while three and one-half tons of 
ore gave one ton of bullion. 

From these figures our readers can draw their own 
conclusions as to the merits ol' the Kureka mining 
district. The results of the operations of the other 



furnaces may safely be inferred, and certainly require 
no comments from us. 

Wood is abundant and easy of access. The cur- 
rent rates for cord-wood are six dollars to seven dol- 
lars and fifty cents, and for charcoal thirty cents 
per bushel, delivered. Water runs in a fine stream 
through the canon, and is ample to supplj- a large 
number of works. What with the quantitj- of ore 
now in sight in the various mines, and the ores on 
the dumps, together with the abundance of wood 
and water, both readily accessible, the future of 
Eureka may be insured as at once prosperous and 
profitable. 

We give the following as average assaj-s from the 
three mines which are as yet the most thoroughly 
opened and tested: — 

Champion $53 67 

Champion 75 70 

Buckej-e 75 75 

Buckeye 83 60 

Jackson ... 81 00 

Total $383 58 

General average, $76.73; and this may be safely 
taken as the average of the smelting ores of the dis- 
trict. 

Of the mines from which ores have been smelted 
i the following may be named as the most prominent: 
1 The Champion, Huckeye, Tiptop, Richmond, Sen- 
tinel, Central, .Marcelina, .\dams, Jackson, Fulton, 
Cambria, Justice, Home Ticket, Conncllj-, llooiloo, 
I Accidental, Badger, Lord Byron, Punderberg, South- 
ern Pacific, El Dorado, Big Bdk, Santiago, Bull- 
whacker, Otho, Kentuck, Mairnolia, .Moutitain Boy, 
and about a dozen more. There are about 1,000 
locations made in the district, on most of which 
enough work has been done to hold them for one 
year, and to show that the}- carry good smelting 
ores. 

The most prominent of the mines are found within 
a mineral belt which runs in a northwesterlj- and 
southeasterly direction, carrying a width of some 
two miles. This belt commences at the Tip-toj), and 
with the Richmond, t'hain])ion, Buckeye, Sentinel, 
Central, Great Rejiublic, ilarcelina, Deep Mine, 
Adams and Farren, runs in a direction from north- 
west to southeast; thence, bending in a more south- 
erlj' direction, with the contour of the hills, it takes 
the Fulton, (/"ambria. Justice, and several others in 
immediate proximit}-; thence, again, it embraces the 
Dunderbcrg and Home Ticket, on the eastern limit 
of the belt, and the El Dorado on the western limit, 
running onward, with the Connelly and the Santiago, 
the Robert Emmet, the Pritchard. and the .Manhat- 
tan, to name only those mines on the extremes of 
the breadth of the bell; and bending d(nvnward 
again, somewhat easterly' it takes its course onward 
to Secret Cafion. 

EUREIvA DISTRICT IN 1876. 

A further history is given in the following, quoted 
from a paper prepared by Judge S. Hetzel, for the 
Librarian of Congress, in response to an invitation 
by the President as an exposition of the condition 
and wealth of the county in the centennial year, 1876. 

From 1S69 dates the first successful tivatmentof 
the Eureka ores, and in the train of that success came 
capital, labor and increased facilities for trans|)orta- 
tion. The histoiy of the industrial growth of Eureka 
is the history of the first successful treatment in 



HISTORY OF EUREKA COUNTY. 



431 



America of argentiferous lead ore. The first attempt 
at emeltiiif; this class ol" ore was made at Oroana, in 
Humboldt County, and was unsuccessful. In 18G6, 
Moses Wilson built a furnace in Eureka on tlie site 
now occupied bj- the Koslin Furnace, and an attempt 
at smelting was made. This resulted in a total 
failure. In ISGS Morris, Monroe & Co., having 
acquired a large mining property in the district, 
empio3-ed Mr. Stetefeldt, of Austin, to erect and 
conduct a I'urnace. Having completed the furnace, 
he commenced operations in May, IStiit, but each of 
three attempts made b}- him resulted in failure. In 
the meanwhile Maj. W. \V. McCoy had aci[uire(l 
the Morris, Monroe & Co. property. Major McCoj- 
attributed Stetefeldt's want of success to an insuf- 
ficiency of blast, the poor quality of the material used 
for lining, and the incompetency of his subordinates. 
The last difficulty he overcame by securing the serv- 
ices of R. r. Jones and John Williams, who had had 
considerable experience in Wales. 

In coming to Eureka from White Pine, Jones and 
Williams discovered, on Paii(-ake Mountain, an excel- 
lent quality of tire rock, and thus the second difficult}' 
was overcome. Major McCoy then inserted in the 
old Stetefeldt furnace, two side tweei's (it having 
previously had but one, and that in the rear), and 
the Pancake rock lining having been procured, Jones 
and AVilliams, in J uly, 1869, commenced their first run 
on ore from the Champion, Buckeye, Grant, and 
Eureka mines. A deserved success attended their 
eflbrts; the practicability of eheaplj' treating these 
ores, heretotore regarded as so stubborn, was dem- 
onstrated, and the future ])rosperity of Kureku was 
assured. Major McCoy continued smelting until 
November, 1SU9, when he leased the furnace to I>. 
E. Buel and I. C. Bateman, who, about this time, 
bonded the Cham])ion and Buckeye series of 
mines, and purchased the Monroe town survey. 
These gentlemen smelted successfully until the ter- 
mination of their lease in May, 1870. 

In December, 18(19, G. C. Eobbins commenced 
erecting a draft furnace, which was afterwards con- 
verted into a blast furnace. Still another furnace was 
added to the Robbins reduction works, and all 
of them were sold, in 187(), to a Chicago companj*. 
In 187U, Bevan & Wallace built a furnace and engaged 
in smelting, but their oj>eratio!is ])roved unsuccessful. 
In the summer of 1870, 15ucl i^ Bateman, having 
purchased the Champion and Bucke3-e series of mines, 
built two furnaces at ihelowei-end of town. These 
were subsequently, together with the mines, sold to 
the Eureka Consolidated Mining Company. That 
company subsequently built three additional furnaces, 
and also constructed a narrow-guage railroad from 
its reduction works a distance ol' three miles. About 
the same time the Jackson Mining Company pur- 
chased Wilson's furnace site and erected two furnaces 
which were run on ore from the Jackson mine. In 
the summer of 1S7(I, the furnace of the Uoslin Com- 
pany was built, which has l>eeii iille for some years. 
In the fall of 1S70, Thomas J. Taylor commenced 
erecting a furnace, which ho subsequently sold to the 
Phoenix Mining Company, which, in turn, sold it to 
the Iloosac Com])anj'. 

In Se])tember, 1870, J. J. Dunne & Co. purchased 
of H. P. McNcvin, an uncompleted furnace at the 
south end of town, and completed it, and it was sub- 
sequentlj' used to run ores from the Hichmond mine. 
In 1871, the Richmond Consolidated .Mining Com- 
pany, of London, purchased the works of Ogden, 
Dunne, & Co., and the Richmond mine. Four fur- 
naces have sioco been added to these works. The 



Richmond Company has also erected a refinery. 

In 1872. II. lioynemann, having previously pur- 
chased the Dunderberg and other mines, built his 
reduction works, comprising two furnaces, which 
have since been almost constantly employed in smelt- 
ing ores from the Dunderberg and Atlas mines. 
(Prom January 1st to September I^Oth, 1880, 3,500 
tons were hoisted through the Atlas shaft.) The Sil- 
ver West Mining Com])any also built a furnace in 
1872, which has since been run principally on ores 
from the K. K. mines. There are now in Eureka 
(^1870) nineteen furnaces, whose dailj' capacity varies 
Irom forty to sixty tons each. The Lemon M. & M, 
Company has also erected a mill of fifteen stamps. 

The production of charcoal has so far kept pace 
with the requirements of smelling, and there has 
been no change in the price for over four years. The 
supply is limited, however, and before long our smelt- 
ers will look to the illimitable forests of the Rocky 
Mountains and the Sierra Nevada for their coal. The 
area of the ore-producing region is extending annu- 
allj-. Four years ago nearly all the ore reduced in 
the district was extracted from a few mines on Ruby 
Hill. While their yield has increased, new and large 
bodies of ore have been oj)ened elsewhere, and the 
mines of Pros])cct Mountain, McCoy Hill and other 
localities bid fair ere long, to rival in productiveness 
the mines of Ruby Hill itself 

The experts difi'er as to the character of the form- 
ation of the ore bodies in the district, but the best 
opinion appears to be in favor of the existence of 
true fissure veins. The main cause of the unexam- 
jjled prosperity of the mining interests of Eureka is 
to be found in the character of the ores. Tbey are 
selffiuxing. They carry from fifteen to sixty per 
cent, of lead, and sufficient iron and silica to obviate 
the necessity of importing foreign material for smelt- 
ing purposes. Eureka is the only known mining dis- 
trict possessing this all-important advaniago. 

The total bullion yield of Eureka District for the 
year 1869 was less than §100,000. Since that year 
it has continually increased, until, for 1875, the yield 
was §6,100,000. The total amount of foreign capital 
invested in mining in Eureka certainlj' does not exceed 
81,500,000, including assessments. In return thei-efor 
there has been extracted and reduced, in less than 
seven years, over §20,000,000, and mining in Eureka is 
yet in its infancj'. Not onlj- are new mines being con- 
tinuallj- opened, but in all the mines increased pro- 
duction follows an increase of depth, aiid not even 
in the oldest mines has great depth yet been attained. 
The history of Eureka lies in the future. 

The Eureka Sentinel, in January, 1877, gave the 
following as the bullion shipments of P'ureka Dis- 
trict for 187G:— 

Gold 9 827,985 78 

Silver 1,452,459 20 

Lead 602,306 28 

Fine bullion 1,120,396 49 



Total 84,003,147 75 

The bullion shipments of Eureka District for 1878 
were as follows, as per reports of Wells, Fargo & 
Co,:— 

Gold 82,341,497 03 

Silver 3,257,481 37 

Lead 1,382,728 00 



Total 86,981,706 40 



43-2 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



The Ruby Hill Miniru/ News of August 15, 1881, 
made the following statements: — 

There are in Eureka District at the present time 
fifty producing mines, and thrice that number that 
could be made productive at a very small outlay. 
Every share of the Eureka Consolidated (there being 
50,000 shares) purchased in 1871 has returned a 
profit of 882 to the holders. 

The Richmond, although only 900 feet in depth, 
has already' returned nearly 83,000,000 in profits, and 
the mine is still in its infancy. 

Of the amount invested in the district by foreign 
capitalists about §800,000 has come from England, and 
about 8400,000 from the Paeific Coast and other 
points in the United States, making in all 81, 201), 000. 

The value of Eureka mines, as shown by (juota- 
tions, is 855,000,000. Ten thousand dollars per 
month would more than cover the amount paid in 
prospecting non-dividend paj'ing mines, and still the 
district has yielded in gross over 868,000,000, has 
paid over 87,000,000 in dividends and has the richest 
and most extensive mines now in this country, and 
its bullion product is constantly and rapidlj- in- 
creasing. 

The combined capacity of the smelting works in 
Eureka is 745 tons daily, as follows: Richmond 
Consolidated — Four hydrocicles capacity — two of 
90 tons each, one of 70 tons, and one of 50 tons. 
Combined daily reducing capacity, 300 tons. Eureka 
Consolidated — Four stone furnaces of 50 tons each. 
Combined capacitj-, 200 tons daily. Ruby Consoli- 
dated — Two stone furnaces of 50 tons capacity each. 
Silver West Consolidated — One stone furnace of 50 
tons dailj^ eapaeitj'. Matamoras Mining and Smelt- 
ing Companj- — One stone furnace of 50 tons dailj- 
capacity. Hoosac — One stone furnace of 45 tons 
daily capacity. 

THE PROCESS OP KEDUOTION. 

The ores of the precious metals are usually reduced, 
or beneficiated, bj^ crushing under stamps to an 
impalpable powder, then, by different processes, 
according to the combinations of the ore, efl'ect the 
amalgamation of the gold or silver with quicksilver, 
but in Eureka the predominant metal is lead, rich in 
silver and also containing gold, and this ore is most 
successfully reduced by the smelting process. For 
this, great furnaces are required, whose blazing fires 
and brilliant streams of molten slag and silvery 
bullion constantly present a picture of weird interest 
to the observer, and whose tall stacks with rolling 
clouds of gas and smoke intensify the jiicture. 

The two great companies are the Eureka Consoli- 
dated and the Richmond. The first reduces its ore 
to bullion, as it is locally called, being a rich lead, 
which is then shipped to Newark, Now Jersey, for 
refining. The Richmond Company separate their 
lead and silver in their own works in Eureka. The 
process is described in the Ruby Hill Mininy News, 
as follows: — 

F'roin three to five immense furnaces in each of the 
reduction works arc kept constant!}- charged, day 
and night, from year in to year out, smelting all the 
ore as it comes from the mines; consuming about 720 
cords of wood a day, in the form of both charcoal 
and wood. 

The process of smelting, a stranger can never cease 



to admire. Two red-hot streams of melted ore are 
constantly running, one in front of each fiery fur- 
nace, and one at the side; the one in front a little the 
higher to drain off the upper, lighter, worthless mat- 
ter, called slag, being earth}- matter and iron; the 
other, lower, connected by a pipe dee])cr down in the 
melted mass, where the purer metals of heavier 
weight — lead, silver, gold, etc. — will not allow the 
surface to rise as high as the other. The fierj' slag 
is wheeled oft' to be emptied from great kettles — a 
burning stream down the front of the ever-increasing 
hill of waste. The metal is dipped into moulds as 
bars, and wheeled awaj- to a differentlj- arranged fur- 
nace, melted over and skimmed, removing five per 
cent, of remaining ini])urity. From this furnace the 
mass is again drawn off into immense vats, and cooled 
in masses of over four tons. From here they are 
raised by power deri-icks and put into another 
immense iron retort or furnace of twenty tons 
capacity, and melted, while heated steam, forced 
into the bottom, causes a violent boiling of the liquid 
mass. At length a partial cooling crystallizes the 
lead in part, so as to appear like wet meal. Now 
opening a vent at the bottom, the uncrystallized 
liquid portion, by its weight rushes out, carrying 
with it three-fourths of the silver and gold in the 
mass, while the crystallized lead remains behind. 
The lead drawn oft', is again put through the same 
steam boiling process three or four times, each time 
the running mass carrj-ing away throe-fourths of 
the precious metals with it. At the last the whole 
is put into a reverberatory furnace, the heat of which 
burns away all the remaining lead as an oxide, and 
leaving the pure silver with all the gold the ore con- 
tained. 

This last is called the cupelling process, and ends 
refining. 

The Richmond retains its refined lead bars, stacked 
in immense cord-wood-like rows, thousands of tons, 
the purest load in the world. 

THE RICHMOND COMPANY. 

A series of claims covering the larger portion of 
Ruby Hill, some patented and others unpatented, 
were purchased by the Richmond Company in 1871, 
the principal of which are as follows: The original 
Richmond and Tip Top, the Lookout, Victoria, Silver 
Region, Colorado, St. George, St. Patrick, St. David, 
St. Andrews, Standard and Cyrus. The six last 
named form the westerly boundary of the Richmond 
property, and cover the entire westerly slope of the 
hill, and the limestone belt, which is the true ore 
country of the district. This largQ and valuable 
property is owned by an English company having 
its headquarters in London, all the claims having 
been purchased from the original locators. In 
speaking of the Richmond Company, Molinelli's 
"Eureka and Its Resources," published in 1879, says: 

For years four furnaces have been kept in uninter- 
rupted operation, with the exception of the time 
necessary for repairs and the delay caused bj- the 
destruction of the works by fire on the twenty- 
seventh of Septeml)er, 1878, which entailed a loss of 
880,000, and English capital has foun<l in this ])roperty 
one of the most profitable investmentsevor madein the 
United States. The famous Potts Chamber, a body 
of ore so called after one of the foremen in the mine, 
yielded without cessation an immense number of 
tons of high-grade ore, all of which has been 










"^f/ 



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c^^. 7^ 'M ll^^^n^-rcT. 





I I V* ■' w-ji; * "j i i ^ » y, **" 






OLD & NEW RESIDENCE AND RANCH OF W,B. SANDEK-j. 
ESMERALDA CO.,MASON VALLEY, NEV. 



^ 



HISTORY OF EUREKA COUNTY 



433 



reduced and refined at the company's works. The 
establishment of a. refinery at this point bj- the man- 
agers has given a large force of men employment, 
and demonstrated the fact that there was no neces- 
sity to ship our base bullion thousands of miles 
before the precious metals could be separated from 
the lead, that process being carried on as scientific- 
ally and cheaply at the company's works as at any 
foreign refinery. The mine is distinctively an 
English cor|)oration, and the profits from it flow to 
London. Notwithstanding this fact, great benefits 
accrue to Eureka, as it gives emploj'ment to a small 
army of miners and workmen, and draws its supplies 
i'rom our local resources. The bullion product of 
the Richmond for the 3^ear ending June, 1878, 
amounted to 82,193.178. 

The Richmond works consist of four large fur- 
naces and a refinery fully equipped for treating fifty 
tons of bullion daily. Two of the furnaces have a 
capacity of ninety tons each; one of them, a capacity 
of sixty tons; and the fourth, a capacity of fifty 
tons. The charge for working custom ore is from 
ten dollars to eighteen dollars; it was formerly 
thirty dollars. In the mines and reduction works 
450 men are employed at four dollars per day each. 
The amount of custom ores worked at the Richmond 
furnaces in 1878 was 11,953 tons. 

Since the first purchase of the Richmond property 
its stockholders have never been called on to con- 
tribute one dollar toward its development or support, 
and up to April, 1881, has paid twenty dividends, 
aggregating 82,312,000, which is at the rate of forty 
dollars per share. In addition to the amount paid 
out in dividends, a large sum has been expended in 
litigation and in the improvements at the mines and 
reduction works and in repairing the damages of the 
great fire alluded to. The stock of the company 
was selling in London at £15 and £15 lOs in Sep- 
tember, 1880, and (;,tlOO tons of lead bullion were 
then lying at the mill. At the 500-foot level of the 
Richmond Mine is a natural cave sixty feet in width 
and 250 feet in length. Its roof is from fifteen to 
twenty feet high, and sparkles with crystallized 
gems. Still another cave in this mine is named 
the Jlountain King's Domain, and is in the form of an 
inverted tea-cup. It is fifty feet in diameter, and 
the apex of the roof is thirty feet high. 200 tons 
are daily hoisted from this mine. Richard Rickard 
is the present Superintendent. 

HON. SA.MUEL LONOLEY, 

The subject of the following sketch, is a native of the 
State of New ^'ork, having been born in Oswego 
City. When a boy he entered a dry goods estab- 
lishment as clerk; but, possessing a restless spirit, he 
was not satisfied with his lot, and, conceiving the idea 
that his fortunes lay in the mines of the Pacific 
Coast, he bid adieu to the scenes of his youth, and, 
at the early age of seventeen )-ears, loft his home 
for California. For twelve years subsetjuent upon 
his arrival in the land of gold, ho traveled through 
the country, visiting nearly all the camps in the 
State, as well as those in Nevada, coming to the 




Samuel Longley. 



latter State in 1809. During these twelve long 
years he had learned the art of mining in all its 
details, and, upon his arrival here, was recognized as 
an expert at the business. His abilities in other 
channels have also manifested themselves, as he has 
creditably filled the honorable position of Assembly- 
man from Eureka in the Nevada Legislature, being 
one of the few Republicans elected from that county. 
Mr. Longley is Foreman of the Richmond Mine, at 
Eureka, a position that onlj- a responsible man can 
fill, llis position in life, single. 

OTHER IMPORTANT MINES. 

The K. K. Consolidated Mines join the Eureka 
Consolidated on the east, and were located in 1872 
by W. S. Keyes, then Superintendent of the Eureka 
Consolidated. From June 30, 1877. to June 30, 1878, 
their bullion yield was 8378,787.71. 

The Jackson Mine consists of three claims. Dur- 
ing the years 1869-70-71 the original owners ex- 
tracted considerable ore. Subsetjuently they sold 
the property to a San Francisco firm, which made 
large developments and im]>rovemonts, and brought 
the mine into much prominence. The net bidlion 
yield in 1879 was $132,000. The Ruby Hill Railroad 
Company has laid a track to the mine, and ore is 
being shij)ped daily to the Matamoras Company's 
furnace, where it is reduced, and the resulting bull- 
ion shipped to San Francisco for refinement. 

The Phu'iii.x .Mine lies between the Jackson on 
the east and Eureka Consolidated on the west, 
being of the Ruby Hill group. The ground was 
located in 1870 and the work of development began 
in 1871. In 1872 large bodies of ore were developed 
near the surface and much bullion produced, but, 
through incompetent management and strife to con- 
trol the stock, the company's debts accumulated and 



434 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



work was suspended in 1878, up to which time the 
yield aggregated §475,000. Since that date it has 
been worked spasmodically, j-ielding a fair profit. A 
shaft to the depth of 710 feet has been sunk, at which 
point a strong flow of water was encountered, and 
on the twentieth of January, ISSO, work ceased, but 
with the intention of resumption, as it is believed to 
be one of the great mines of the district. 

The Albion Mine was located in 1878 by miners 
working in the Richmond Mine, under the impi-ession 
that the vein of ore in the latter mine extended into 
what was then thought unclaimed ground. The 
claim has4,500feet of length by 500 of breadth. Work 
of development was prosecuted with energy, but has 
been interrupted bj- extensive and costly litigation 
with the Richmond Company. 

These are the principal mines of Ruby Hill, which 
is the great bullion producing region of the district. 
With the exception of the Richmond, all are owned 
by incorporated companies whose place of business 
is in San Francisco, and the stocks are extensively 
dealt in at the stock boards of that city. In addi- 
tion to these are the mines of Adams Hill, where the 
Bullwhacker, Bowman, Titus, Wales Consolidated, 
Williamsburg, Oriental and Belmont Consolidated, 
Adams Hill Consolidated, and numerous others are 
located, which, in the aggregate, have yielded 
upwards of 82,000,000 in bullion. 

McCoy Hill contains another group of mines, of 
which the Silver State, Green Seal, Grant, Burt, and 
others are important. 

PROSPECT MOUNTAIN. 

The most prominent and conspicuous of the hills 
and peaks of Eureka District is Prospect Mountain, 
which rises in imposing grandeur to the south of the 
city, and is thus described: — 

The highest peak of the mountain towers about 
2,000 feet above the valley. It consists superKcially 
of limestone, and has on both sides manj' outcrops 
of ore, which seem to occupy a succession of gash 
veins. On the western slope the quartzite reajipears 
and extends to the south for several miles in the 
direction of Spring Valley. Still west again is the 
limestone, whereon there are some few mining loca- 
tions. This limestone formation extends onward to 
the west, a distance of about sixty miles. 

The geological structure of the mountain consists 
of alternations of limestone, quartzites and shales, 
which form a continuous section of many miles 
from the north of Prospect Mountain to Secret 
Cafion. The geological sun'ej' of the fortieth par- 
allel demonstrates that this great limestone mass of 
Eureka Mining District reaches to the de])th of over 
30,000 feet into the interior of the earth. The mines 
of this mountain have jiroduced about SI 2, (10(1, 000 
worth of bullion. Among its principal mines are 
the Connolly, with 8350,000 to its credit; the 
Dunderbcrg. having yielded 82,000.000; the Ham- 
burg, with an aggregate yield of near 8400,000; the 
Emmet Consolidated, having produced $100,000; the 



Williams, with over 8100,000; the Mata moras, 
Atlantic and Pacific, and others, with large ])ro- 
ductions, and many in course of development. 

FIRST LOCATORS OF RUBV HILL. 

In 1865, while Owen Farrell and Alonzo Monroe 
were prospecting in the Diamond range of mount- 
ains, an Indian brought them a piece of mineral- 
bearing rock. They at once perceived that it bore 
valuable indications, and for ten dollars the Indian 
guided them to the sj)ot whence he had taken it. 
The locality was about two and one-half miles west 
of Eureka, on a northwesterly spur of Prospect 
Jlountain, which they named Rubj- Hill. The}- 
located the whole hill, and the now famous mine 
known as the Eureka Consolidated was called by 
them the Great Republic. Senator M. J. Farrell be- 
came a partner in the enterprise. Soon afterwards 
J. H. Kinkead, now Governor, bonded all these loca- 
tions and placed them on the London market, but 
the firm he entrusted the matter with liiiled to make 
any sales. Titles to the discoveries, however, were 
maintained until 1867, when Moses Wilson, recorder 
of the district, took possession of the Great Repub- 
lic, and the other claims were abandoned. Subse- 
quently they were taken up by new parlies. From 
one of them, the Champion, Dan. Dalton shipped 
sixty tons of ore, in June, 1869, to McCoy's furnace, 
which was situated where Fisk's barley mill now 
stands, and was at that time the only smelting 
furnace in the district. The product was about 
twenty tons of bullion, which was hauled to Palisade 
by W. H. Clark, who claims to have hauled the first 
bullion ever yielded by Eureka District. These 
twenty tons of bullion were shipped to San Fran- 
cisco and refined, and the ore assayed 881 in gold 
and silver per ton. In November, 1869, the Mam- 
moth, Buckeye, Sentinel and other claims were 
bonded and then sold to Buell & Bateman, who, in 
Maj', 1870, sold them to a party of San Francisco 
capitalists. The latter incorporated under the name 
and style of the Eureka Consolidated Mining Com- 
pany. This organization was eft'ected in July, 1870, 
and in Januar}-, 1871, W. S. Keys took charge as 
Superintendent ot the mines and furnaces. 

GEOLOdV OF El'REKA DISTRICT. 

The following on the geology of Eureka District is 
from Lambert Molinelli's book on the resources of 
Eureka: — 

Immediately east of the long and narrow gulch, in 
which lies the town of Eureka, we find some high 
lava bills, which extend, interrupted by vallej-s, very 
nearly to While Pine, fori}- miles distant to the south- 
east. Bordering on the lava hills, and extending 
also west of ibe town a few hundred yards, are 
trachytic tufas of whitish or ])inkish color. These 
rocks, ])robably volcanic ash, are used for building 
material. When frcshi}- quarried the}- may be easily 
shaped by an axe; but, on exposure, they lose much 
water and become quite hard. The tufas extend 
southerly along the gulch about one mile. South of 
the town we note also other gulches; the most west- 



HISTORY OF EUREKA COUNTY. 



43o 



erly, called Goodwin Canon, skirts alonsj Prospect 
Mountain; the next, called Now York ('anon, runs 
more or less parallel with the main sjuleh and ends in 
a species of basin ai^ainst a portion of Prospect .Moun- 
tain; the next, to the east, follows aloni; soutiierly 
and, crossing a low divide, forms the highwa}- to 
Secret Canon District. The main gulch receives some 
minor tributaries from the east and passes on to Fish 
Creek Valley. At the point first mentioned, south 
of the town where the tufas give out, occurs a prom- 
inent ledge of sandstone, from which rock has been 
taken for lining the smelting furnaces. This sand- 
stone reef is largely developed on the eastern side of 
Diamond Range, facing Newark Valley, and ap])ears 
again some fifteen miles to the east, as a part of the 
coal measures at Pancake. It is hence called Pan- 
cake Rock. The mechanical aggregation of its 
quartZ3- particles varies very much. In some speci- 
mens the sandstone is distinct!}- granular; in others 
it appears compact, tough, and cross-grained. Only 
the former varietj- is used for the furnaces; and when 
80 used it must be built in with the edges of the bed- 
ding exposed to the fire; otherwise it shales off in 
large flakes. But one fossil has been found in the 
Eureka reefs. This ap]3cared like a short section of 
a small wood screw about three inches long and 
nearly half an inch thick. The fossil was surrounded 
by a hollow cj'lindrical space, leaving the articula- 
tions free, the extreme ends of which formed part of 
the inclosing rock. The specimen has unfortunately 
been lost. In New York Canon we find a series of 
ti'ue clay shales, which furnish the tamping for the 
furnaces. On the western side of the same gulch, 
we find a high ridge of calcaro-silicious rock, called 
Silver Hill. The last contains some specimens of ore, 
and has been located for mining purposes. In some 
places it has yielded very rich ore carrying chloro- 
bromide of silver. No well marked deposit has, 
however, as yet been uncovered. A similar ore in 
similar rock has also been found on and near Adams 
Hill, about three miles west from the town. 

Adjoining the town, a little south of west, are two 
hills of trachj-tic tufas, and again west of these, an 
isolated hill of massive quartz or quartzite, called 
Cariboo Hill. In places this hill shows some very 
rich specimens of chloro-bromide of silver, but not as 
3'et in any great quantity. 

Due south of the town and west of the main gulch, 
not delineated upon the map, is a high mountain of 
massive quartz or quartzite, whereon are situated the 
Hoosac and other mines. The Hoosac has yielded 
large quantities of atitimonial lead ores, some of 
which were very rich in silver, but carried no gold. 

In this respect thcj-, in common with the ores 
found in the silicious limestone ridges, differ from the 
lead-bearing ores of the dolomitic limestone, all of 
which latter carry more or less gold. 

Soulhweslof Cariboo Hill we come to Ajax Hill and 
Ruby Hill. The former is merel}' an easterly continu- 
ation of the latter. The quartziles and silicified lime- 
stones extend in a northerlj' and southerly direction 
from Adams Hill on the north to beyond the Hoosac 
Mine on the south. A heavy line of calcareous 
shales is found, more or less continuously, between 
the same points. They seem to bear some fixed 
relationship to the quartzitcs, and are ])robablj' the 
remnants of conformably deposited beds. Hack of 
Rub}- Hill, to the south, the high peak of Prospect 
Mountain towers about 2,000 feet above the valley. 
It consists superficially of limestone, and has, on 
both flanks, many outcrops of ore, which seem to 
occupy a Buccession of gash veins. On the western 



side of the mountain the quartzite reappears and 
extends to the south for several miles in the direc- 
tion of Spring Vallc}-. Still west again we find the 
limestones, wherein there are .some tew mining loca- 
tions. The limestones extend onward to the west, 
a distance of about sixty miles, until we approach 
Smok}- Valley, which bounds on the east the Toij-abe 
range of mountains, in which are the granite forma- 
tions of the Reese River and other districts. To the 
east of Eureka, the same broad belt of dolomitic 
limestone extends quite to the limit of the Great 
Basin, and is broken only by the valle3's, and by 
occasional onlpourings of the volcanic rocks, and 
rare appearances of the deep-lying granites. 

The Eureka limestones carry Silurian and Devo- 
nian trilobites in but two ])laces, as far as known at 
present. The one is at a point near the northwest- 
erly end of Ruby Hill, in the direction of the ex- 
treme southerly spur of Adams Hill, and the other 
is in New York Caiion, directly east of the Morti- 
mer Mine, at a point about two and a half miles 
south of the town. These fossils are all small, the 
largest being about the size of a finger nail. 

OTHER MINING DISTRICTS. ' 

Pisii Creek District is eighteen miles south of 
Spring Valle\% and was organized in 1871. The ores 
are chieflj' galena, containing silver. The mines are 
all located on a small hill, and cover an area of about 
four acres. Scarcely any work has ever been done 
there. 

Leopold District lies north of Eureka, near Rob- 
ert's Creek Station on the old Overland road. Was 
organized in 1870, and very little work has ever 
been done on any of its locations. 

Mineral Hill District adjoins the southwest cor- 
ner of Elko County, and is fift}--two miles north of 
Eureka. PJighleen miners are working there, about 
one-third of whom own mines. Two families live 
there. A fifteen-stamp mill runs when it has ore, 
which is during about tvvo months in the year, and 
it obtains from the ore from sixty to ninety-five per 
cent, of the silver it contains, according to quality. 
None of the ore is roasted. This is the original mill 
built by Curtis, of Austin, for the discoverers. They 
sold it, through the agoncj' of Ike Bateman, to an 
English comi)anj-, for §1,200,000, that was known as 
the Mineral Hill Silver Mining Company, which put 
up a twent}--stamp mill in addition, with a verj- 
costly roasting furnace, but failing to got a sufficient 
supply of ore, sold both mills and retired from the 
district, with a total loss of their large investment. 
Subsequently the Austin it Spencer mines were 
located, and, in ISSO, the mills were purchased by the 
Austin & Spencer company, 

PiNTO District, sometimes called Silverado, lying 
partly in White Pine County, is on the eastern slope 
i)ftho Diamond range of mountains, about fourteen 
miles southeast of Eureka, The ore is free-milling, 
high grade, and the developments thus far mad« 
indicate the existence of true fissure veins. The 
mines were dinfeovered in 18G7 by Moses Wilson and 
a party from Austin, and a number of locations were 



43G 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



made. In 1868, Mr. Duquette and others made loca- 
tions, which comprise the mines now wori<cd. 

KrcH.MOND District, located eighteen miles north 
of Palisade, was orifanized in 1875. Xo mines have 
been developed, however, as at the depth of forty 
feet the ore "pinches." So far, not over ten tons of 
ore have been shipped. Half a dozen prospectors 
have taken up their residence in the district. 

Secret Canon is seven and a half miles south of 
Eureka, in a deep vallej', on the southern slope of 
Prospect Mountain. Ore was discovered August 1, 
1869, by Charles C. Breyfogle, M. Dougherty, B. 
McCrorey, P. Murphy, and D. J. J. McLaughlin. 
The first location was made that day, and on August 
7th a district was organized, Charles C. Brey- 
fogle presiding at the meeting. It was first called 
the Sierra District, then the Secret Yallej- District, 
and finally the Secret Canon District. Three hun- 
dred locations have been made in all, and there are 
now about thirty miners in the district. At one 
time the town, Vanderbilt, was a very lively place. 
In 1870 it contained 125 inhabitants, three stores, 
two boarding-houses, a post-office, and a blacksmith 
shop. For a time it had two dailj- lines of stages, 
and one line continued in operation six months. 
There were then 300 miners in the district, and the 
population of all classes exceeded l.KOO. The ])rinci- 
pal mines are the Stockton, Monroe, Irish Ambas- 
sador, Hodgdon, Page and Corwin, Bayse, and the 
Geddes and Bertrand series. Part of the ores are 
of high grade, containing antimonial silver, and they 
require roasting. The others are lead-bearing, and 
are treated by the smelting jjrocess. Quito large 
quantities of the ore was taken to Austin in the 
first year of the discovery, which yielded as high 
as 8600 per ton, returning a fine profit to the 
miners. The veins are found between quartzite on 
the west and shale on the east, and generally run 
north and south across the formation, containing 
silver and a trace of gold. The Stockton, and Ged- 
des and Bertrand mines are pierced by a tunnel 
310 feet long. Freight is teamed from Eureka at 
$4.50 per ton. Nut pine, mahogan}-, and cedar 
abound all over the district, but the supplj- has been 
considerably reduced. The water is obtained from 
springs. In the latter part of 1875 over 1,500 tons 
of ore were extracted that j-icldod about Sli'M) per 
ton. Bad management has much retarded the devel- 
opment of this once promising district. Present 
facilities for working ore consist of a twenty-ton 
furnace. A ten-stamp mill was burned in 1873. Ore 
is now chiefly shipped to Eureka. 

Sierra Di.stkh'T, which was organized in Januarj' 
1863, is eight miles south of Eureka. The jjHncipal 
claims are the Monroe, Essex and Ophir. A ten- 
stamp mill was once erected near the mines, but the 
enterprise proved unsuccessful. Sage-brush was used 
for fuel. , 

Sprino Valley District is situated in the Spring 



Vallej' or Prospect range of mountains, about 
twelve miles south of Eureka, and was discovered 
and a district organized on the twenty-seventh of 
June. 186!), by Joseph Magett, William Murray, E. 
H. Ross, and (reorge M. Kittell, while on a prospect- 
ing trip from Treasure Hill, after the great "White 
Pine excitement." The mountain range rises from 
an elevated plateau, and runs almost due north and 
south, and was at the date of discovery heavily cov- 
ered with timber, and although drawn upon with 
fierce energy to supplj' timbers for mining and fuel 
for the furnaces, promises a supply for many years. 
In 1869 the district had a population of from 800 to 
1,000. The ores were of a high grade in the crop- 
pings, and the veins stood prominently above the 
surface of the country rock. Seventy tons of ore 
from the Reeves and Berry mine were taken to 
Austin for reduction, and yielded from seventy-four 
dollars to S600 per ton; and ten tons from the 
North Star mine yielded from sixty dollars to $250 
per ton, being a chloride ore. The ore seemed 
concentrated in the croppings, and as depth was 
reached became more diffused through the rock, 
rendering expensive transportation and reduction 
unprofitable, and soon thereafter the excitement 
attending the developments of the mines at Ruby 
Hill drew attention from Spring Valley, and the 
district declined. The country rock is a stratified 
and metamorphic limestone, and the ore is found in 
bunches, chiefly near the surface. At present there 
are about forty dwellings in the district. 
Williams' salt .marsh. 
In Diamond Vallcj', forty-three miles north of 
Eureka and ton miles cast of Mineral Hill, is Will- 
iams' Salt Marsh, which consists of a thousand acres 
of salt land in the midst of a flat fifteen miles in 
length and six in width. Salt is obtained in incrus- 
tations on the surface and from the solution in the 
waters, which latter come within four feet of the 
ground. For a long time the incrustations were 
gathered without refining, but they were not pure, 
containing only sixty per cent, of salt. The waters 
are now evaporated by artificial heat from pans ten 
feet long, four feet wide and ten inches deep, twen- 
ty-two pans being in use, producing 5,000 pounds of 
salt per day, the salt being ninety-five per cent. pure. 
The waters contain about twelve per cent, of salt, 
a gallon of water yielding a pound of salt. The 
latter is sold at the marsh at two cents per pound. 

RE.MARKABLE MININCl ACCIDENT. 

On the twenty-third of June, 1873, a remarkable 
accident occurred at the Eureka Consolidated Mine. 
John George and George R. Dobbs, miners, started 
to ride to the bottom of the shaft on the cage 
ordinarily used for the ])urpose. The brake around 
the reel broke, upon which the cage drop])cd to the 
bottom with fearful velocity, a distance of 226 feet. 
George was mortally injured and died in half an hour. 
His right arm was broken, but his fatal injury doubt- 



HISTORY OF EUREKA COUNTY. 



4.37 



loss arose from the concussion. Dobbs was not 
futiillj' injured, but almost any other man would 
have been, under the circumstances. His right arm 
was torn off near the shoulder; his left arm was 
'• smashed all up;" his ris^lit thigh was broken, and 
the bones protruded through his pantaloons, and he 
was bruised generallJ^ He states that ho was per- 
fectly conscious during the descent of the cage, and, 
in fact, throughout the ordeal. He knew perfectly 
well what was happening, but when the cage struck 
the ground the breath was knocked out of him for a 
moment. As soon as possible both men were raised 
to the surface. George soon expired. Dobbs was 
taken to his home, where, for nine weeks, he was 
devotedly cared for by his faithful wife. His physi- 
cians were Drs. Chamblin and Cummings, of Eu- 
reka. At the end of nine weeks ho began to walk 
about, upon which it became apparent that his left 
arm required to be re-sot. Ho accordingly went to 
San Francisco, and, without stimulants or narcotics, 
endured the additional ordeal of having his arm 
broken again and re-joined. It was then placed in 
plaster of Paris and kept in that condition for seven 
months, and has never given any trouble since, al- 
though Mr. Dobbs is unable to lift a weight above 
the level of his shoulder. At the time of the acci- 
dent he was thirty-seven years of age and weighed 
180 pounds. He is the father of eleven children, 
two of whom have been born since the accident. 
The mining company paid all his surgical bills, and 
allowed him full wages for eleven months. He is 
now in the enjoyment of robust health and is a con- 
ductor in the United States Mint at Carson City. 

I.MPORTANT EVENTS OP 1876. 

Some of the most notable local incidents of 1876 
may be summarized as follows: — 

January 1. Quite a number of persons were noti- 
fied to leave town by the committee of " 601." 

Januarj' 24. A great snow-storm occurred, block- 
ading the railroad. 

Fcbruarj' 16. A threatening anti-Chinese excite- 
ment began. 

March 13. An agitation was inaugurated among 
the miners concerning wages. David IJich was shot 
and killed in Frank Wallace's salooti, on iluby Hill 
by Larry Lynch. The latter was subsequently 
acquitted. 

March 17. The anti-Chinese crusade renewed. 
Two Chinamen were killed in Eureka and one on a 
wood ranch in Diamond Valley. 

April 7. Joseph Schram.«/(«« "Dutch Joe," was 
shot by Daniel Sullivan, and died on the following 
day. 

April 10. The first party of Eurokans started for 
the Centennial K.xhibition. 

May 1. Some town lots on South Main Street near 
Atlas furnace, were jumped by a party of men who 
were driven otf b}- Captain I'later. 

May 0. A warehouse belonging to the railroad 
55 



companj-, and occupied by E. B. Millen, was de- 
stroyed by fire. Loss, $4,000. 

May 23. First anti-Chinese public meeting. 

Juno 4. The Jerrott & Palmer lightning train 
passed Palisade at5:30i p. .m., four hours ahead of 
time. 

June 22. A Centennial flag-staff was raised, which 
cost nearly $900. 

July 17. Fire on South Main Street. Loss $11,- 
000. 

August 1. Decided by the Judge of the Sixth 
Judicial District, that an alien cannot acquire title 
to mining ground in the United States until the same 
has been patented to a citizen. 

August 24. Incorporation of the Prospect Mount- 
ain Tunnel Comj)any. 

August 25. Hon. Thomas Wren nominated bj- the 
State Republican Convention at Carson, for Congress. 

August 26. A son of Mrs. Fales, of Palisade, was 
drowned in the Humboldt River at that place. 

August 30. Joseph Dascomb committed suicide 
by shooting himself A switch of the Central Pacific 
Railroad, near Palisade, was thrown open by two 
bo3-s, and a train was thrown from the track. The 
offenders were arrested, tried in Eureka, and sen- 
tenced to a term in the County Jail. 

September 1. Kato Miller was stabbed bj' Mary 
Irwin, from the effects of which she died on the 
fourth. 

September 8. Matamoras furnace started. 

November 7. (Jeneral election. Haj'es and 
Wheeler carry the count}- by an average majority of 
only nine. Democratic Senators and two Assembly- 
men elected. The Republicans elect Sheriff", Auditor, 
Assessor, Surveyor. Public Administrator, and County 
Commissioner for the long term. 

November 14. The Pioche and Eureka stage was 
robbed near Pinto. 

December 5. Wm. Kavanaugh commited suicide 
at Ruby Hill. 

December 11. The contested election case between 
Hank Knight, Assessor, and J. C. Powell, was decided 
in tho former's favor by a majority of two. 

December 14. After being out seventeen hours, 
the jury in the case of Mary Irwin disagreed, and 
a new trial ordered. 

December 15. Anti-Chinese demonstration. A 
number of Chinese driven from their work on tho 
railroad. 

December 22. John Mai"sh shot by J. M. Fleming. 

December 23. J. Mctfarry shot at by J. Mann, in 
New York ('afion. 

Tho number of marriages in tho county during 
1876, was thirty-seven; tho number of divorces, 
seven; tho number of recorded births, fifty -one; the 
number of deaths reported, fifty-one. At the dose 
of that year tho county debt was 836,000, of which 
820,000 was in county bonds, payable July 1, 1877. 
Cash on hand in the various funds, $34,535.38. 



438 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



STATISTICS FOR 1878-80. 

In 1878 the Sheriff granted licenses as follows: — 
325 liquor licenses, 366 merchandise licenses, 157 
licenses for hotels and lodging-houses, 25 gambling 
licenses, 32 licenses for livery stables, 6 bank licenses, 
and 15 licenses for shows and theatres. In that 
year 268 mining claims were located, 30 mining suits 
were commenced, 102 arrests were made bj- the 
Sheriff; there were 100 deaths, 54 marriages, 17 
divorces, and at the close of that year five more 
divorce cases were pending. The Methodist Church 
at the town of Eureka had been closed during most 
of the year, but on October 20lh was opened bj- Rev. 
R A. Richer, who soon increased the membership of 
the society from 6 to 30, and the membership of the 
Sunday-school from 17 to 60. The Presbyterian 
Church was in charge of Rev. G. W. Gallagher, the 
Catholic Church in charge of Father Monteverde, and 
the Episcopalian Church in charge of Rev. C. B. Craw- 
ford. The ])opulalion of the county in 1880 was 
7.086. The total property valuation was §3,500,267, 
and the aggregate debt was S21,020. 

THE FISH CREEK WAR OF 1879. 

In August, 1879, occurred the somewhat noted 
" Fish Creek War." The mine managers at Eureka 
having decided that thirty cents per bushel forchar- 
coal was an excessive price, resolved to pa}"^ only 
twentj'-sevcn and one-half cents thcreattcr. The 
Charcoal Burners' Association, which numbered sev- 
eral ihounand men, refused to accede to the reduc- 
tion, and prevented any supplies of charcoal from 
being delivered at the mines. Its members also took 
possession of the town of .Eureka on August 11th, 
with alarming threats. B. J. Turner, Chairman of 
the Countj' Commissioners, and Sheriff Kyle, tel- 
egraphed particulars to Governor Kinkead, stating 
" 2.000 persons, banded together, and with arms in 
their possession, defied the civil authorities, and 
refused to have anj' of their number arrested." It 
was further added, 'they now hold forcible posses- 
sion of many coal pits in this countj-. By force they 
have prevented, and are now preventing the owners 
of charcoal from hauling it to the furnaces, and they 
threaten to destroj- other properly and burn the 
town. Arrests have been resisted by the rioters who are 
well armed and organized under the command of des- 
perate leaders." The Governor was accordingly' urged 
to call out a force of militia to quell such insurrection. 
A telegram in response was immediately forwarded 
by the Governor, instructing Gen. (Jeorge M. Sabin 
to call into active service a sufficient force of the 
Second Brigade of State militia to insure a restora- 
tion of order. In the absence of General Sabin, at 
San Francisco, Major Butler, his Adjutant-General, 
took the required action. A lull ensued until August 
18lh. At about 6 o'clock that afternoon a posae of 
nine men, headed by Deputy Sheriff J. B. Simpson, 
attacked a coal ranch at Fi^h Creek, about thirty 
miles from Eureka, and opened fire on about a hun- 



dred coal burners. Five of the latter were killed, 
six were badly wounded, and several were made 
prisoners. None of the Sheriff's posse were injured, 
although it is claimed that the coal burners were 
well armed, and fired the first shot. Much excite- 
ment followed this collision, and statements damag- 
ing to the Deputj' Sheriff's party were freely 
circulated. However, the Coroner's jury impaneled 
in the case brought in a verdict that, 

The deceased persons came to their death from 
shots fired by the Sheriff's posse while in the dis- 
charge of their duty. 

The " war " was thereupon terminated. The Sher- 
iff 's;)osse consisted of Joseph Toomej', G. H. Smith, 
Wm. Martin, Marshall Rice, Robert Brown, Henry 
Storey and James Porter. In referring to the out- 
break and its dcjjlorable culmination, the Carson 
Appeal of August 21st said: — 

Whoever is in the right, this infraction and defiance 
of law cannot be permitted in this State. There 
is scarcely a question but that the coal burners have 
been imposed upon. They furnish coal to contract- 
ors, who deliver it at the furnaces from their own 
teams, and insist that the burners shall take their 
returns without being furnished with certified meas- 
urements from the receivers. It is easily seen how 
great wrong can be done through the collusion of 
dishonest parties. 

The manufacture of charcoal is one of the most 
important industries of Eureka County, the annual 
consumption of that article reaching over 1,200 000 
bushels. The average distance the coal is hauled by 
teams to the mines is thirtj'-five miles. A cord of 
nut pine wood produces about twenty-eight bushels 
of coal, which is now worth twentj'-two cents per 
bushel. The su|)|ily of timber for this purpose will 
soon be exhausted. Including the victims of the 
charcoal war, and five suicides, twenty eight persons 
died violent deaths in the county that year. 

THE PRINCIPAL TOWNS. 

Beowawe is a railroad station on the Central 
Pacific Railroad, eighteen miles west of Palisade, 
and contains a post-oflSeo, hotel, store, a few dwell- 
ings and the necessary railroad buildings. Accord- 
ing to the recent census, its population consists of 
fifty whites, seven Chinese, and four Indians. It is 
the supplj' point of the mining districts in the Cortez 
Range. 

Eureka Township was incorporated by an Act of 
the Legislature, approved March 1, 1877, and its 
corporate powers were vested in a Board of Trustees, 
consisting of five members. By an Act of the Leg- 
islature, ajiproved .March 1, 1881, the right of laying a 
street railway track in Eureka was granted to W. O. 
Mills, Jr., E. T. Butler, Thomas Wethered and others. 
H^' an Act approved March 2, 1881, a cor])oration 
was created for the purpose of building a railroad 
from Eureka via Pioche to Callvillo, in Lincoln 
County on the Colorado River; and on the samodaj', 
a Senate joint memorial asked Congress to appro- 



I 



HISTORY OF EUREKA COUNTY. 



439 



priate $250,000 for Iho improvement of the Colo- 
rado River between Fort Yuma and Caliville. 

The town of Eureka, which is located ninety 
milos south of Palisade, in a narrow valley running 
northerlj- between projectinj; si)urs ol' the Prospect 
Mountains, dates the commencement of its growth 
from the j'ear 1869. The orisjinal proprietors were 
Maj. W. W. McCoy and Alonzo Monroe, who held 
the title to the town site, their two surveys joining 
on a line crossing the valley, or ravine, at the pres- 
ent center of the town. The Monroe survey lay to 
the north and the McCoy survey to the south of 
this line. In the latter were the springs which now 
supply- the town with water. Two additional sur- 
veys were subsequently made, the O'Neil on the 
west and the McDonald on the east, over portions of 
which the town has since extended. In ]8(j9 its 
mining prospects had acquired permanent impor- 
tance; and in compliance with popular demands, the 
route of the semi weekly stage line between Austin 
and Hamilton, run bj- John A. Wilson, was changed 
so as to pass through Eureka. A mail was thus 
afforded, but no post-office was established till 1870. 
In the spring of 1870, Woodruff & Ennor estab- 
lished a stage line between Palisade, on the railroad, 
and Hamilton in White Pine County, which line 
passed through Eureka. In August, 1870, Beachc}', 
Wines & Co. changed their route, so that their 
stages, going between Elko and Hamilton, passed 
through Eureka. The passenger list on Woodruff 
& Ennor's line averaged about ninety ])cr week for 
Eureka. During the White Pine excitement, four 
daily lines of stages ran between Elko and Hamil- 
ton. 

Previous to this all the travel and transportation 
of that portion of the State lying east of Eureka 
and south of the railroad had centered at Elko; 
and although Palisade possessed superior advan- 
tages as a shipping depot, yet the discriminations 
of the Central Pacific Company against it and in 
favor of Elko, proved a great hindrance to the suc- 
cess of the new route, and Eureka also suffered 
for two years from this cause. However, during 
1870, the town grew rapidlj-. According to the Sen- 
tinel of July 23, 1870, forty-three houses were 
erected in one week; three came from Carlin, 100 
miles; twelve from Hamilton, forty miles; four from 
Treasure City, forty-three miles; sixteen from Sher- 
man, forty-five miles; and three from Elko, 123 
miles. On the thirtieth of June of that year the 
various mining companies reported 8313,402 as the 
total product of the mines to date. 

PIONEER ITEMS OP EUREKA. 

The first and only election in Eureka Township 
was held on the eighth of November, 1870, result- 
ing in the choice of W. Adams for Justice of the 
Peace, S. B. Bell for Constable; and C. J. Lansing, 
A. Skillman, and A. E. Titus for .School Trustees. 
The following are related as -pioneer facts" by the 
Eureka Leader of December 31, 1879: — 



The first hold, and also the first two-story frame 
building in Eureka is the old Parker House. Atone 
time it was Iheoldoverland station and stage stable at 
Austin. It was moved to Eureka by P. II. Parker, 
and converted into a hotel. Its first position was 
opposite the Eureka Consolidated Works, from 
where it was moved to its presetit site. 

The first load of bullion ever shi])pcd from 
Eureka was taken to Carlin by one of Seaton & 
('lark's ten-mule teams. The road at that time 
was simply a buggy track through the sage-brush. 
The freight charged to Carlin was thirt}- dollars 
per ton. This was in l.s70. 

Nathan & Harrison brought the first goods for 
a store to Eureka, and opened in the old Tanne- 
hill log house. They subsequently built a stockade 
on the present site of Doutiick & Co's brick store. 

The first smelting furnace in Eureka was erected 
by the Eureka Smelling Company, under the super- 
vision of Maj. \V. W. McCoy, on the ground now 
occupied by Ucinhart & Co's barlcj- mill. 

Eureka's first house was built of logs, in 1865, by 
the Tamichill Company, of Austin, who fir^t pros- 
pected and located in Eureka District. It now 
stands just above the K K furnace, adjoining the 
residence of R. Rickard. 

The first death in Eureka was that of a man 
named Desmond, who M'as accidentally shot by 
"Red Mike," in George Thatcher's saloon. His 
grave was the first in the old cemetery back of 
Chandler's stone-quarry. 

John S. Capron put u|i the first lusiness house, the 
Pioneer Restaurant. It was at first a large tent, 
and occupied the ground where Vanina's store on 
North Main Street, now stands. 

Eureka's first fire occurred in a small frame build- 
ing situated where Dumas' saloon now stands. It 
caught from a defective stovepipe, and destroyed 
three buildings. 

The stone Episcopal Church, on Spring Street, 
was the first building erected lor religious purposes. 
The Catholic Church on Nob Hill followed in the 
same year. 

The first Eureka mine listed on the San Francisco 
Stock Board was the Eureka Consolidated, in Octo- 
ber, 1870. The first share was sold for nineteen dol- 
lars. 

The first stone building was the present County 
Hospital, and was built as an olHce for the Eureka 
Smelting Comjiany, by Maj. W. W. .McCoj-. 

The first drug store was o|)encd by f)r. M. Rock- 
man, near where Dr. Bisho]i's warehouse on North 
Main Street now stunils. 

The first post-office was kept in the Parker House, 
with George S. Haskell as Postmaster. 

The first practicing ph)'sician was Dr. M. Rock- 
man, and the first lawyer Judge Wm. H. Davenport. 

The first woman that graced the Base Range was 
a Mrs. (y'hristy, who came from While Pine, 

W. B. Wilson ran the first stages out of Eureka to 
Austin and Hamilton, in November, 1869. 

Judge Adams held the first Justices' Court in a log 
cabin in the rear of the Parker House. 

Abo Bateman built the first adobe house where 
the new Kolcj-- Rickard buildintr now stands. 

C. Carpenter o])cned the first hardware store, 
whore the Empire Saloon now stands. 

Paxton & Co.s was the first bank, at which J. S. 
Capron made the first deposit. 

Ham & Hunter opened the first livery stable on 
Charley Lautenschlager's corner. 

The City Brewery, on North Main Street, fur- 
nished the first beer for Eureka. 



440 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



Just below Bonetti's Saloon Joshua Bailey erected 
the first lodging-house. 

The Eureka Consolidated erected the first steam 
hoisting works in the district. 

Eureka was first called Napias,& Shoshone word, 
meaning silver. 

G. J. Tannehill was the first Mining Eecorder of 
Eureka District. 

Malcom McDonald opened the first butcher shop 
in Eureka. 

Jimmy Duker had the first billiard table, in the 
old Mint Saloon. 

In 187((, was raised the first crop produced In 
Eureka County. At what is now known as the Ital- 
ian Ranch, on Hunter Creek, four miles east of the 
town of Eureka, J. T. Hunter sowed and planted as 
follows: Eight hundred bushels of barley that pro- 
duced twelve tons; 200 bushels of wheat that 
produced five tons of hay and three tons of 
wheat; and three and a half tons of potatoes that 
produced fifty tons. In 1871, Pritchard's fast freight 
line removed its depot from Elko to Palisade. In 
1874, the Eureka and Palisade Railroad Company 
commenced building its narrow guage line from Pal- 
isade to Eureka, completing it and putting it in oper- 
ation by October, 1875. This made Eureka the depot 
for all wagon transportation, and freight and passen- 
ger traffic, for the innumerable mining camps to the 
south of it. It was now in regular stage communi- 
cation with Austin, Belmont, Tybo, Hamilton, Pioche 
and Ward District. 

BUILDINGS AND MATERIAL. 

Excellent stone quarries within the town limits 
furnish an abundance of good building material, and 
large quantities of brick are manufactui-od just 
south of the town. Tiiese advantages are noticeable 
in the architecture of Eureka, stone and brick struct- 
ures being numerous. The recently com])leted Court 
House, the cost of which was S.5.5,000, is the finest in 
the State, with the exception of that at Virginia City. 
The first edifice for religious worship was built in 
1871, by the Episcojial Church, and is a solid struct- 
ure of stone. The Roman Catholics erected a frame 
edifice in the same year, but have since built another 
one of stone. The Presbyterians and Methodists 
also have tine church buildings. Among other 
attractive buildings should be mentioned the Inter- 
national Hotel, Jackson House, .SWt//«e/ building and 
the Opera House. The (Jounty Jail, vault and fix- 
tures cost 815,000; the Court House and the lot sur- 
rounding it cost 855,000. The County Hospital, its 
furniture and library, cost $10,000. 

The Eureka Water Works Company abundantly 
supplies the town with water. As a protection 
against fire, a tank with a capacity of 55,000 
gallons, has been constructed on the west side 
of town, drawing its water supply from McCoy's 
springs. Water from this source is only used in case 
of fire. These works cost 810,000, and arc 220 feet 
higher than the corner of Main and Clark streets, 
and are capable of forcing water to the most elevated 



points within the town limits. The fire department 
consists of the Rescue, Knickerbocker, Nob Hill, 
Eureka Hook and Ladder, and Richmond Hose Com- 
panies. 

SEVERAL DISASTROUS FIRES. 

In common with every other mining town on the 
Pacific Coast, Eui-eka has had destructive conflagra- 
tions. The first occurred on March 28, 1875. A fire 
originated in the Montana House and spread over 
the surrounding locality, destroying ten buildings 
and occasioning a loss of 825,000. The greatest 
calamity of the kind occurred on April 19, 1879. At 
about one o'clock in the morning of that date, while 
a fearful gale was blowing, a fire broke out in the 
green-room of Bigelow's Opera House, from the 
explosion of a lamp. The flames spread to the Senti- 
nel building, the Masonic Hall and the Western 
Union Telegraph office, and by the winds were 
blown east and north, down Buel, Spring and Main 
Streets. The Jackson House and the front portion 
of V. B. Perrj^'s saloon escaped bj' a miracle, but the 
remaining portion of the town embraced within the 
streets above named, was, within the period of two 
hours, a mass of blackened ruins, and the fire was 
only checked when it reached the end of Main vStreet 
at the foundry, Spring Street above Mrs. Dennis', 
and Paul Street at its terminus. In all this area the 
onlj' property that escaped, excepting the two struct- 
ures already mentioned, consisted of the fire-proof 
building of the Sentinel office and the vaults of Pax- 
ton's bank. Mr. Moch, proprietor of a restaurant, 
was fatally burned, and Frank Alderson received 
serious injuries. The Fire Department had battled 
manfull}', but in vain. The total loss was estimated 
at 81,000,000; half the town lay in ashes, and two 
thousand people were destitute and homeless. Imme- 
diatelj' after the conflagration, a remarkable jour- 
nalistic feat was performed by the Sentinel force. 
The stone fire-proof building at the rear of the main 
office was so hot that the printers could remain in it 
only by shrouding themselves in wet blankets. 
Nevertheless they set up the paper and got out an 
edition before ten o'clock in the morning. To relieve 
the suffering of Eureka, Governor Kinkead imme- 
diately placed at the disposal of the authorities of 
that town the sum of 81,500, which remained unex- 
pended from a IjCgislativo a)q)ro])riation in aid of the 
Silver City suft'erors. Public meetings were also held 
at Reno, Carson, and other points, and energetic steps 
were taken to collect and forward money and su]) 
plies. The smoke of the conflagration had scarcely 
passed away before the rebuilding of Eureka had 
been resolved upon, and in a few months (he task 
had been completed with remarkalile energy. -\l 
about ten o'clock on the seventeenth of August, 1880, 
another groat fire began, breaking out at the rear of 
Mrs. Po])lin's fruit and vegetable store on Main Street, 
and taking almost the same course as the conflagra- 
ation of the previous year. Three hundred houses, 
many of them business establishments, and some of 






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I. 




HISTORY OF ElJRKFvA ("OUNTY 



441 



them the finest private residences in town, were con- 
sumed. A space equal to fifty acres, consisting of 
the very heart of the town, was swept almost com- 
pletely. Only half a dozen buildings remained to 
relieve the scene of desolation. These* were as fol- 
lows: Jack Perry's corner, the Douglas building, 
the Foley-Kickard Block, Paxton A: Co.'s bank, Jacob 
Cohn's store, Schneider's drug store, and C. Lauten- 
schlager's saloon. The Leader office. Odd Fellows 
Hall, theater. International Hotel, Vanina & Co.'s 
billiard saloon, A. .\[. Hillhouse's elegant residence, 
and the Methodist Episcopal Church were among 
the prominent buildings destroyed. But for the 
most determined efforts of the firemen, the fire would 
not have been confined to the east of Main Street. 
No statement of the exact amount of the damage 
was ever published. 

SUnnEN AND DESTRUCTIVE FLOODS. 

On July 24, 1874, a violent rain storm prevailed 
all the forenoon at Eureka. At a little after noon a 
cloud burst on the lofty range of mountains bordering 
the canon on which the town is situated, and large 
streams of water poured down the mountain slopes. 
A perfect deluge of rain also swept over Eureka, 
sending rivers through the streets, and flooding the 
eastern portions of the town, but the inhabitants 
considered themselves safe in their houses. Sud- 
denly there came thundering down the canon from 
two directions, a torrent that carried everything 
before it. Houses were surrounded by water or 
swept away, and their occupants flung into the black 
and turbulent flood. Ropes were hastily procured, 
and brave men rushed to the rescue of the struggling 
victims, and many lost their lives in the attempt. 
The scene was described as terrible. For half an 
hour the flood lasted, and the destruction of life and 
property w;;s great. Thirtj- houses were wrecked 
or carried away, and 8100,000 worth of damage was 
done. Among the heaviest losses of property 
reported were the following: Eureka Hall, 88,000; 
Eureka Consolidated furnace, 88,000; A. E. Davis' 
stables and wagons, 87,000. The following persons 
lost their lives: Mrs. Charles L. Bray, recently mar- 
ried; A. C. Latson, pioneer; John Turner, teamster: 
Eoger Robinette, reporter; J. W. Talbot, tcamstei-; 
John Rauft, saloon keeper; W. J. McGcary, carpen- 
ter; William Smith, miner; James Galvin, Jean Dor- 
ney, Henry Heine, and five Chinamen. The Eureka 
iS'ew^me/ gives the following additional details: — 

There have been ijuantities of rain for several 
daj-s. At 8:30 in the morning considerable dam- 
age had been done at Ruby Hill. At 10 o'clock, 
after having increased in violence; the storm br(»ke 
away, excepting on the hills to the southwest of 
town. Shortly after 11 o'clock, the effects of the 
morning rain were manifested by the rush of the 
flood that filled the channel, and some out-buildings 
standing close to it were carried away, and tlio 
floors of other buildings were covered with water. 
At about 1 o'clock the rain re-commenced with 
redoubled force, and hail mingled with it. The 



interval between the flashes of lightning was about 
one and one-half seconds. A few minutes before 2 
o'clock, horsemen -tlashed down the streets giving 
the alarm of the approaching flood. After them 
came a torrent three feet dee]) and a iiuarter of a 
mile wide. For half an hour it beat against Eureka 
Hall, which was 25x100 feet in size, and it finally 
carried the building away. Other buildings were 
also swept off. 

Among the miner incidents of the catastrophe, the 
Sentinel mentions that a little girl rushed into the 
flood and rescued her pet kid. The water-shed 
having an outlet through p]ureka has an area of 
thirty S((uare miles. 

On July 24, 1876, at the same hour that the alarm 
of the flood of July 24, 1874, was given, the whistle 
of the Richmond Company and the ringing of 
the fire-bells sounded the alarm, and a turbulent 
volume of water was seen making its way down 
Spring and Buel streets. The inhabitants fled to 
the hill. The stream fortunately confined itself to 
the ditch, and no lives were lost, and but little 
property was destroyed. On August 15, 1878, at 
twentj' minutes past P. m, a second flood was 
heralded by the steam whistle of the liichmond 
Company. Soon a multitude of voices sent up the 
startling cry of " the flood ! the flood !" The skies 
were rent by lightning, and thunders rumbled over 
the valleys. The inhabitants again sought the hills 
for safety, for a white, resistless wall of foamy 
water swept down the main thoroughfare of the 
town, and divided below the Eichmond dump. It 
originated in Pinto Canon, four miles distant, and 
was first seen by William Martin, who happened to 
be riding a mule at the time. He spurred for the 
town, shouting the alarm as he went, and notified 
the men at the Richmond works, thus undoubtedly 
saving many lives. This flood was a heavier one 
than that of 1874, but was not so destructive. No 
lives were lost. The damage was estimated at 
875,000. Among innumerable incidents that oc- 
curred, it is related that a woman, frightened out of 
her senses, rushed into the water, but was overtaken 
and saved by a man who had to abandon a barrel of 
whisky to the flood in order to perform his gallant 
exploit. Dark clouds still overhung the mountains 
when a beautiful rainbow arched the inky canop)-, 
the sun shone out brightly over Diamond \'alley, 
and alarm and danger were passed. At 1 o'clock in 
the following afternoon, still another flood swept 
through Eureka, but the people were on the alert, 
and no lives were lost, and only about $5,000 worth 
of damage sustained. 

ED.MIWD U. UUIlliE, 

So^l of Joel and Hannah (^Clarkj Dodge, was born in 
the town of New Lisborn, Juneau County, Wiscon- 
sin, August 14. 1853. The parents of our subject 
were farmers, and young Dodge was trained to that 
calling until he reached his fifteenth year, at which 
time he accompanied his father across the plains to 



442 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 




ii./ 




the Pacific Coast. Sickness and the failure of teams 
caused him to stop at Austin, Lander County. In 
January, 1870, he commenced work in the Manhat- 
tan Quartz Mill, where he continued for one year. 
Leaving the mill he began teaming, which occupa- 
tion he followed only a few months, when he entered 
the employ of Wells, Fargo & Co., as clerk in their 
express office, where he remained about one year. 
Throwing up his clerkship at that time he went to 
California, and entered Ileald'H Business College in 
San Francisco. In this last jjlace he acquired a 
thorough business education, and returned to Nevada. 
Being an active, energetic man, he did not wait for 
something to turn up, but went to work hauling 
wood until December, 1872, when he removed to 
Eureka, and in company with another parly opened 
a bakery, which the}' conducted for about one year. 
From this Mr. Dodge entered the real estate business, 
and in a few months accepted a position as book- 
keeper in the mercantile establishment of W. H. 
Clark. His next venture in the business line was 
opening a general fire insurance office. In the fall of 
1878 ho received the nomination for County Clerk, 
and was handsomely elected by the Republican 
party, and still holds that position, lie was married 
to Miss M. L. Beardsloe, of Eureka, December 
17, 1879. 




Son of Paine and Uuth (Bray) Morrill, was born 
June 26, 1837, in the town of Turner, Oxford County, 
Maine. He was the eldest of three children, Hattie 
E., born September 28, 1842, married Geo. E. Slroub, 
and Philo C, born February 28, 1847, died Septem- 
ber 5, 1861. The father of our subject was born 
December 7, 1S0:J, died May 5, 1854. Mrs. Merrill 
was born January 11, 1809, and is now living. 

After obtaining a thorough academic education, 
Mr. Merrill entered the law office of Barrows, the 
present Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the 
State of Maine, and subsequently studied with a 
well-known firm in Evansville, Indiana. In 1860 he 
was admitted to the Bar in the latter State, and 
when the country was threatened with destruction, 
consequent upon the breaking out of the Kebellion, 
ho enlisted as a private in the Sixteenth Indiana 
Volunteer Regiment, but was soon promoted to a 
first lieutenancy, then to a captaincy, and was sub- 
scquentlj' elected major of his regiment, but resigned 
before receiving his commission. After his with- 
drawal from the army he came to California, and 
soon after to Austin, Ivander Counlj% Nevada; 
thence to Nye County, where he was elected to the 
office of District Attorney for several terms. Alter 
spending one year in the White Pine country, he 
settled permanently in Eureka, engaging in the 
practice of law. In 1874, was elected District 
Attorney of Eureka County, holding the office three 
consecutive terms. In 1880 Mr. Merrill was chosen 
to represent the )icoplo in the Legislature, being the 
only Democrat elected in the county. He was 
elected Speaker of the House, and proved to be the 
right man in the right place. 



HISTORY OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY. 



44n 





Judge of the Sixth District, and the subject of this 
sketch, was born in Pittsylvania County, Virginia, 
April 6, 1848. Ills education was obtained at the 
Richmond College, in lia,y County, Missouri, and at 
the Port Roj-al Academy, in Philadelphia, Pennsyl- 
vania. Soon after leaving school he entered the law 
office of Col. A. vS. Buford, President of the Rich- 
mond and Atlanta Air-line Railroad Company, at 
Danville, Virginia, where he pursued the study of 
law, and afterward came to Nevada, and finished his 
studios with Col. A. C. P^llis, in Carson City. In 1869 
he commenced the practice of law in this State. His 
ability in his profession was readily recognized by the 
people, and he was elected Judge of the Sixth Dis- 
trict in Nevada in November, 1874, being the young- 
est man ever elected to such a position on the Pa- 
cific Coast, and probably in the United States, being 
only twenty-six years of age. Again, in 1878, he 
was elected to the same high office, and has yet two 
years before the expiration of his term, drawing the 
largest salarj- paid in this State to any officer, not 
excepting Governor or Supreme Judges. In politics 
he is a Democrat, and has taken an active part in 
the counsels of his party from the days of his youth, 
and has long been recognized as one of its leaders. 
On the sixth of April, 1874 (his birthday), ho was 
married to Miss F. M. llazen, in the Church of the 
Advent, in San Francisco, California. 

P.\ns.\DE is situated at the west end of Twelve- 
mile Canon, otherwise known as " The Palisades," 
through which flows the Humboldt River. It con- 
tains about 200 inhabitants, and consists of two 



hotels, two saloons, a barber shop, a boot and shoo 
shop, two stores, a post-office, about twenty-five 
dwellings, the shops of the Kuroka and Palisade 
Railroad Company, and various railroad buildings. 
At those shops are manufactured all the box and 
flat cars ref|uired by the company. Large ])iles of 
base bullion bars arc usually to be seen stacked up 
at the freight house awaiting shipment. During 
1878, .31,038,884 pounds of base bullion were brought 
by rail from Eureka. The water supply is brought 
from a huge tank located on the mountain side to 
the northward, at a height of 300 feet. This, in 
turn, is supplied from never-failing mountain 
springs. The recent census gives the population of 
Palisade, and the lower part of Pine Valley, as fol- 
lows: Whites and blacks, 105; Chinese, 48; Indians, 
40; total, 253. That part of Eureka County de- 
scribed as "north of the Central Pacific Railroad, 
along the Central Pacific, and the lower part ot 
Pine Valley," is credited with the following popula- 
tion: Whites and blacks, 223; Chinese, 61; Indians 
not taxed, 44; total, 328. 

The town of Ruby Hill is two and a half miles 
west of Eureka. The census of 1880 gives it a pop- 
ulation of 2,165. It is the home of about 900 miners 
with their families, has good streets, substantial 
buildings, stores, churches, schools, a newspaper, a 
theater hall, and all other characteristics of a live, pro- 
gressive town. The Miners' Union numbers 600 
members, and has a largo hall of its own. The 
appearance of the town is much enhanced by the 
large and costlj' works of the varions mining com- 
panies operating there. Its history has been suffi- 
ciently given in the preceding account of the rise 
and progress of the mining industry in Eureka 
County. 



CHAPTER XLVI. 

HISTORY OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY. 

Impressions of the E.arly Emii;rants — f Jenenil Char.icteristics — 
P-iradise ami (^'uiii Kiver V.alleys — Ori;anization and 
Boimilaries — Fiuanoi.il anil IVlitioal Matters — Humboldt 
Canal Scheme — Discovciy of Mineral — Principal Mining 
Districts — Principal Towns and Cities — Hon. T. .1. Brad- 
shaw — Joel Bradshaw — .lames Byrnes — Charles Kimler — 
C. A. Nichols— W. A. Sherry— Hon. M. S. Thompson— E. 
Blennerhas.sett. 

Alk.\li ])lains, covered in part with scattering 
sage-brush, with now [and then a tuft of bunch- 
grass; basaltic rocks, twisted and contorted in the 
great convulsions of nature, over which the lizard 
darted in his daily hunt for a dinner of insects; 
crickets sQuealing out a complaint when the long 
whiplash of the ox-driver fell too near them; a 
sage-hen or a hare Inirrj-lng out of sight of the 
man with a gun intent on getting fresh meat; 
those were the prominent objects that photographed 
themselves on the memory of those who passed 
down the Humboldt in the early California days. 
How the horned toad, lizards, crickets, rabbits, 
and sage-hens managed to survive and maintain a 



444 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



tolerable appearance of vitality passed the under- 
staiidin£c of the average ox-driver who wended his 
weary, toilsome way towards the setting sun. 
What puch a country was made for — so uscle^JS, so 
trod-forsaken — was the standing question alwaj's 
entering into consideration, whether watching the 
cattle during the long hours of the night, forcing 
them onward with the resounding lash during the 
day, or taking the dailj- rations of sodden bread, 
fried pork, and black coffee. It is true, that now 
and then one caught a glimpse of a valley which, 
with seasonable rains, might make a fine home; but 
to the average emigrant the country was repulsive 
in the extreme, and thought of only as separating 
them from the land that was pouring out its gold 
in the profusion of J^l Dorado. 

To the thoughtful man there was much to study. 
The fixcls that the valley of the Humboldt was the 
bottom of an ancient sea; that the waves, at some 
distant period, rolled hundreds of feet above the 
present water level, were a source of constant won- 
der. Far up on the sides of the mountains could be 
seen the terraces of the former beach or water 
level. Every fragment of obsidian or petrifaction 
was a subject of wonder, and a text for numberless 
thoughts. The white sands and colored claj's were 
the relics of bj- -gone ages, when the whale and other 
monsters of the deep sported over the present 
mountains and plains. The ancient lava beds, with 
basaltic or columnar crystallization, and the inter- 
vening or protruding rocks, twisted and contorted 
with the changing of the alkaline bases, were ex- 
posed to the inspection of the curious and the stu- 
dious. 

Year after year the emigrants hurried along, 
little heeding the treasures that were locked up in 
the hills, or reposing in the numerous valleys which 
lay hidden between the mountain spurs which 
traversed the Great Basin. The "great meadows," as 
they were called, which marked the last resting- 
place of the retreating sea, with their thousands of 
acres of fine meadow grass, would induce the emi- 
grant to tarr}' a while to recruit his worn-out cat- 
tle; but when the indications of approaching winter 
came, all left the valley of the Humboldt to the pos- 
session of the Pah-Ute and his neighbors, the 
lizards. It was not until the discovery along the 
base of the Sierra Nevada of the richest silver 
mines of historj' that the attCTition of explorers 
was turned toward the great vallej'of the Humboldt. 

With explorations and improvements marked 
changes have resulted and different ideas prevail. 
As late as IHSit Horace (freeley made his memorable 
journey across the country, and, remarking upon the 
repulsive appearance of the " Great Basin," expressed 
the opinion that it would bo better if the Sierra Ne- 
vada and Rocky Mountains could be brought to- 
gether and the intervening country eliminated from 
the surface of the earth. Denunciation was popular 
then, but the hundreds of millions of treasure since 



produced, and the perennial stream of bullion flow- 
ing from countless fountains, the succulent beef fat- 
tened upon its hills receiving a premium in every 
market, the abounding health of the people and 
their general wealth, the high and orderlj- state of 
society, and the many great fortunes that point to 
this region as their source, have changed the tone, 
and Nevada can be no longer disparaged. 

GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS. 

Humboldt County contains about Ifi.OOO square 
miles of territory, traversed by numerous mountain 
ranges with general north and south trend. Some 
of the peaks have an altitude of 10,000 feet above 
the sea level, and 4,000 to 5,000 feet above the sur- 
rounding country. The mountains generally have 
an abrupt elevation, leaving broad, flat valleys, cov- 
ered with sage-brush or barren sand, between. The 
Humboldt River enters the county near the center 
of its eastern border, makes a wide detour to the 
northwest, turns abruptly towards the southwest, 
emptying into Humboldt Lake in the southwest, 
having a course of about 150 miles in the county. 

This great valley afforded the most feasible and 
natural passage for the emigration to the Pacific 
Coast, and opened a route for the great transconti- 
nental railway. Through it now runs the Central 
Pacific Railroad, with 144 miles within the limits of 
the county, thus giving superior advantages of inter- 
communication. 

The eastern portion of the county is the most ele- 
vated. From its boundary at the one hundred and 
seventeenth meridian from Greenwich it slopes grad- 
ually to the level of the Great Basin, where it termi- 
nates in level, barren, sandy, alkali plains, dry and 
parched in the summer and half covered with water 
in the winter. This kind of land forms a notable 
feature in the topography of the county. One body 
of this kind in the southwestern portion of the 
county is fully sixty miles wide east and west, bj- IGO 
in length from north to south. North of this tract the 
country graduallj- rises until a mountainous elevation 
is reached. Hero were the famous Black Rock Mines, 
which for a long time were a puzzle and a delusion to 
the prospector who saw possible millions in the myste- 
rious, uncertain mineral. The Forty-mile Desert, the 
terror of the earl j^ emigrants, where, in 1850, hundreds, 
or rather thousands, of wagons, harnesses, yokes, 
and skeletons of horses and cattle attested the real- 
ity of their apprehensions, is a part of this barren 
plain, which may find a parallel in the Great Desert 
of Africa. 

In the northern and eastern portion of the county 
are many fine vallej's, which for beauty and fertility 
have no superiors and few equals. The bunch-grass 
is probably the most nutritious of all the grasses, and 
keeps its virtues even when covered several feet 
with snow. Cattle will thrive, and even get fat on 
this when they have to paw the snow away to get 
at it, though the snows do not often remain on the 



1 



HISTORY OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY. 



446 



ground many weeks at a time. The TTumboldt 
Valley east of the Great J5end is nearly worthless for 
agriculture, but after the river passes through the 
West Humboldt range of mountains and turns 
toward the south, the valley becomes wider, grass}- 
meadows take the place of the sage-brush flats, and 
finallj' the great meadows are reached. Those who 
crossed the plains with teams before the time of the 
railway, will remember that unbroken, even untrod- 
den miles of the finest grass, waist-high, covered these 
natural lawns, 50,000 or more animals halting there 
had only cropped awaj- the outer edge, so extensive 
was the range. These meadows will be referred to 
again in the sketches of the several towns and set- 
tlements. 

PARADISE AND QUIN RIVER VALLEYS. 

The first of these, which, fortunately, does no dis- 
credit to the name, is one of the oases sometimes 
found in the most barren and desolate countries, like 
Broussa, in Syria, or the vale of Cashmere, in Persia. 
It is situated on both sides of the Little Humboldt, 
which rises in the northern part of the county in the 
Santa [?osa and Volcanic ranges of mountains, and 
flows southward nearlj' a hundred miles, being joined 
in its course by several smaller streams, finally join- 
ing the main Humboldt at the Great Bend. The 
vallej' is reckoned twenty to forty miles long and 
ten to twenty wide, according to the judgment of the 
writer as to the character or classification of the 
land. In some places the rich, black soil, or alluvial 
deposit, is six or eight miles wide, while the slope or 
sides of the mountains, which maybe made product- 
ive bj' irrigation, are ten or twenty more; in other 
places the valley narrows to a much less distance, 
actually segregating it into several distinct valleys. 
As, from its lertility and favorable situation, it is 
likely to become the most important and permanent 
agricultural ])ortion of Nevada, an account of its dis- 
covery and settlement well deserves a place in the 
historj' of the State. 

About the first of June, 18G3, K. D. Carr, W. B. 
Huff, J. A. Whitmore and \V. C. Gregg started from 
Star City with the intention of prospecting the 
mountains on the north side of the Humboldt, rang- 
ing to the east. They crossed near where Mill City 
now stands, and followed the western slope of the 
mountains until they struck Tlobcl Creek, which they 
followed to its source near the summit. On attaining 
the summit a wide and beautiful valley burst on 
their view. Having seen only cafions and rugged 
hills they were much sur])rised, and \V. B. Huff invol- 
untarily exclaimed, "What a paradise !" and thus 
gave name to the valley. The men were so elated 
with the discovery that all thoughts of mines were 
forgotten, and they lost no time in taking possession 
of homesteads, or at least driving stakes to indicate 
their claims. In July following, Gregg returned 
with fourteen head of horses, wagons, mower, hay- 
press and blacksmith tools. During the season he. 

cut and baled two hundred and tifly tons of hay, the 
5G 



most of which he sold at remunerative prices at 
Star City and Austin. In 1804, M. Maylen, Thomas 
Byrnes, P. H. Scott, E. Lyug, Moffett, John- 
son, Geo. IL Carrol, J. B. ( "arrol,Wm. Stock,C. W. Hin- 
key, Geo. A. Middlelon, Charles A. Nichols, Richard 
Brenehley, John Stockham, R. H. Scott, A. Denio, 
M. W. Haviland and Jacob Hufierd, the two latter 
with families, came to the valley, Mrs. Hufferd being 
the first white woman to set foot in it. 

They made houses of turf and such other material 
as was at hand, and set up housekeeping with pros- 
pects of eventually building up comfortable homes, 
and cultivated small patches of land in vegetables. 
March 6, 1864, Richard Brenchlcj' and Charles A. 
Nichols plowed the first furrow, and on the twelfth 
sowed the first grain in the valley. The grain 
exceeded all expectations. From forty -five acres of 
wheat they threshed 1,000 bushels, which they sold 
for S9,000. Others also engaged in farming, the 
results being equally satisfactory, and the whole 
colony calculated on engaging extensively in farm- 
ing the following season. Early in the spring of 
18G5 the hostile appearance of the Indians induced 
many of the settlers to abandon the valley. Others 
relied upon the presence of the military at the 
different camps to awe the Indians into quiet; but 
Nevada is a large State, and a few scattered troops 
can do but little towards restraining thousands of 
savages hidden in the cafions and wild places. April 
4th two friendly Indians came to Nichols' place very 
much excited, and told him that in two or three 
sleeps (days) the Indians were going to kill all the 
white men, and advised, or rather entreated him to 
leave immediately. Circumstances prevented them 
from doing so, and some of the number were 
killed. The Indians continued hostile, and, notwith- 
standing the presence of the soldiers, made a resi- 
dence very dangerous. Much of the stock was driven 
off; some of the men were killed, and it was not 
until 1869 that the settlers felt secure in their homes. 
A full account of this period is given in Chapter 
XXII of this history, to which the reader is re- 
ferred. 

In 1866 a military post was established at Camp 
Winfield Scott. This was abandoned in 1871, the 
troops being transferred to Camp McDermit. near 
the Oregon lino. Among the early sottlei-s of the 

valley, coming afler the emigration of 1864, were 

Mitchel, H. V. Hilcy, Wni. Trousdale, James H. Glass- 
gow, Victor John, Chris. l)oarborn, killed in 1866, 
also his companion, S. B. Wordin, John and William 

Sheldon, Roper, S. B. !'. Pierce, Chauncej- T^aw- 

rence,John Mullenaux, Alonzo Bryant, T.J. Bryant, 

Batista and John Rickanzoni, Fornian, Cyrus 

Abel, Edward Odell, J. G. Johnson, Samuel Fore- 
man, and others whose names are not remembered. 

Since 1870 the settlement and improvement of the 
valley has been rapidly going on; 148,358 acres of 
land had been surveyed as early as 1876; 33,994 
were sold at that time. Flour and barley, products 



446 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



of the valley, are now sold everywhere within a 
radius of a hundred miles. The development of the 
mines in the valley is also increasing the value of 
the land by bringing a nearer market for the 
productions. 

The valley, owing to the immense range of hills 
covered with bunch-grass, has become famous as a 
stock range, and we find the following estimates, for 
1880, of its live-stock: Cattle, 7,000; sheep, 10,500; 
horses, 1,000. 

The first store kept in the valley was owned by 
(reorge A. Middleton, at Milton's Point. Whisky 
was fifty cents a drink, though regular customers 
got it at reduced rates. Coftee was SI. 00; bacon, 
fifty cents; beans, thirty; flour and sugar, fifty, and 
tea, $1.50 per pound. The fii-st flour-mill was built 
by C. A. Adams in 1868. Previous to this wheat 
was ground with a coffee-mill. Wheat yields twenty- 
three bushels to the acre on an average. Of course 
larger crops than this are frequent, as high as eighty 
bushels to the acre having been harvested. The 
mill now has two run of buhr-stone, turning out a 
first-rate qualit}' of flour. 

The Humboldt County Agricultural, Mining and 
Mechanical Society owes its existence mostly to 
the enterprise of the citizens of Paradise Valley. 
This society has a capital stock of 810,000, divided 
into 2,000 shares. The principal place of business is 
Paradise City. The officers for 1880 were: — 

C. C. Biles, President; J. K. Harvey, Vice-Presi- 
dent; J. B. Chase, Secretary; Wm. Stock, Treas- 
urer; J. R. Harvey, Superintendent of Arena; J. B. 
Case, Superintendent of Pavilion. 

Board of Trustees— W. B. Carrol, C. A. Nichols, 
Ferdinand Bauman, W. M. Barnum, L. L. Rickard, 
S. B. P. Pierce, J. E. Harvey, C. C. Biles, Chas. 
Kemler, Wm. Weighl, B. F. Riley, B. H. Luther, 
Anton Hinkey, J. B. Carr, Wm. Stock. 

Committee on Speed Programme — C. C. Biles, J. 
R. Harvey, B. H. Luther. 

Committee on Premium List — Chas. Kemler, J. B. 
Case, C. C, Biles. 

Committee on Printing — J. B. Case, C. C. Biles. 

Over 85,000 were offered as premuims, besides 
medals and diplomas, for best horses, stock, miner- 
als, agricultural, artistic and mechanical productions. 
The list of the premiums, with the liberal rewards 
ofl'ered, attest the intention of the citizens to put 
themselves in the front ranks of enterprise and im- 
provement. 

Lees than twenty 3-ears have elapsed since the 
settlers turned the first furrow, but the comfortable 
residences and farm buildings, fences, waving fields 
of grain, and numerous herds of cattle and sheep, 
attest not only the fertility of the soil, but the enter- 
prise and industry of the inhabitants. 

QuiN River Vai.let lies along the river of the 
same name, which rises in a high range of mount- 
ains near the Oregon lino, and flowing south- 



westerly several hundred miles, meandering among 
the alkali flats, finally dwindles away and disappears 
in the sands. The upper part of this valley contains 
some good grazing land, most of which is in the pos- 
session of one man — N. A. H. Mason, who maintains 
upon it a herd of over six thousand head of cattle. 
No great attempts have been made to cultivate the 
soil, and the population is sparse. There are neither 
schools, churches or other institutions for the benefit 
of the few scattered herdsmen who compose the 
entire population. 

0RG.\NIZATI0N AND BOUNDARIES. 

Humboldt County was created at the first session 
of the Territorial Legislature by an Act approved 
November 25, 1861, and its boundaries were described 
as follows: " Beginning at the northeast corner of 
Storey County; thence running easterly along the 
immigrant road leading to the sink of the Hum- 
boldt, to the fortieth parallel of latitude; thence 
east along said line to the eastern boundary of the 
Territorj-; thence north, along the eastern bound- 
ary, to the northern boundary of the Territory; 
thence west along said boundary line to the north- 
eastern corner of Lake County, (since called Hoop); 
thence south along the boundary lines of Lake 
and Washoe Counties to the point of beginning." 
This comprised close uj)on 23,490 square miles 
in the northeastern quarter of the Territory. 
This tract of country was larger than all of New 
England, and larger than several of the other 
States; in fact it would have been, as far as 
territory was concerned, a very respectable State. It 
is not presumed that the organization of a county 
government served as much of a restraint on the 
Indians, or on the more civilized whites who launched 
themselves into this fei-ra incog7iita. 

By the Act approved December 19, 1862, creating 
Lander County, all that portion of Humboldt County 
lying between the fortieth and forty-second parallels 
of north latitude, and lying between the one hundred 
and sixteenth and one hundred and seventeenth 
degrees of longitude, was made a part of Lander 
County. This included about one-third of the origi- 
nal area of Humb'jldt Countj\ By the Act approved 
March 7, 1873, a portion of the southeast corner of 
Humboldt County was added to Lander County, 
leaving the boundaries between the two counties as 
at present. By an Act approved February 27, 1869, 
the fortieth parallel of north latitude was made the 
southern boundary of Humboldt County. By this 
change Humboldt County lost a triangular ])iece of 
territory at its southwest corner that contained 29J 
square miles. In return for this cession, t'hurchill 
County was required to pa}' to Humboldt County 
the sum of 8.'J,000. The object of the cession was to 
include a portion of the Central Pacific Railroad in 
Churchill County, and thus assist Churchill in main- 
taining u government. Subseijuently another small 
.triangular section was coded to Churchill County in 
the extreme southwest. 



HISTORY OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY. 



447 



FINANCIAL AND POLITIOAI, MATTERS. 

It seems to bo the fate of young communities, like 
the j'oung generally, to plunge into debt, and then 
struggle for years to get out, or to keep even. Debts 
are usually incurred in prosperous years and paid 
when times are hard. In some instances a community 
is organized with high hopes, rich mines or other 
sources of wealth being apparently unlimited. Pub- 
lic works of an extravagant character are inaug- 
urated, bonds bearing a high rate of interest are 
issued to pay for them, and for a few years at least 
everything appears prosperous. But the tide of pros- 
perity turns; the mines fail or become worked out; 
the population which was attracted by the excite- 
ment leaves for some other new wonder; property 
depreciates; everything but the debt gets less and 
less as the years pass on; but the bonds bearing a 
high rate of interest, which perhaps is not paid, roll 
on increasing as they go, until everj' industry is 
overshadowed by them; while the authors of the mis- 
fortunes, the office-seekers and politicians, who 
usually are parasites on the community, neither toil- 
ing nor spinning, fold their tents and glide away. 
This is the history of many a county in California; 
and Nevada seems no exception. Humboldt County 
for years had a nominal debt, but a Court House com- 
mensurate with the jDTOsperous condition of the 
county was needed, and the nucleus of a debt 
started. From a few thousands it became 806,000. 
A thousand or two was added each year until, in 
1880, approaches to near the sum of $100,000. 
Luckily for Humboldt County the influx of popula- 
tion was not by tens of thousand a year as in the 
counties of El Dorado and Calaveras, in California, 
or the experiences of those counties might have been 
repeated here. By looking at the assessment roll it 
will be seen that there has been a general and steady 
increase of property values. This is owing in a 
great measure to the farming and grazing interest, 
which is subject to much less fluctuation than min- 
ing. The incomplete returns of \S(j'.\ do not show 
the basis of the assessmtsnt roll of 81,09(!,848.r)0 for 
that year, but the decrease of over 8200,000 the fol- 
lowing season might have been occasioned by the loss 
or driving away of cattle and other stock in conse- 
quence of the diy winter of 1863-64, also by the 
Indian difliculties. The lowest point was reached in 
1865, when the assessment roll showed a total of 
8385,460. From this point it gradually increased to 
over 81,500,000 in 1868, and to 82,1!I8,7!)7 in 1869. 
The fluctuation was caused by the discovery of some 
of the richest mines away from the Comstock Lode, 
causing a boom which reached its climax in 1869. 
The reaction lasted but a year or two, when the 
prosperitj' of the county was placed on a permanent 
basis. 

The mines, though not fabulously rich, are generally 
on a paying basis. Though it may seem strange to 
relate, yet it is now a conceded fact that mines 
■which are rich enough to attract the attention of 



millionaires do a country but little good. The man- 
agement is entrusted to agents who obtain labor and 
materials at the lowest rates, the profits going to 
some other place to bo expended, perhaps in London 
or Paris in " creating a sensation." 

Humboldt County has an assurance of a moderate 
prosperit)', and when the people awake to the neces- 
sitj- of curtailing county expenses to the rates pre- 
vailing in older communities, as they inevitably will, 
and commence a reduction of the hitherto increasing 
debt, they may rest in peace. 

The total value of taxable property in the county 
for 1875, was 82,098,716, and the total debt was 
869,403. In 1880 the taxable property was 82,375,- 
973, with a debt of 898,079; showing that the increase 
of debt keeps pace with the increase of property val- 
ues in the county. According to the reports of the 
various Assessors there are but 20,000 acres actually 
under cultivation, while the Surveyor IJeneral reports 
150,000 acres in the county available for agriculture, 
with the possibilitj- of increasing the amount to 300,- 
000 by means of proper irrigation. So that there is 
ample room for a larger population and more homos 
in Humboldt County. 

For a full statement of the population, the bullion 
product, the fruit trees and vines, the amount of 
land under cultivation, and the various products of 
the same, the reader is referred to the various tables 
in the general history, where each is given under 
the proper heads. See pages 135, 136, 139, and 140. 

AI'POINT.MENTS AND ELECTIONS. 

The names of those who tilled the various positions 
of honor and trust in the county, either by appoint- 
ment or election, and the date of such appointment 
or election in each case, are given below: — 

SENATORS. 

M. S. Thompson was elected Councilman under 
Territorial law September 3, 1862; \V. H. Claggett 
and Win. Essler, elected Senators January 19, 1864; 
Fred. Hutchins, elected Councilman September 7, 
1864; Fred. Hutchins and M. S. Thompson, elected 
Senators November 8, 1864; J. J. Linn, elected 
November 6, 1866; M. S. Bonnifield, elected Novem- 
ber 3, 1868; Robert McBeth, elected November 8, 
1870, resigned,* March 18, 1873; Charles S. Varian, 
elected November 5, 1872, resigned, August 8, 1875; 
O. K. Stampley, elected November 3, 1874; Charles 
McConnell, elected November 7, 1876; M. S.Thomp- 
son, elected November 5, 1878; Charles McConnell. 
elected November 2, 1880. 

ASSE.MBLV.MEN. 

\Vm. II. Claggett, A. J. Simmons, elected Repre- 
sentatives under Territorial law September 3, 1862. 
re-elected September 2, 1863; L. D. Preseott, J. W. 
Strong and A. J. Simmons, elected Assembly-men 
January 19, 1864; D. II. Brown and E. \V. Pratt, 
elected Representatives Se])tombor 7, 18C4; D. H. 
Brown, B. H. Nichols and J. Angus Dean, elected 
Assemblymen, November 8, 1864, under the Con- 
'Bcsidciico legislated into Lander County. 



448 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



stitution that was rejected; J. A. Banks, T. \. 
Juliet! and J. J. Linn, elected November 7, 1865; P. 
J. Parmater, T. V. Julien and O. K. Stampley, elec- 
ted November 6, 1866; J. M. Woodworth, R. H. 
Scott and T. W. Rule, elected Novembers, 1868; W. 

A. Trousdale, Thomas Harris and Joseph Organ, 
elected November 8, 1870; John O. Teviss, Charles 
H. Stoddard and John H. Hoppin, elected Novem- 
ber 5, 1872; L, A. Buckner, Pablo Laveago and J. 

B. Case, elected November 3, 1874; S. W. Hammond, 
W. H. Howard and W. A. Trousdale, elected Novem- 
ber 7, 1876; Angus Mon-ison, David McLarkey and 
O. P. Crawford, elected November 5, 1878; A. J. 
Shepard, Joseph Organ and Thomas J. Bradshaw, 
elected November 2, 1880. 

COUNTY COMMISSIONERS. 

M. S. Thompson, J. G. Briggs and A. Benway 
were appointed in 1861; J. G. Briggs, L. M. Carter 
and M. S. Thompson, elected January 14, 1862; R. 
M. Johnson, A. P. K. Safford and L. M. Carter, 
elected September 3, 1862. Johnson did not qualify, 
and J. B. Addlebaugh appointed November 15, 1862. 
Safford resigned October 20, 1862, and Thomas Ewing 
appointed to fill vacancy. Thos. A. Freeman, W. W. 
Williams and C. VV.Shang, elected September 2, 1863; 
A. D. McCuUough and T. A. Freeman, elected Sep- 
tember 7, 1864; Geo. W. Fox, elected November 8, 
1865; A. D. McCuUough, Robert B. Fluger and L. L. 
Higby, elected November 6, 1866; H. G. Cavin and 
Thomas Thompson, elected November 3, 1868; B. F. 
Riley, Frank Drake and G. M. Miller, elected Novem- 
ber 8, 1870; John Borland and Nathan Levy, elected 
November 5, 1872; C. A. Nichols :ind J. F. Clark, 
elected November 3, 1874; R. W. Wood and A. 
Westfall, elected November 7, 1876; R. H. Scott and 
H. P. Marker, elected November 5, 1878; D. (firoux 
and L. N. Carpenter, elected November 2, 1880. 

PROBATE JUDGES. 

A. W. Olliver, appointed December 10, 1861; Hiram 
Knowles, elected September 2, 1863, re-elected Jan- 
uary 19, 1864. 

DISTRICT ATTORNEYS. 

Wm. W. Dixon, appointed Prosecuting Attorney 
December 22, 1862, resigned January 9, 1863, and 
Hiram Knowles, appointed January 15, 1863, to fill 
vacancy; O. R. Leonard, elected September 2, 1863; 
A. P. Overton, elected District Attorney November 
8, 1864. There being no vacancy he never served. 
O. R. Leonard held over until January, 1867, by 
virtue of Section 13 of Article 17 of the Constitution. 
O. R. Leonard, elected November 6, 1866; P. H. 
Harris, elected November 3, 1868, re-elected Novem- 
ber 8, 1870; T. V. Julien, elected November 5, 1872; 
S. S. Grass, elected Novembers, 1874; Goo. P. Hard- 
ing, elected November 7, 1876, re-elected November 
5, 1878; J. H. McMillan, elected November 2, 1880. 

COUNTY SHERIFFS. 

A. W. Nightingill, appointed December 10, 1861; 
Robert McBeth, elected January 14, 1862; re-elected 



September 3, 1862; S. D. Prescott, elected September 
7, 1864; J. M. Woodworth, elected November 6, 
1866; J. N. Thacker, elected November 3, 1868; N. 
H. Westfall, elected November 8, 1870; Samuel King, 
elected November 5, 1872; Richard Nash, elected 
November 3, 1874; Charles A. Kyle, elected Novem- 
ber 7, 1876; Geo. M. Miller, elected November 5, 
1878; W. T. Burns, elected November 2, 1880. 

COUNTY CLERKS. 

J. W. Whitney, elected Januarj- 14, 1862; re-elected 
September 3, 1862. Wm. K. Parkinson, appointed 
March 1, 1864, in place of Whitney, deceased. Wm. 
K. Parkinson, elected September 7, 1864; J. D. 
Minor, elected November 6, 1866; re-elected Novem- 
ber 3, 1868; C. S. Varian, elected Novembers, 1870; 
J. H. Job, elected November 5, 1872, re-elected No- 
vember 3, 1874, re-elected November 7, 1876, re- 
elected November 5, 1878; J. E. Sabine, elected 
November 2, 1880. 

COUNTY TREASURERS. 

A. W. Nightingill, elected January 14, 1862; W. A. 
Holeomb, elected September 3, 1862, re-elected Sep- 
tember 7, 1864; M. P. Freeman, elected November 
6, 1866; J. M. Brown,elected Novembers, 1868; Chris- 
topher Lark, elected November 7, 1870, re-elected 
November 5, 1872; A. J. Shepard, elected Novem- 
ber 3, 1874, re-elected November 7, 1876, re-elected 
November 5, 1878; C. A. La Grave, elected Novem- 
ber 2, 1880. 

COUNTY ASSESSORS. 

S. M. Boblett, elected January 14, 1862; E. E. 
Comstock, elected September 3, 1862. Hiram Welch 
was appointed June 6, 1864, in place of Comstock, 
absent. W. J. Hanks, elected September 7, 1864; M. 
H. Haviland, elected November 6, 1866; J. Q. Dry- 
den, elected November 3, 1868; Charles Kyle, 
elected November 8, 1870, re-elected November 5, 
1872; James Buckner, elected November 3, 1874, 
re-elected November 7, 187t); L. L. Rickard, elected 
November 5, 1878; William Perkins, elected Novem- 
ber 2, 1880. 

COUNTY RECORDERS. 

Wm. Brayton, elected January 14, 1862, re-elected 
September 3, 1862. J. D. Minor, appointed April 6, 
1863, in place of Braj-ton, deceased. A. P. K. Saf- 
ford, elected September 2, 1863, re-elected Septem- 
ber 7, 1864; H. Welch, elected November 6, 1866, 
re-elected November 3, 1868; S. J. Bonnifiold, 
elected November 8, 1870, re-elected November 5, 
1872; Charles A. La Grave, elected November 3, 
1874, ro-olocted November 7, 1876; G. F. Turriten, 
elected November 5, 1878; W. A. Trousdale, elected 
November 2, 1880, 

COUNTY SUPERINTENDENTS OP SCHOOLS. 

E. A. Scott, elected September 3, 1862. Office 
declared vacant April 6, 1863, and H. Pfersdorff 
appointed to fill vacancy. J. F. Kingsbury, elected 
September 7, 1864; A. H. Ileaslep, electeil November 
7, 1865; George M. Miller was appointed April 2, 



HISTORY OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY. 



449 



1866; T. G. Negus, elected November 6, 1866, re- 
elected November 3, 1868; L. M. Irving, elected 
November 8, 1870; C. Chenowith, elected Novem- 
ber 5, 1872, re-elected November 3, 1874, re-elected 
November 7, 1876, re-elected November 5, 1878, re- 
elected November 2, 1880. 

COUNTY SURVEYORS. 

Wm. Epler, appointed December 9, 1861; Wm. 
Epler, elected January 14, 1862, re-elected September 
3, 1862, re-elected September 7, 1864; P. K. Root, 
elected November 6, 1866, re-elected November 3, 
1868; T. Ginacca, elected November 8, 1870; Joseph 
Ginacca, elected November 5, 1872; D. Van Lennep, 
elected November 3, 1874, re-elected November 7, 
1876, re-elected November 5, 1878; T. D. Parkinson, 
elected November 2, 1880. 

PUBLIC ADMINISTRATORS. 

W. F. Stevens, elected November 6, 1860, re- 
elected November 3, 1868; James Buckner, elected 
November 8, 1870; David McLarkey, elected Novem- 
ber 5, 1872; M. Oppenheim, elected November 3, 
1874; Pat. Bell, elected November 7, 1876; M. Op- 
penheim, elected November 5, 1878, re-elected No- 
vember 2, 1880. 

COLLECTORS. 

Frank K. Wheeler, elected September 3, 1862, re- 
elected September 7, 1864, resigned April 2, 1866; J. 
D. Minor appointed to fill vacancy. 

UUMBOLDT CANAL SCHEME. 

This canal was projected in 1862 and built by an 
incorporated company, with the central oflSce at San 
Francisco, the most of the stock being also owned 
there. The principal operator in the matter was J. 
Ginacca, an Italian, who had been a resident in the 
Territory since 1860, being the earliest settler of the 
town of Winnomucca. It was proposed to irrigate 
all the land along the line of the ditch and also fur- 
nish motive power to all the mills on its route. Mill 
City was started u]) with the intention of making it 
a milling and reduction center for all the mines in 
the Star District, but the canal never reached that 
point, stopping at VVinnemucca, twenty-eight miles 
from the place where the water was taken out. For 
some reason it was not found profitable and the work 
was abandoned, no water having been through the 
canal for ten years. About $100, Odd wore expended 
in constructing the canal to Winnemutca. The canal 
was to have been ninety miles long, fifteen feet wide 
and three feet deep. 

DISCOVERY OF .MINERAL. 

The first mineral from Humboldt County, seen in 
Nevada, was exhibited by two Frenchmen, Louis 
Harleau and A. (Jintz, early in the si)ring of 1861. 
They kept a trading-j)0st about one and one-half 
miles south of the Humboldt House, and reported 
rich and extensive veins carr^'ing both gold and sil- 
ver in the main Humboldt range. The prospect of 
finding a new El Dorado induced a groat number to 



plunge into the unknown land. The common route 
of travel was along the Cai-son River to the Carson 
Station; thence across the Forty-mile Desert to the 
sink of the Humboldt River; thence along the lake 
and river to the Humboldt canons. The Indians also 
brought in many rich specimens which they reported 
as having been found on the east side of the West 
Humboldt range. They appeared willing to lead the 
whites to the sources of these specimens. Hugo 
Pfersdoi-ff, on the twenty-eighth of April, 1861, was 
conducted into the valley where Unionville has since 
flourished. About the same time, Isaac Miller and 
Joe Thacker were guided into Star Canon, the dis- 
covery of the famous Slieba mine being the result. 
During the year but three settlements were made, 
Humboldt City being the third. Dun Glen was set- 
tled in 1862. 

PRINCIPAL MINING DISTRICTS. 

Battle Mountain District, lying mostly within 
the limits of Lander County, will be treated of in 
the history of that county. 

Black Rock District has been the subject of 
more speculation, the cause of more brilliant expecta- 
tions, and greater disappointments than perhaps any 
other section of country in the mining regions. As 
early as 1851) men began to hunt I'or precious metals 
among the curious black ledges which wei-e so differ- 
ent from anj'thing seen elsewhere. It was soft, 
easily whittled, and had some of the lustre, when 
cut, pertaining to all minerals and ores. Anj'thing 
new had tremendous possibilities in it. If this was 
silver the only appi-ehension felt was that the enor- 
mous quantity in sight would uttorlj^ destroy the 
value of that metal. By some it was urged that 
precious metals were never deposited in such large 
quantities; that it was impossible. Others saw no 
reason why mountains of silver should not bo found 
as well as mountains of iron. Most of the assayers 
pronounced the rock worthless; others said that it 
would yield, under proper treatment, S50 to ?500 
per ton. The Assessor and Surveyor of the county 
for 1867-68 reported as follows:— 

The difficulty met in reduction has already boon 
adverted to. It arose from a total misundei-standing 
of the nature of the ore. The ores are true salts of 
silver and gold, which have gone through one of the 
most important stops in the process of reduction in 
the laboratory of nature, in the bosom of the earth, 
and are found in the I'orni of chlorides, iodides, brom- 
ides, cyanides, and nitrates. To attempt to chlorid- 
ize a chloride is folly, but that is what most of the 
workers of this rock have undertaken to do, and the 
reputation of the district hassuH'ered in conseijuenco. 
But give credit to nature for what she has done — 
commence whore sho has left oft" and the reduction 
of the ores is a very simple matter. 

The public chose the side of tremendous possi- 
bilities, ajid pronounced the rock good. Several 
districts were organized, and a number of mines in 
each opened. A railway, with steam navigation 
across Pyramid Lake, was talked of, and great 



450 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



cities built in imagination, but the price of silver 
did not come down, nor did the discovery work 
any change in the monetary affairs of the world. 
The silver was not there. At present there is no 
work being done at Black Rock. Three mills, built 
respectively by the Black Rock, Goodwin, and 
Atchinson Companies, were removed, after giving 
the mines a fair trial. Other districts in the vicinity, 
called the Hardin, Piute, Foreman, Chico, and High 
Rock had about the same history. 

The famous Rabbit Hole sulphur mines are in this 
district. The first locations were made in March, 
1875, by McWorthy and Rover. Shortly afterward 
locations were made by Hale & Wright, one mile 
and a half distant. The sulphur is found mixed with 
clay, and sometimes nearh^ pure in large masses, 
and seems to have been distilled, or sublimed, out of 
the adjoining rocks, which are black, slaty marl and 
limestone. An alkali tiat bounds the sulphur deposit 
opposite the hills or mountains. Both places are 
owned by the Pacific Sulphur Company, which ships 
large amounts to Sun Francisco, where it is refined 
and used for making sulphuric acid and other chem- 
icals. It is worth at San Francisco about seventy- 
five dollars per ton. The deposit is about twenty-five 
miles due north of the Humboldt House, a station on 
the Central Pacific Railroad. 

BuENA Vista District was organized in 1861. Is 
in one of the most beautiful sections of the State, 
with cold springs, which feed a perennial mill-stream 
flowing through a broad and fertile valley. The 
mines in this district have furnished nearly 
$4,000,000 in bullion, and some of them, such as the 
Arizona and Hope, are still on a paying basis. 
Among the prominent mines in earlj' days were the 
National, Governor Downey, Alba Nueva, Cass, Joe 
Pickering, llalleck, Seminole, Eagle, Leroy, Aga- 
memnon, Manitowoc, Champion, Cedar Hill, North 
Star, Atlas, etc. These had veins of ore three feet 
or more in width, reported as paying from 850 to 
$1,200 per ton. Some of the veins would run 
as high as 8400 per ton; but the general aver- 
age was very much less than was estimated 
when the mines were being opened, and the final 
result was not as satisfactory as the estimates and 
assaj's indicated. In 1878, of all the mines in the 
county, only the Arizona and Rye Patch paid a 
bullion tax. From 1871 to 1878 the Arizona pro- 
duced 81,i502,23H.58. Water was encountered at the 
depth of eighty feet, and at the depth of 400 feet 
it became uncontrollable. The property was owned 
by John (). Fall \; Co. The district lies on the east- 
ern slope of the West Ilomboldt Mountains, about 
twenty-five miles south of the Central Pacific Rail- 
road at Mill City. 

Central District was organized in 1862, the 
principal mine being called tlio Fiftj'-Si.x. The vein, 
which was a compound or multiple vein, and sixty- 
five feet wide, was rich in copper and silver, con- 



taining of the latter some sixty or seventy dollars to 
the ton. It was soon after sold to a New York 
compan_y, in anticipation of the building of the trans- 
continental railway. Ten years afterward locations 
were made under the names of Teamster, Golden 
Age, Railroad, Locomotive, Hammond and Monarch, 
The veins are said to be very narrow, with bodies of 
very rich ore, j'ielding in some instances 82,000 to 
the ton. Up to 1875 the Golden Age had produced 
about §17.000 in bullion, the ore averaging 8400 per 
ton. The mill, a four-stamp, was burned in 187C, 
since which time little work has been done. 

Echo District was among the first organized, 
dating back to 1863. and is situated on the western 
slope of the West Humboldt range of mountains, 
the Buena Vista being opposite on the east. The 
noted mines at the time of the organization were the 
Washington, Mountain King, Mining Star and 
Alpha. The Wasliington ,Mine included several par- 
allel veins, two to three feet wide, assaj'ing as high 
as 8500 per ton, with every appearance of being a 
true fissure vein. The Mountain King was to the 
south of the Washington, with similar croppings and 
characteristics. This was considered a very prom- 
ising vein also. The vein was tapped at a depth of 
500 feet with a tunnel 450 feet in length. The San 
Francisco was north of the Washington Mine. The 
Mining Star veins were at the head of the Echo 
('anon, on the same range as the Washington and 
Mining Star. The Alpha Mine, located in 1864, is 
situated at the mouth of Panther Canon. The ore 
is found in considerable quantities in chutes and 
pockets in a metamorphic limestone. The mine 
was sold in 1869 to an English company for 862,000, 
and has been worked most of the time since. Se- 
lected ore mills 8100 per ton. The Rye Patch Mine 
is a similar formation and is owned and worked by 
the same company, as is also the Butte Mine. The 
company has paid several dividends and owns a 
Stetefeldt furnace and ten-stamp mill, at the Rye 
Patch Railway Station. 

The dividends aggregate 8127,500 

Tho assessments " 97,500 

The Rye Patch Consolidated is an incorporated 
company with stock called on the Boards at San 
Francisco. The works have been tied up to some 
extent for some years, in consequence of a suit with 
the Reese River Gold and Silver Mining Company, 
who sued to obtain possession of tho Alpha .Mine 
and 8225,000 damages. 

El. Dorado District is situated on the western 
slope of the West Humboldt Range, west of Star 
Peak. The ledge which drew attention to this sec- 
tion was the Banner, and is now known as tho El 
Dorado, and is I5,l{80 feet in length. The Corinth, 
New England and Mount Carmel were also noted 
mines. None of the mines have met the expecta- 
tions of tho owners or become noted. 

Gold Run Distkict was organized in 1866, and is 



HISTORY OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY. 



451 



located on tho socond range of mountains eawt of 
the lower ilumbokit, the Golconda, Cumberland and 
Jefferson being the principal places of promise, 
though numerous other locations wei'o made. Tho 
(lolconda, in particular, was supposed to be an im- 
mense fortune. The following extract from the re- 
port of tho Surveyor General will show the estimate 
of its value in 18GS: — 

The Golconda is an immense mass of mineral, 
yielding from 840 to 8118 per ton in the mill. * * 
* A shaft eighty feet deep has boon sunk in a solid 
bed of ore. This shaft and a largo cut on tho sur- 
face, some forty feet in length and fifteen feet deep, 
expose thousands of tons of ver}- tine ore, sufficient 
to emplo}- several mills for several 3'curs. In work- 
iiig the assessments under the district laws tho own- 
ers have found rich and well-detinod veins of ore on 
three several places, of the same character as tho 
original location. * * # » * A8sa3-8 as high 
as 812,48(5 per ton have been made from this ore 
by Sidney Tuttle, assayer at the Oreana Smelting 
Works. 

But a small amount of bullion tax was ever paid 
from these mines. 
f Htr.MBOi.DT District, organized in 1860, has the 
honor of being the first in the county, is on tho 
westerlj' slope of the Star range of mountains, 
about five miles from tho rivor, two and a half from 
the Central Pacific Eailroad, sixteen miles from 
Unionvillo, and one hundred and soventy-fivo miles 
from Virginia City. Humboldt Creek, forming 
Humboldt Canon which is four miles long, runs 
through tho district. A strong vein or reof of lime- 
stone, in some places seventy foot high, crossing the 
canon, is one of the main geological features of the 
district. Several quartz veins running parallel to 
tho limestone roef first called the attention of the 
prospectors to the mineral wealth of tho district. 
On tho lower side of the reef are tho Eoveillo, Frank- 
lin, Santa Cruz, and Monte Christo veins. On the 
upper side, in a <juartzite formation, are the Star- 
light, Calaveras, Sigel, Adriatic, Winnomucca, Wash- 
ington, and Saint Bernard, occurring in the order 
mentioned. According to the reports of IfiOS, tho 
Starlight had a vein ten feet wide; Calaveras, sixteen 
feet; Sigel, two feet, bearing gold; Adriatic, four 
feet; Winnomucca, twenty-four feet; Washington 
and Saint Bernard, four feet each. 

Nine mines were opened to a depth of fifty feet or 
more, and tunnels were driven into the mines at a 
great expense, but no large bodies of ore wore found. 
During the panic of 1865 all work was suspended, 
though tho claims wore not wholly abandoned. In 
the winter of 1H7()-71 work was resumed on tho Star, 
light and a mine called the Madia. At a depth of 
seventy feet the vein of the Starlight was four feet 
thick, standing nearly perpendicular. The Madia 
was in the foot-hills, and was a vast mass of <|uartz 
containing some gold, arsenic, and silver, the gold 
being four to nine dollars a ton through the mass. 
None of these mines ever became productive. With 



chea]) timber, fuel, and labor, some of tho mines may 
be put on a paying basis. l)uring its best days the 
district contained about 500 inhabitants. Not far 
from the railway is a deposit of sulphur, left by an 
extinct thermal spring. Tho deposit of sulphur 
alternating with gypsum is about twenty-five feet 
across, and of uncertain depth. It has some econ- 
omic value, but is more interesting as a relic of the 
geological formation of the country. 

Mount Eose District, located in 1871, is situated 
in the boundaries of tho famous Paradise Valloj-, in 
the northeastern part of the count}-. Having been 
discovered and developed since the great mining 
craze of the decade of sixtj-, it may be relied upon 
as promising something for tho future. It is said 
that wood, water and other supplies are in such 
abundance as to make it the most favorable point for 
mining in tho State. The veins are well-defined with 
porphj-ry and granite walls. The ore is rich, carry- 
ing both gold and silver, and ea.sily reduced. The 
principal work, so far, has been done by the Paradise 
Mining Company, though perhaps a hundred other 
locations are made. Their vein crops out on the 
face of a steep mountain, affording good opportu- 
nities to mine with tunnels or drifts. Large quan- 
tities of ore have been extracted, which averages 
8200 per ton. So far as explored, the vein averages 
six feet in width. The ore is crushed at a ten-stamp 
mill, running by water and steam, as circumstances 
require. The mill has changed hands several times, 
so that the quantity of ore reduced is unknown. It 
is estimated at 8:!00,()00. 

Oro Find Dlstrict was organized in 18615, in tho 
same range as the Sierra District, lying to the south. 
The prominent features are a quartzite formation 
dipping west and capped with limestone. This gives 
an appearance to the ridge or reef as being com- 
posed of quartz on the cast side and lime on tho 
west. On the summit of the ridge is an immense 
vein, called the Great Eastern, of opaque, brilliant, 
white quartz, which crops out for a distance of seven 
or eight miles, from six to thirty feet wide, from which 
assays have been made from 880 to 8500 per ton in 
silver, which is found as a black chloride. Two other 
veins, less prominent, but sujiposed to bo richer, 
called the Natchez and Yo Semite, attracted the at- 
tention of tho first prospectors of this district. The 
Natchez is on the eastern slope, and con8ei|uently 
underlying the Croat Eastern and running parallel to 
it at a distance on tho slope of about 2,000 feet. The 
ore was said, in 1868, at tho time of the discovery, 
to assay as high as 81(i,(ioo per ton, and the whole 
mass as averaging 8175 per ton by the jian process. 

The Yo Semite vein is in tho northern part of tho 
district, and was estimated to yield 8."'0U per ton on 
an average. Oro Fino Creek, at the foot of the 
western slope, was thought to furnish ample mill- 
power for tho mines. None of these fino prospects 



452 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



ever became profitable mines, and at present are not 
worked. 

Pine Forest District is in the extreme northern 
portion of the vState, and was organized about the 
time of the Black Rock excitement. Nothing has 
ever been done in the dis'rict. The country is said 
to be well watered and timbered, and will probably 
prove more valuable for agriculture than for mining. 

SACRA.MENTO DISTRICT is in the West Humboldt 
Range, south of Unionville and east of the Great 
Meadows, and within a short distance of the Central 
Pacific Railroad. The Montana, Bullion, Sacramento, 
and Nevada were the prominent attractions in the 
district at the time of the organization. The ledges 
cropped out boldly and were said to be well charged 
with sulphurets of silver. Like many others, most 
others, in fact, failure was the result. 

SiERR.\ District was organized in January, 18G3, 
and is one of the cluster in the vicinity of Unionville, 
which is about twentj'-three miles to the southwest. 
The Central Pacific Railroad and the Humboldt 
Canal run through the district. The town of Dun 
Glen, in the center of the district, is about five miles 
from the river. 

The attractions to this district were the Neptune 
series of ledges, on which wereTallulah. Empire and 
Essex Mines, and the Gem, about five miles to the 
north of Dun Glen. These ledges were several feet 
in width, with firm, smooth walls and clay selvedge, 
and were suppo.sed to be permanent, first-class mines. 
According to the Assessor of 1868, the ledges were 
well charged with various kinds of silver ores, the 
rock assaying as high as 8G,000 per ton, the Gem 
Mine reaching as high as 816,000 per ton. Several 
long tunnels were run into the hills, one to the Essex 
vein being 6.35 feet long, tapping a vein of three feet; 
another to the Ophir Ledge, of 320 feet, cutting a 
vein of four and a half feet, both of which were esti- 
mated to mill forty dollars per ton without selection. 

The Gem was in a limestone formation, and was 
said to yield an averageof S175pcr ton. The Chrys- 
opolis was about two miles north of Dun Glen, and 
had a vein of white quartz twenty inches wide, 
charged with black sulphurets of silver, and was 
estimated to average 6100 per ton. The company had 
1,800 feet on the vein, which held its width and qual- 
ity to the depth of eighty feet, the deepest working. 
The Munroe J>edgcs were to the south of I)un Glen 
about one mile. These were charged with free gold 
and also gold in Hul])hurets. The country rock is 
graywackc or metiimori)hic slate of the earlier series 
of sedimentar}- rocks. The average yield was said 
in 1868 to bo S250 per ton. 

For the first two quarters the returns were 
$526.92 per ton and 8270.05. Selected ore paid 
81,000 or upwards per ton. 

Star District was organized in 1861. and is one of 
the cluster in the vicinity of Unionville, the town of 



Star City being about twelve miles from Unionville. 
The strata at this point dip west at angles varj'ing 
from 25° to 80°. The district comprised a territory 
six miles long on the slope of the mountain and four 
miles wide. A gorge through this toward the oast 
exposed the different strata and also served to drain 
the entire district, the stream running about seventy 
inches of water, miners' measurement, in the summer 
and a larger stream during the rainy season. As the 
sources of this stream are high up among the snows 
it affords quite a (quantity of water when the vicinity 
is parched with drought. In ascending the canon or 
viewing the stratification from the east, the rocks 
appear in the following order, the first named being 
the lowest of the series and the last named the 
uppermost: — 

Brown Quartzite, steel-gray when broken, greatly 
metamorphosed. 

Black Limestone, sprangled with veins of feldspar 
and sulphuret of iron; has a cleavage parallel to the 
stratification. In this stratum is the Almira series of 
veins on the north of the creek and the Yankee 
series on the south. The Commonwealth Company 
of New York owned 2,400 feet on this range. The 
width of the veins is three to eight feet. The ores 
were supposed to be free from rebellious mixtures 
and to be easily milled. The ores on the south side, 
or on the Yankee claims, were similar to the Almira 
lode, though there were throe distinct varieties, one 
being identical with the ore of the famous Sheba 
mine. 

Graywacke, of a bluish-graj' and extremely hard, 
forming an extensive portion of the mountain. 

Hard, Mack laminated slate. Between the last two 
is the celebrated Sheba vein or ore channel, one 
hundred and fifty foot wide, the value estimated in 
1868 as follows: First-class ore per ton, 81,200; sec- 
ond-class ore per ton, 8250; third-class ore per ton, 
8150. 

Some of the assays reached as high as 816,000 per 
ton. The ore required roasting before reduction. It 
was worked up to within twelve per cent, of the fire 
assay at a cost of thirty-five dollars per ton. 

The extensions north and south, two or three 
thousand feet, did not differ materially from the 
original location. An immense amount of work was 
done on the mountain, but the ores wore not as 
extensive, nor as rich or as easily reduced as. was 
anticipated in 1868, and the mines were nearly 
abandoned for a long time. Recently considerable 
concentrated ore has been shipped to San Francisco 
for reduction. No bullion tax was paid in 1880. The 
Sheba and De Soto mines are still being worked. 

7V« black slate, forming the hanging wall of the 
Sheba mines, extended u]) the mountain for three- 
fourths of a mile, when it abruptly- terminated, meet- 
ing a quartzite stratum more decidedly silicious than 
the veins at the foot of the slope. Several veins of 
hard, glassy quartz, four to eight feet thick, cropped 
out of this stratum for nearly a mile, receiving the 




STORE & RESIDENCE, AT PARADISE, HUM BO LOT CO.NEV. 




ig ly Ui'iU •^. '^ ^ ,ii LJ ifi t_> (-/t-u 



' t^o Nc* 



PROPERTY of CHAS, KEMLER 



HISTORY OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY. 



453 



name of the Mammoth Lodes. The ore was an artjen- 
tiferous galena, assaying $180 to SiKM) per ton. The 
.Mauch I'hunk and Maston were the prominent loca- 
tions on this lode. 

Above the mammoth series and in the same quartz- 
ite formation were the .Mountain Top series, which 
is such a geological curiosity as to merit an extended 
notice. This lode seems to have been a fissure in all 
the rest of the formations, made after they were all 
in place, as it cuts all in a direction diagonal to all 
the lines of stratification, the fissure being filled 
with brilliant white <iuartz which is visible by its 
outcrop for ten miles, forming a prominent land- 
mark. It is an evidence of the vigor of nature's 
workings when the minerals were being distributed 
or perhai)s concentrated into veins. Krom the south 
side of this great vein a dozen or more small veins of 
mineral shoot out and come to the surface. Little 
work was done on them, though it was proposed to 
run a tunnel into the mountain which should tap it 
at a depth of 2000 feet. They went so far as to organ- 
ize and name the Perigord Tunneling Company, and 
stopped at that point. 

Trinity Distkict was organized in 18(i3. It is 
situated twenty-five miles north of llumboldt Lake, 
and thirt}- miles southwest of Unionville, opposite 
and west of the towns of l-Una. Torreyvillo, and 
Oreana, which are built along the llumboldt River. 
The mines which gave the place its reputation 
were the Montezuma, Jersey, Savannah, Sultana, 
Chloride, (Juatimozin, Tontine, Eagle, Dunderburg, 
Ne Plus, Bald Hornet, Daisy and Oxide, Atlantic, 
Northern Belle, Southern Belle, Eastern Belle, and 
Western Belle, Hurricane, Vanderbilt, Belvidore, 
Savanna, Shamrock, Dundock, Daisy, Kingkalla, and 
General Grant, formerly the Moonlight. These were 
all located in a section of couiilrv called Arabia, and 
at one time were believed to be the richest mines in 
the known world, the Assessor of the county, in 
1868, expressing the opinion that a mile siiuare, 
within which they were located, would produce 
more bullion than any other ever known. The 
Montezuma, especially, was so rich that everj' ton 
of ore produced a half ton of metal, consisting of 
antimony, load, and silver, there being no rock at 
all in the vein. Up to 1875 there had been taken 
out of the mine 7,0(10 tons of ore, yielding 8,150 
tons of lead, and, according to the State Mineralogist, 
8455,000 in silver. The Evening Star, by the same 
authorit}-, ])aid sixty-five dollars j>er ton in silver. 
The Chloride, a narrow vein, was said to assay as 
high as $1,200 per ton. The General Grant was a 
relocation of the Moonlight. About ?100,000 was 
taken from this mine when it was first located and 
worked. The ore from the Montezuma mines were 
reduced at the Montezuma Smelting Works, located 
at Oreana, which at that time (18(i8) were said to be 
the most com])lete of any in the State. They were 
under the charge of A- W. Nason, and were esti- 
57 



mated by George Lovelock to have cost $250,000. 
In 18<i8, the annual product was estimated at $45,000. 
In 1880, the best authorities place the whole of the 
ores extracted at 30,(10(1 tons, which paid from thirty 
dollars up to $700 per ton. The veins followed 
the general trend of the mountains from north to 
south. 

The Evening Star mine was worked extensively 
in lS(i4. The ore is a black sul])huret, with some 
horn silver, remarkabl}' free from base metals, and 
yielded sixty-five dollars per ton down to a depth 
of 200 feet, when water was reached, since which 
time little work has been done. Since the destruc- 
tion of the Oreana Smelting Works by fire the ores 
of this district are reduced at Salt Lake City. All 
the paying mines are now bonded to Voshaj- & 
Lyons, formerly of the Emma Mine of Utah. 

VicKSBURd District was organized about the time 
of the Black Rock excitement, and was situated some 
seventy miles north of Humlioldt City. The miners 
were driven out of the country in 18()4, during the 
Indian War. The principal mines were the Spring, 
Silver, Groat Southern, Montana, and Excelsior. 
After the termination of the Indian difficulties work 
was resumed, but nothing valuable was developed. 

WiNNE.MiiccA District is about forty miles north 
of Unionville, on the west side of the Humboldt River, 
near the great bend and three miles from the rail- 
road. The princi])al mines were the Pride of the 
Mountain, Winnemucca and Union. The ores, though 
supposed to be rich, were too refractory to be worked 
by mill process. In 18(j9, the first-named mine 
reduced eighty-seven tons of ore, producing $5,220. 
The following year (1870) the Winnemucca reduced 
sixt3'-eight tons, producing 88,285.70; 14(1 tons in 
the Union claim produced 82,029.51. 

The country rock is a hard slate, containing sul- 
phurets of iron. Considerable money has been ex- 
pended in developing or testing the mines. 200 
tons of ore from the Pride of the Mountain pro- 
duced $80 to $175 per ton. The ore is a chloride, 
carrying horn silver. During the years lS75-7(! 
about $40,000 in bullion was produced in this district. 
No bullion was reported for 1880. 

principal towns anu cities. 

Dun Gi.en was among the earliest sottlctl places 
in the county, its settlement dating back to 18(12. D. 
P. Crook was the first person who ventured into this 
section of countr}' as a settler, lie was soon atler 
followed bj' Angus Dunn, D. McLarkej-, J. Slado, A. 
J. Elsey, D. P. Crook, R. Monroe, Thomas Ewing 
and James A. Banks. A company of United States 
soldiers were stationed here in 1868, to keep the 
Indians in check. At this time and for two or three 
years after, the population reached 250, but since 
then has dwindled down to about fiftj'. Nearly the 
whole industrial interest is stuck raising. The ham- 
let is surrounded by high mountains, partially cov- 



454 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



ered with stunted cedar trees, which furnish the wood 
of the settlement. It has a post-office called Dun 
Glen, but no telegraph or express office. It has one 
ton-stamp mill for extracting the gold from the 
quartz. The total amount of bullion so far is about 
$100,000. It is believed by many that thorough 
exploring would develop profitable mines. 

Supplies are obtained from San Francisco and Sac- 
ramento bj' way of .Mill City, on the line of the Cen- 
tral Pacific Railroad, distant nine miles; freights 
being about nine dollars per ton. Winnemucca is 
about twenty miles awa}'. The houses are mostly 
adobe and wood. The most noted homicide was the 
killing of a frerman merchant by a man by the name 
of Jackson, with a pistol shot. Ho escaped and was 
never aj)prehended. 

The Humboldt House and grounds, though not in 
themselves remarkable, are quite so when the sur- 
rounding circumstances are considered. Perhaps no 
more desolate place than this vxis can be found in 
the State of Nevada. What it now is shows what 
the State might become with proper preservation 
and distribution of the winter rains. 

A stream of water of perhaps 100 inches miners' 
measurement, was brought in a ditch from a canon 
some miles away, and turned upon the desert, irri- 
gating or moistening about thirty acres. The results 
are 1,000 fruit and shade trees. Among the former 
are 500 peach, apple, pear, and apricot trees, which 
produce fruit equal to that of California or Oregon. 
The shade trees, consisting of locust, cottonwood, 
willow, pine, and oak, give an air of comfort and 
prosperity to the jilace, all the greater for the con- 
trast with the surrounding sterility. Gooseberries, 
strawberries, currants, and blackberries, the lilac, 
rose and other flowering shrubs grow as if to the 
manor born, while eight acres of alfalfa, yielding sev- 
eral crops a year, and a garden of all kinds of vege 
tables, supply the physical wants of man and beast. 

What might Nevada be with a people as energetic 
as the author of this place? 

HuMBOi.DT (y'lTY may be said to be the best illu.s- 
tration of the celebrated " places that were" that is 
known. There are stone and adobe houses, stores 
and hotels, but not a foot-fall gives evidence of life. 
In 18GH, when in its most flourishing state, it 
had a population of some 500 inhabitants. The first 
settler was Louis Barbeau, who has the reputation 
of being the first to discover the existence of valuable 
minerals in Humboldt County. Soon after him came 
A. Pryor, John Coulter, F. J. Daniels, Colerick 
Brothers, Geo. W . Meacham, Thos. McKinzio, C/'harles 
Lewis, Toney Martinn, and John Sylvester. The 
mines at the time of the settlement were considered 
very promising, and ])rospective millionaires were as 
plentiful as mosquitoes. Among the mines which 
promised much were the Starlight, Calaveras, Sigel, 
Adriatic, Winnemucca, Washington, and Saint Ber- 
nard. Some of these veins were cut by tunnels sev- 



eral hundred feet in length. A vast expense was 
incurred. During the panic of 186.5 all work was 
suspended, though the clains were not quite aban- 
doned, sufficient work being done to hold possession. 
In 1871 work was partly resumed on the Starlight 
and Madia, which, however, are not worked at 
present. The town seems to be utterly prostrated. 
The nearest place is the Humboldt House, two miles 
away. The place seems capable of being useful, and 
in the hurly-burlj- of mining maj- again wake to life. 
A correspondent of the Humholdt Register, May 2, 
1863, thusdescribes the town: — 

* * * A picturesque and beautiful village con- 
taining some 200 well-liuilt houses, some of which are 
handsome edifices, and manj^ beautiful gardens that 
attest the taste and industry of the inhabitants. A 
beautiful, crystal stream oi' water diverted from its 
natural course runs, a little babbling stream, through , 
every street. * * * Humboldt City contains two 
hotels, kept in good style, one the Coulter House, by 
Mr. and Mrs. Baile}- Nichols, the other, the Iowa 
House, by Mr. and Mrs. Wilson ; two saloons, one by 
Messrs. S3-lvester & Helmer, gentlemen ready to 
argue or fight for their politics, or deal out red-ej-e to 
their numerous thirsty customers, the other by 
Messrs. Wilson & Coulter; one blacksmith's shop, by 
Daniels A: Cooper, who will at any moment stop 
shoeing a refractory horse to spina j"arn; two stores 
with large and well-selected stocks of goods; four 
families (five or six more are on the road for this 
place) and children, chickens, pigs, and dogs enough 
to give the place a lively appearance. 

Lovelock is a station on the Central Pacific Rail- 
road seventy-three miles southwest of Winnemucca, 
and near the south line of Humboldt County. Those 
who crossed the plains in an early day will remem- 
ber this as the place where hundreds of emigrants 
were compelled to leave iheir worn-out teams, 
wagons, and the remains of their outfit, to bo appro- 
priated by any who liked, and to make the balance 
of their way on foot to California. Guns, pistols, 
clothing, carpenter's tools, and every conceivable 
thing with which they had loaded their wagons in 
Jlissouri were thrown away to put themselves in 
light marching order for the balance of the trip. 

The vallej' here capable of cultivation is some 
thirty miles long and twelve miles wide, the Hum- 
boldt River running along its southeastern side. 
The first permanent settlers were induced to come 
here in consequence of the location of a station for 
the overland stage at this point. James Blake 
located in April, 1861, being joined by George Love- 
lock and others the following year. In 1866 the 
Central Pacific Railroad Company established a sta- 
tion here for the convenience of the people doing 
business in the Trinity Mining District, and a small 
town, numbering about sixty inhabitants, was the 
result. The neighborhood is thickly settled, so that 
about fifty children attend school. The school house 
is large and commodious, 30x80 feet, divided into two 
portions. Church service and Sunday-school is reg- 
ularly held in one of the rooms by the Wesleyan 



HISTORY OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY. 



455 



Methodists, the Sunday-school attendance being 
usually about forty, children and teachers. The 
taxable property of the town, exclusive of the rail- 
road property, is about 870,0(10. There arc about 
four miles of streets in the aggregate, partly shaded 
with locusts and other trees. The buildings of the 
town are generally constructed of wood, some few 
being of stone. The lumber for building is brought 
by railroad from the Sierra Jsevada. The name of 
the post-office and station is Lovelock. The town 
has four stores, three hotels, two saloons, one livery 
stable, and one blacksmith's shop. The locality is 
considered healthy, a light malarial (ever in the 
autumn being the worst to be apprehended. 

The town has a good reputation for peace and 
sobriety, there being but one homicide on record. 
This was the killing of Patrick TuUoy, July 28, 1880, 
bj' Robert St. Clair, with a pistol-shot, ibr which the 
latter was sentenced to the penitentiarj^ for twenty- 
five years. There have been no Ij'nchings or mob 
demonstrations in the place, nor disastrous fires or 
floods. 

The valley around the town contains about 400 
inhabitants, most of them being engaged in stock- 
raising and farming; C,000 head of cattle are pas- 
tured in the valley and adjoining mountains. Among 
the prominent stock-raisers are: Morzen, who owns 
2,000 head; Morker Brothers, 2,000, and Carpenter 
& Lowery, 1,000. Of grain 1,500 tons are usually 
grown in the valley. Joseph ALirzen, the largest 
stock-raiser, owns 1,200 acres of highly improved 
land, the .Morker Brothers, about 1,000. 

The prospects of the vallej- are hoj)eful, in view 
of the immense mineral resources in the vicinity. 
On the north the Trinity Mining District, which has 
an inexhaustible supply of smelting ore, containing 
lead, antimony and silver, at no distant day must be 
a source of much wealth. Thirty miles south are 
mines rich in copper, which are also promising 
elements in the future of the place. Six miles south 
are beds of salt, soda, gypsum and saltpetre, which 
will eventually become valuable. 

Mill City was started in ISti.S, in anticipation of 
the Humboldt Canal, and therebj' becoming a center 
for the reduction of the ores of the Bucna Vista and 
Star districts, which were distant from six to twenty 
miles. The water, however, never reached the 
place, and the town became a shipping place for the 
mines in the vicinity of Unionville. The present 
population is about fifty. It has a store for general 
merchandise, one hotel, saloon, livery stable, black- 
smith, and foundry; also, telegraph, express and post- 
office. It is supplied with water by the Mill City 
Water Works. 

The town claims to be the healthiest in the world, 
having so far no necessity for starting a cemetery. 

HON. .M. S. TH0.MP80N 

Was born in Alleghany County, Pennsylvania, in the 
year 1827, where he received his early education, 




and ill 1852 he came to California. In 1853 he set- 
tled in Sonoma County, and built a flouring mill, 
being the first to enter that branch of industry in 
that county. With a party of ten men, he left that 
portion of the countrj' in 1858 and crossed into the 
then Territory of Nevada, for the purpose of finding 
a rich mine said to have been discovered by some 
emigrants as early as 1849. It was said to bo located 
in the Black Rock country, now Humboldt County, 
and of immense richness. [See page 54.] He was not 
favored by dame fortune in this enterprise, but liking 
the climate he concluded to settle there, and has since 
been an active, energetic resident of Humboldt County. 
He has identified himself with the politics of the State 
in a creditable manner, and has had considerable to 
do with the law-making, from the time of its merg- 
ing from a Territory into a State. Was three times a 
member of the Territorial Council. In 185!> he was 
appointed by (iov. J. W. Nye as one of the Commis- 
sioners to form and organize the county government 
of Humboldt. He was nominated and elected Lieu- 
tenant Governor of Nevada, under the first con- 
stitution, but as the constitution was defeated in 18i;4. 
he did not enter upon the duties of that office. Mr. 
Thompson was a member of the Senate, during the 
first and second sessions of the State Legislature. 
From this time on, he was engaged in mining, until 
in 1878 when ho was again elected to the Senate, and 
in all of the many positions to which he has been 
elected and appointed, he has given the utmost satis- 
faction to his constituents. In politics he has been a 



45G 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



thorough Republican, and in all the years of his 
political life has not once swerved from his fixed 
principles. The healthy town of Mill City is his 
home and post-oflSce address. 

Paradise City, the center of business in the valley 
of that name, was located in 186G by C. A. Nichols 
and family. After him came Charles Kemler, J. B. 
Case and others. The town now contains over 100 
inhabitants, three hotels, two public halls, three stores 
for general merchandise, one drug store, one brewery, 
four saloons, one cabinet shop, two blacksmith shops, 
one physician, a barber, a harnessmakcr, carpenter, 
butcher and one school house. 

The Paradise Record, a twenty-four column paper, 
Democratic in politics, keeps the people well informed 
on national and general topics. The town is nearlj- 
in the center of the valley, forty miles northeast 
from Winnemucca and nine from Spring City, a rival 
town in the same valley. The buildings are con- 
structed of wood and adobe. The school house is 
28x56, divided into two rooms, each 14x28. The 
value of taxable property is about $100,000. There 
has been but one homicide committed in the valley. 
May 4, 1879, Charles W. Hyner killed J. K. West 
with a pistol shot, for which he was tried and exe- 
cuted. The valley is generally considered healthy, 
a slight tendency to pneumonia and typhoid fever 
being the only exceptions. 

HON. THOMAS J. BRADSHAW 

Is a native of Jacksonville, Morgan County, Illinois, 
where he was born in 184(1, and lived on a farm till 
the age of twenty-three. Like most young men, he 
had an intense desire to get a larger view of the 
world than could be obtained by looking across a 
prairie, and in 18GI! he pushed out west across the 
plains, bringing up at Virginia City, in Montana, 
llemaining here but one year he then went to the 
newl3^-diHcovered mines of Kootcnay, in British Co- 
lumbia. Fortune had no favors for him there, and 
he left for Washington Territory, traversing much of 
the country since so famous for wheat, taking Walla 
Walla and other noted points in his course. Seeing 
nothing ])eculiarly attractive, he concluded to try 
California, and lived two years in Colusa County in 
that State. Whether because his expectations were 
not realized, or that he had not satisfied his desire 
for travel, he pushed out into the Territory of Ne- 
vada, and connected himself with the greatest rail- 
road entor|)ri8e of the age, remaining with the Cen- 
tral Pacific Company until the last rail was laid 
which connected the Occident and Orient of the 
American Continent. When this was done he settled 
down for life in the sago-brush, having, perhaps, a 
father's feeling for the land which he had assisted in 
developing. His judgment as to the resources of the 
land proved correct, and he soon made a pleasant 
home, a view of which is given in another part of 
this work. He owns C40 acres, or one square mile 
of fine soil in Paradise Valley, and cultivates it all. 



He has not surrounded himself with the good things 
of this world lor himself alone, for he is a happily 
married man, with five children to share his joys and 
assuage his sorrows. His neighbors manifested their 
appreciation of his upright character and ability by 
sending him to the Legislature during the session 
of 1880, from which he returned with the respect 
of his constituents. 

JOEL BRADSHAW, 

Son of John and Susannah Bradshaw, was born at 
.Jacksonville, Morgan County, Illinois, October 22, 
1842. His parents were natives of the State of Ten- 
nessee, but emigrated to Illinois in earij- life, and set- 
tled in Morgan County. John Bradshaw was born in 
1819, his wife being only two years his junior, born 
in 1821, and has passed the greater part of his life 
on a farm. In 1840 he settled on a farm in Hancock 
County, Illinois, where he lived until 18G6, when he 
removed to Franklin County, Kansas, where he still 
resides. But to return to the subject of this sketch. 
He lived with his parents until April 13, 1864, when 
he started across the plains, in chargeof a four-horse 
wagon, in the employ of a man named John M. Jones, 
and arrived in Maiysville, Yuba County, California, 
September 1st, of that year. During the succeeding 
four years he was roaming around through the 
State, and on the nineteenth of November, 18()8, 
arrived in Paradise Valley, in Humboldt Countj', 
Nevada. Three months later he went to White Pine 
on a prospecting tour, and was for two years in that 
district, east and south of White Pine for a distance 
of twenty-five to 150 miles. In October, .1871, he 
returned to the valley, and on the twentj'-first of 
that month, homesteaded the northwest quarter of 
section twenty, where ho now resides. He has 
added to his original amount until he has at ))resent 
300 acres of as good soil as the valley contains, all 
under a wire fence, and well improved. He has 
about twenty-five acres in alfalfa. His house is one 
of the best in the valley, ceiled throughout. In pol- 
itics Mr. Bradshaw is a liberal, in religion a Protes- 
tant. He was married November 21, 1876, to Jliss 
Adolia Akin, a native of Salt Lake City, Utah, daugh- 
ter of Jonas and Eliza Jane Akin. By this union 
there are two children, named Jool Pomera and 
Francis. In business Mr. Bradshaw has been suc- 
cessful, and is blessed with a pleasant home that in 
summer has tho api)eaniiice of an oasis on the ])lains. 

■lAMES HYKNES, 

Son of James and Mary Byrnes, was born at Rome, 
New York, October 20. 1848, and was educated at 
the common school of his native town. His jiarents 
resided on a farm near Rome, and James worked 
thereon until March, 1867, when he sailed for the 
Pacific Coast, and arrived at San Francisco, Cali- 
fornia, April 2d, following. About a month later 
ho went to Paradise Valley, Nevada, where he 
arrived May 9, 1867, and has resided there ever 
since. In 1872 he returned East, and while there 



4 



"^ ^ 




RESIDENCE ^•"' RANCH ■" W.A.SPERRY, PARADISE VALLEY, HU M BO LDT CO. NEVADA 






■■'S^fefS 



:..Vu u{nlXl'Vl.%^AV^-V V iVlxik 




RETSiDENCE ^» JAMES BYRNES, PARADISE VALLEY, HUMBOlDT CO- NEVADA. 



TMsmirroMtar^fY.s r- 



HISTORY OF HLTMHOLDT COUNTY. 



467 



was married to Miss .Mary Skahen, a dauj^bter of 
Patrii'k ami Catherine Skahen ol' Rome, New York, 
February 13. 1872. lie ami his bride at once 
returned and settled at their present residence. By 
this union they have had four children born, viz.: 
Kiitie, December 4, 1873; Charles, October 25, 1875; 
James, September IS, 1877; Alice, Auijust 31, 1879, 
all living. Mr. Byrnes has a good ranch all under 
fence, and 400 acres cultivated. A view of his place 
appears on another page. In politics Mr. Byrnes 
is a Republican, in religion a Catholic. 

CHARLES Kl.MLER. 

This well-known pioneer business man came to 
I'aradise, in Humboldt t^ounty, from Sacramento, 
California, in 1862, shortly after the discovery of the 
famous valley, and has, perhaps, done as much as 
any other person to develop and make known its 
resources. He first engaged in freighting goods to 
the valley, soon adding trade to it, opening the first 
store in the place. lie also ran a hotel in connection 
with the store. In 1873 he erected a tlour mill, the 
first run by steam in the State, lie al.so found time 
to engage extensively in farming and raising blooded 
stock, mostlj- cattle, some of which rank among the 
best on the Pacific Coast. -Mr. Kimler is also heavily 
interested in mining, being the Superintendent of 
the Bullion Mill and Mine, situated about two miles 
from the town of I'aradise. He has been and is now 
a live man, who sees at a glance the opportunities for 
business, and acts without dela^'. His humanity is 
broad and liberal, prompting him to acts of public as 
well as private benefits. The erection of the Odd 
Fellows Hall illustrates his public spirit, lie has 
assisted manj' worthy but impecunious men, putting 
them in the way of doing well for themselves. A 
view of his place of business will be found in another 
part of the work. The building is fifty-four feet by 
eighty-five, and two stories in height, and is an 
ornament to the town. 

CHARLES A. NICHOLS, 

Son of Asa and Harriett (Ilildrcth) Nichols, was 
born in the town of Crown Point, Essex County, 
New York, September 30, 1823. His education was 
confined mostly to the public schools, with a short 
attendance at a select school. After reaching the 
age of eight years he only attended the winter terms, 
working on a farm during the summer, and when si.v- 
teen years old left school and devoted his time 
entirely to farming and hauling lumber. With his 
meagre facilities, Mr. Nichols had acquired a good 
knowledge of the common branches, and in 1S44 
wont to Michigan, with an uncle, locating in Branch 
County, and engaged in teaching school in the winter 
and working on a farm during the summer. This 
he continued until the fall of 1851, when he was 
obliged to change his residence on account of poor 
health, and desiring to try his fortune in the mines, 
came to California by way of the Isthmus of Pan- 
ama, arriving in San Francisco in November. 1851, 



lie at once went to the mines at Sonora, on foot, 
being almost penniless. In company with Dr. Hall- 
inger, of Branch County, Michigan, ho prospected 
for a claim, and not being supplied with blankets 
sufficient for the life he was leading, he contracted a 
severe cold and was compelled to lay idle at Sonora 
all winter. In the si)ring, he bought a claim on 
Woods Creek, from which he took out enough to pay 
his doctor's bills. In company with Amos Gustin, 
he left the mines at that place and started for Fresno. 
When he reached Merced River, he concluded to go 
to work in a quartz-mill, and was to receive SlOd per 
month, but the man failed and .Mr. Nichols got noth- 
ing. Soon after he engaged in mining and merchan- 
dizing on the river, and very soon was well situated 
from a financial point of view. In May, 1855, he 
sold his business and returned to Michigan, thence to 
Iowa, and in the fall of the same j'ear returned to 
.Michigan, and was married to Miss Susan A. Cragin, 
daughter of Milo and Susan Cragin, of Quincy, Michi- 
gan, and with his bride removed to Iowa, settling in 
Ozark, Jackson Count}', where he, in connection with 
an uncle, was engaged in milling and merchandising, 
for a few months, when Mr. Nichols removed to 
llo[)kinton, Delaware Countj', and purchased a mill- 
site and saw-mill, partly constructed, for 85.500, and 
through the ill-luck of his untile, lost every dollar. 
The creditors allowed Mr. Nichol to finish the mill, 
and he also erected a fiouring mill, and by good 
management and industry cleared the indebtedness on 
the propcrtj'. In lKt)4, Mr. Nichols rented the mills, 
and again sought the Pacific Coast and located in 
Honey Lake Valley, California, where he farmed one 
season, and then removed to Paradise Valley, Hum- 
boldt County, Nevada, where ho was joined by his 
wife and daughter, and has since resided. He has 
held the office of County Commissioner of Humboldt 
County for four years, and was also Justice of the 
Peace two years. Their daughter, llattie Josephine, 
is married and living in the valley. 

WILLIA.M A. SPERRY 

Is a native of the State of Connecticut, born in the 
town of Derby, December 18, 1840. At the age 
of eleven years he went to Illinois and engaged in 
farming. As youth ripened into manhood he desired 
a wider field for his labors, and at the age of 
twenty-two j'ears sailed on the ship Xorlliem Lujhl to 
the Isthmus of Panama, and from there came to 
San Francisco, California, in the steamer Golden 
Gate.. I'nlike nearly all new arrivals, he did not 
seek the mines as his first occupation, but going 
into the Sacramento Valley ho pursued the same 
business he had followed in his Illinois home. After 
two years as a farmer ho went to Dutch Flat, 
Placer County, and commenced mining, whore he 
stayed about one year. From there he went to 
Summit Valley, thence to Bear Valley, thence to 
Meadow Lake, and finally arrived at Dutch Flat 
again. Having traveled rather extensively through 



458 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



California, he came to Nevada, and for a period of 
three months was located at Gravelly Ford. He 
then came to Paradise Valley, Humboldt County, 
and was there about the same length of time, when 
ho went to White Pine, and for two years was 
engaged in quartz mining. He then came back to 
Paradise Valley, and taking up |some Government 
land settled down as a tiller of the soil, where he 
has since resided. In 1873 he built a fine house, 
and has a well-appointed farm. In January, 1879, 
he was married to Lena E. Wilder, of Athens, Mich- 
igan. 

WILLIAM STOCK 

Is a native of Germany, the country to which the 
United States is so largely indebted for the steady, 
industrious emigration which has done so much to 
make the wilderness blossom like the rose. He came 
to the United States in 1854, making his first halt at 
Cincinnati, in (Jhio, where he engaged in coopering 
for five years. The reports of fortunes easily made 
in California swept him off his moorings, and the 
summer of 185!! found him on his way to the farthest 
West. He worked for two years in the mines in 
Trinitj' and Shasta counties, and then three more at 
farming. Having accumulated a considerable sum 
by his industry, and desiring to try the world for 
himself, he ])urchascd an ox-team and went to 
freighting between California and Nevada, and made 
his way into Paradise Valley among the first. His 
experience there will be found more fully related in con- 
nection with the history of the Indian difficulties in 
1803-64-05-60. He also mined at Silver City, Idaho, 
during the years 1864-05, visiting California during 
the time. In the fall of 186(! he came to Paradise 
again, and located the farm u])on which he has since 
lived, in company with G. H. Carroll. His adven- 
tures and hair-breadth escapes during these years 
will be a source of interest as long as people shall be 
interested in frontier tales. 

Queen City was one of the prospective rivals of 
Paradise City. It was built, or rather the name was 
given to a cluster of buildings on Martin's Creek, at 
the time of the building of the Paradise Quartz 
Mills, in 1874. At the closing down of the mills 
most of the population left. In 1879 it contained 
about 100 inhabitants, but being situated in a canon 
in a rather inaccessible place, it did not long prove a 
rival to Paradise City. It is distant five miles from 
Paradise, and six miles from Spring City. It has at 
present eighteen inhabitants; no stores or places of 
active industry. Letters to jjcrsons at this place are 
sent to Paradise City. The mill (not running) is a 
ten-stamp mill, dry crushing, with a capacity of 
teTi tons per day, using both steam and water power. 
It has a roasting furnace (White & Howell) with a 
capacity' of twenty tons. The amount of bullion 
produced while running was estimated at 8235,000. 

Spring City is a lively little town, twelve miles 
northeast of Paradise City. It has a post-office and 



daily mail, express office, seven saloons, two stores, 
two hotels, one restaurant, one brewery, one book- 
store and other industrial places. It is quite a 
center, and at the last election, in 1880, cast eighty 
votes. 

Star City was the principal town of the Star Dis- 
trict, and is ten miles north of Unionville, the former 
County Seat, and ten miles south of Mill City. It 
has an altitude of 3,700 feet, and is situated in a deep 
canon, with Star Peak, a loftj' mountain which is a 
landmark for all the region south of the Humboldt, 
only two miles distant. In 1864-05 it had a popu- 
lation of 1.200, whioh began leaving during the 
panic of the following years, until now, but four 
persons keep guard over the place. It has a Crane 
Concentrating Mill capable of reducing forty tons of 
ore in twenty-four hours. The value of all the tax- 
able property in the place is estimated at 810,000. 
[n consequence of the almost utter desertion of the 
place it has been next to impossible to gather any- 
thing of its early history. A full account of the 
mines has been given under the head of Star 
District. That 1,200 active men should ever have 
assembled at any point and remained there three or 
four years without making materials for an interest- 
ing history would be absurd, impossible. The aban- 
doned shafts and tunnels, the holes where the miner 
had his shanty, the half-ruined chimnej^s, and the 
hundreds of trails ramifj-ing in every direction 
through the cafion, are all that remain to speak of 
the busy thousand who once hoped to achieve fort- 
unes which should make them respected and happy. 

^ Unionville has a history of its own, which alone 
would make a good-sized volume. To condense 
into a few pages a history which involves so many 
social, political, and financial features is a piece of 
vandalism that a true historian is verj- unwilling to 
be guilty of, but there seems to bo no alternative. 

Soon after the discovery of the Comstock Lode, 
the Indians brought into the camp pieces of ore 
similar to the rich rock of that lead, and expressed 
a willingness to conduct white men to the vicinit}'. 
Captain Hugo Pfersdorff and J. C. Hannan, with 
two donkeys loaded with supplies, and four Pah- 
Ute Indians, started out into the desert of sage- 
brush, sand plains, and rugged, barren mountains, 
and on the twelfth day of May, 1861, just as the 
sun was setting, stood on the top of the ridge 
overlooking the Uuena Vista Valloj-, or Cafion, as 
it seems to have been improperly called, for it is 
rather a valley. The <|niet vallej-, with a clear 
stream running through it; the great gorge in the 
mountain range, which towered among the clouds; 
Star Peak some miles to the north, the summit co%'- 
ered with snow, contrasting with the dark-green of 
the valleys, were features fit to bo limned by a 
painter, or immortalized in poetry by a Homer or 
Virgil. Though our pros])ectors appreciated the 
scenery, they bad come for the silver that was in 



HISTORY OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY. 



459 



the monntains, and lost no time in giving the rocks 
a thorough examination. They wore gratified in 
finding abundant indications of mineral. Soon after 
the arrival of the first part}- of explorers, carao Jerry 
Harmon, \V. Strong. C. Lark, S. Montgomery. G. 
\V. Whitney, John Wolliver, 1). B. Higgins, A. P. K. 
Saftord, J. C. Fall, Thomas Kutherford, A. W. Night- 
ingill, F. Aires, W. A. Koleomh, George Wortman, 
jO. r. Dietz, (i. W. Fox, \Vm. H. Claggett, and Sam. 
^ Clemens (Mark Twain), all following the trail of the 
first party, and anxious to share the fortunes which 
were said to be had for the taking. Within a week 
from the time the first white men came into the 
cafion a meeting was called to organize a mining dis- 
trict, S. M. Carter being chosen Chairman; W. Cum- 
mings. Secretary. Within a year a town was organ- 
ized, the first set of officers, or Board of Directors, 
being K. McBeth, Chas. Kyle, Chris. Lark, James 
Emorj', and John Spencer. J. W. Story was the first 
Treasurer of the town. The town was originally 
laid out nearlj- a mile above the present location by 
;^aptain Pfersdorft', who called the place Buena Vista. 
It is said that, in anticipation of a great population 
coming, the owner asked extortionate prices for his 
land; in consequence of which, Chris. Lark, who had 
taken up a place a mile below, conceived the plan of 
having a rival town, and by judiciously giving away 
and selling lots cheap, he turned the tide of set- 
tlement to his portion of the vallej', 100 houses 
being put up in a short time. 
i ' What's in a name ? At first the new place, which 
had a preponderance of persons sympathizing with 
the Rebellion, was called Dixie, but in the course of 
the 3-ear a great many Union men came to the place, 
and July 14, ISGl, after much angry discussion and 
hard feeling, the town was baptized " Unionville," 
and the American flag flung to the breeze amid 
much rejoicing. 

In 1861 there were but three settlements in the 
county, Unionville, Humboldt City, and Star City, 
Dun Glen being settled the following season. At the 
organization of the county, in 1802, the (iovornor 
designated Unionville as the county seat, which posi- 
tion it retained until 1873, when it was removed to 
Winnemucca. Though the population poured rapidly 
into the Star District very little substantial work 
was done until 1866, when the Arizona mine was 
sold by Wm. (Jraves and Ed. Kelly to Fall and 
Temple, who organized the Arizona Silver Mining 
Company, with John C. Fall as Superintendent. It 
is said that the Arizona Mine has produced 8.'{,500,- 
000 of bullion to date. The IlumliuUt Register, a 
lively, six-column paper, was started in May, 1863. 

The population of the town, in its best days, is 
variously estimated from 000 to 1,500. The ditt'er- 
enco in the estimates is probably caused by the 
boundaries not being exactly doSned, one party 
basing his estimates on those who actually resided 
in the compact part of the town, the other including 
the suburbs many miles in extent. Since 1870 the 



town and surrounding district has declined consider- 
ably in population, the present population being 
about 2(10. Unionville is considerabl}* above the 
level of the basin, which is about 4,000 feet above 
the ocean, and is pleasantly located in a valley which 
brings to perfection all kinds of hardy fruits, and 
good crops of hay and grain. There are now two 
stores, one saloon, two restaurants, one livery stable, 
two blacksmith shojjs, a post-office, a telegraph and 
express oflSce. The buildings are constructed mainly 
of wood and adobe, some being of stone, however; 
there is one church (Methodist Episcopalj, built of 
wood, costing $2,500, and capable of seating 500 
persons. 

The only mining machinery in the town is a 
twenty-stamp tailing-mill, capable of working forty 
tons a day, and a two-stamp prospecting-raill, work- 
ing one ton a day. The town is supplied with 
water by a pipe running from the head of the cafion. 
It is private property. The villages in the vicinity 
are Rye Patch Station, six miles west over the 
mountains. Mill City, on the line of the railroad 
twenty miles away, through which supplies are 
obtained from Sacramento and San Francisco, Star 
City, ten miles north, and Vandewater, ten miles 
south. Wood for fuel is obtained from the surround- 
ing mountains, and is mostly cedar and mahogany. 
There is no prevailing disease unless a tendency at 
some seasons of the year to pneumonia may be con- 
sidered as such. The locality is not subject to floods, 
and has had but one severe fire, which occurred in 
August, 1871, burning the express office, Luther's 
store and David's shoe shop; the damage being about 
85,000. 

WiNNE.MUCCA is situated on the south side Of the 
Humboldt River, 475 miles from San Francisco, 130 
miles oast from Wads worth, fifty miles north of Union- 
ville, and forty-two miles southeast from Paradise 
City. This place was known in 1861 as the French 
Bridge, or Ford, from its being a noted crossing 
place. Joseph Ginacca and J. A. Algaur, both now 
dead, were the owners at that time. The former of 
these was the originator of the Humboldt Canal, 
spoken ofin another place. The immediate site of the 
town was formerly a hay ranch, owned by White, 
Moore k Rule, as early as 1801. The town received 
its name from C. B. O. Bannon, nephew of the 
Secretary of the Interior under Lincoln, who wished 
to perpetuate the name of a famous Indian Chief 
Along with Bannon came Jlillon Shepardson, J. il. 
Thackor, R. B. Cutler, T. D. Parkin.son, and soon 
after, H. liarnes, N. Levy, W. F. Stephens, and 
others. When the Idaho travel commenced in 1868, 
a large portion of it found it most convenient to 
leave the Central Pacific Railroad at this point, and 
it became a famous stage and teaming center. Its 
most prosperous jieriod was from 186S to 1874, when 
it had a population of some 1,600. In 1872 it got the 
county seat away from Unionville, being much 
nearer the center of population than that place. 



400 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



The present population is about 1,000, with fifteen 
stores, three hotels, twenty-one saloons, three livery 
stables, live blacksmith shops, and twelve other 
places of business not enumerated; telegraph office, 
post-office, express office, assay office, reduction 
works, tlouring-mill, two churches (Methodist and 
Prcsbj'teriaii), two clergj-men, two lawyers, six 
physicians, and one newspaper, the Silver State. 

The Humboldt Iieduction Works have a smelting 
furnace and ten -stamp mill. The flouring mill has 
two run of buhr-stone, and turns out a good quality 
of flour, enabling the farmers in the vicinity to realize 
good prices for all their wheat. 

The education of the children is attended to, 
there being two schools with competent teachers. 

The Court House is a large and substantial brick 
structure, with jail and fire-proof vaults, built in 
1874, at a cost of $50,000, for which bonds were 
issued bearing an annual intei-est. A county hos- 
pital provides a home for the indigent sick. 

The Masons and Odd Fellows have strong socie- 
ties in Winnemucca, as do the Ancient Order of 
United Workmen and the Independent Order of 
tTOod Templars. The first two have an inclosed 
cemetery. 

Th(! supplies are obtained at Sacra-nento and San 
Francisco, by way of the Central I'acific Jtailroad. 
Wood is supplied from the surrounding hills, and is 
mostly of juniper, or cedar as it is commonly called. 

Winnemucca, in consequence of being situated on a 
line of extensive travel, where persons of all nations 
and character come in contact, has an extensive 
record of homicides. These are recorded elsewhere 
in this work. 

Extensive fires occurred in 1870 and '76, destroying 
considerable property. 

The immediate prosperity of the town depends upon 
the trade to the northern portion of the State and Ida- 
ho, and the possession of the county seat. It is quite 
likely that a railway may be built through the Par- 
adise Valley to Idaho, making Winnemucca a railway 
center, in which case the town will have a brilliant 
future. 

The valley of the Humboldt is hero very broad, 
and the possibilities of an extensive farming and 
pastoral region are suggested to the observer. The 
bottom lands near the river, where the old French 
Crossing was the town before the railroad came, 
are already fertile, and other 'localities, where water 
has been ajqilied, show the productive ((ualities of 
the soil. Should enterprise bring a sufficient quan- 
tity- of water for general irrigation, either b^- pipes 
from the mountains, as at Humboldt House, or by 
artesian wells, as at Battle Mountain, the whole 
could bo made part of that Paradise Valley that 
stretches away to the north. Such was the view 
that Ginacca, the enterprising pioneer of the town, 
hail when he jirojected the great canal which was to 
redeem the desert and establish manul'actories and 
towns along its course, Hut Ginacoa has passed 



awaj- without realizing the dream of his life, but 
instead, bearing the contumely of devoting a 
fortune to an impracticable idea. He was acting, 
simpl}-, in advance of the time. The localities 
irrigated prove what can be done, and intelligent 
enterprise will not permit the wide plains and valleys 
of Nevada to remain the deserts of the savage. 




H. Bleiinerhassett 

Is a native of South Carolina, and a grandson of the 
Blennerhassett of the Ohio, so celebrated in the 
story of Aaron Burr and his southwestern empire. 
He served in the Confederate Army during the Civil 
War, and came to the Stale of Nevada, in 1S70. He 
was one of the Democratic Presidential Electors for 
Tilden, and was also Chairman of the Democratic 
State Central (Committee. Married the only daugh- 
ter of C. Chenowith, of Winnemucca, Humboldt 
County. Their union has been blessed with two 
children. 










-?.- ? 








i^.-»'-i^ 



■i-'J 



'*^'f^»^.«^ 






EORGE'S EPISCOPAL CHU RCH , AUSTI N, LAN E"R CO.NEV. 




DORMITORY to STATE U NIVERSiTV, ELKO, NEV. 



HISTORY OF LANDER COUNTY. 



4C1 



CHAPTER XLVll. 

HISTORY OF LANDER COUNTY. 

Discovery of and Rush to the Mines — Organization and Bound' 
aries — County Seat and Court House — (bounty Debt and 
Court House — Judicial District and Schools — Otiicers Ap- 
pointed and Elected — The Ix.a<lin;; Industries — Bonds, Prop- 
erty and Population — Principal Towns — Austin the County 
Scat — Incorporated as a City — Water Company and Stock 
Board — Reaction and \'aryinj; Fortunes — Destructive Rain 
Storms — Chanf;e8 and Present Appearance — Hon. M. J. 
FarrcU — Andrew Nichols — The Man with the Axt — Battle 
Mountain — A. J. Blossom — Deserted Towns and Cities — 
Principal Mining Districts. 

The occupation and settlement of the various 
States, Territories and localities on the Pacific Coast 
have been in periods of excitement and by " rushes" 
of people. Possiblj' in no other way could the 
development of the country, or at least many local- 
ities have been accomplished, and, however much an 
excitement and consequent rush may be deprecated 
the results have been, almost without exception, of 
great public benefit. Great indignation has at times 
prevailed against those who have told stories of rich 
prospects, and traditions are extant of the summary 
execution of men who have led others on a wild 
hunt for rich mines which they failed to find. But 
wherever the rushes have been some discoveries have 
been made, and settlements followed. California was 
thus settled in the excitement consequent on the 
gold discover}- of 1848. British Columbia was 
overrun and brought to the knowledge of the world 
by the Fraser River excitement; the current of pop- 
ulation was turned over the Sierra Nevada by the 
Washoe excitement, and at last the great interior 
of the wilderness was penetrated at a bound in con- 
sequence of the Reese River excitement. Perhaps 
without an excitement the distant Pacific Coast, 
with all its loveliness, would have remained unoccu- 
pied, and the sage-brush ])lain8 of JSevada would 
still have remained on the maps as " Unexplored 
Regions." 

The Reese River excitemctit began in 18U2. At 
that period the overland mail created all the civilized 
life of the central and eastern part of the Territory 
of Nevada. The route crossed the valley of Reese 
Jliver at Jacobs Station, and from eight to twelve 
miles northeast crossed the Toij-nbo range of mount- 
ains, bj- a j)ass called Telegraph Cafion. Nearly east 
of Jacobs Station was a pass, through which the 
Pony Express riders had often traveled as a cut-off 
on the overland road, and, as a consequence, received 
the name of Pony Canon. From this cafion, on the 
second of May, 18(J2, Mr. William M. Talcott, who 
had been a Pony Express rider before that institu- 
tion was superseded by the telegraph, was hauling 
wood for the stage station, and discovered a vein of 
ore-bearing quartz. The ore was taken to the sta- 
tion, and some sent to Virginia for assay. Proving 
rich, the report of the new discovery soon got 
abroad, and the excitement soon followed. 

The ])revious history of this section consisted in 
the laying out of the Simpson Route, the establishing 
58 



of the overland mail, the construction of the tele- 
graph — all of which are related elsowhere in this 
work. Talcott, the discoverer of the ledge which ho 
named the Pon}', and the first Recorder of the dis- 
trict, was a native of Maryland, to which State ho 
afterwards returned and died. 

Reese River Mining District was organized on the 
tenth of May, 18(>2. The first locators of mines 
were Wm. M. Talcott, Felix O'Neil, Augustus Clapp, 
James Farmer, G. W. Jacobs, J. R. Jacobs, A. P. 
Hawes, Joseph Town, Walter Cary, (r. L. Turner, 
and T. L. Crubb. Their locations covered a total of 
of 2,(500 feet. The first location was called the Pony 
Ledge, which is now owned by Charles R. Stebbins 
of Austin. 

ORd.VNIZATION AND BOITNDARIES. 

The bill creating Lander County, out of por- 
tions of Humboldt and Churchill Counties, was 
framed by A. J. Simmons, and was approved Decem- 
ber li), 1802. The boundaries of the new county 
were defined in the statute as follows; — 

Beginning at the point of intersection of the for- 
tieth meridian of longitude, west from Washington, 
with the forty-second parallel of north latitude, or 
northern boundary of Nevada Territorj-; thence, run- 
ning south on the line of said fortieth meridian of 
longitude, through the counties of Humboldt and 
Churchill, to the thirty-ninth parallel of north lati- 
tude, ornorthern boundary- line of Esmeralda County; 
thence east, along the said northern boundary line 
of Esmeralda County, to the eastern boundary line of 
the Territorj^; thence north, following the eastern 
boundary line of the Territory, to the northern 
boundary line of the Territory aforesaid; thence 
west, along said northern boundary line, to the place 
of beginning. 

This included about one-third the area of Nevada, 
as its boundaries then existed. The region was a 
vast, unexplored wilderness, crossed by two overland 
routes of travel, the Humboldt Valley and the Simp- 
son routes. The mines in Ponj- Cafion had been dis- 
covered, and the name of "Reese River" given to the 
district. Six miles west, near the stream called 
Reese River, was a station of the Overland .Mail, and 
the only settlement near. This was then called 
Jacobs' Springs, afterward called Jacobsvillo, in hon- 
or of George Washington Jacobs, the division agent 
of the Overland Mail Com])any. Here was located 
the county seat, subject to a vote of the people at 
the next general election. In the midst of the mines 
in Pony Cailon, Austin had been built, and on the 
second of September, 1803, the people voted that 
Austin should become the county seat. By calcula- 
tions subsequently made the fact was ascertained 
that the western boundary of the countj', the fortieth 
meridian, was east of the county seat. This was rec- 
tified by an Act approved February 20, 1864, by 
removing that part of the western boundaiy between 
the fortieth and thirty-ninth parallels westward to 
the Mount Airoj- Station, a distance of about twenty 
miles. This lino was subsequently made to conform 
to the summit of the Desatoya range of mountains. 



462 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



By Act of Congress approved May 5, 1866, a strip 
of territory of one degree of longitude was taken 
from Utah and added to Nevada, ceding to the State 
at the same time all that part of Arizona north and 
west of the Colorado River. This added three square 
degrees of territory to Lander County, which then 
comprised about twenty-eight percent, of the entire 
State, and all the population of the region which soon 
became known as "The Great East." From this great 
area numerous counties were afterwards carved, giv- 
ing Lander the title of "Mother of Counties." 

By an Act approved March 5, 1869, the counties 
of Elko and White Pine were created, taking a little 
more than two degrees of the eastern part of Lan- 
der, and by an Act approved March 1, 1871, all that 
portion north of the fortj'-first parallel was ceded to 
Elko. By an Act approved March 1, 1873, the 
county was divided bj^ a line drawn south from a 
point midway on its northern boundary, and the 
eastern portion was made the county of Eureka. 
Subsequently to the organization of Xye Countj*, a 
strip of about ten miles in width was added to it 
from the southern part of Lander, and, in 1873, the 
line between Lander and Humboldt was adjusted to 
run from the northeast corner of Churchill direct to 
the center of township 32 north, range 42 east, Mount 
Diablo base and meridian, thence east to the fortieth 
meridian of longitude, taking quite a large area from 
Humboldt County, and with it all the lower portion 
of the Reese River Valley. The present area of the 
county is about 5,200 square miles. 

The name was bestowed in honor of General Fred- 
erick W. Lander, previously mentioned in the his- 
tory of the Indian War of 1860, who was in charge 
of the construction, bj^ the United States Government, 
of a wagon road across Nevada. He Rubsecjuentlj- 
became a Brigadier General in the L^nion Army during 
the war of the Rebellion, dying at the age of forty, 
at Paw Paw, Virginia, March 2, 1862, from wounds 
received in battle. 

COUNTY SEAT AND COURT HOUSE. 

By the provisions of the creative Act, Jacobsville 
was made the county seat of Lander until a census 
could be taken, and a permanent location could be 
fixed upon by a vote of the people. The Governor 
was authorized to appoint, prior to the next gen- 
eral election, such county and township oflicers as 
he might deem necessary. The County Commis- 
sioners, thus appointed, hold their first meeting 
March 3, 1863, approved the bonds of officers pre- 
sented, and granted to J. Gooding a franchise for a 
toll-road across Warsaw Slough to Jacobsville. Thoj- 
also authorized the County Clerk to advertise for 
bids for a Court House. At a subsequent meeting, 
held April 29th, they awarded the contract to J. A. 
McDonald. He was to have the building completed 
by the first of August following, and was to receive 
therefor the sum of 88,440. At the same meeting 
they divided the county into thirteen districts. 



The Court House was completed on time; and at 
the meeting, held August 5th, the Commissioners 
accepted the building, and issued scrip to the con- 
tractor for the amount agreed upon. They also 
redivided the county into ten districts, each to be a 
voting precinct, and to have a Justice of the Peace. 

The census taken in July, 1863, showed the actual 
residents in these precincts to be 1,052 men and 110 
women, also two "young children," which were 
credited to Austin. No attempt was made to enu- 
merate the prospectors scattered among the hills of 
the various mining districts, but their number was 
cstimiitod at 400. About 500 emigrants, not entitled 
to vote, were not included in the census. Counting 
all, the total population of Lander County on July 
22, 1863, footed up 2,062; and the larger proportion 
consisted of persons under forty years of age. 

By a vote of the people at the election, hold Sep- 
tember 2, 1863, Austin was made the county seat; 
and the new Board of Commissioners met on the 
twenty-first of September, at Jacobsville, and ad- 
journed to meet at Austin in the afternoon of the 
same day. 

COURT HOUSE AND COUNTY SEAT. 

The Court House which had been built at Jacobs- 
ville was removed to Austin immediatelj- after, and 
additions made thereto. At a meeting of the Board, 
held in April, 1804, voting precincts in each of the 
four wards were established, and the nineteenth 
day of A|>ril fixed as election day. Thcj' also divided 
the county into nine townships for the purpose of 
revenue, issued scrip in payment of outstanding 
claims against the county, and entered upon what 
now would seem to be a system of useless as well 
as extravagant expenditure of public funds. Within 
two years after the organization of the county it 
was nearly $200,000 in debt, and its scrip sold for 
fifteen cents on the dollar. 

JUDICIAL DISTRICT AND SCHOOLS. 

By an Act, approved February 16, 1864, Lander 
County was attached to the Third Judicial District, 
that district being already composed of Lyon and 
Humboldt Counties. 

In October, 1865, H. S. Herrick, Superintendent 
of Public Schools for the county, rejjorted that there 
were five school districts, four school houses, and 
five schools in the county; that there had been ex- 
ponded forschool purposes during the year 84,464.14, 
and that the number of children of school age was 
444. The schools were carried on by the aid of the 
State School Fund and a direct property tax. 

OFFICERS APPOINTED AND ELECTED. 

By the Act creating Lander Countj', the Governor 
was authorized to appoint, prior to the next general 
election, such county and township officers as ho 
may deem necessarj'. The appointments made by 
him, December 22, 1862, together with all subsequent 
appointments and elections t<> otiico in this county, 
are given hereafter with the title of the office, the 



HISTORY OF LANDER COUNTY. 



4G3 



name of the officer and date of election or appoint- 
ment in each case. 

SENATORS. 

i>. E. Waidron, elected to Council September 2, 
18G3; A. B. Dibble and A. P. Hereford, elected 
Senators January 19, 18C4, under the Constitution 
that was defeated; M. 1). Larrowe, elected Novem- 
ber 8, 1864, became non-resident September 21, 
1860; W. W. Ilobart, elected November 8, 1864; 1). 
\V. Welty, and G. T. Terry, elected November 6, 
1866. Terry was elected to fill the unexpired term of 
Larrowe. S. Wilson, elected November 3, 1868; W . 
VV. McCoy, and John Spencer, elected November 8, 
1870; Geo. VV. Cassidy, elected November 5, 1872; 
M. J. Farreli, elected November 3, 1874, i-e-elected 
November 5, 1878. 

ASSEMBLYMEN. 

T. J. Tennant and R. S. Dixon, elected Ivcpresent- 
atives under Territorial Government September 2, 
1863; C. S. Sherman, S. G. Sewell and D. H. Lem- 
mon, elected Assemblymen Januarj* 19, 1864, under 
the Constitution that was defeated; E. A. Morse and 
D. P. Waters, elected Representatives under the 
Territorial Government, but were superseded by the 
adoption of the Constitution at the same election, 
September 7, 1864; 1). P. Waters, J. L. Hinckley, E. 
P. Sine and M. A. llosenblatt, elected Assemblj'men 
November 8, 1864; J. M. Dorsey, J. R Jacobs, T. J. 
Tennant, and Robert Cullen, elected Novembjr 6 
1866; T. J. Tennant, R. J. Moody, Geo. D. Coburn 
and Geo. F. Mills, elected November 3, 1868; S. L. 
Fuller, T. J. Jones, L. Murphy and H, A. VV illard, 
elected November 8, 1870; E. J. Elzy, R. L. Horton, 
Frank V. Drake and James II. Burgess, elected 
Novembers, 1872; Geo. Watts and Andrew Nichols, 
elected November 3, 1874; JamesE.Rooker, Andrew 
Nichols andM. A. Sawtelle, elected November 7, 1876; 
Thomas E. Ilagar, Geo. Watts and John Smyth, 
elected November 5, 1878; John Smyth, W. B. New- 
ell and C. P. Soule, elected November 2, 1880. 

COCNTV COMMISSIONERS. 

J. A. Veatch, Wm. M. Talcott and Geo. W. Wilson, 
appointed January 26, 1863. Talcott resigned April 
10th and Abraham Hopper was appointed April 20, 
1863, to fill vacancy; Wilson resigned May 15th, 
and James P, Greaves was apjwinted July 17, 1863, 
to fill vacancy. T. H. Thompson, Wm. B. Morse, and 
J. P. Greaves, elected September 2, 1863. G. A. 
Swasey, appointed December 5, 1863, in place of 
Thompson; E. G. Lamb, appointed March 24, 1864, 
in place of Swasey; J. A. Mitchell, appointed August 
17, 1864, in place of Lamb; Morse, left the county, 
and George iMay appointed to fill vacancy December 
3, 1863; M. P. Haynes, appointed April 20, 1864, in 
place of May, resigned; AV. II. Anderson, appointed 
July 23, 1864, in place of Haynes, resigned; Greaves, 
resigned April 12, 1864, and R. H. Williams ap- 
pointed June 16, 1864, to fill vacancy; F. C. Chase, 
appointed November 11, 1864, in place of Williams. 
A. H. Wilson, F. C. Chase and J. M. Jonos, elected 



September 7, 1864; J. O. Mitchell, A. H. Wilson and 
John Gray, elected November 8, 1864; J. F. Hallock, 
J. A. Mitchell and John Gray, elected November 6, 
1866; Gray resigned August 7, 1867; James Burgess, 
John Spencer and M. Sowers, elected November 3, 
1868; M. Sowers, J. H. Burgess and Matt. Furth, 
elected November 8, 1870; W. S. Gage and Wm. 
Arrington, elected November 5, 1872. Arrington re- 
signed March 11, 1873; Gage resigned September 15, 
1876. A. M. Home and J. W. McWilliams, elected 
Novembers, 1874; Geo. L. Love, and J. N. Baker, 
elected November 7, 1876; J. H. Burgess, J. N. 
Baker and Henry Kling, elected November 5, 1878. 
Burgess died January 3d, and T. W. Triplett ap- 
pointed June 17, 1879, to fill vacancj'. A. A. Curtis 
and J. P. Cope, elected November 2, 1880. 

PROBATE JUDGES. 

Parish B. Ladd. appointed December 22, 1862, re- 
moved for disloyalty July 6, 1863, and J. H. Ralston 
appointed to fill vacancy. E. A. Crane, elected Sep- 
tember 2, 1863. Geo. S. Hupp, elected County Judge 
Januarj' 19, 1864, but never served, the Constitution 
under which he was elected being defeated. 

DISTRICT ATTORNEYS. 

John Carmichael, appointed December 22, 1862; 
Frank Jones, elected September 2, 1863; E. C. 
Brearly, elected November 8, 1864, resigned June 
12, 1865, and B. P. Rankin, appointed to fill vacancy. 
11. Mayenbaiim, elected November 6, 1866, re-elected 
November;!, 1868; F. H. Harmon, elected November 
8, 1870; N. D. Anderson, elected November 5, 1872, 
re-elected November 3, 1874, re elected November 7, 
187(); George A. Douglass, elected November 5, 1878; 
H. T. Creswell, elected November 2, 1880. 

COUNTY SHERIFFS. 

George W. Jacobs, appointed December 22, 1862; 
J. H. Tabor, elected September 2, 1863; J. Leffing- 
well, elected November 8, 1864; B. F. Sanborn, 
elected November 6, 1866; J. M. Dawlej-, elected 
November 3. 1868; C. D. Spiers, elected November 
8, 1870; John Emory, elected November 5, 1872, re- 
elected Nevember 3, 1874; J. C. Harper, elected 
November 7, 1876, re-elected November 5, 1878, died 
December 12, 1879, and B. C. Thomas appointed 
December 18th to fill vacancy. B. C. Thomas, 
elected November 2, 1880. 

COUNTY CLERKS. 

Elisha A. Marsh, appointed December 22, 1862; 
S. E. Greele}-, elected September 2, 1863; Richard 
Brown, elected November 8, 1864; C. D. Spier, 
elected November 6, 1866; D. C. McKenney, elected 
November 3, 1S(;8; John H. Dennis, elected Novem- 
ber 8, 1870; M. J. Farreli, elected November 5, 1872; 
W. A. Clifford, elected November 3, 1874; J. L. 
Brennan, elected November 7, 1876; J. A. Miller, 
elected November 5, 1878, re-elected November 2, 
1880. 



464 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



COUNTY TREASURERS. 

Augustus Clapp, appointed December 22, 1862; J. 
M. Dawly, elected September 2, 18(53; Wm. Pardy, 
elected November 8, 1864; Jesse Beene, elected 
November 6, 1866, re-elected November 3, 1868; 
George F. Dinsmore, elected November 8, 1870; A. 
A. Curtis, elected November 5, 1872, re-elected No- 
vember 3, 1874; J. Gilbert, elected November 7, 
1876; J. A. Wright, elected November 5, 1878, re- 
elected November 2, 1880. 

COUNTY ASSESSORS. 

James R. Jacobs, appointed December 22, 1862; 
H. S. Herrick, elected September 2, 1863; C. O. 
Barker, elected November 8, 1864; A. E. Titus, 
elected November 6, 1866; T. W. Triplett, elected 
November 3, 1868; S. O. Clifford, elected November 
8, 1870, re-elected November 5, 1872; L. Duncan, 
elected November 3, 1874; C. D. Spiers, elected 
November 7, 1876; J. C. Smyle, elected November 
5, 1878; L. Duncan, elected November 2, 1880. 

COUNTY RECORDERS. 

James L. Thompson, appointed December 22, 
1862; E. S. Davis, elected September 2, 1863, re- 
elected November 8, 1864; Richard Brown, elected 
November 6, 1866; C. D. Spier, elected November 
3, 1868; H. J. Biddleman, November 8, 1870, re- 
elected November 5. 1872; J. F. Roberts, elected 
November 3, 1874; Charles Lund, elected November 
7, 1876; A. C. McCafferty, elected November 5, 1878, 
re-elected November 2, 1880. 

COUNTY SUPERINTENDENTS OP SCHOOLS. 

W. J. Brown, elected September 2, 1863, resigned 
March 8, 1864, H. S. Herrick, appointed to fill vacan- 
cy; H. S. Herrick, elected November 8, 1864; T. 
Norwood, elected November 6, 1866, resigned and J. 
S. Slauson appointed April 2, 1867, to fill vacancy; 
T. 11. Harmon, elected November 3, 1868; M. Dozier, 
elected November 8, 1870; J. R. Williamson, elected 
November 5, 1872, re-elected November 3, 1874, re- 
elected November 7, 1876; C. A. Dyer, elected Nov- 
ember 5, 1878; J. S. Hammond, elected November 2. 
1880. 

COUNTY SURVEYORS. 

Francis Tagliabuo, appointed December 22, 1862; 
M. J. Noyes, elected Se|)tember 2, 1863, re-elected 
November 8, 1864; T. J. Read, elected November 6, 
1866; David Kerr, elected November 3, 1868; T. J. 
Read, elected November 8, 1870; Wm. A. Edwards, 
elected November 5, 1872; C Von Netzer, elected 
November 3, 1874; Melville Curtis, elected Novem- 
ber 7, 1876; J. C. Smyle, elected November 5, 1878; 
Frank Duffy, elected November 2, 1880. 

PUBLIC AD.MINISTRATORS. 

H. A. Barrows, elected November 8, 1864; W. W. 
Wixom, elected November 6, 1866; B. B. Stansbury, 
elected November 3, 1868; John Grove, elected No- 
vember 8, 1870; W. B. Wilson, elected November 5, 
1872, resigned March 28, 1873, and Richard Pierce 



appointed to fill vacancy; J. Dreyfus, elected Novem- 
ber 3, 1874; R. Y. Woodward, elected November 7, 
1876; P. Laughlin, elected November 5, 1878, re- 
elected November 2, 1880. 



COLLECTORS. 

Samuel Gilson, appointed December 22, 1862. In 
accordance with the provisions of an additional Act 
approved December 19, 1862, the office of Sheriff and 
Collector of Lander County were consolidated. 

THE LEADING INDUSTRIES. 

In view of frosts, lack of rain, and the apparent 
sterility of the soil, the first settlers of Lander 
County entertained little hope of ever being success- 
ful in agricultural pursuits. In this they were not 
much mistaken, although experiments and intelligent 
operations have resulted in the production of suffi- 
cient grain and vegetables to meet the local demand, 
and at prices profitable to the producer and reason- 
able to the consumer. Stock-raising has also become 
an important industry. Still the leading industry of 
the county is and always has been that of mining. 

The first bullion product was from Buell's five- 
stamp mill, which was put in opei'ation in August, 
1863, and was the first mill started in the county. 
From this time forward the construction of mills 
kept pace with the discovery of mines. In the 
beginning of 1865 there were fifteen mills in opera- 
tion in the county, with a total number of 110 
stamps, and in the spring of 1866 there were twenty- 
nine mills, with an aggregate of 444 stamps. The 
cost of a twenty-stamp steam mill at the place of 
manufacture in San Francisco was, at that time, 
from S17,000 to 825,000. The cost of transportation 
to the Reese River District was from 64,000 to 87,000, 
and ground, grading, furnaces, buildings, etc. usually 
made the cost aggregate from §125,000 to §250,000 
for a first-class mill. There were at that time 
nearly sixty mining districts in the Reese River 
region. 

The yield of the mines increased steadily from 
1863, when the product was 816,109, to 1868, when 
it was 82,574,810; and the total product to 1880 was 
816,659,209. The revenue derived from the tax on 
bullion aided the county greatly in the reduction of 
its bonded and floating indebtedness, and in placing 
it8oll'ui)on an easier financial footing. 

BONDS, PROPERTY AND POPULATION. 

B}' an Act of the Legislature, approved January 
23, 1877, the county was authorized to issue its 
bonds to the amount of 8200. (K)O in aid of the Nevada 
Central Railroad, which was soon afterward com- 
pleted, giving the county of Lander (juicker commu- 
nication with the outside world. The total popula- 
tion, as appears from the census of 1880, is 3,624. 
The assessed valuation of property for that year 
was 82,007,319; total debt, 82(10,000, and cash on 
hand in the treasury of the county, 817,348.03. 




HISTORY OF LANDER COUNTY. 



465 



PRINCIPAL TOWNS. 

Austin leads in age as it does alphabetically the 
towns of Lander, while Amador, once its rival, has 
passed to the list of " deserted towns and cities." 
The growth of Austin and its history will constitute 
the major part of the history of the county. Should 
one look for it on the map, it will bo found in lati- 
tude 30° 29' :W'. and in longitude 40° 4' west from 
Washington, or almost exactly in the center of the 
State. Senator M. J. Farrell, in a lecture before the 
Reese River Pioneers, gave such a sketch of its 
history that it is reproduced in the following: — 

When 1 arrived in Austin in Ajiril, ISfj.'}, there 
was but one house, unfinished, and a few brush 
tents. Clifton was at that time a verj- livelj- mining 
camp, containing probably twenty or twenty-five 
houses, and was rajiidly filling up with pilgrims from 
California, but the grand rush had not commenced. 
1 made a trip to California, in vSeptember of that 
year, and the emigration was then at its zenith. I 
did not take the trouble to count, but others did, 
and one who traveled over the road on horseback, 
and was ])art of two daj-s off the main track, re])orteii 
274 freight teams (carrying freight at fifteen to 
twenty cents per pound), nineteen passenger wagons, 
three pack trains, sixty-nine horsemen, and thirty- 
one footnu-n between Austin and Virginia. Another 
recorded 4(M) teams of all descriptions, counted in a 
stage ride between the same places, and it would be 
safe to say that there were one-third as many on the 
way from Salt Lake Citj' and the East. At the 
same time two lines of stages from Virginia were 
booked for six or seven days ahead ; and parties in 
Virginia who never intended to come to Austin 
made a good speculation b}' booking and selling 
their chances, at a good advance, to persons who 
were afraid the claims would all be located before 
they could get to the scene. Li fact, the road was 
literallj' crowded with people in wagons, stages, car- 
riages and carts, on horseback, on donko3's. with 
saddles and without satldles, with hand-carts, wheel- 
barrows, on foot, and in every other conceivable 
mode of traveling, all rushing wildly to Reese River, 
the land of promise, the poor man's paradise, the 
Mecca of fortune's devotees. Thej- seemed to have 
but one idea, with which they were perfectly satu- 
rated, and that was to get to Austin </uic/c. It was 
impossible not to get excited when brought in con- 
tact with this eager crowd of people; and those 
who smiled at the recital when at a distance, in Cal- 
ifornia or at the East, were the wildest of the wild 
when they reached hero. Houses were built, tents 
erected, and bru.sh shanties thrown togclluT, and in 
an incredibly short space of time a town had sprung 
up as if by the touch of an enchanter's wand. 
Water was scarce, and an enterprising firm that 
retailed it in carts, cleared from 81.0011 to 61.200 per 
week. The dust became unbearable, by reason of 
the immense amount of teaming and travel, and an 
Austin bath was described as composed of two inches 
of cold water in a big tub, a piece of brown 
soap, a napkin, and a dollar and a half The 
whole surrounding section was laid otf into lots. 
streets, blocks, mining claims and water rights. 
Even wet ground was made the subject 
of proprietary interest. City lots sold all the 
way from 8100 to 88,000 apiece. During the 
summer of 1863, building operations were carried 
on with the greatest energy, and in addition to innu- 



merable tents and shanties, 3CG houses were built. 
Fortune-hunters from California brought their houses 
with them, having them all ready to put up on 
arrival at Austin. New mining excitements occur- 
red constantly, new districts were discovered and 
organized, new towns were laid ofi", and thousands 
who had hurried to Austin hurried ofi' as eagerly 
elsewhere, and j'ot the Jtocsc River metropolis con- 
tained 10,000 |)oo])le. Money was abundant, chiefly 
in twentj'-doUar gold pieces, which nobody could 
change, and provisions were correspondingl}- high. 
Flour, at one time, sold at fift}- dollars per hundred 
weight. Every industrial avocation and every pro- 
fession had representatives, and saloons and gambling 
dens were ample for all emergencies. Stages departed 
regularl}' to Watertown, Canyon City, ]?ig Ci-eek, 
Washington, Lme, Yandleville, Yankee Blade, ]5utte 
City, tieneva. Coral City, .Tacobsville, Lander City, 
Pizarro, Clinton, Centervillc, Augusta, Bolivia, 
Unionville, Star Citj^ and a multitude of places no 
longer heard of. From California and Utah ])ack- 
trains were constantly ari-iving, and even an air of 
oriental magnificence was imparted to the scene by 
the advent of a long train of camels, loaded to an 
astonishing extent. A duel occurred, a Young Men's 
Christian Association was formed, killings were com- 
mon, six ore mills were put U]), from ten to twenty 
mining organizations were incorporated daily, an 
enormous postal and express business was ti'ansacted 
and more than fifteen hundred ofilices were oi)ened in 
San Francisco for the sale of the hundreds of millions 
of dollars' worth of stock of the thousands of Reese 
River mining companies." 

Some additional accounts of early events have 
been furnished by John Frost, of the Manhattan 
Company. He says that Felix O'Neil, J. Q. C. Van- 
dcnbosch, George Buffet, and himself, arrived in 
Austin on the eighteenth day of December, 18G2, 
and found a Mr. Marshall and William Colo living in 
a cabin at Clifton, and running what was known as 
the Highland ,Mary Tunnel, opposite the present site 
of the International Hotel, on the south side of the 
canon, at a ]>oint which is now near the middle of 
the town of Austin. There was no one else there 
at the time, and as they wore the first to build a 
cabin, they could properl}- be called tho first set- 
tlers, although the first discovery of tho mines was 
made by the pony rider. 

Mr. Frost and his partners located claims known 
as tho North Star, Oregon and Southern Light, 
and then returned to tho Truckoo River to spend 
the winter. 

They returned in .March, 1803, and built the first 
cabin in Austin, which was of logs. The claims 
they located formed the nucleus of the present Man- 
hattan Company. The company was first known 
as O'Noil, Frost A: Co.; then as the Oregon Com- 
pany, under which name a ten-stamp mill was built 
and operated for two years. In June, 18G5, the 
property was sold to a New York Company, and 
tho name changed to Manhattan. The Frost iV 
O'Neil survey was the first town location made, 
and its object was to secure the water and mill site. 
After that, Marshall, previously- referred to, located 
a town site; and after him, D. E. Buoll, W. C. Uar- 



466 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



rington. E. Welton, and I. C. Bateman made a loca- 
tion. The citizens, together with the town-site 
proprietors, built the grade which made Austin 
possible, as no teams could previously get up from 
the valley. This was in the spring and summer of 
1863. Meantime, the town of Clifton, situated on 
the flat at the mouth of the canon, had grown to 
respectable dimensions, but after the grade was 
built its inhabitants commenced moving up to Aus- 
tin, which became the central town. The cost of 
the grade was 83,00(1, By the sixth of April, 1863, 
the town company had also completed the Inter- 
national Hotel, at Austin, a building, 37x90 feet in 
size; had donated St^OO for the establishment of the 
Receille newspaper; and one of its members, Buell. 
had started to San Francisco to secure the erection 
of an ore mill. 

On A])ril Cth a post-office was in operation at Clif- 
ton, with John \V. Clark as Postmaster. G. L. 
Turner also started a pony express for the carrying 
of letters to the various" mines, and to an office of 
Wells, Fargo iV Co., that was in charge of S, W. 
Langhorne. The Reveille of May 16th mentions that 
Clifton has hotels and stores of every description; 
that Austin promises to be a fine town; that flour 
is selling at seven dollars per hundred, whereas it 
commanded twontj'-two dollars in January; that the 
overland .stages pass regularly; that an extra line 
departs for Virginia Citj'; and that Austin is within 
four da3-s' travel of San Francisco, and three days 
travel of Salt Lake City. The same day it records 
the return of J. K. Jacobs from Carson City, bring- 
ing with him his daughter Nellie and Mrs. J. Stead- 
man, who were just over from San Francisco. To 
meet these parties, " Wash. " Jacobs and General 
Ford drove in a buggy to Mount Airey. Captain 
To-to-a, high chief of the Shoshones, also met^them at 
New Pass Station, accompanied by a band of his 
chosen braves. His attachment to Mr. J. R. Jacobs 
was remarkable, whose life he several times saved by 
giving timely warning of impending peril, and by 
putting out of the way jealous or vicious members of 
the tribe. On one occasion To-to-a killed an Indian 
who designed to assassinate Mr. Jacobs for thejreason 
that the latter had given the Indian some medicine 
which failed to eftect a cure. On May 17th, twenty 
families arrived from the States, and six families 
from California. On .May 2lid it is recorded that ''Iht* 
International Hotel is under the control of the firm 
of Bateman, Paul & Buell. George. W. Terrill has 
supervision of the restaurant in connection with the 
same, and presides with dignity." In June following, 
this hotel, which was but a lodging-house and saloon, 
was leased to Charles Stebbins. 

In addition to these W. K. Logan, at present 
Justice of the Peace, kept a tobacco and s tationery 
store. Jeff. Work, afterwards in the United States 
Land Office, ke])t the Hank Exchange Saloon, and 
Daniel E. Waldron, now of San Francisco, was attor- 
noy-ut-law. Austin then contained about 450 citi- 



zens, and its business enterprise was represented by 
two hotels or lodging-houses, two stores, five saloons, 
one billiard room, two meat markets, one bakery, 
two stationery stores, three blacksmith shops, one 
wagon shop, one variety store, tbree laundries, one 
lodging-house and a new one in course of construc- 
tion, one livery stable, one barber shop, one tailor 
shop, telegraph office. Wells, Fargo & Co.'s Express 
Office — John Leach. Agent — Turner's Express Office, 
two adobe yards, one dairy, one printing office, two 
lawyers, four Notaries Public, one sign painter, four 
carpenters, four stone masons, one boot and shoe 
store, one phj'sician. 

In July of this year Miss Jennie B. Bauch started 
a school in a brush tent. The Receille of Julj' 20th 
records the death of Annie McDonald, and alludes to 
it as '' the first from natural causes." The first child, 
a daughter, was born to Mrs. W, M. Middlcton, of 
Upper Austin, in the latter part of June; and, on 
July 4th, the first marriage took place — C. Bryant to 
Mrs. J. E. Leet. 

A0STIN THE COUNTY SEAT. 

By a vote of the people at the election held Sep- 
tember 2, 1863, Austin was declared the county seat 
of Lander County. It was here that prospectors, 
miners and men of means were congregating. It 
was thought to be the center of a series of min- 
eral-bearing veins, which would be found to extend 
through the earth for miles around. These things, 
together with the fact that it occupied about the 
geographical center of the State, from which parties 
in search of mines would take their departure, and 
to which they would return, raised great hopes con- 
cerning the future of Austin. The population 
increased rapidly, and the highest prices were paid 
for mechanics of all kinds. Food was scarce, and 
8400 per thousand was paid for lumber. The cost of 
working ore was 8100 per ton, and, in January-, 1804, 
the mills reported a total production of ore to date of 
8100,000. 

On the second of January, 1864, a fire company 
was organized, which was called the Hook and 
Ladder Company of Austin, with ten charter mem- 
bers. Wm. J. Brown was elected President, and J. 
Iv. Fisher, Foreman. At a meeting held January 
11th the name was changed to Pioneer Hook and 
Ladder Companj-, and under this name the organiza- 
tion exists at the present lime, with the following 
officers: George W. Dixon, President; W. Walton, 
Foreman; II. Y. Woodward, First Assistant; John 
Gray, Second Assistant; W. A. Clifford, Secretary, 
and W. P. Dyer, Treasurer. The companj- now con- 
sists of twenty-six active and four honorary mem- 
bers. The first outfit was obtained by donations 
from citizens, but the present one was jnirchased 
by the company itself. In July, 1880, the funds of 
the company on hand, derived from dues and fines, 
was 8706.46. 

Since the organization of the first company two 
other companies have been organized, the Man- 



HISTORY OF LANDER COUNTY. 



4G7 



hattan Hose and Eagle Hose. The regular officers of 
the Fire Department of the city at the present time 
are, Melville Curtis, Chief Engineer; A. NichoUs, 
First Assistant; A. Sower, Second Assistant. The 
Board of Delesjates are C. P. Soule. Wm. Schwin, Geo. 
Alsop, J. B. Eddy, R. Y. Woodward, Joseph Mc- 
Ginness and Patrick Lynch — the first three named 
being respectively President, Treasurer and Secre- 
tary. 

INCORPORTED AS A CITY. 

In January, 18()4, ii petition was largel}' signed by 
the citizens of Austin, asking the liCgislature to in- 
corporate Clifton, Austin and Upper Austin into one 
body politic, to be known as the "City of Austin." 
On the seventeenth of February, 18G4, the Gov- 
ernor signed the bill which was passed in accord- 
ance with such petition, and the City of Austin was 
launched with high hopes and brilliant prospects. 
The fii'st city election, which was held April 19, 
1864, and at which there were 1428 votes cast, re- 
sulted in the choice of the following officers: Mayor, 
Charles Ilolbrook; Clerk, L. M. McKenney; Record- 
er, W. P. Harrington; Marshal, Louis M. Bodrow; 
Assessor, N. McLean; Aldermen, Wm. W. Hobart, 
Andrew Nichols, Thomas A. Waterman, Thomas W. 
Triplett, Dudley Sale, G. F. Dinsmore and S. O. Clif- 
ford. 

On the day following this election, occurred the 
celebrated incident of the sale of Gridlej-'s sack of 
flour, the particulars of which will be found on 
pages 268, 269 and 270 of this work. By the terms of 
the Act of incorporation, the City Recorder was ex 
officio a Justice of the Peace; the City Marshal was 
also City Collector; and the Citj' Clerk was Treasurer 
and Clerk of the Board of Aldermen. The City At- 
torney was elected by the Common Council, the choice 
falling on W. H. Beatty. Of the above-named offi- 
cers, Bodrow was killed at Belmont, Dinsmoro and 
Clifford died, and the remainder reside as follows: 
McKenney, in California; Harrington, in San Fran- 
cisco; Harmon and llobart, in Eureka County; 
Nichols, in Austin; Sale and Waterman, in Elko 
County; Triplett, in White Pine, and Beatty, late 
Supreme Judge, is now a resident of Sacramento. 

WATER CO.MPANY AND STOCK BOARD. 

William C. Harrington, J. C. Bateman, John 
Frost, Felix O'Neil, J. Q. C. Vandenbosh, and 
others organized a water company; and on the 
sixteenth of February, 1864, the Legislature gave 
them a charter, granting exclusive privileges in 
supplying the town of Austin with water, the same 
to extend over a period of fifteen years. By an 
amendatory Act, passed February 17, 1877, this 
charter was made to cover an additional period of 
four years. 

On the fourteenth of March, 1864, the "Pioneer 
Stock and Exchange Board" was organized for the 
purpose of dealing in mining stocks, but there was 
never very much business done, and the seats 
never commanded fabulous prices. 



REACTION AND V.\RYINfJ FORTUNES. 

Alter such a period of wild excitement and fever- 
ish ])r()sperity as accompanied the discoveiy of ore 
in Lander C'ounty, it was but natural that a reac- 
tion should follow. It came in the winter of 1864- 
65, and manj- who had been enormously rich in 
expectation 'were compelled to ])rospcct again, or 
seek emplo3'ment outside of the city. However, in 
the spring, speculators swarmed in from the East, 
claims were purchased, and a rage for building 
(juartz mills ensued; and although the iieo])lo some- 
times overdid the business, and by the emploj-mont 
of incompetent superintendents, made partial failures 
in this line, }'et Austin was destined to grow and 
become an important town. Wild speculation 
ceased, prudent ventures succeeded, and business 
flowed on smoother and in more enduring chan- 
nels. 

A fair estimate of the business transacted there 
may be formed from the simple statement of the 
passengers, produce, and. building materials that 
were taken over the roads leading into the city 
during 1865. The Overland .Mail Company carried 
between Virginia City and Austin 5,840 passengers, 
charging forty dollars each. The first part of the 
year the Reese River Fast Freight Company ran a 
tri-weekly line of stages, and carried several hun- 
dred passengers. Other occasional passenger wagons 
probably brought the number up to 6,000 for the 
j'car; 7,620 tons of freight, consisting of merchan- 
dise, machinery', and lumber were transported from 
San Francisco to Austin at a total cost, for freight 
alone, of $1,381,800. Lumber was brought from the 
Sierra at a cost of six cents per pound for freight. 
Besides the above, there were about 525 tons of 
freight hauled through this city to Salt Lake, 
Egan Cafion. and other points east, making a total 
of over 8,000 tons arriving at Austin. The principal 
portion went through the care of the merchants of 
Austin, being i-eshi]iped at this ])oint. The rates of 
freight between Salt Lake and Austin ranged from 
six to nine cents per paund in coin; and from San 
Francisco to Austin from eight to twelve cents dur- 
ing ordinary weather; but in severe winters and 
springs they sometimes reached eighteen cents per 
pound. The charges on freights received at Austin 
during 1865 averaged over 84,000 daily. 

The lumber at that time used at Austin and vicin- 
ity consisted of two varieties. The first-class article 
was brought from the Sierra Nevada. The second- 
class was manufactured from native pifion, and was 
known as Reese River lumber. The receipts for 
1865 were as follows: — 

Sierra Nevada lumber 1,170.000 feet 

Reese River lumber 1,200,000 " 

Total 2,370,000 feet. 

This lumber cost, Sierra Nevada, 8250 per thou- 
sand; Reese River lumber, S125 to 8150 per thousand. 
During that year, 1,600,000 shingles and shakca 



468 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



were received from the Sierra. The shingles cost 
820 per thousand, and the shakes from $80 to $100 
jHT thousand. The number of brick manufactured 
during the season was 2,500,000; price, 812 to $18 
per thousand. A great quantity of brick was used 
during the year for the construction of mills, roast- 
ing furnaces, smoke stacks, stores, and dwellings; 
250 tons of lime were also used at a cost of $45 per 
ton. Estimates and prices are always in coin, then 
at a groat premium over the National, or Greenback, 
currency. 

During 1865 the amount of treasure that passed 
through the office of Wells, Fargo & Co., at Austin, 
aggregated $0,000,000. A line of telegraph connec- 
ted with every section of the Union, and a mail 
arrived daily both from the east and from the west, 
via the Overland Route. About 40(i letters were 
received daily, and about the same number were dis- 
patched. Letters, papers, and packages, were car- 
ried by express wherever stages went. Three bank- 
ing houses were in operatipn (one of them a National 
bank) purchasing bullion, furnishing exchange, re- 
ceiving deposits, loaning money, etc. The learned 
professions were represented by twelve physicians, 
five clergymen, and thirty-three lawyers. There 
were several private schools in addition to the public 
school, conducted by competent teachers, in which 
the English and foreign languages were taught, as 
well as vocal and instrumental music, drawing, danc- 
ing, and calisthenics. 

DESTRUCTIVE R.\IN-STOR.>rs. 

Although business had settled into more conserva- 
tive and legitimate channels, the White Pine excite- 
ment of 1868 attracted from Austin and vicinity 
large numbers of adventurous and enterprising men. 
Home who were doing moderately well where thej' 
were, were willing to change with even a remote 
prospect of doing better. In August of that j'ear, 
also, great damage was done to the town by a de- 
structive rain-storm. It occurred on the fifteenth 
day of the month. At half-past 2 o'clock in the 
afternoon a storm of rain ancj hail, accompanied- by 
sharp lightning, swept over the city, and at four 
o'clock torrents of water poured down the canon and 
through Cedar Street, destroying $80,000 worth of 
propcrtj\ 

The Reveille office, a one-story brick structure that 
stood above the Court House, was swept away and one 
life was lost, A man named Spernam was carried 
awaj' in his saloon and drowned. 

Six years afterwards a storm still more destructive 
to property visited the city. In August, 1874, a cloud 
burst occurred among the hills east of the town, 
and an immense volume of water poured down into 
Pony Canon, and rushed through the streets of 
Austin, dashing trees, boulders and drift of every 
description against the buildings, and creating great 
devastation. The inhabitants took the alarm in 
time, and fled to the hills. No lives were lost; but 
■sidewalks, porches, roads, awnings and fences were 



demolished; goods and merchandise were swept 
away, and three feet of mud and debris filled the 
streets and houses when the waters had spent their 
force. The damage was estimated at 8100,000, and 
the scene presented was deplorable. Resolute and 
undismaj-ed, the people set to work to repair their 
loss, and within a few months no signs remained of 
the catastrophe, 

CHANUES AND PRESENT APPE.\RANCE, 

During the latter part of 1879 and the first part 
of 1880 the Nevada Central Railroad was built 
between Battle Mountain, on the Central Pacific 
Railroad, and Clifton, giving Austin railroad com- 
munication with San Francisco, 

In the earlj' part of 1881, Allen A, Curtis, one of 
the principal mine owners of Austin, constructed the 
Austin City Railroad to Clifton, to connect with 
the Nevada Central, It is a narrow-gauge road, 
and runs through the main street of the town. 

There have been several changes in the organic 
Act which created the city of Austin, from time to 
time, and final!}-, the city was disincorporated by 
Act of the Legislature, and Austin is now a quiet, 
peaceful, and pleasant country town. 

The present population, according to the census 
report of 1880, consists of 1,092 persons; in addi- 
tion to which there are 320 Indian-i and 120 China- 
men, 

Austin is situated in a canon, running west into 
Reese River Valley, on the western slope of the 
Toij-abe Mountains, and at an elevation of about 
7,000 feet. 

Surrounding it on all sides are mountains and 
sage-brush vallej's. Its streets are shaded, to some 
extent, principally with locust. Battle Mountain 
is ninety miles to the northward; Eureka, seventy- 
four miles to the eastward; Belmont, eighty-four 
miles to the southeastward; and Grantsvillc, seventy 
miles west of south. Fuel, chiefly nut pine, is 
brought by rail from the mountains to the north- 
ward. In the vicinity of the town are three cem- 
eteries, which have been decorated and beautified 
to some extent. One hotel, seven or eight stores, two 
restaurants, fourteen saloons, three livery stables, 
three blacksmith shops, two assay offices, a printing 
office, a telegraph office, an express office, a foundry, 
and some railroad machine shops, comprise the lead- 
ing industrial and business establishments. The 
buildings are constructed of wood, stone, brick, and 
adobe. The Catholic, E])iscopal, and Methodist 
denominations are well organized, and have each a 
clerg3'man, and a fine brick edifice of worship, and 
have well-attended Sunday-schools. These churches 
are among the finest in the State, 

Public educational facilities consist of one school 
held in a largo brick structure, capable of seating 
400 i)upils. Four teachers are employed, and the 
number of pupils in attendance is about 350, The 
County Hospital occupies a large brick building, and 
is under the management of the County Commis 



J 




JyXWvVW^J^ 



Allen A. Curtis, the subject of this ukutch, 
Is a native of New Jersey, born November 1, 1838, 
in Passaic County, near the town of Belleville, on 
the Passaic lliver. His father was an extensive 
paper manufacturer, and his grandfather on his 
mother's side, Robert Morris, of New Jerscj-, was 
one of the signers of the Declaration of Independ- 
ence. Mr. Curtis came to California in 1850, by 
water, and at once entered the employ of Van Winkle 
& Duncan, iron merchants, at Sacramento, at thirty 
dollars per month and board. He remained in the 
employ of this firm until 1865. During that time he 
visited Austin, Nevada, in the interest of his emploj-- 
ers, and being well pleased with the prospects in 
that section of the country, concluded to locate 
there, which he did in April, 1865, and filled the 
position of book-keeper for the Oregon Milling and 
Mining Companj-, until, in August of that year, the 
company sold its interest to the Manhattan Com- 
pany, at which time Mr. Curtis entered the employ 
of that company, and, with the exception of two 
months, filled the same position he had held in the 
Oregon Company, until P'ebruaiy, 1867, when be 
was appointed Superintendent, in which capacity he 
served three years, at which time he resigned, and 
his brother was appointed in his stead. 

From the time of his arrival in the countr3% he 
has been a stockholder in that company to a limited 
extent, and, to demonstrate his faith in the value of 
the property, assumed all he was able of the indebt- 
edness of the Manhattan Company, in 1800, that 
eventually jiroved the sagacity of his judgment, 
and resulted greatly to his pecuniary advantage. 



.T 



At the time he became Superintendent, the indebt- 
edness of the company was S180,0U(J, and within 
one year that obligation was paid, and eventually 
Mr. Curtis, with his associates, became the pur- 
chasers of the entire property. He built a narrow- 
gauge railroad from the mill, a distance of two miles, 
which connects with the Nevada Central Kailroad, 
in the outskirts of Austin. 

He is one of the firm of Paxton & Curtis, of the 
Bank of Austin, and also connected with the Paxton 
c*c Co. Bank of Eureka. He has twice held the office 
of County Treasurer, and is interested in the whole- 
sale grocery house of Gage, Curtis & Co., at Austin, 
Lander County, Nevada. In connection with oth- 
ei-8, he erected a fifteen-stamp mill at Mineral Hill, 
that was under his supervision while being Super- 
intendent of the Manhattan Mill, and was situated 
eighty-five miles northeast therefrom. AVith a relay 
of three horses he often made the trip between these 
two points in eight and one-half hours. The Smoky 
Vallc}- Salt Works, in Nye County, are also his 
l)roperty. In lieno, Washoe County, there is also a 
banking house controlled by Paxton, Curtis & Co., 
and, in thepalmj- days of Belmont, they also had an 
establishment of the kind there. Mr. Curtis was 
married November 1, 1877, to Mary C. (Curtis— who, 
though bearing the same name, was no relative, until 
after the date mentioned above — in Austin, and is a 
native of Sacramento, California. Their union has 
been blessed with one child, now living, about two 
years of age, named Allen Ralston. Mr. Curtis has 
been closely identified with many enterprises, and is 
one of the solid men of the State. 



HISTORY OF LANDER COUNTY. 



4U9 



sioners. The Court House, furniture, and the five 
lota surrounding the structure cost 830,000. The 
sidewalks of Austin are plank. In the vicinity of 
the town enough haj-, barlcj', and vegetables are 
raised to supply the local demand. The Masons, 
Odd Fellows, Kebekahs. Knights of Pythias, lied 
Men, Good Templars, Ueese liiver Pioneers, and 
Ancient Order of Hibernians, all have lodges and 
societies. (See i)artieulars elsewhere concerning the 
secret societies and benevolent associations of the 
State.) 

The onlj- mill now in operation at Austin is that 
of the Manhattan Compan}-. which is a very com- 
plete establishment. It was built in 1863 as the 
Oregon Mill, and rebuilt in 18(!5 by a New York 
company, and transferred to the present company 
in 1875. Originally it consisted of ten stamp.s, and 
had a capacity of ten tons, but now contains twenty 
stamps, and has a capacity of twenty-two tons. 
Attached to it is a melting room and machine shop. 
The roasting is done in a Stetefcldt furnace, only 
salt being used in the process. The ore works to 
within ninety-three and one-half per cent, of its assay 
value, and has done so for the past two years. 
The engine is of 120 horse-power. Formerly from 
fourteen to eighteen cords of wood per day were 
required to run the mill, but since boilers, with 
upright tubes, have been put in, the same work 
is accomplished with six cords. The cost of wood, 
delivered at the mill, is twelve dollars per cord. 
The charge for working custom ore is thirty-five 
dollars per ton, and was formerly forty-five 
dollars. Previous to 1S67 no record of the amount 
of bullion worked at the mill was kept. Since 
then the total amount has been to the value of 
313,287, 874. G7. In and around the mill about forty 
men are emploj-ed. who receive four dollars each 
per day. The present Manhattan Silver Mining 
Companj- is a San Francisco corporation, with the 
following officers: President, John A. Paxton; Vice- 
President, C. P. llubbell; Secretary, John Crockett; 
Superintendent, Melville Curtis. 

ANDREW NICHOLLS 

Is a native of New Y'ork; born in the town of (Jen- 
eseo, fjivingston (bounty, September 6, 1832. His 
parents wore from Scotland. In the year 183(; they 
moved from the native town of the subject hereof to 
Coburg, Canada. His education was consequently 
obtained on Canadian soil, and at the age of seven- 
teen j'ears he was apprenticed to a drj' goods firm, 
and after a time was a clerk in the same establish- 
ment. In 1855 he went into business for himself in 
western Canada, achieving success; btit in the year 
1858 was taken with the milling fever, and started 
for California. On his arrival ho found the Frazer 
River excitement somewhat subsided, and turned 
his attention in other directions, spending four 
years in the mines in Butte County. In January, 
18G2, be crossed the mountains to the Territory of 
59 




I 

Nevada, and located in Carson City; and about 
one year later came to Austin, Lander County, 
where he engaged in the hardware business, which 
he still continues. In 18(59 he started a lumber- 
yard, and is now in full possession of that branch 
of industry in that town. During his residence in 
Austin he has made many investments in mines, 
which have not proved as remunerative as he could 
wish. In 181)6 Mr. NichoUs received the appoint- 
ment as Assistant Assessor of United States Internal 
Revenue, and held the position until 1871, at which 
time he resigned. In the years 1875 and 1877 ho 
was a member of the Nevada Legislature, and was 
one of the parties to procure the passage of the bill 
that resulted in giving Lander Count3- a railroad, of 
which he is a director and stockholder. In politics 
he is a Republican. His rise in the world to his 
present high ])osilion among his fellow-men, and the 
accumulation of his estates, is wholly duo to his own 
energy and perseverance, having received no pecuni- 
ary assistance from any one. He was married 
March 9, lS(i3, to Miss E. H. Wells, of San Fran- 
cisco, California. 

HON. M. ,1. FARREI.I, 

Was born at Mount Hoi)e, near Rockaway, Morris 
County, Now Jersey, March 29, 1832. He is of Irish 
jiarcnlago, his parents coming from the •'Emerald 
Islo" when they wore very young, his father at the age 
of eighteen and his mother when only six years of ago. 
.Mr. Farrell was educated in bis native State and 
sailed from Now York for California on the old 
steamer Georgia, April 5, 1853. Tho steamer was 
wrecked on her next trip. On the fifth of May, 1853, 



470 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 




Mr. Farrell arrived in San Kraneinco, and immedi- 
ately went to tiic mincH in Nevada City, where lie 
found a friend with whom ho engaged in mining in 
Myor's Ravine, about four miles north of Nevada 
Citj'. His next anchorage was at Jones" Bar, on the 
South Yuba Kiver, where lie bought a Hume claim. 
After that he wandered through Northern Caliibr- 
fornia, jjrincipally in Nevada, Sierra and Plumas 
Counties, as a miner, school-teacher, hotel-keejier. 
butcher, and in fact, as ho saj-s, "turning his hand to 
almost anything," until in 1863, ho came to Nevada 
during the Reese River excitement, and located at 
what is now Austin, in Lander County, arriving there 
about tho fifteenth of April. The summers of 1863 
and 18()4 he spent in prospecting, and the winters in 
the town. In tho summer of ISli.") he took charge of 
a lumber-yard, as agent for Ilendrick & Bowstead. 
During the same season he furnished tools and pro- 
visions for his brother and another man to prospect, 
and they discovered and located what is now Ruby 
Hill, in Eureka County. These locations — about 
eight of them — covered nearly all of the hill. Tluy 
also located claims in Secret Cafion, which have 
since proved valuable. For three years Mr. Farrell 
and his associates kept up the assessment work on 
these claims, but there being no demand for base 
metal claims at that time, they were bonded to Gov. 
J. II. Kinkcad, for sale in Europe, which proved 
a failure, and .Mr. Farrell turned his attention to 



other matters and let them go. The claims referred 
to covered the ground r\ow known as the Kureka 
Consolidated and Richmond Mines, and would have 
proven a " bonanza " to their owners had thej- con- 
tinued to hold them. In August, IcSGT, Mr. Farrell 
entered tho office of the Manhattan Mining Company 
as Secretary, and has since remained in the employ 
of that company. In 1872, he was elected to tho 
office of County Clerk of Lander County by a largo 
majority. In 1878 he was elected to the Senate of 
the Nevada Legislature and re-elected in 1880. Ho 
was married A])nl 20, 1871, to Miss L. C. Peterson, of 
Au.stin, Nevada. Thcj' have no children. 

"THE M.\N WITH THE A.\." 

William Cornell, lately arrived at Austin from 
Winncbiigo County, Illinois, laliorod undei-the insane 
belief that everybody about liim was awaiting an 
opportunity to take his life. At about 9 o'clock on 
the evening of Julj- 18, 18G3, he went to his tent on 
Main Street, and recjuestcd one of his partners to 
get him a glass of whisky, making the excuse that 
he had been working hard all daj' and was not feel- 
ing well. This was a mere stratagem to get pos- 
session of a knife and ax. The partner started 
across to a saloon, soon after which the third partner, 
William iMolligan, came to the tent and called to 
Cornell to see if he was there, at the same time 
looking in through the opening. Cornell immedi- 
ately struck him with the edge of the ax. Tho 
blow was a downward one, and inflicted an ugly 
gash over Melligan's left oj'o. On receiving a sec- 
ond blow Melligan fell to the grouiul. The maniac 
then rushed out, and crossing over to Dunham's 
saloon, began striking right and left with tho ax 
at numerous persons congregated there, who sue- 
<eedcd in avoiding his blows and escaping. One 
shot was tired at him there. J\eturning to the street, 
he inflicted a severe cut on the left elbow of John 
Capron, severing most of the su])porting leaders, 
and then chased a party of men into Stebbins' stone 
building. Passing on, he struck a Dayton man, 
known as "Frenchj-," tho edge of the ax cutting 
from tho left crown to the right side of the neck, 
and fracturing "Frenchy's" skull, in spite of which 
the latter walked up town, took a drink, and then 
rode horseback to Clifton to have his wound 
dressed. The next victim was B. O. Anderson, 
from Sweetland, California, who received a terrible 
cut above the left ear. The maniac then met 
Charles Ludlow, and inflicted on him a dangerous 
gash near the left temple; and soon afterwards 
struck Hillj' .Mills, of Clifton, on tho right side of 
tho head, laying the skull bare. Next, a barber, 
named Hammersmith, saved his head by receiving 
a descending blow on his right hand and arm. 
Further on, Mr. Powell was slightly cut in the 
back; and Charles Tureinan only eseajied death by 
falling sidowise over tho edge of tho road, his 
breast pocket being cut away bj- a stroke of the 



HISTORY OF LANDER COUNTY. 



471 



ax. Nearing Clifton, the maniac fortunately began 
to use the handle of his ax, and knocked Hevural 
persons ainiost senseless, but inflicted no serious 
wounds. Running the entire length of Clifton, he 
met no one, and started in the direction of Jacobs- 
villc. An armed party had been following him, and 
picking up the wounded, but did not succeed in 
overtaking him, for he had all the time been run- 
ning with the speed of a race-horse. The next 
morning bis dead body was found about a mile down 
the Jacobsville Road. On the back of his head was 
a gash made by the edge of his ax; his throat was 
cut from ear to ear, and tive stabs were found over 
his heart. These wounds were supposed to have 
been inflicted by himself 

Battle ilnuNTAiN is a station on the Central 
Pacific Railroad, 535 miles east of San Francisco, via 
Stockton, or 47-t ciu Benicia, and ninety-three miles 
north of Austin, being also the northern terminus of 
the Nevada Central Railroad. A daily lino of stages 
connects it with Tuscarora, Elko County. The place 
is supplied with water from mountain springs about 
three miles distant, and by a number of flowing arte- 
sian wells. Argenta had taken a very good start, but 
the discovery of the Battle Mountain galena and 
copper mines caused its principal business men to 
remove to Battle Mountain in the winter of 1870. 
It was thought that Battle Mountain would serve as 
a point of departure lor Austin, as well as Argenta, 
and have the additional advantage of being near the 
new mines. Among the earlj' residents who made 
this change of base were the following persons: J. 
A. Blossom, lumber and coal dealer, J. \V. McWill- 
iams, engaged in merchandising, A.Robertson, agent 
of Wells, Fargo & Co., L. D. Huntsman, hotel-keeper, 
A. Layton, freighter. Case & Burnette, stage owners, 
I). Mclntyre, and Brown & Sadoris, merchants. The 
railroad depot building was also oceuj)ied by I>. VV. 
Karl, and Wliilney & Co., forwarding merchants. 
Frevious to the arrival of these parties, the railroad 
station bad been in charge of Daniel Kegan, who had 
been the only resident there for six months, and had 
furnished accommodations for travelers passing to 
and from Battle Mountain District. 

The first fire in Battle Mountain occurred in July, 
1877, most of the block between Reese and Broad 
Streets being burned. It consisted of frame build- 
ings, and the loss was about §2(1,000. J5iossom'8 
brick corner building was saved, and also McWill- 
iam's stable, the latter being protected by an artesian 
well. The buildings destroyed were insured for 
about two-thirds their value. In the fall of 1878, 
Block A was burned, with the exception of Scott 
Hall, and the flames also entered the Chinese quar- 
ter and swept it clean. Again the loss was about 
$20,000, and the insurance to the value of two-thirds. 
The third fire occurred in March, 1880, destroying 
Huntsman's Hotel and the Railroad Local Dej)Ot. 
Loss $15,000, well covered by insurance. The onl}- 
visible iniprovemont to Battle Mountain resulting 



fVom the construction of the Nevada Central Rail- 
road has been the building of round houses. 

For fort)' miles each way, north and south, the 
country is supplied from Battle Mountain, creating a 
trade of about 81O,(l(i0 per month. The business of 
the town is represented by the following establish- 
ments: Two general merchandise stores, one cloth- 
ing store, a livery stable, brewerj-, five saloons, three 
hotels, one tin shop, one blacksmith shop and wagon 
repair shop, salt works, one harness and shoe shop, 
two newspapers, post-office, express office, a school 
house, the railroad depot and sixty dwellings make 
up the remainder of the place. The water supply is 
derived from seventeen artesian wells. They are sunk 
to the depth of from 140 to 160 feet, and flow from 
six to ten feet. The average flow through a five- 
inch well is a strong inch. In addition to these, a 
great strike of water was made in an artesian well 
belonging to J. A. Blossom, which flows a stream 
through a large pipe sixtj'-five feet above the sur- 
face of the ground. From this stream 150 acres of 
ground has been irrigated, literally making the 
desert to blossom. 




"^'^^^W^ 




J. A. Blossom was born in Miamisburg, Montgom- 
ery County, Ohio, Juno 0, 18.SG, where his father still 
resides. In 30uth he learned the trade of his father, 
that of harness maker, but did not work at the business 
after he reached his majority. In 185G he left his 
home and went to Missouri, and took charge of a 
land office in the interests of an Eastern company, 
where he remained until March, 1800, when became 
to California by way of the Isthmus of I'anama, and 



472 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



located in Tehama County. The next j-ear he came 
to the Territory of Nevada, and settled in what is 
now Humboldt County, being one of the first settlers 
and locators of the celebrated Humboldt mines. He 
•was also one of the founders of Star City, on the 
Sheba Ledge. During his twenty years residence in 
Nevada, Mr. Blossom has seen much of the State, 
living at Dun Glen, AVinnemueca. and other places. 
He was one of the first settlers in Battle Mountain, 
where he now resides, and built the first house, with 
the exception of the railroad station house, erected 
in that town. He was also one of the founders of 
the flourishing towns of Galena, and Lewis, and was 
the most extensive freighter in that section of the 
country. His mining transactions have proved very 
successful, he having sold no less than six diff'erent 
mines within the past five years. He has always 
been an active business man, and is now engaged in 
merchandising, and is well known as a mining man; 
is also largely interested in stock-raising. In 1879 
he, under contract, graded the Nevada Central Rail- 
road from Battle Mountain to Austin, employing as 
high as 800 men and 500 horses in the work. Dur- 
ing the years intervening between the years 1861 
and the present time, Mr. Blossom has had many 
curious and thrilling adventures, in his wanderings 
among the mountains in search of the precious metal, 
and in fighting the " dusky sons of the sage-brush." 
He was married in April, 1866, to Miss Elvira Hunter, 
at Star City, Nevada, and they have three children, 
two sons, aged twelve and fourteen years, who are 
at the present time at school at Santa Clara College, 
in California. 

DESERTED TOWNS AND CITIES. 

In the excitement of mining rushes there are many 
speculators in the crowd who are fiercely intent on 
becoming proprietors of great cities, looking to the 
future with a happy old age made ])leasant by a large 
rent roll, or acquiring sudden wealth by the sale of 
city lots. The great example of John Jacob Astor, 
who, with tar-seeing sagacity, acquired much unim- 
proved land in the city of New York; the many land- 
grabbers of the cities of the Mississippi Valley-, who 
became millionaires, and the examples of Sutter, 
Lick, Brannan, and others of California, were before 
them, and they wanted a city. These speculators 
were exceedingly livel)- in the IJeese River region. 
Jacobsvillo had been taken as a ranch before the 
excitement began, and land there must be purchased. 
The first rush was for Pony Canon. On a small 
level j)lat of ground at the emboaehure of the canon 
the city of Clifton was located. Half a mile up, pass- 
ing a precipitous gorge, the city of Austin was loca- 
ted, and on its borders several •• Additions " were 
surveyed, and half a mile further up the cafion, now 
broadened into valleys and ravines, was built Upper 
Austin. These survive. 

Almost immediately following the location of set- 
tlers in Pony Cafion, cities were located in Big Creek 
Cafion, seven miles south, in Washington Cafion, 



twenty-eight miles south, and Amador, seven miles 
north, on the western slope of the Toij-abe Mount- 
ains. South of Austin, in the canons of the eastern 
slope, were Geneva, twelve miles, Clinton, fifteen 
miles, Guadalajara or Santa Fe, eighteen miles, 
Kingston, twenty miles, and Bunker Hill, twenty-two 
miles distant. These were all cities of great expec- 
tations. 

Amadok, seven miles north of Austin, was very 
pleasantly located on a bench of level land at the 
western base of the Toij-abe Range, overlooking the 
Reese River Valley. In 1863 it was a candidate for 
the location of the county seat, and polled TOO votes 
in its own favor, claiming a population of 1.500. Sev- 
eral very promising mines were located in the vicin- 
it}', and large sums were expended in prospecting 
them, but the results appear not to have been encour- 
aging, as work ceased in a few years after the dis- 
covery of the mines. The town was built chieflj- of 
cloth, and has gradually disappeared. 

Bunker Hill. — The reader of the files of the Reese 
Rlcer Beveille of 1863-65 will see frequent and 
favorable mention of Bunker Hill, which appears to 
have been a thriving place. This was situated in 
the narrow valley of Big Smoky Creek, twenty-two 
miles south of Austin. The town was but a collec- 
tion of miners' cabins, and as there was never a great 
rush, there were no fortunes made in the sale of city 
lots. Numerous fine appearing ledges with croppings 
bearing both gold and silver, a rapid, sparkling 
stream of cold mountain water, an abundance of 
wood, sites for buildings and gardens, were the at- 
tractions that brought its early inhabitants. 

C.A.N0N City, situated on Big Creek, seven miles 
south of Austin, contained in 1803 about fifty -per- 
manent" residents, had one hotel, one store, two 
restaurants, three saloons, one meat market, a 
Notary Public and Recorder's office, u telegraph 
office, and twelve houses and cabins. The cit^' is 
no more; the streets are deserted, and the houses, 
including the cabins, have departed. The beautiful 
and strong stream of water flowing through the 
canon was a most attractive feature in building up 
the town, the impression being that its power would 
be required in moving the machinerj- of the manj- 
mills that must be built for the reduction of ores. 
The ledges, however, proving small and le.ss valuable 
than anticipated, the sparkling waters have gone 
unused to their sink in the Reese River Valley. 

Cut'TON, in 1863, numbered about 5U0 inhabitants, 
had a post-office. Wells, Fargo & Co's Express Office, 
and many important places of business. Though it 
cannot properly be said to bo deserted, its popula- 
tion is very much decreased, and its business mostly 
gone; it is a part of the village of Austin, and 
joins it on the west. 

Clinton was one of the cities of 1863 situated on 
the eastern slope of the Toiyabe, bordering Smoky 
Valley, and fifteen miles south of Austin. Some 



HISTORY OF LANDER COUNTY. 



473 



mines of fine promise were opened here, and in 1865 
a splendid quartz mill was constructed, but to dis- 
apjioiiit for the time, probably to reappear in the 
future and fulfill by further developments the 
promise of early days. 

Geneva occupied a little nook in the great Smoky 
Valley, where Birch Creek, a beautiful stream, 
debouched from the eastern slope of the Toiyabe 
Range, twelve miles south of Austin. In the hills 
inclosing Birch Creek were some large and appar- 
ently very rich veins of quartz, some of which were 
sold to New York capitalists, who expended large 
sums of mone}' in thoir development, but with 
unsatisfactory results. Geneva, in 1864, had some 
fine stone buildings, and numerous log and cloth 
houses, but the inhabitants long ago folded what 
tents they could, and the stone walls, the pretty 
vale, and the sparkling stream are left in their 
wildness. 

Jacobsville, the first county seat of Lander 
County, was situated six miles west of Austin, was 
originallj' a station on the overland stage line, and 
at one time, in 181)3, had a population of three or 
four hundred; also contained two hotels, three stores, 
post-office, telegraph office. Court House and fifty 
residences. By a vote of the people of the county, in 
September, 1863, the county seat was moved to 
Austin, and most of the residents followed soon after. 
There is nothing left of Jacobsville at the present 
time but a single farm house. 

Kingston was not one of the earliest towns, but 
followed the location of Bunker Hill. A correspond- 
ence of the Reese River Reveille, dated February 22, 
1864, says:— 

From Bunker Hill I wrote you last; two miles 
down the canon of the Big Smoky a lately construc- 
ted wagon road leads to the new village of Kingston. 
Here improvements are making, building, fencing, 
and such other as to the enterprising and hopeful 
promise returns in the future. And the future, too, 
of Kingston, is bright, in truth, for none can see its 
pleasant location, survey its unlimited water-power, 
backed b}- its inexhaustable ledges of metalliferous 
quartz of extent and richness unsurpassed, its arable 
and wood land without stint, its ever}- facility and 
resource, none can witness without believing it des- 
tined to eminent prosperity. 

This prosperity continued a few years; a large mill 
was built to be run by the power of the stream, and 
a pretty village flourished. The mines not meeting 
expectations, and a great demand arising for mills in 
the White Pine region in l.stl!), the mill was removed 
thither, and business on the Big Smoky declined. 

Landkii Citv had an existence in I .S(;.'! with sev- 
eral hundred inhabitants. l)avid K. Huell built a 
telegra])h line to the place, and the city, as the place 
was called, possessed considerable importance. It 
was situated at the dehoarhare of Big Creek upon 
the plain, six miles south of Austin. The place is 
now known only in name. 



PBINOIPAIi MINING DISTRICTS. 

Amador District is a few miles north of Austin, 
and was organized in 1863, but all its mines have 
been abandoned with the exception of those in Now 
York Cafion, and it has been incorporated with 
Reese River District. The mineral vein crosses New 
York Canon, running east and west, a six hundred 
foot tunnel having been driven in on the vein from 
the canon. Three chimneys of good ore were found 
in this tunnel. On the first one an incline has been 
sunk to the depth of two hundred feet, to the water 
level. Hoisting works have been erected over the 
Midas mine, and a large amount of pay ore has been 
extracted. 

Bid Creek District is situated on the western slope 
of the Toiyabe Mountains, six to twelve miles south 
of Austin. None of its mines have been developed, 
and most of its claims have been abandoned. Five 
miles north of it there is a large out-crop of anti- 
mony on a very high spur of the mountain. One dis- 
lodged boulder of antimony is four feet s<|uaro. The 
country-rock is granite. The stream which gives its 
name to the district is of bright, pure water, flowing 
with a rapid current tumbling over its rocky bed, 
having a width of from ten to twenty-five feet in the 
canon, but soon sinking as it enters the Reese River 
Vallej-. The water to a great extent is now utilized 
for irrigation. 

Battle Mountain District is ten miles southwest 
of Battle Mountain Station. It includes within its 
limits the whole of the Battle Mountain Range, 
which is twenty miles in length, north and south, 
and ten miles in width. In these hills, in ISfiT, John 
Kirk, of I'lacerville, California, with a party of road- 
builders, had a fight with the Indians, hence the 
name of Battle Mountain. The vallej' boundaries of 
the district are as follows; Humboldt River Valley 
on the north, Reese River Valley on the east. Sum- 
mit Springs Valley on the west, and on the south a 
valley connecting the Reese River and Summit 
Springs Valleys. The general formation of the range 
is that of a plateau, the highest elevation being at 
the center, from which canons radiate to the valleys, 
their names being as follows: Copper Cafion, Dark 
Creek, Cotton Creek, Long Creek, Elder Creek, Trout 
Creek, Trenton Cafion and Willow Creek. The rocks 
of the district consist of slates, poridi3Tics, (juartzite, 
sandstones, silicious limestones and granite. The 
limestones are confined to the highest part of the 
mountains, as layers, and were evidently formed 
before the elevation of the mountains took place. 
The metalliferous deposits chiefly extend along the 
eastern and western mountain slopes; along the 
southern extremity of the eastern slope, and along 
the northern extremity of the western slope. Their 
nature is that of true fissure veins, although in most 
cases, the walls are not well defined. They can bo 
traced for distances of from two to five miles, and 
generally consist of a main channel, from which 



474 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



branches extend on both sides. They continue their 
course independent of any change in the strike or 
dip of the country rock. The width of the vein varies, 
producing ore chambers. Slickensidcs occur inside 
of their boundaries, as well as on the wall, and are 
accompanied by a thicker or thinner layer of clay. 
The ore is often found in conglomerated masses, con- 
sisting of separate angular pieces of ore and gangue, 
cemented by vein matter, quartz or calcspar. Crys- 
tallized specimens of ore and gangue are found fre- 
quently. Slate and sandstone frequently occur as 
the main filling of the veins when the country rock 
is of these kinds. Some of the veins might be classed 
as contact and some as gash veins. The minerals 
found are gold, silver, copper, lead and antimony. 
Free-milling ores, in limited quantities, exist near 
the surface. The bulk of the ores are worked by 
the smelting process. The principal silver ores are 
fahlerz, rubj- silver and argentiferous-galena; the 
principal copper ores, red oxide of copper, copper 
glance, and carbonates and silicates of copper. Anti- 
mony occurs as a sulphuret. All these ores are of 
high grade, galena having been found assaying as 
high as 8400 in silver per ton, and seventy per cent, 
lead. The average yield of galena is about 8150 per 
ton, when yielding fifty per cent, lead and over. 
When mixed with silver ores, as ruby silver or fahl- 
erz, it has been found to contain as high as from 
$3,000 to 84,000 per ton in silver. The copper ores 
are of equally high grade, shipments having been 
made fre(iucntly of ores of from forty to fifty per 
cent. Surface indications are most numerous at Cop- 
per Cafion and Duck Creek, at the southern end of 
the eastern slope of the range. Galena, the princi- 
pal mining camp of the district, is at the head of 
Duck Creek. In its vicinity a number of parallel 
fissure veins have been opened. They run in a north- 
erlj- and southerly direction and are from 1,000 to 
1,500 feet distant from each other. The leading 
mines of this locality, in order from west to east, are 
the Huena Vista, the White and Shiloh, the Trinity 
:ind the Butte. The principal rocks in which these 
veins occur, are slates of different kinds, graywacke, 
graywacke sandstones and dykes of breccia, the lat- 
ter probably being the eruptive rocks which caused 
the fissure. These veins have been traced for from 
two to five miles, and show a width of from three to 
twenty feet. The Huena Vista ores are principally 
galena, assaj'ing from 8150 to 8400 per ton in silver. 
The White and Shiloh vein is a continuous paj- streak 
1,300 feet in length, of an average depth of 250 feet. 
The width of the pay ore has averaged six feet, and 
the ore, sixty dollars in silver, seven in gold and six 
per cent, in lead. The ores of the White Mine are 
distinguished by the frequent and abundant occur- 
rence of ruby silver and argentiferous gray copper 
ore. Beautiful specimens of galena, covered with 
wire silver, have been fre(|UeiUl}' found. The ores 
in the Trinity Jline arc ])rincipally argentiferous 
galena, averaging 8180 in silver j)er ton, when con- 



taining fifty per cent, lead and over. The width of 
the vein is from four to six feet. In the Butte Mine 
the vein shows a thickness of from two to six feet, 
with a paj' streak of from six to thirteen inches of 
ore, averaging from seventy to one hundred feet. The 
greatest depth attained is 300 feet. The ores con- 
tain less lead than the ores of the previous-mentioned 
lodes, and are properly milling ores. A mile and a 
half south of Galena, are the Copper Canon mines, 
which are owned by an English company. The ore 
is shipped to Liverpool for reduction. The prevail- 
ing rock there is quartzite, and the galena ores, 
when entering the formation, change to copjier, at 
least for the depth already obtained. A concentrating 
mill, capable of working thirty tons of ore per day, is 
in ojjeration within three miles of these mines, where 
a good supply of water exists. The wet process of 
working ore is employed. After concentration, less 
than two per cent, of the ore remains in the slimes. 
Battle Mountain District was organized in June, 1867. 

Jersey Dlstrict is fort^^-five miles southwest of 
Battle Mountain Station. Ore was discovered in the 
fall of 1874. by A. S. Trimble. There is a good nat- 
ural highway from the mines to the railroad. The 
locations are on the western slope of the mountain. 
The geological formation is quartzite and porphyry. 
The principal claim is the Jersej', which has been 
traced on the surface for a distance of 1,500 feet. 
The vein is from one to six feet in width, and runs 
north and south, dipping to the west. Two shafts 
have been sunk to a depth of 140 feet. The ore is 
argentiferous galena, with carbonates of lead. It 
assays from 8140 to 8100 per ton in silver, and con- 
tains about sixty per cent of lead. During the sum- 
mer of 1870, 500 tons of first-class ore from this mine 
were reduced at Omaha. The cost of transportation 
from the mine to the railroad was 812.50 j)er ton. A 
small smelting furnace erected at Jersey proved un- 
successful for want of pro])er fluxing material. It 
l)ays best to concentrate and ship the ore for reduc- 
tion. 

Lewis District is on the northern extremity of the 
Toiyabe range of mountains, about sixteen miles 
southeast from Battle Mountain. Ore was discov- 
ered in the summer of 1874, by Jonathan Green and 
E. T. George. The geological formation is limestone 
and quartzite. The principal locations are all on 
the same vein, which is from two to nine feet in 
width, and has a course nearlj- north and south. A 
hundred tons of ore taken from the Logan & Dusang 
claim were worked at Winnemucca. and yielded 
8140 to the ton. Two hundred tons from the Eagle 
Consolidated yielded 8135 per ton. This mine has 
connected with it a good ten-stamp mill with roast- 
ing furnace. The district is well supplied with water, 
but there is no wood in the immediate vicinity of the 
mines and mill. The ores contain a large per cent, of 
antimony, iron and manganese. A short line of rail- 
road connects Lewis with the I^evada Central Hail- 



HISTORY OF LANDER COUNTY. 



47.- 



way at Galena, thus giving ready transportation of 
ores and supplies to this rich district. 

Ravenswood District is on the western slope of 
the Shoshone Mountains, near the summit, and is 
twcnty-tive miles northwest of Austin. Water is 
sufficient for mining purposes, and nut pine and 
juniper abound. Ore was discovered in 18G3, and a 
district organized. The country rock is limestone and 
slate; the mineral belt runs ten miles north and south ; 
is two miles in width .and copper occurs more or less 
in all the mines, yielding as high as fifteen and twenty 
per cent. The principal mine is the Shoshone, the 
ore of which carries a largo amount of galena, not 
much copper, and yields thirty dollars per ton in sil- 
ver. A number of locations j-ield fifteen and twentj' 
per cent, copper, and twenty-five to thirty dollars in 
silver, with some gold. Most of the claims in the 
district have been abandoned. 

Roberts District is about forty-five miles north 
and a little east of Austin, on the western slope of 
the Dry Creek Mountains, on a spur running at right 
angles with the main summit, and about 1.000 feet 
above the valley. The lower part of the spur is a 
dark granite. The cropping of the hill is limestone 
seamed with white spar, running in various direc- 
tions. A hard, red-covered slate is exposed in a 
slide a little to the east of the limestone. Granite 
occui's east of the slate. The ore is found in bunches 
on the south slope of the spur, which occur in-cgu- 
larly. In one or two places they reach the summit 
of the hill. The belt of the limestone extends north- 
ward about 200 feet, and probably 2,000 feet east and 
west. Ore has been found in twelve diftercnt places, 
and consists ol' a chloride with galena and iron. The 
first discover}' was made in August, in 1870, but 
traces of old work were found. South of the spur on 
which this district is situated there is a large body of 
very pure magnetic iron ore. Four miles west of 
the district is a salt marsh in Grass Valley. Few 
developments have been made in this district. 

Reese River District, the principal one in Lander 
County, includes within its limits the celebrated Pony 
Ledge and the city of Austin, and was organized 
May 10, 1862, since which date Yankee Blade and 
Amador Districts have been consolidated with it. 
All its records have been carefully preserved. The 
number of locations in it is over 8,000. The veins 
are chieflj^ found in gneiss or granite, although in 
the northern portions of the district they are found 
in slate and porphyiy. They run nearly southeast 
and northwest with the formation, and di)) to the 
northeast at an angle of about 35 degrees. The ores 
contain antimony, some iron and galena, and a 
little copper and zinc. They arc silver bearing, 
although gold is found in ^larshall Cafion, in the 
southern portion of the district at the rate of from 
five to fifteen dollars ])er ton. The principal mines 
are the New Pacific, King Alfred, Magnolia, Chase, 
Morris & Caple, Patriot, and those of the Manhattan 



Company. Many small companies known as Cblo- 
ridcrs are also operating. The deepest shaft is in 
the Oregon Mine, and extends down 700 feet. Plenty 
of nut pine is to be had at the distance of fifteen or 
eighteen miles. The water supply is procured from 
s])rings in the canon, and is distributed bj- the Austin 
City Water Company. Remoter points are supplied 
by local springs. Freight from San Francisco costs 
sixty -six dollars per ton. The mines of the Man- 
hattan Company have been steadily productive for a 
long period, and bid fair to continue so for an indefi- 
nite time to come. Allen A. Curtis is the agent of 
the company. The King Alfred mines are the prop- 
ertj- of an English company, and have produced a 
large amount of bullion. A great deal of ore has 
been extracted by the Pacific Company. 

The gross bullion yield of the Reese River District 
previous to 1805 is estimated at 82,000,000, although 
no exact record was kept up to that time. Since 
that time the district has yielded 819,591,551.18, and 
now ranks the third in the State, only yielding the 
palm to Eureka and the Comstock. 

The princijial mines of Reese River District are 
situated on Lander Uill, which is a gentle ridge pro- 
jecting westerly from the main Toiyabe Range, and 
forming a divide between Pony and Emigrant Canons, 
north of Austin. 

Most of the mines on Lander Hill are owned by 
the .Manhattan t'ompanj', such as the Oregon, South 
America, Ogden, Dollarhide, Mohawk, Freehold and 
Lone Star. The ledges are well defined, but are 
verj' narrow, which objection is compensated for in a 
great measure by the richness of the ore. The ores 
on the surface and down to the water line are chiefly 
chloride, bromide of silver being occasionally found. 
Below the water line only antimonial sulphuret 
ores exist, commonly called ruby silver. 

All the ores of the district reijuire chloronalion. 
The ledge of the Oregon Mine varies in thickness 
from eight inches to three feet, and chiefly contains 
antimonial and ruby silver. 5Iany smaller mines in 
the vicinity are worked through the Oregon shaft. 
The widest vein in the South America Mine averages 
two and a half feet. 

The New Pacific Company is an Fnglish incorpo- 
ration, and, in addition to its ledges on Lander Hill, 
owns propertj' in Yankee Blade District. 

An Act was approved on March 4, 1871, incorpo- 
rating the Union Pacific Tunnel Company for the 
construction of a draining and exploring tunnel in 
Lander Hill. Among the originators of the scheme 
were B. H. Stansbury and ])r. A. Chase. A tunnel 
was run for a distance of 300 feet, when operations 
ceased for want of funds. It was afterward sold 
under execution, and was purchased by the Man- 
hattan Comj)any. It never amounted to anything, 
and, in all probability, never will, as it would, if ex- 
tended, roach the mines of highest outcrop at a depth 
of between 700 and 800 foot, and work is now in 
progress much deeper than that. It is the opinion 



47G 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



of experienced mining operators that there is not 
water enough in Lander Hill to justify such a long 
and expensive tunnel as that would be, for the drain- 
age of the depth it would reach, and the mines can 
be worked to better advantage by shafts. 

Sante Fe District is eighteen miles south of 
Austin in the eastern slope of the Toiyabe range of 
mountains. It contains some well-defined veins of 
quartz, the ore of which has given good assays, prin- 
cipally in gold. Very little work has ever been done 
in the district. It was organized on the twelfth of 
April, 18(53, Peter Brandow, Robert Stuart and John 
Heed being the discoverers of the mines. The prin- 
cipal mines are the Yo Semite, Eureka, Amazon, 
Rattler and Hudson. The Shoshone Canon cuts 
through the district, and in it flows a perennial 
stream of e.xcellent water. 

Yankee Blade District is a few miles northwest 
of Austin and consists of a series of canons. The 
formation is gneissoid, or granite. The low grade 
claims have not been worked much for years. A 
few locations containing high grade ore are being 
developed. Ore was discovered in June, 18()3. The 
district, of late years, has been incorporated with 
Reese River District. 



CMIAPTER XLVllI. 
HISTORY OF LINCOLN COUNTY. 

Karliest Kxplorations — First Discovery of Mines — Organization 
and Boundaries — Appointments and Elections — Payment of 
Taxes Kefused — Court House and County Jail — Collector's 
Fees Swindle — Sundry Kailroiwl Subsidies — Meetings to Op- 
pose the .Schemes — The Governor Vetoes the Bill — Promot- 
ers of the .Scheme — Causes of Prostration — Principal Mount- 
ain Ranges — Valleys of the County — Most Remarkable 
Cave — Principal Mining Districts — Pioche, the County Seat 
— Destructive Fires and Floods — Rapid Itecline after 1S7G— 
Other Towns and Cities — The Salt Mountain. 

The earliest mapsof the American common schools 
displaj'cd the great region embraced between the 
Rocky .Mountains and a narrow coast line on the 
Pacific as " unexplored," and as they are traced down 
to later times a few lines are evolved, among the first 
of which is one designated " The Sjianish Trail." 
This leads by a winding course from Santa Fe, in 
Nuevo Mcjico, to El Pueblo de Los Angeles, in Alta 
California, and by the trail are marked Rio Virgen 
and Fias Vegas. Sjianish history records that be- 
tween the years 1527 and 1537 a party of four per- 
sons, the survivors of 100, under the leadership of 
Count Alvar Nuficz Cabeza de Vaca, crossed from 
the Florida Coast to the I'acific, i-itt Santa Fe, con- 
suming ten years in the journey. Whether they 
passed over the Spanish Trail or not is not related, 
but for many years this route was traveled by the 
Spanish, as well as American trappers, stock-dealers 
and exjilorers. This southern extreme of the State, 
therefore, if now the last developed, has the honor 
of being the first to witness the people of oivilixa- i 



tion, and to have its features delineated on the maps. 
But with the mythical past we will leave this ancient 
history. 

E.\KLY explorations. 

The first white people in our modern period who 
traversed the region now embraced in Lincoln 
County, were Mormons from Salt Lake. As earlj- as 
1849 a company, in quest of a shorter route into 
southern California, crossed the lower part of this 
county through the then unknown desert. They 
wandered about over this dreary, desolate waste of 
land for several weeks in search of water and forage 
for their animals, and finallj- perished of thirst and 
hunger in Death Valley. In the winter of 1865-66 
the tire and other irons from the wagons supposed 
to have belonged to them were found and brought 
to Pahranagat, and used by the miners there. In 
1852 the Mormons obtained the contract for carrying 
the mail over the route which Congress had that 
year established from Salt Lake to San Bernardino. 
A station was established at Las Vegas, and Brigham 
Young located a settlement at that point, partlj- for 
protection to the route, and partly for smelting lead 
from the Potosi mines near b}'. The Mormons occu- 
pied this place till the time of the Mountain Meadow 
massacre in 1857, after which they sold out to par- 
ties from El i>orado Canon, and returned to Utah. 
However, as Montana and T^tah received their early 
spring supplies from southern California, this route 
to Los Angeles was used for commercial purposes 
about five months in the year, till the completion of 
the Central Pacific Railroad. 

In 1858, while the United States troops under 
Colonel Johnston, were encamped at Ham's Fork, 
Brigham Young started up several exploration par- 
ties from the southern .Mormon settlements, with 
instructions to search out certain places farther to 
the north, where the "saints" might find a safe 
retreat in case of nocessitj'. One of these parties 
followed the emigrant route and encamped in 
Meadow Valley. While there they broke up the 
ground and planted several acres in grain. They 
constructed irrigating ditches, made some other 
improvements, and then returned to their old settle- 
ments, leaving the crop in charge of the Indians. 
Brigham Young having become satisfied that the 
L'nited States troops were there to enforce the laws, 
and that the new Federal Judges proposed to act 
onlj- through courts of law, withdrew the brethren 
from Meadow Valley, and abandoned for the time 
being the further exploration of this part of the 
country. However, in 18(13, the Mormons at St. 
(toorge sent out small colonies to occupy this valley, 
as well as Eagle and Spring valleys, as herding 
grounds. 

FIRST IlISCOVKRV OF .MINES. 

It was in the winter of 1863-t)4, when the Indians 
were cold and hungry, that an Indian went to Wm. 
Hamlin, at Meadow A'alley, and offered to show him 
mines for a consideration. In this way the famous 




RESIDENCE u' A.SAUER, WASHOE CiT/, NZVAOA 



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BiRDSEYEVIEW •' GOLOHILL RANCH. 
RES:w» PROPERTY •>■ S O L W O E L , MASOW VALLEY , tyON C? NEV 






t>rfc jA^rrpk ^ mfy s * 



HISTORY OF LINCOLN COUNTY. 



477 



Panaca Ledge was found. Hamlin, although he had 
worked in placer diggings j-ears before, knew 
nothing about silver ores, so ho wont to Salt Lake 
City with his specimens and showed them to Gov- 
ernor lleod. They wore examined and approved by 
(Jeneral Connor and others, and then expeditions 
were fitted out and sent to the Meadow Vullej- 
mines. The first, headed bj- J. M. Vandormark and 
Ste])hen Sherwood, reached the mines in A])ril, 18(;4, 
and after making some locations proceeded to form 
" Meadow Valley Mining District." Up to this time 
Brigham Young had resisted all attempts to ])rospec.t 
in Utah for the precious metals, and generally with 
suceess. This time, however, he and the Mormons 
were taken by surprise, and in order to get the bal- 
ance of power in the district thoy suddenly turned 
miners, and Erastus Snow, the Mormon High Priest 
of southern Utah, came from St. (Jeorge, accompa- 
nied by a host of " saints," and proceeded immedi- 
atclj' upon their arrival to locate the countr}-. As 
Sherwood, who was the Recorder of the District, had 
returned to Salt Lake, taking with him the records, 
Snovv formed a new mining district, and the second 
expedition, under C. W. Wandell, having arrived, 
they united with each other in locating mines and 
making laws for the new district. Snow and his 
part}- made their locations in square lots, so as to 
cover as much ground as possible, and thus crowd out 
the Gentiles. They left their records in the district 
and returned home. When Sherwood returned to 
the mines with the original records, a question was 
raised as to the legality of the "square locations," 
and thej' were finallj- declared irregular, and were 
dropped. In due time the third party, composed of 
soldiers from Camp Douglas, arrived and made their 
locations. Some work was done on the I'anaca and 
Mammoth locations, but at that time there could be 
no profitable mining in this district for various 
reasons. The fear of the Mormons, who were op- 
posed to mining and might at any time create another 
•'Mountain Meadow" aft'air in this district, was the 
chief. The district was however never entirely 
abandoned, as a few bona fide claim holders were 
always in that region till the organization of the now 
district, although they probably had no idea of the 
true value of the mines at that time. 

In ISG") exploring parties wont into the Pahrana- 
gat Valley, and, finding what they supposed to be 
valuable mines, Eastern capitalists were induced to 
invest largely in them. The surface show of rich 
ores was well calculated to mislead even experienced 
miners, and in less than a year's time the I'ahrana- 
gat Mining District was organized and hundreds of 
locations made. In the fall Wm. 11. Raymond made 
his appearance, and. after looking over the mines, 
located and purchased about 1,(MI(I,(I0() feet of ground. 
The district at that time was thought to bo a pa3ing 
one. It was believed that a large population would 
be at once attracted there, and that a groat amount 
of business would be done, requiring county seat fa- 
60 



cilitios. Steps were therefore at once taken towards 
the organization of a new county. 

nllU.\NIZATION .\NIi BOUNDARIES. 

The county of Lincoln was created by a Tjogisla- 
tivc Act a|)i)roveil February 2i), 1S(JC, and its bounda- 
ries were fixed as follows: — 

Beginning at tho intersection of the thirly-ninth 
degree of longitude west from Washington with the 
thirty-eighth parallel of north latitude; thence east 
to the State line; thence south to the southerlj' State 
boundary line; thence along said line to its intersec- 
tion with the thirty-ninth degree of longitude; 
thence along that line to the place of beginning. 

It was also provided that any addition which may 
be made to the State on the east, south of the thirty- 
eis^htli parallel of north latitude; and any addition 
which may be made on the south, east of tho thirty- 
ninth degree of longitude west from Washington, 
shall become a portion of Lincoln Count}-, By an 
Act approved March 18, 18(57, along the entire west- 
ern boundary of the countj^ a strip about ten miles 
in width was ceded to Nye. By an Act approved 
February 20, 1S7.T, a considerable portion of Nye 
was added to Lincoln on the north, consisting of a 
tract about forty-six miles north and south, and about 
fiftj'-four miles east and west, l}'ing along tho west- 
ern boundary of Utah. By tho provisionsof the first- 
named Act Crystal Springs was made the county seat. 

Early in tho spring of 1S()G, ( Governor Blasdel left 
Carson City, accom|ianied by numerous friends, with 
the view of organizing the new county. The party 
in endeavoring to reach I'ahranagat by a route dif- 
lerent from the ordinary one, journe^-ed by way of 
Death Valley, California. They crossed the valley 
without serious difficulty, but after passing Ash 
.Meadows, found themselves reduced to very short 
allowances of food and water. Realizing the perils 
of the situation, the Governor and State Geologist 
White, hastened on to Logan, where they loaded a 
wagon with sup|)lies, and dispatched it under guard 
to their suffering friends. The latter were met at 
Summit S|)ring. For several days they had been sub- 
sisting oil liziirds. one man of tho party had died, 
and all were more or less exhausted with unusual 
hardships. Contrary to the Governor's expectations, 
the county lacked the number of legal voters neces- 
sary' to fill tho legislative requirements, and its 
organization was postponed for one year. 

By tho provisions of the Act of March IS, 1867, 
the count}' seat was changed to lliko; 11. U. Day, 
Charles Wilson, and .M. Fuller, wore appointed County 
Commissioners. Tho count}' was constituted tho 
.Ninth .ludieial District, and its legislative representa- 
tion was fixed at one Senator and one Member of the 
.\ssembly. On February 21, 1871, an Act was 
approved ])roviding for an election concerning tho 
removal of the county seat from lliko to any other 
point tho citizens of the county might prefer. 

On February 24, 1871, an Act was approved mak- 
ing Pioche the seat of Lincoln County for three 



478 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



months, and providing for the immediate removal of 
the public archives to that point. On April 22d 
following, the county seat election took place, and 
Pioche received a majority of 168 votes over the 
town of Hiko, and became and has since remained 
the county seat. 

On the sixteenth of April, 18G7, Messrs. Day, Wil- 
son, and Fuller, met at Logan Springs, took the 
recjuired oath and legally constituted themselves a 
Board of County Commissioners, electing H. H. Day 
their Chairman. The Board then adjourned to meet 
at Iliko on April 22d. John D. Gorin acted as 
Clerk. In accordance with the Act approved on the 
eighteenth of March preceding, the Commissioner-s, 
as soon as practicable, selected and appointed the 
first county officers. At a meeting of the Commis- 
sioners held April 6, 1868, the first school district 
was organized. This district was throe miles long 
and one mile wide, and included the town of Iliko. 
In October of this year the whole county was divided 
into school districts, and Trustees of. each were 
ajipointed. 

APPOINT.MENTS AND ELECTIONS. 

The first Commissioners of Lincoln County were 
named in the .\ct of organization, March 18, 1867. 
The balance of the county officers were appointed 
by the Executive, and held their positions till the 
election, November 3, 1868. 

Below will be found a complete list of county offi- 
cers from its organization down to the present time, 
together with the date of appoiiUnient or election of 
each. The vacancies in office by death, resignation 
or removal, if any have occurred, are also noted, 
with the names of the persons selected to fill the 
same. 

SENATORS. 

¥j. B. Hazard, elected November 3, 1868; R. S. 
Ciai)p and J. R. Wilson, clec'tod November 5, 1872; 
N. Wescoatt, elected November 3, 1874; A. J. Blair, 
elected November 7, 1876; R. P. Dayton, elected 
November 5, 1878; W. II. Henderson, elected No- 
vember 2, 1880. 

ASSE.MBLVMEN. 

F. W. Randall, elected November 3, 1868; M. B. 
(iurrahan, elected November 8, 1870; P. L. Shoaft", 
Thos. Wallace and P. A. Craig, elected November 5, 
1872; A. J. Blair, J.B. Van Ilagan and H.Bergstein, 
elected November 3, 1874; A. T. Moore, John Bow- 
man and George Goldthwaite, elected November 7, 
1876; U. K. Allen, Geo. Paton and R. L. Wash, 
elected November 5, 1878; Alilton Barrett, C. H. 
Ponton and John >Shier, elected November 2, 1880. 

COUNTV rOMMrSSIONERS. 

li. II. Day, Charles Wilson and M. Fuller, appointed 
March 18, 1867; Henry Raymond, appointed August 
20, 1867; James Moe, Chas. P. Ely and J. Gilbert, 
elected November 3, 1868; W. C. Glisson, Wm. H. 
Ferguson and P. McCannon, elected November 8, 
1870. August 4th Wm. S. Ferguson resigned and 
Michael McClusky appointed. D. A. Fulks, T. J. 



Jones and C. R. Dann, elected November 5, 1872; J. 
C. Lynch and J. Hoffman, elected November 3, 1874, 
E. F. Morton and J. N. Craig, elected November 7, 
1876; D. C. Clark and J. Eisenmann, elected No- 
vember 5, 1878; A. Veitch and J. V. Keeley, elected 
November 2, 1880. 

DISTRICT ATTOKNEYS. 

William H. Clipperlon, appointed May 27, 1867; 
Chas. S. Colton, elected Nov. 3, 1868, did not qualify; 
C. W. Wandell. appointed January IG, ISGO; G. S. 
Sawyer, elected November 8, 1870, resigned August 
22, 1871; George Goldthwaite appointed to fill 
vacancy. George Goldthwaite. elected November 5, 
1872, re-elected November 3, 1874; Thompson Camp- 
bell, elected November 7, 1876, C. H. Patchen, elected 
November 5, 1878, re-elected November 2, 1880. 

COUNTY SUEUIKFS. 

J. E. Matthews, appointed May 27, 1867, resigned 
July 27, 18G8, G. W. List appointed to fill vacancy; 
Wm. Ritter, elected November 3, 1868, resigned 
November 21, 1868. G. W. List appointed to fill 
vacancy; John Kane, elected November 8, 1870; W. 
S. Travis, elected November 5, 1872; A. Fife, elected 
November 3, 1874; W. L. McKoe, elected November 
7, 1876, reelected November 5, 1878, re-elected 
November 2, 1880. 

COUNTY CLERKS. 

John D. Gorin, appointed April 22, 1867, elected 
November 3, 1868, resigned September 5, 1870; P. 
B. Miller, appointed to till vacancy, atid elected 
November 8, 1870, re-elected November 5, 1872, re- 
elected November 3, 1874; .1. M. Hanford, elected 
November 7, 1876; re-elected November f), 1878; 
George T. Gorman, elected November 2, 1880. 

COUNTY TllEASURERS. 

Charles R. Hoppin, appointed .\pril 22, 1S()7, 
resigned Januar}' 8, lS(i8, ('has. .Sehinuck appointed 
to fill vacancj-; William .M. Wilson, elected Novem- 
ber 3, 1868, did not qualify; A Barber, appointed 
.Tanuaiy 16, 18l)9; Henry Philli])s, elected November 
8,1870; John Uoeder, elected .Xovember 5, 1.S72; M. 
Quillen, elected November 3, 1874; D. A. Fulks, 
elected November 7, 1876, re-elected November 5, 
1878; R. II. Elam, elected November 2. 1880. 

COUNTY ASSESSORS. 

George Ernest, appointed April 22, 1867; N. H. 
Carlow, elected November 3, 1868; J. A. Curtis, 
elected November 8, 1870; K. J. Hanlo}-, elected 
Xovember 5, 1S72, being a defaulter in the sum of 
§'J,812, and failing to give additional bonds, man^- of 
bis suroties being insolvent, he was removed Sep- 
tember 2G, 1873. and O. P. Sherwood appointed to fill 
vacancy; O. P. Sherwood and Henry Rives were 
allowed to pay 86,135.50 in settlement, and the claim 
was canceled. R. P. Daj-ton, elected November 3, 
1874; X. Wescoatt, elected Xovember 7, 1876; W. 
H. Henderson, elected November 5, 1878, did not 
fiualify; G. W. Arnold, appointed June 26, 1879; T. 
Hort'man, elected November 2, 1880. 



HISTORY OF LINCOLN COUNTY. 



479 



COtJNTT RECORDERS. 

N. E. Allan, appointed April 22, 18(J7; Henry Itay- 
mond, elected November 3, 1868; W. 11. Henderson, 
elected, November 8, 1870, re elected November 5, 
1872, re-elected November 3, 1874; J. C. ilender- 
8on, elected November 7, 187(5, re-elected November 
5, 1878, re-elected November 2, 1880. 

COUNTY SUPERINTENDENTS OF SCHOOLS. 

B. S. Fullington, appointed Julj- 1, 1867, resigned 
June 8, 1868, W. II. Clipperton, appointed to fill 
vacancy; George \V. McLane, elected November 3, 
1868, resigned January 4, 1870; Charles P. Ely, 
appointed to fill vacancy; D. J. Wilmans, elected 
November 8, 1870; Lowi.s Sultan, elected November 
5, 1872; G. W. Hill, elected November 3, 1874, died; 
W. Dolman, appointed December 6, 1875, who 
resigned May 26, 1876, and G. E. Alexander was 
appointed to fill vacancy; E. R. Wilmarth, elected 
November 7, 1876, failed to qualify; G. R. Alexan- 
der, appointed January 11, 1877; G. R. Alexander, 
elected November 5, 1878, re-elected November 
2, 1880. 

COUNTY SURVEYORS. 

Charles Schcnk, appointed April 22, 1867; S. R. 
Nichols, elected November 3, 1868, did not qualify; 
C. W. Wandell, appointed April 5, 1869; E. Schopp- 
man, elected November 5, 1872; O. K. Wescoatt, 
elected November 3, 1874, removed for absence 
October 14, 1875, N. Wescoatt, appointed to fill 
vacancy; N. Wescoatt, elected November 7, 1876; 
O. K. Wescoatt, elected November 5, 1878, did not 
qualify; G. W. Arnold, appointed June 26, 1879; L. 
V. W'ertheimer, elected November 2, 1880. 

PUBLIC ADMINISTRATORS. 

John 11. Ely, appointed April 6, 1868; Charles 
Cook, elected November 3, 1868; C. F. Philson, elected 
November 8, 1870; D. L. Deal, elected November 5. 
1872, re-elected November 3, 1874; C. F. Philson, 
elected November 7, 187(i, failed to <jualify; S. L. 
Lee, appointed January 23, 1877; John Shier, elected 
November 5, 1878, did not qualify; James Pierson, 
api)ointed Januaiy 5, 1880; M. J. Cortclls, elected 
November 2, 18S0. 

PAY.MENT OK TAXES REFUSED. 

A good deal of difficulty was experienced in col- 
lecting the taxes levied against the property of the 
Mormon settlers in the eastern portion of the State. 
By an Act of Congress, passed in 1866, one degree 
bad been taken from Utah and added to Nevada; 
still the boundary line had never been determined, 
and though their propcrtj- was assessed in Lincoln 
County the Mormon settlers refused to pay their 
taxes, and there was not sufficient power in the 
count}- at that time to force collection. Assessments 
were made in 1868 and 1869; suits were brought and 
levies made for the purpose of securing the taxes, 
but to no purpose — the Mormons would notjiaj-. In 
1870 the boundary lino was surveyed and established 



by Isaac James and Captain Monroe. Since then 
there has been no trouble about taxes, but there has 
been a great exodus of Mormons from Lincoln 
County. However, their place has been more than 
supplied by succeeding Mormons, and these latter 
make the better citizens. 

A great change has come over these settlements. 
The dug-outs and sod shanties have given way to 
comfortable dwellings; the scantil3--drcssed and half- 
fed population now go well clothed and have an 
abundance to eat; the rude farm tools are supplanted 
by the most approved implements of husbandrj-; the 
few old broken down wagons are no more, their 
places being supplied by those of the best Eastern 
manufacture — the ponderous quartz wagon and the 
bugg}-; and the small store whose entire contents 
could have been packed on a mule has grown to be 
a large and ver}- respectable mercantile establish- 
ment, all the result of the influx of the "Gentile" 
population and the opening of rich mines bj- Amer- 
ican enterprise. 

COURT HOUSE AND COUNTY JAIL. 

The Court House of Lincoln County is a two-story 
brick building, 40x60, and was built in 1871, at a 
cost, including the jail, of S75,00O. The jail is a two- 
slory stone building, 20x30 feet, and joins the Court 
House in the rear. The historj- of the construction 
of these buildings is sufficient!}- remarkable to jus- 
tify a relation of it here. The contract was let in 
August, 1871, to build the Court House for 816,400, and 
the jail for 810,000. T'p to this time the finances of 
the county were in good condition. The revenue 
from bullion tax, quarterly license tax, etc., kept a 
fund continually on hand to meet current expenses, 
and it was thought al the time that with the increas- 
ing wealth of the county this sum could be sj)ared 
for county buildings, and, after a year or two, would 
not be felt. Hut schemers, who saw their way to 
profit, determined to absorb this increasing revenue. 
By some uiuiccountable ])lan, after the work of 
building commenced, the contract was broken, and 
the work completed by the piece at the most extrav- 
agant price for each. Rude stone stops, leading from 
the Court House to the jail, cost several hundred 
dollars each; 88,000 were allowed for water-closets, 
and the whole work was done in this extravagant 
way, till the Court House and jail complete cost 
875,000; both of which could, under proper manage- 
ment, have been built of the same material, and 
<[uitc as substantial, for at least 830,000. 

collectors' fees swindle. * 

Upon the heels of the Court House and County 
Jail swindle, came tho purchase, by the County 
Treasurer, of projierty sold lor taxes and costs, the 
county paying tho costs only. Under an Act of 
the Legislature of 1871. the passage of which was 
])rocured by tho combined influence of the Sheriftsof 
the dift'erent counties of the State, pro])erty, tho tax 
upon which could not be collected, and for which 



480 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



there were no bidders because of its worthlessuess, 
was " bid in " to the State, and the fees or costs were 
paid by the county to the Sheriff, the same as though 
he had collected the tax. The object of this law was 
to enable the collectors of taxes to get fees from all 
property assessed in the county, whether the tax 
was collected or not. The fees paid by the county 
the first year under this infamous law was 816,000. 
These and other extravagances created a debt of 
870,000 more than there was any necessity for, and 
this, too, in the hifancy of the county. This afforded 
an opportunity to speculate in the securities of the 
county, anil so great was the distrust in them that 
the scrip, instead of being taken at par for supplies, 
commanded but about thirty cents on the dollar. As 
an illustration of its value, or rather its want of value, 
it is only necessary to state the fact that the Com- 
missioners, after the Court House was built, allowed 
8180 in scrip for four student lamps for the use of the 
county offices. Prices in this ratio had to be paid for 
hospital, jail, Court House, and all other county 
supplies, from that time forward, with exceptional 
instances. After the bonding of the county debt, 
for awhile, the credit of the county was better, but 
the great wonder is that the county is not more in 
debt from this cause alone, aside from the great 
expense attending the trial of so many criminals. 

SUNDRY RAILROAD SUBSIDIES. 

The bullion product of the county continued to 
increase, and it was thought the revenue therefrom 
would soon liquidate this great indebtedness. Indeed, 
there was a prospect that there might sometime be a 
surplus after paying the county debt, and the 
schemers laid their plans again to absorb whatever 
there might be. The same innocent and unsuspect- 
ing Board of County Commissioners, who had been 
led into building the Court House by the piece, 
were induced to do something in the waj' of sub- 
sidies for a railroad from Piocbe to IJullionville, that 
had already been partly built by a mining company 
for the express purpose of freighting their ores to 
their mill. So, on the twent5--second of Julj-, 1872, 
the Board mot at the call of the Chairman. M. 
McClusky, a member of the Board, and William C. 
Glisson, Chairman, were present, and the I'ollowing 
business was transacted: — 

After reciting that a large portion of the tax-pa)-er8 
of Lincoln County had petitioned the Board of 
County Commissioners of said county to i.ssue bonds 
to the amount of 8200,000 to aid in the construction 
of the Pioche and Bullionville Eailroad, the bonds 
were ordered to be issued to the Railroad Company. 
They were made payable in ten years from January 
1, 1873, with annual interest at ten percent., interest 
and principal paj-able in gold coin. Thej- were to bo 
signed by the Chairman, countersigned by the Clerk 
of the Board, and authenticated by the seal of the 
county, to be numbered and registered when issued, 
and to bo delivered to the Treasurer of the Railroad 
Company upon the approval by the Board of a bond 



from the companj' agreeing to expend the moneys 
received on the bonds in the construction of the pro- 
posed railroad. This action was made subject to 
the ratification of the Legislature of the State of 
2Cevada. The resolution further set forth the duty 
of the County Auditor in providing the necessary 
funds to pay the interest on these bonds, also a sink- 
ing fund to meet the principal. The Clerk of the 
Board was instructed to procure 200 blank bonds of 
the form to be approved by the Commissioners; and 
the Board adjourned. 

Here was legislation for the people by two men 
acting as County Commissioners. The bonds had 
already been printed in San Francisco, and were 
expected to arrive by that evening's mail. They 
were to be signed that night and taken back to San 
Francisco, and negotiated to innocent parties (?) by 
Gen. A. L. Page, then Superintendent of Construc- 
tion of the Railroad. This much having been done 
it was thought the Legislature would ratify the pro- 
ceedings of the Board, as these innocent parties 
would have good cause of action in court against the 
county. For some reason the mail, which was 
expected to bring the blank bonds did not arrive that 
night. The next morning the District Judge, being 
curious to know for what the special meeting of the 
Commissioners had been called, went to the Clerk's 
office and asked to see the proceedings of the Board 
of the daj' before. Upon reading the same he 
hastened to the office of the District Attorney, George 
\V. Goldthwaite, to request him to commence action 
at once to restrain the issuance of these bonds. The 
District Attorney, never before distrustful of his 
! own ability, now in a state of trepidation confessed 
his want of ability to do the work. The Judge then 
applied to another attorney, J. C. Foster, who, with 
John P. Kelley, now connected with the firm of 
(iarber, Thornton i*t Bishop, of San Francisco, drew 
the complaint, Kelley being plaintiff in the case. 
When the time sot for hearing arrived, the attorney, 
W. W. Bishop (not of the firm just mentioned), for 
the JJailroad Com])an3-, did not appear, and default 
was entered and an injunction ordered. 

This, however, only paved the waj' for a still more 
magnificent scheme to get at the increasing revenue 
from the then wonderful products of the mines about 
Pioche; and another railroad project was devised. 

On the fifteenth of February, 1873, a meeting of 
the citizens was held at the Court House to consider 
the matter of '• railroad communication with the 
Central Pacific." Judge Fuller was elected Presi- 
dent, and a large number of persons named for Vice- 
Presidents. D. Carson, II. A. Thompson, J. S. Cros- 
man, O. P. Sherwood and D. B. Hunt were appointed 
a committee to draft resolutions. After considerable 
discu.ssion in which the sense of the meeting was 
fully expressed, the following resolutions, reported 
by the committee, and adopted: — 

Resohed, That the large and constantly increasing 
business of Lincoln County, and the full and successful 



HISTORY OF LINCOLN COUNTY. 



481 



development of our mineral resources imperatively 
demand the speed}' construction of a railroad con- 
necting Piocho, in said Count}', with Eureka and 
Palisade. 

Heso/red, That in the opinion of this meeting the 
increase in the value of j)roporty and in the jirodiic- 
tion of bullion, which would be caused by the con- 
struction of the railroad above mentioned, would be 
more than sutiiciont to enable us to pay the interest 
on 8350,000 of bonds without increasing the burden 
of ta.xation. 

A'eso/ve</, That we are in favor of the County sub- 
scribing for stock in some well organized company 
for building a road between the points aforesaid, and 
issuing its bonds in payment for the same. 

Resolved. That our Senators and Assemblymen be, 
and thej- are hcrebj- requested, to secure the passage 
of a law requiring the County Commissioners of this 
County to subscribe for the amount of stock above 
mentioned, and to issue bonds to the amount of 
8350,000, bearing interest at the rate of seven per 
cent, per annum, payable in not less than ten and 
not more than twenfy years, 

Resolced, That provision should be made in anj- 
law that may be passed for one or more directors to 
be selected by the County to act in its behalf. 

Copies of the above resolutions were published in the 
Record, and also sent to the Lincoln County delegation 
in the Legislature. The feeling was s'ronglj' in favor 
of a speedy railroad communication with the "outside 
world,'' and at the close of the meeting three cheers 
were given for " the success of this great enterprise," 
The meeting was a small one in point of numbers, 
and though the Vice-President* represented a large 
amount of tax-payers, only a part of them were 
present, some being out of the State, and those"who 
were present, aside from those connected with the 
scheme, had not suspected anything wrong. The 
President of the meeting. Judge Fuller, and E. W. 
Fleming, one of the Vice-Presidents, after learning 
the object of the resolutions, opposed their adoption, 
and pronounced them " monstrous." 

.MKETINOS TO OPPOSE THE SCHEME. 

From this on Judge Fuller became tlic champion 
opponent of county subsidies to railroads. Jle made 
several unsuccessful attempts, soon after, to get a 
meeting called to rescind the action of the meeting of 
the 15th. Finally, on the twenty-seventh of Feb- 
ruary, he succeeded in getting a notice published in 
the Record for a meeting that night, a full account of 
which was published the following day in the Record, 
from the columns of which the following is gleaned: 
Judge Thompson was called to the Chair, and E. 
Schopmaiin appointed Secretary. Judge Fuller came 
to his feet, and made a lengthy speech. 

He said his position was misrepresented at the 
previous meeting, and he would avail himself of this 
occasion to set himself right. lie thought the rail- 
road would come just as soon without a subsidy, but 
the first road would probably come from I'tah; that 
he did not believe in the count}' being swindled by 
issuing bo!ids to rings. 

Mr. Hunt and Louis Folsenthal spoke in favor of 
the proposition to aid the construction of a railroad. 



The latter said his house had paid 834,000 for freight 
the past year, and he was anxious for railroad facili- 
ties. John Pattie opposed the issue of 8350,000 in 
bonds, and endorsed the sentiments of Judge Fuller. 
Judge Bishop took sides most emphatically for the 
railroad. In his opinion it was clearlj' in the interest 
of Lincoln County to issue the bonds. The county, 
he said, had already spent thousands in building a 
Court House, that was sinking at every corner, and 
a worthless jail, and other improvements, and, here- 
after, he wanted money spent to some purpose. 
Judge Fuller replied that he did not wish to be 
understood as opposing railroads. He was in favor 
of them; but it would be mockery to issue bonds; 
he spoke of the Hullionville Railroad, and said that 
corporation would have got away with 8200,000 of 
the people's money, if Mr. Kellej- and other tax- 
paj'ers had not interfered. Colonel Sabin favored 
aid to the railroad, and gave figures showing that 
it would be the greatest benefit to that section of the 
country; no railroad would or could come there, he 
said, unless the citizens and tax-payers put in cap- 
ital. In five years the bonds given by the county 
would be wiped out, and the wealth of Lincoln 
would be (juadrupled. Mr. Hunt thought if the 
citizens would help the Palisade & Eureka Railroad 
Company, the road would be built in eighteen 
months. Then, he said, Californians and other 
people would come and invest in their mines; the 
mining stock now selling at fifty and seventy-five 
cents, would bring five dollars and ten dollars; also 
the way w'ould be open for other roads. At this 
juncture, Judge Fuller introduced the following 
resolution: — 

Resolced, That it is the sense of this meeting that 
our Representatives in the State Legislature be, and 
are herebj' instructed to disregard any resolutions 
heretofore ])assed with reference to Lincoln Count}' 
subscribing stock or giving a subsidy to any railroad. 

Judge Bishop spoke long and vigorously against 
the resolution^also Mr. Wheeler and others advo- 
cated giving aid to the road, attempting to show 
how much the cost of living would be reduced, and 
the immense saving to the business men of the 
county in the way of reduced rates of freight. 
Judge Fuller again arose and made a masterly speech 
against issuing the bonds. He argued that the 
Company would fix their stock at five times the cost 
of building the road; that this stock would be given 
at par for county bonds worth at least ninety-five 
cents; that the stock would need to bo assessed but 
twenty cents to complete the road, and the ring 
would exchange this twenty-cent stock for ninety- 
five-cent bonds, and thereby make seventy-five cents 
for themselves, and the railroad would be benefited 
but twenty cents on the dollar by the bonds. 

The facts were that the Railroad Company had 
already fixed their capital stock at 830,000.000, while 
their estimate for building the road was 84,500,000. 
This would make the stock in the railroad cost a 



482 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



little over fourteen cents when the road shoult) be 
completed. To make an exchange of county bonds 
for this stock would indeed be mockery. On motion 
of Judge Fuller the meeting adjourned to the fol- 
lowing night, when the numbers and interest were 
greatly increased. The people of the county were 
thoroughly aroused to the importance of the issue. 
The meeting was organized by the election of J. C. 
Foster as Chairman, who on assuming the chair, 
defined his position on the subsidy question. He 
favored a gratuity of 8100,(100 in county bonds to 
the road that should be first built. Judge Fuller 
offered a resolution to that effect, which was ap- 
proved by Bishop, Holland, Wheeler, Hunt and 
others. Questions of order were raised as to the 
admissibility of the resolution in place of the one 
offered at the meeting before, and which was claimed 
by some to be first in order. Motions to appoint 
tellers, to exclude all but tax-payers from voting, 
to adjourn and to lay on the table, were made with 
much confusion. A motion was also made by Judge 
Fuller to have ex-Licutcnant Governor Crosman take 
the chair, as he was a good parliamentarian, pro- 
vided Foster was willing. 

The Chairman made an appeal for order and free 
discussion, and finally the meeting came to order, 
and Judge Fuller took the floor, and spoke to 
the resolution of the first meeting. He favored 
railroads, but not subsidies, and he wanted the people 
of Lincoln Countj' to dictate any law passed on the 
subject. He said he held in his hand a copy of a 
bill which proposed to rob the people of their sub- 
stance. U came to him to-day, he said, from the 
Capitol. He read and explained its provisions, 
claiming that thej' were ambiguous, and showing the 
cost to the county to be 8150,000, and that the road 
might not come nearer than ton miles of Pioche; 
commercial rivahy would insure the completion of 
the Palisade road as soon as the Utah road was con- 
structed, and it was wholly unnecessary to impov- 
erish the county for a generation to come with the 
provisions of this law. Judge Bishop opposed these 
views, and thought Judge Fuller had misconstrued 
the bill; there was not the danger a])]iruheiided; the 
proposed road would cross a rich mineral belt almost 
every ten miles, and, viewed merely as a wise invest- 
ment, he was in favor of extending substantial aid to 
it. Ex-Governor Crosman spoke in favor of the 
subsidy, and argued at some length. Messrs. Hol- 
land, Hunt and .hidge Pitzer also favored the subsidj'. 
They wanted the railroad, and did not believe they 
could got it without the proposed aid. The motion, 
to allow none but tax-payers to vote, was called for, 
and, when the meeting showed a disposition not to 
allow it to be put. Judge Bishop, Mr. Holland, and 
others withdrew from the meeting. Judge Fuller 
then made a few remarks, explaining that the bill 
would come up for final action on the following day, 
and he wanted the pcoi)lo to vote undorstandingly. 
The resolution of tho former meeting was then read, 



and a vote taken by tellers. The resolution was 
carried bj- a unanimous vote. The regular Secretary 
having withdrawn, N. H. Maguire was appointed to 
act for the balance of the evening. A motion was 
adopted requiring the officers of the meeting to sign 
this resolution as adopted, and telegraph it to the 
Representatives in the Legislature. 

Thus the citizens, in mass meeting assembled, 
declared that their Kepresentatives in the Legislature 
should disregard the action of all previous railroad 
meetings in Lincoln (.'ounty. The proceedings of 
the meeting were telegraphed to the State Legisla- 
ture, but, notwithstanding the unanimous action of 
the meeting, the bill passed, owing to a combination 
having been made between the friends of the bill 
and the friends of the Elko and Hamilton charter for 
a railroad. The Record, it seems, published the tele- 
graphic news of the passage of the bill by the Senate, 
but suppressed tho news of its passage by the House, 
and, for three days, the people of Pioche were con- 
gratulating each other on the su])po.sed defeat of the 
bill in the House. On the fourth day after the 
adjournment. Judge Fuller telegraphed Governor 
Bradley that the bill was a fraud upon the peo])le of 
Ijincoln, and to await his letter. That night the 
letter was written, and placed in the express office, 
and nothing was he;ird from it till Judge Fuller 
received the following letter from Governor Bradlej-: 

State of Nevada, Executive Department, ) 
Carson CiTy, March 18, 1873. f 

Hon. Mortimer Fuller, Pioche, Lincoln County, 
Nevada — Afj/ Dear Sir: Yours of the eleventh instant 
came to hand to-day. 1 have to thank j-ou for the 
valuable information as to the stale of j>ublic- feeling 
on the railroad question in your county. J vetoed 
the Lincoln and Nye Railroad Bill this morning, 
using substantially the argument contained in your 
letter. I hope that my course will meet the a])proval 
of the good people of Ijincoln ('ountj-. Allow mo 
to assure you of mj- sincere thanks for j-our honora- 
ble and friendly course in this matter. 

I remain yours, very truly, L. R. Bradley. 

Tho Governor called this the " Lincoln and Nye 
Railroad Bill," for the reason, likely, that it provided 
for both counties taking stock in the com))any. Nye 
then owned a strip of country about twentj- miles 
wide, ^extending across what is now the northern 
part of Lincoln County. There was a provision in 
the Bill that Nye's subscription to the stock should 
be submitted to a vote of the people of that county, 
while it contained no such provision in regard to Lin- 
coln. The subsidy was made absolute as regards 
Lincoln, if the road was built. 

Judge Fuller contended in the debate that the bill 
was drawn so ambiguously that the railroad company 
could force another SI (lO, (1(1(1 from Lincoln County 
for tho last ten miles, or else not allow tho road to 
como to Pioche, but allow it to go north of that place 
into I'tah. Here was a chance, he thought, to 
blackmail the county to the extent of several hundred 
thousand dollars. 



I 



HISTORY OF LINCOLN COUNTY. 



483 



CAUSES OF PROSTRATION. 

These schemes to get at the then expected great 
revenue of Lincoln County, together with the very 
bad manajj;ement of the mines at the most critical 
moment (at water level) when the best manage- 
ment was required, have contributed largely to the 
downfall and prostration of what is no doubt one of 
the best mining sections on the Pacific Coast. 

In April, 1878, the debt of the county was bonded 
to the amount of SI 81. 000, the bonds bearing ten per 
cent, interest, and payable in ten years. Ninety 
thousand and five hundred dollars have been paid 
for interest, and none of the bonds redeemed. The 
county is now in debt over $300, 000, which sum 
equals about half its present taxable property value. 
The present population is 2,110, a decrease of nearly 
one-third in five years. 

For a full statement of the products of the county 
from 18G7 to 1880, the number of acres under culti- 
vation, the stock and grain raised and the fruit- 
trees and vines growing, the reader is referred to 
pages 135, 13(i, 140 and 189 of the general history. 
For the bullion product of the county, see bullion 
table in this book. 

PRINCIPAL MOUNTAIN RANGES. 

The principal mountains of Lincoln Countj^ arc 
included in the White Pine, Yellow Pine and 
Pahranagat ranges. The White Pine Range is in 
the western part of the county, running nearly 
north and south; is bold, high and snowy, and is 
well wooded with nut pine, fir, white pine and 
mahogany. Twenty miles to the eastward are the 
Pahranagat Mountains, a low range covered with 
nut pine, and running north and south. In the 
southern part of the county are the Yellow Pine 
Mountains, running northeast and southwest, a 
wide and lofty range, well timbered with yellow 
pine. Mount Irish is a lofty peak of the Pahrana- 
gat Range, rising to the height of 11,000 feet above 
the sea, and is seamed with ore-bearing veins of 
quartz. This peak was named in honor of Mr. 
Irish, Indian Agent for that region in 18(15. when 
the mines were discovered. The Ely Mountains, 
west of Pioehe, running north and south, arc rich in 
mineral veins. The Spring Mountain Range, in the 
southwest, is a verj' interesting group, and contains 
a large area of pastoral lands. There are other 
groups and hills bearing local names. 

VALLEYS OF THE COUNTY. 

The most northern valley in the county is Spring 
Valley, which is four miles long and tliree-quai-ters 
of a mile wide. It was first settled in 18ti7 by 
William C. Moody and Alma Willett. During the 
following year they planted jjotatoes, and sowed 
wheal, barley and oats. The potatoes did well. 
The grasshoppers devoured the grain, however, but 
have not put in an appearance there since. Few 
subsequent attempts to raise grain have been made, 
for the reason that the frosts usually injure Ihe 



crops. At one time this vallej- contained a j)opnla- 
tion of twenty Mormon families, but only four now 
remain. 

South of Spring Valley is f^agle Valley, two and a 
half miles long and half a mile wide. All of it is 
capable of cultivation, being irrigated by springs. 
At present it is chiefl)- utilized for meadow lands. 
Notwithstanding freciueiit frosts, large quantities of 
fruit are often raised in it. It was once inhabited 
by twenty-two Mormon families; only seven now 
remain. 

EosE Valley, south of Eagle Valley, is a mile 
and a half long and about half a mile wide. It con- 
tains no running water, and is used as a meadow. 
Eight families formerly inhabited it, but only two 
remain. 

Dry Valley is south of Rose, and is four miles 
long and half a mile wide. It was once settled, but 
the Meadow Vallej- Mining Company took the 
waters from it, and it had to be abandoned. 

Next south of Dry Vailcj' is Meadow Valley, ten 
miles long and a mile wide, and well watered. It 
produces large quantities of vegetables and some 
fruit. It was first settled, in 18(33 and 1864, by the 
Mormons, most of whom afterwards returned to 
Utah. About twenty-five families now reside in it, 
not including the poi)u!ation of Panaca. 

Southward I'rom Meadow Vallej' is Meadow Val- 
ley Wash, which is ninety miles long, and occasion- 
allj' widens out into tracts of tillable land. It is 
watered bj- springs, and is occupied bj' about twenty 
families. It extends into Muddj' River Vallej'. 

Muddy River Valley runs north and south, and is 
about two miles wide and thirtj' long. It was set- 
tled bj' the Mormons in 18(;4, .as will be found nar- 
rated elsewhere in this work. It is capable of pro- 
ducing abundantlj', as was then demonstrated. At 
one time it contained a population of 1,700, but all 
returned to Utah in 1871, excepting five families. 

In the southern portion of the countj', about fiftj- 
miles southwest of Muddj' River Valley, is the oasis 
of Las Vegas Spring. It is almost in the center of a 
desert twentj- miles wide, and affords water sutHcient 
for the irrigation of 500 acres. The climate around 
it is semi-tropical. Manj' kinds of fruit thrive vigor- 
ouslj-. The old emigrant road from Salt Lake Citj' 
to Los Angeles, California, passed near this spring. 
The localitj' has been settled siiu-e 1852. 

Clover Valley, lying west of the Meadow Vallej' 
Wash, is four miles long and one wide. It is par- 
tiallj' watered, is used for meadow land and is occu- 
pied bj' ten families. 

Fortj- miles west of Las Vegas, adjoining the 
line of Inyo Countj'. Cjilifornia, is the Pah Rump 
\'allej', running northeast and southwest. It is 
thirtj' miles long and ten wide, and is but slightlj' 
watered, but when irrigated, jiroduces well in fruit 
and grain. 

North of Pah Rump Valley is Ash Meadow Valley, 



484 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



running north and south. It is thirty miles long 
and ten wide, and is well watered by springs, but 
the soil contains too much alkali to be capable of 
cultivivtion. It produces good grass, however. This 
valley is inhabited by three families. 

Lying between the Pah Rock and Pahranagat 
Mountains, fifty miles west of Pioche, is the fertile 
Pahranagat Vallej-, thirty miles long and half a mile 
wide. Numerous springs su))plj' it with an abun- 
dance of water, and fruit, grain and vegetables are 
raised in liberal quantities, and find a ready market 
at Pioche and the adjoining camps. Twent}' families 
now inhabit this valley. It was first settled in 1805 
by John H. Ely and others. 

The northern part of the county is troubled some 
with late frosts, but the southern valleys are exempt 
from this misfortune. Grasshoppers have seldom 
committed serious ravages in any of the valleys, and 
rarely visit more than one valley in one season. 

At the northern edge of the county, near the 
center, is Lake Valley, which is really a continuation 
of Steptoe Valley. It is about ten miles long and 
two wide, runs north and soutrh, is partially watered 
by springs, produces hay and grain, and is inhabited 
by three or four families. 

MOST REMARKABLE CAVE. 

There is a cave opening into the east side of what 
is called Cave Valley, in the northern partof Ijincoln 
County. . The valley is really a continuation of 
Steptoe, and further south is called Perr^- Valley. 
The opening to this cave is about two and one-half 
feet by four, and grows larger two or three rods from 
the mouth. There are chambers, some of which are 
ten or twelve feet high, twenty-five or thirty feet 
wide, and sevent5^-five or more in length. About 
half or three-quarters of a mile from the mouth is a 
shaft, the mouth of which is eight or ten feet wide, 
extending across the cave, so that a plank has to be 
laid over it to get beyond. This hole has lately been 
explored, and found to be about ninety feet deep, and 
dry at the bottom. 

One small spring of clear water, which runs but 
a few rods before sinking, is all the water found in 
it so far. This cave has been explored two miles or 
more, but the end or extent of it has not yet been 
ascertained. 

PRINCIPAL MININd DISTRICTS. 

Chief District is twelve miles south of Pioche, 
and throe miles west of Meadow Valley. Not a 
great many locations have ever been made, and these 
have all boon abandoned. It is said that some of 
the ore taken out in this district produced 6100 
per ton. 

Colorado District comprises a large area border- 
ing on the Colorado Kiver, and embracing El Dorado 
Canon. Mines were first discovered here in ISGl by 
Joseph Good and other prospectors from North San 
Juan, Nevada Countj', (California, an<l the district 
organized. As in so many other instances recorded, 
: '.I Indian led the prospectors to the discovery, and 



asking for " techatticup," meaning bread, or some- 
thing to eat, for his trouble, the principal and most 
promising vein was named Techatticup. This was 
a beautiful white spar vein and carried considerable 
silver, (^uite an excitement was raised, and for some 
years El Dorado Canon was the object of many pros- 
pectors, and the shares in its mines sold for high 
prices in the market at San Francisco and Los An- 
geles. Many locations were made, some bearing 
silver, others gold, and others copper. Some of the 
gold-bearing veins have been worked successfully, 
and with facilities for transportation the large copper- 
bearing ledges would be of great value. The sur- 
rounding country is dry and sterile, cactus and a few 
thorny shrubs being the only vegetation. The canon 
extends to the Colorado Jiiver, by which freight is 
sometimes brought bj' steamer from- Yuma or the 
Gulf of Califoi-nia. The settlement in the district is 
called El Dorado, and under that head further par- 
ticulars are given. 

Ely District is situated on the Shell Creek Range, 
in this locality usually called the Ely Range, in tho 
northeastern part of Lincoln Counly, and was dis- 
covered by Wm. Hamlin in 18t)4, and was then named 
the Meadow Valley District. Stephen Sherwood 
was the first Recorder. But little was done toward 
developing the mines till 18G8. Late in that year 
John II. Ely and W. II. Raymond came over from 
Hiko, failing in with McCannon and Smith in tho 
vicinity of where thecity of Pioche was subsequently 
built. They made a re-location of the mines re- 
corded in Meadow Valley District, changed the name 
to the El}' District, adopted laws, laid out a town 
and settled down to develop the mines. 

From this time the mines were rapidly developed, 
and in 1872 twenty-one hoisting works were in op- 
eration and 2, (too miners at work in the district. The 
net jjroeeeds of these mines has reached the enor- 
mous sum of S20, 000,000. Tho productions in 187(5 
had exceeded the assessments bj' §3,500,000. There 
have been 1,800 locations made, the mining record 
books being kept by the County Recorder. 

Among the principal mines are the Raymond & 
Ely, Meadow Valley, Iluhn & Hunt, Pacific, Inde- 
pendence, Buliionvillo. Garfivid i*c Hancock, Alps, 
Mazeppa, Washington iV Creole and American Flag. 
The veins are chiefly found inthequartzito formation, 
run in an east and west direction with the formation, 
and dip south at an angle of between forty-five de- 
grees and perpendicular. Tho Raymond & Ely shaft 
has reached the de])tli of 1.48t! feet; being the deep- 
est in the district. Pacific Tunnel is in 2,800 feet. 

The present facilities for working the ores are 
throe mills, having eighty stamps altogether. Water 
is furnished by the Floral Spring Water ('ompany. 
Freights are brought by wagon from Milford, on the 
(Hah Southern Railroad, at a cost of thirty dollars 
per ton. Pioche is the post-ollice address for the 
district. 



J 



HISTORY OF LINCOLN COUNTY. 



485 



Since 1876 but little has been done in these mines, 
and comparatively little produced by the district. 
It is claimed, however, that these miiie.-i are l>y no 
means exhausted, and hojies are entertained that 
Pioche will a!L;aiu bo a tjood camji. In is":! it was 
producing half a million monthly. 

Freyberu District is situated in the nortlicrn 
part of the I'ah-Utc Mountains. Ore was discov- 
ered in the fall of ISti."); its existence being divulged 
to Messrs. l>idlake and Aikens, of Pahranagat. 
The Worthington District was thereupon organized. 
Not until the sixteenth of Maj', IStiil, however, was 
actual work commenced. In that j-ear a party of 
prospectors, led by George Ernst, re-organized the 
district under its present name. Water, in the im- 
mediate vicinity, is scarce, but there is plenty of it 
at the distance of a few miles, and nut ])ine and fir 
are in sufficient ([uantities for mining. Three 
springs flow down the west side of the mountain, 
and one is situated on the east side near the mines. 
The mineral belt is about three miles in length and 
one in width. Eight parallel veins, varying from 
one to five feet in width, have been counted. They 
are from thirty to five hundred feet apart, and 
appear in the limestone. The principal mines are 
the Ellen, Shoute, Trident, Boulder and Neptune. 
Closely selected ore from the Ellen has j-ielded as 
high as 8G90 in silver. Selected ore from the Shoute 
has }-ieldcd from 8144 to 8S(lO per ton. The veins in 
this district dip to the east at an angle of forty-five 
degrees in some cases, and of eighty degrees in 
others. In the valley, about five miles to the north- 
east are a thousand acres of fertile land, having a 
sufficiency of water. 

Groom District joins Tom Pah-I'te District on 
the south, and was organized in 1870. It is about 
ten miles west of Summit S])rings, in the same range 
of mountains, and includes within its limits Pah- 
Ute Peak, which has an altitude of 8,80(1 feet. 
Fir and pine cover the western slope of the peak 
in the immediate vicinity of the mines. The ore is 
of low grade, assaying from ten dollars to sixty-five 
dollars per ton in silver, and was discovered in 1870. 
During the next five years, considerable work was 
done, and steam hoisting works were built at one 
mine. At the end of that period operations ceased, 
and no work is now being done. The formations 
are of limestone, quartzite and argillaceous shale. 
Wood and water arc in near proximity to the claims. 

Paiiranac.vt District is situated in the I'abrana- 
gat range of mountains, about sixty-five miles south- 
west of Pioche. The nearest post-office is Iliko, 
ten miles distant. Ore was discovered in .March, 
ISC"), by John 11. Ely, T. C. W. Sayles, David San- 
derson, Samuel S. Strut, \Vm. McClusky and Ira 
Hatch, all from T'tah. guided there bj- an Indian 
The district was immeiliately organized; and 1,000 
locations have been made up to date. The veins 
are found in quartzite, and run northeast and soath- 
61 



west across the formation, dipping to the east at 
various angles. The ores are both free and base, 
and contain no gold. The base ores are ])rincipallj' 
load. The leading mines are the Illinois, Green 
Monster, Black Warrior. North Side, Montezuma 
and ("astle. The Illinois contains a tunnel 000 feet 
long, and a shaft about 2.')0 feet in depth. The 
(jreen Monster is developed to about the same ex- 
tent. Plenty of nut pine is obtained near the 
mines; water is hauled two and a half miles to the 
mines; the ore is milled at the ten-stamp mill at 
lliko, ten miles distant. Little more than assess- 
ment work is now being done, active operations 
having been sus])ended in June, 1871. Freight is 
hauled from Milibrd, Utah (the nearest railroad 
station, distant 175 miles), at the rate of fortj^-five 
dollars per ton. Onlj' ten miners are now in the 
district. The records are kept by the County 
Recorder. Some specimens of ore once taken from 
the Illinois assayed into thousands. 

Pennsylvania District is situated in the range 
of mountains between Meadow and Clover Valleys, 
and is about forty miles south of Pioche. Ore was 
discovered by a Mormon named Klingcnsmith, 
but no work was done until the fall of 1871. The 
principal mine is the Klingensmilh, the vein of 
which is from two and a half to three feet wide. 
An incline of seventy-five feet, and a shaft of 200 
feet have been sunk in this mine, and low gi-ade ore 
has been taken out which has yielded from twenty 
to twenty-five dollars per ton. The vein is in quartz- 
ite, a largo belt of which runs through the district 
east and west. The chief tbrmation is granite. 
Water is obtained from springs, although the 
Meadow Valley Wash, not far away, contains an 
excellent stream of water at all seasons of the 
j-ear. Lumber is obtained at a saw-mill ten miles 
distant. The nearest post-office is in Clover Valley. 

Silver Springs District is in the northeastern 
corner of the county, in the Snake Range Mountains, 
and was organized in 1^!()9. Some exceedingly rich 
ore was found near the surface, in a limestone forma- 
tion, and several hundred tons of it yielded 850,000. 
Two mills were built, one of which was subsequently 
taken down and removed to Utah. Not enough ore 
could be found to keep the mills in active operation. 
Many of the claims have been abandoned, and only 
11 few miners remain in the district. Some of the 
best ore has been taken from the Nevada Queen. 

SiL\ EK KiN(i Di.stkict is in the Lake Valley range, 
sixteen miles northwest of Bristol, the latter being 
the nearest post-office and stage station. Ore was 
discovered in 1S74, bj- John Ileussand Phillip Marton, 
and a district was organized the same year. Seven 
locations have been made; four miners reside on their 
claims, and the records are kept by Julius llofl'man, 
at Pioche, The veins are Ibund between slate and 
granite, running north and south with the forma- 
tion, and dipping to the west at an angle of forty-five 



4«0 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



degrees. The ores are both free and base, the 
bullion containing about ten per cent, of gold. The 
principal mines are the Cjesar, Ida, Highbridgo, 
Morning Star, and Schiller. These properties have 
lately passed into the hands of an eastern company, 
and early active operations are contemplated. The 
ores are very rich, and the prospects of the district 
very promising. The base ores yield from S75 to 
8100 per ton; the free-milling ores, from 8700 to 
81,000 per ton. The Cffisar Mine has a shaft sixty 
feet deep, and the Highbridge Mine a tunnel eighty 
feet long. Freight is hauled from Eureka, 165 miles 
distant, at forty dollars per ton, and at the same rate 
from Milford, Utah, 135 miles distant. Plenty of 
cedar and nut pine are dose by the mines, and water 
is obtained from springs two miles distant. The ores 
arc hauled to Bristol, and worked both by milling 
and smelting. No town has been built. 

St. Thomas District is a few miles east of the 
town of St. Thomas, on Mount Bonelli, of the Virgin 
range. Ore was discovered in December, 1872, by a 
partj^ composed of D. Bonelli, Lewis Siebrecht, 
Thomas Belding, and Hans Gottfredsen. A district 
was organized January 25, 1873. Eight or ten 
miners are now in the district. About fifty locations 
have been made, most of which have been aban- 
doned. The formation consists of white quartz 
ledges in dark, coarse granite. The veins run six- 
teen degrees west of south, across the formation, and 
dip from twenty-five to thirty-five degrees to the 
east. The bullion product of the district contains 
six per cent, in gold and seventy-two per cent, in 
silver. The principal mines arc the Jlormon Ledge, 
Virgin Queen, Kecluse, Belding Ledge, Pacific Mine, 
Desert Foundling, Toshoe Foundling, Mica Pioneer, 
Princess Louisa, Diadem, Summit Queen, Seventy- 
Nine and Mountain Beautj^. The Seventy-Nine has 
a shaft thirty-five feet in dui)lh; the Mica Pioneer a 
tunnel twenty-five feet in length. Freight facilities 
are very poor— -almost prohibitory — although, if 
developments warranted, steamboats might ply on 
the Colorado Piver and accommodate portions of the 
district. No timber is nearer than seventy-five miles, 
excepting mesquit forfire-wood. Lumber is hauled 150 
miles. Water is procured from the Muddy Piver, Pio 
Virgon and Colorado River. Mica is found in the 
Virgin range, but not of a merchantable (juality, the 
plates being stained and cross-fractured, the ledges 
not having been worked to a depth beyond the 
surfiice-sliding of the rock. 

South EASTEKN District is situated about seventy- 
five miles north of Las Vegas, in the Las Vegas 
range of mountains. Ore was discovered in Septem- 
ber, 1870, u])on which a district was organized, and 
seven locations were made. Only assessment work 
has been done since 1871. The ore contains a large 
per cent, of copper, and is found in i|uartzitc and 
j)orphj'ry, and assays from 830 to 8180 per ton. 
Specimens of native copper are frequently found. 



Wood is scarce, but a good supply of water is obtain- 
able at Summit Springs, twelve miles to the north- 
west. 

Timber Mountain District lies north of Yellow 
Pine, is about thirtj' miles square and contains an 
abundance of wood and water. Ore was discovered 
in October, 1809. Fifteen locations have been made, 
but very little work has been done. The ore is 
chiefly galena. 

Tem Pah-Ute District, formerly known as Sheri- 
dan District, is situated about fifteen miles west of 
Crescent Mill, in the Tem Pah-Ute range of mount- 
ains. The nearest post-oflice is Tem Pah-Ute. Ore 
was discovered in December, 1868, by D. Service and 
William Plumb. A district was organized on Janu- 
ary 28, 1809. The mines are in a sharp, abrupt hill 
about six miles long, the eastern side of which shows 
a belt of calcareous slate, eappe<l with limestone, 
which extends down to the low spurs on the western 
side. Along the whole length of the western slope 
of the hill a belt of quartzito crops out which is from 
50 to 100 feet in length. A vein bearing silver 
appears at several points between the slate and lime- 
stone, running north and south with the formation, 
and dipping to the east. The ores are free-milling. 
The principal mines are the South End, Colchis, Old 
Abraham, Balbec, Savage, Inca. Bagdad, Silver Peak, 
Blue Bell, Wyandott and Cliff. The shaft of the 
Inca is 250 feet deep; a tunnel ])ierces the Colchis, 
South End and Old Abraham Mines. Ore from the 
Balbec shows rich chloride, and specimens have 
assaj'cd very high. Punning parallel with the first 
vein described is still another one, a thousand feet to 
the west. For upwards of two miles it shows from 
a foot to ten inches in width, and dips to the east a'j 
an angle of forty degrees. The ore carries antimony, 
arsenic and copper in small quantities. Selected 
specimens of ore from this district, carr^-ing lead, 
antimony and copper, have assayed 8874 per ton. 
Five miners are now in the district, and the number 
of locations is 150. As high as fifty miners were 
formerly at work, but when the ten-stamp mill at 
Crescent was taken elsewhere, operations ceased, 
pjxcavations are still being made in the tunnel, but no 
ore has been taken out during the past year. Plenty 
of wood and water can be had in the Na(|uintah 
range of moutains, eight miles distant. Considerable 
ore has been hauled to Tj-bo, eighty miles to the 
westward. The records of the district are kept by 
D. Service. 

WiiEEi.ER District is situated in the extreme 
southern section of the county, in the Mountain 
Spring range of mountains. Very little work has 
every been done in it; no ore taken from it has ever 
been reduced; and all the claims in it have been 
abandoned. 

Yei.i.ow Pine District is situated in the extreme 
southwestern corner of the county, in the Mount- 
ain Spring range of mountains, and is thirty 



HISTORY OF LINCOLN COUNTY. 



487 



miles Boutheast of Las Vogas. Ore has boon dis- 
covered, thus far, in only one locality. It crops out 
on the west side of an almost perpendicular clifi' ir)(l 
feet in height, and near the summit of the mount- 
ain. Rich deposits of argentiferous galena, lying 
almost horizontally, and varying in width from one 
to five feet, crop out about ihirtj- feet from the base 
of the cliff. Long before a white man ever entered 
Lincoln County the Indians moulded bullets from ore 
procured from this vein. The Mormons did the same 
when preparing to resist Albert Sydney Johnston's 
oci'upation of Utah in 18.J7. For this mine an En- 
glish company is said to have once paid ."^IdOjOOd. Xo 
work is now being done. The district is well wooded 
and watered. Here were the Potosi mines of former 
times. 

PIOCHE, THE COUNTV SEAT. 

Pioche, the county seat, and chief place of business 
of Lincoln County, is situated on the northern slope 
of the mountain, just below the mineral belt, and 
close to the mines. The mountain is a spur of the 
Ely range, extending easterly into the valley some 
eight or ten miles. It is ISO miles southeast from 
Eureka and 100 miles from Milford, on the Utah 
Southern. In 1868 Joseph Grange and E. M. Chu- 
bard came to this place and built a small furnace, 
and reduced a small quantity of ore, but financially 
made a failure. Of its early history we gather the 
following from the Ely Refwd : " The city was located 
in ISGit bj- P. McCannon, L. Lacourand A. M. Bush, 
and surveyed by E. L. Mason, Civil Engineer. It 
was named after F. L. A. Pioche, a citizen of San Fran- 
cisco, who had invested largely in the mines. The 
buildings are mostly one-story, and made principally 
of wood. The town grew rapidly from the start. 
Business and population increased with the increas- 
ing shipments of bullion, so that in the winter of 
1870-71 it had become the most active and iinj)orluut 
mining town in southeastern Nevada. Lots which 
had originally cost less than SlOO were sold for thou- 
sands. Schools, churches and benevolent institutions 
had been established, and a flourishing city had sprung 
into existence." 

DESTRUCTIVE FIRES AND FLOODS. 

On the night of September 15, 1871, a terrible ca- 
lamity befel the town. It was the anniversary of 
Mexican Independence and the citizens of that nation 
were glorifying the occasion with ball, bonfire, wine 
and song, \then just after midnight flames were seen 
to issue from the rear of a restaurant on the upjicr 
part of Main Street, and though the air was unruffled 
b}' a breeze they had got under irresistible headway 
before the majority of the inhabitants were massed to 
oppose them. In vain were all attempts to arrest 
the progress of the fire. Nearly all of the houses 
being of a dry and resinous material, the furious 
flames swept them away in quick succession, until 
only heaps of ashes and smouldering embers marked 
the site of what two hours earlier was the most 
flourishing and jirogressive of mining towns. 



From 1,500 to 2,000 men, women and children were 
without roofs to shelter them, and many were in 
destitute circumstances. Still these were not the 
most melancholy incidents of the fearful catastro- 
phy. 300 kegs of powder which were stored in the 
cellar of a leading mercantile house on Main Street, 
exploded with a force that shook the mountains to 
their center, and with it went up one wild wail from 
all who witnessed the grand yet terrible spectacle. 
Rocks, timbers and every conceivable missile of death 
swept across Main and Meadow Valley Streets, and 
the crowd on the latter street was raked as if by 
grape and canister. Thirteen men were killed 
and forty-seven others seriou.sly wounded. The loss 
in property was over half a million, but a trifle of 
which was insured. 

Undismayed and but momentarily discouraged by 
this annihilating blow, the sufferers set about rebuild- 
ing, and six months later the temporary structures 
had all disap]>eared, and Pioche City was again in 
existence, her limits extended, population increased, 
and having improvements of a more substantial 
character. 

On the afternoon of Sunday, May 5, 1872, the town 
was again visited by a destructive fire, resulting in 
the loss of twelve buildings, and property estimated 
to be worth §50,000. So lives were lost. 

On the twenty-second of August, 187.3, a flood 
occurred which caused damage to the citizens to the 
amount of 810,000. It was the effect of a terrible 
rain-storm, which for a time so blackened the sky 
that it was nccessarj- to light lamps in the houses. 

Another rain-storm of less violence occurred in tho 
summer of 1874. Again, in 1876, another destructive 
fire visited tho town. Of it the Pioche /?ecor(/ said: — 

On the morning of May 3, 1870, Pioche was again 
visited by a destructive fire, burning nearly a block 
of buildings, ])artially, on the east side ol" Lacour 
and the west side of Muin Streets. The tire com- 
menced about three o'clock in the old unoccu])ied 
hurdy, ordance house, on Lacour Street, adjoining the 
Journal office, and was discovered l>y two men iti the 
oHice who had just com])leted striking off the pa])cr, 
and were about to retire. A general alarm was 
sounded, and the three tire companies were on hand 
as soon as possible. VVc noticed one of the boys 
having on a rutfled night-gown, showing that he did 
not waste any time going home to put on a red 
shirt. After an hour of hard struggle the)- got tho 
best of the flames and extinguished them. Twenty- 
one buildings were burned, and the loss estimated at 
§40,000. 

The town was most prosperous from the latter 
part of 1872 to the close of 1873. In the tall of 1874, 
1,800 votes were cast, and the town was estimated to 
have 6,000 people. Although a city in size, contain- 
ing all the usual citj^ organizations and places of 
amusement, among which were a tine, largo skating 
rink and throe theatres, the citizens declined to be 
governed by a city charter. 

A fire company was organized in June, 1871, with 
about forty members, but without any apparatus were 



488 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



unable to do much at the fire in September of that | 
year. In October, 1871, the Lightner Hook and 
Ladder Company was organized, with W. W. Bishop 
for President. In 1872 this company obtained a cart 
and hose, and in July, 1875, the Pioehe Hose Com- 
pany was organized, with Thomas Campbell for Pres- 
ident. The Protection Hose Company, Xo. 2, was 
organized in April, 1875, with George W. Arnold for 
President; and the same year a Fire Department for 
the town was organized, with J. J. Halpin for Pres- 
ident, and L. V. Loomis. Chief Engineer. 

Until 1872 the water used in Pioehe was hauled 
four miles from a well, and from Floral Springs, five 
miles distant. In 1871 a water company was or- 
ganized to bring the water to Pioehe from Floral 
Springs in pipes. John H. Wilson was President 
and Superintendent of the company. The work was 
completed in 1872, at a cost of §200,000, giving a 
supply sufiicient for a town of 20,000 people. The 
water has a fall of 112 feet, which gives the town 
good protection against fire. 

Pioehe ])rocures its goods and supplies from abroad, 
principally from Chicago and San Francisco. Much 
of the flour, and all of the grain and products of 
the farms are supi)lied from Utah and the surround- 
ing countrj- in Nevada. 

The nearest railroad station, where goods are 
received or shipped, is Milford, Utah, distant 115 
miles. Kates for teaming freight to and from this 
station is thirty dollars per ton. 

The nearest towns to Pioehe are Royal City, 
eighteen miles north-west, Bullionville and Panaea, 
distant twelve and fourteen miles respectively to 
the southeast. A narrow-guagc railroad was built 
by Gen. A. L. Page, aided b}' the Uaymond & Ely 
Mining Company, from Pioehe to Bullionville, to 
transport the ore from the mines to the mills. The 
road was completed in 1874, at a cost of 8400,000, 
and for about tvvo years trains made regular daily 
trips and carried passengers. 

In Januar}-, 1873, the Miners' Union was organized 
with Michael Cady for President, and had at one 
time over 250 members. The '-Citizens' Protective 
Union " was organized the same year. The killing 
of Ryan in the fight between the Raymond and Ely, 
and the Pioehe and Phanix, and the assassination of 
(;harles Swanson by unknown parties a few daj-s 
previous, led to this organization. The " Citizens' 
Union" never took the law into its own hands, but 
rather aided the lawful authorities in the prompt 
execution of the laws. No attempts at lynching 
were ever made in Pioehe. 

RAl'in DECr.INE AFTKR 1870. 

In 1875 the town commenced going down and fell 
off rapidlj' after the principal mines shut down in 
187U. The census of 18S0 gave the population as 
800, of which probably 200 have since left. It had 
i:^!t registered voters at the last election. There are 
now no furnaces in Pioehe except the one built in 
1868. The one built byJoseph Grange in 1869, and 



one by John H. Ely about the same time, and the 
large furnace erected by the Meadow Valley Com- 
pany have all proved failures. The amount of bull- 
ion produced here cannot be definitely ascertained, 
but 820,000,000 is probably about the aggregate. 
There are no benevolent associations in operation now 
except the Masons and Odd Fellows, an account of 
which is given elsewhere in this work. 

The County Jail and Court House, built of stone 
and brick, which cost §75,000, arc located in Pioehe. 
The public cemetery is not inclosed, but the Masons 
and Odd Fellows, the Catholics and the Hebrews 
have cemeteries inclosed. 

The Bescret Telegraph Company completed its 
line to Pioehe in October, 1871, and the Western 
Union line was completed in October, 1872. These 
two companies conducted business separately till 
January 1, 1878, since which time the two offices 
have been in one apartment, and conducted by one 
operator — J. L. Sears, The post-office building is 
made of stone and was erected in 1869, Wells, Fargo 
& Co's Express office is in a brick and stone build- 
ing. The office was established here in 1870. There 
is an assay office in a wood building. A daily mail 
is received from the East by way of Milford on the 
Southern Utah, and a tri-weekly from Eureka. The 
Pioehe Record, once a large and prominent daily 
paper, is now published weekly. [See chapter on 
Journalism in Nevada.] 

OTHER TOWNS AND CITIES. 

Bristol City is situated on the Bristol range of 
mountains, about twenty-five miles northeast of 
Pioehe, Its distance from Eureka, by the traveled 
route, is 180 miles, and from Milford, Utah, 120 
miles. Ore was discovered in 1870, by a party of 
Mormons, Messrs. Atchison, Hyatt and Hardy. In 
1871 the district was organized, the town of National 
City started, and a smelting furnace built. The lat- 
ter was operated only a short time, after which it 
remained idle until 1878. In the winter of 1877-78 
new ore discoveries were made, and in the following 
March the smelting furnace was started up. A new 
company was also organized, a water jacket furnace 
built, and the name of the town changed to Bristol. 
It has two stores, one blacksmith sho)), three board- 
ing houses, a livery stable, post-office, etc., and a popu- 
lation of 100. It is the trading point for about 7(10 men 
who work in the mines of the surrounding region. 
It has no religious organizations, but services are 
occasionally held by wandering missionaries. The 
mines of the district are ])rodiu-ing about SI, 5(10 per 
day. One hundred and fifty locations have been 
made, and about :!(i0 miners are in the district. The 
veins are found in limestone and quartzite, and 
run northeast and southwest, obliquely across the 
formation, and dipping to the southeast at an angle 
of forty-five degrees. The ores are base, and arc 
carbonized, and contain iron, antimony, lead and some 
copper. In addition to silver the ores contain a small 
per cent, of gold. The principal mines are the Ohio, 



HISTORY OF LINCOLN COUNTY. 



489 



Mayflower, Bristol Tunnel Company, Hillside. Bay 
State, National, Tempest, Tiger, Iron, and (ircat 
Eastern. The Hillside Mine has the deepest shaft. 
720 feet; in the claim of the Bristol Tunnel Company 
there is a tunnel 250 feet in length. Freight is 
teamed from Milford at thirty-five dollars per ton, and 
from Eureka at forty dollai-s per ton. Cedar and nut 
pino are abundant close by. Water is obtained from 
wells at Bristol, and is hauled a distance of from three 
to five miles to the mines. The ores are worked by 
smelting, and by the milling and roasting process. 
The present facilities for working ores consist of the 
smelting works, and a ten-stamp mill with a Howell 
roaster. Both establishments have a total capacity 
of forty-five tons per day. The records of the dis- 
trict are kept by William Roe. 

BuLLioNviLLE is Situated on the north side, one 
and a half miles from the head of Meadow Valley 
and twelve miles southeast from Pioche. This being 
the nearest point to the principal mines of this dis- 
trict at which a good and never failing supply of water 
could be obtained, most of the mills for the reduction 
of ore in the Ely District were located here. The 
town dates its origin from the erection of the first 
mill, and it grew rapidly till 187-1, when it contained 
a population of 500, and was a lively business place. 
In 1875 it commenced to decline. In 1877 two of 
the mills were taken away, and in the spring of 1880 
the remaining mill stopped running, and the town was 
really deserted. vSinco then a new companj- has pur- 
chased the tailings and put up new smelling and con- 
centrating works, which has infused new life into 
the town. The abundance of water found in the 
mines of Pioche in 1876, rendered BuUionville no 
longer a necessity for milling purposes. The popula- 
tion now is 100. 

BuNKEUViLLK, situated thirty-five miles northeast 
from St. Thomas, on the Rio Virgen, and near the 
east line of Lincoln Countj', was located in Jan nary, 
1877, by E. Bunker and others, who came to that 
part of the count}' to engage in farming. The town 
now contains about l25 people, one store, one saloon, 
one restaurant, one livery stable and one blacksmith 
shop. They have a poet-office and a somi-weeklj- 
mail. There is one church building, which cost S5((0, 
and will seat about 350 persons, owned by the 
" Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints," a 
Mormon Sabbath-school with sixty scholars in usual 
attendance, one day school with thirty-three pupils. 
The buildings are for the most part adobe, though 
there are a few frame structures. Their supplies 
are obtained mostly from St. (ieorgo. in Utah, about 
fifty miles distant to the northeast. The taxable 
property in the township is valued at about 82,000. 
Good water is obtained from the Rio Virgen and 
wood from the valley along the stream. The soil in 
the vicinity of the town is well adapted to agricul- 
ture, vegetables being raised in great abundance. 
Near the town are some remarkable curiosities, ruins 



of a stone fort, relics, no doubt, of the Spaniard of 
-Mexico or Arizona, evidences of whose trace may 
be found in remains of old furnaces, pottery, etc., in 
various places in southern liincoln County. 

Callville was settled in 18G4 by Anson Call and 
a small number of emigrants from northern Utah. 
They constructed a few dwellings and two ware- 
houses for the storage of freight, for at that time it 
was believed that considerable trade would soon 
spring up along the navigable portion of the Colorado 
River. The altitude of the town is 700 feet. It 
is situated on the banks of the Colorado, among 
rough gorges and barren sand-hills. The surround- 
ing scenery is desolate in the extreme, and few of 
the original settlers remained. Its position, however, 
is an important one, standing at the head of naviga- 
tion on the Colorado River, and must eventually be 
connected with Fort Yuma by a line of freight and 
passenger steamers. A charter has already been 
obtained for a railroad from Eureka to Callville. At 
the last session of the State Legislature a memorial 
to Congress was adopted, asking for the immediate 
improvement of the Colorado River to Callville. It 
set I'orth that evidences exist that a prehistoric race, 
advanced in art, science and civilization once occupied 
the region bordering on the Colorado, from the 
(Jrand Canon to the Gulf of California, and inhabited 
large and regularly laid-out cities; built canals, 
aqueducts, highways and culverts; understood engi- 
neering, constructed systems of irrigation and drain- 
age, and embarked cxtensivelj- in mining operations. 
The fact that Nevada has never before asked the 
General Government for river improvements was 
adverted to, and it was urged that immeasurable 
benefits would accrue by rendering the Colorado 
navigable at all seasons of the year to Callville, since 
vessels can now ascend to it only during the spring 
months. An appropriation of 8250,000 was asked 
for, and it will undoubtedl}' be granted within a 
reasonable period of time. The result would be M 
vast enhancement of the prosperity of eastern 
Nevada. 

Ei, Dorado is in Colorado District, in the extreme 
southeastern corner of the State, and is about four 
miles west of the Colorado River, near the cele- 
brated El Dorado Canon. It was started in 1801, 
at the time of the discovery of ore and the organi- 
tion of the district, and at present consists of a 
store, boarding-house, saloon, blacksmith shop and a 
few dwellings. A ten-stamp mill was erected in 
1804, almost entirelj' composed of old material and 
machinery. This was run at intervals for three orfour 
years, after which its capacity was increased by the 
addition of five stamps and a roasting furnace. At 
the present time a new ten-stamp mill is being built. 
The nearest railroad station is Fort Yuma, on the 
Southern Pacific Railroad, with an excellent chance 
for steam navigation up the Colorado to Callville. 
The cost of freight from San Francisco, bj' water, is 



490 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



eight}- dollars per ton. El Dorado Canon is a re- 
markable fissure through masses of roek, and is 
twelve miles in length. Its width varies from twenty 
to two hundred yards, and its walls are from two 
hundred to six hundred feet in height, abounding 
in striking and majestic scenes. Through this 
canon flows the Colorado, having a fall of 240 feet 
to the mile. By reason of ravines or washes, it is 
conveniently reached from the mines, and affords an 
unlimited supply of water. Wood from the adja- 
cent mountains is delivered at ten dollars per cord. 
Much of it is rafted down the river for a distance 
of 125 miles. Float-wood is also caught in large 
quantities during high water, and costs only one dollar 
per cord. Ore was discovered in April, 18G1, by 
Joseph Good and others, from Xorth San Juan, Cal- 
ifornia. For several years considerable work was 
done. Xo steam hoisting works have been put up 
at any of the mines, hand windlasses being used 
where tunnels and cuts are impracticable. Salt is 
obtained from the mines near the Rio Yirgen, and is 
brought down in boats from St. Thomas. The veins 
in the district are found in talcose slate, and run 
southeast and northwest across the formation, and 
dip to the southeast at a slight angle. The ores are 
base, and contain lead, antimony and zinc, and in 
addition to silver, carry ten per cent, of gold. Six 
hundred and fifty locations have been made in all, 
forty of which have been recorded within the past 
year. The principal mines are the Savage, Nash, 
January, O. K., Silver Eagle, Silver Legion and 
Techatticup. The latter-named mine contains a 
shaft 380 feet deep, and a tunnel 400 feet long. 
Mining prospects are regarded as very promising. 

HiKO, situated in the Pahranagat range of mount- 
ains, sixty-five miles southwest of Piochc, was laid 
out in the spring of 18GG, by Col. \V. II. Raymond 
and others. Mr. Raymond had purchased a large 
quantilj' of what were called "squatters claims," in 
this vicinity, lie had been East the year before, and 
brought back with him the Pioneer Mill, which he 
erected with the avowed object of determining the 
value of the Pahranagat ores. This, however, proved 
a complete failure, both in construction and in work- 
ing the ores, and was taken down and removed to 
-Meadow Vailc}-, op|)08ite I'anaca to work the ores of 
the Ely District. 

In March, 18G7, by the action of the County Com- 
missioners, lliko became the county seat of Lincoln 
County, and continued to be such till the twenty- 
fourth day of February, 1871, when, by the action 
of the Legislature and the vote of the people, the 
county seat was removed to Pioche. At one time 
Iliko was a lively little village, but after the removal 
of the county seat, it declined in population and 
importance to almost nothing, although a post-office 
is still maintained there, with a semi-weekly mail 
from Piocho. 

In the summer of 1881, Jay Gould, of New York, 



commenced at this point to survey the line of a rail- 
road which is thought will connect San Francisco 
with the Utah Southern. Should this road pass 
through Hiko, it may again become a town of some 
importance. 

Highland is situated on the summit of Bennett 
Spring Mountain, in Highland District. Pioche is 
the nearest post-office. Ore was discovered in 1868, 
by H. Henderson, Mr. McDougal and others, and in 
1869 a district was organized, and the town was 
started. The latter consists of a boarding house, 
brewery, saloon, and a few dwellings. Twenty-five 
miners are in the district, and about fifty locations 
have been made. The veins run north and south 
across the formation, which is of limestone, and dip 
to the east at various angles. The ores are base, 
containing lead principally, but showing copper, iron, 
and a small per cent, of gold. The leading mines are 
the Mendha, Phcenix, Henderson, and Arizona. 
Selected ores from the latter have assayed fron 880 
to 8210 per ton. The Mendha iline contains a shaft 
300 feet deep, and a tunnel 800 feet long. Selected 
ores from the Phienix and Henderson Mines have 
assayed from 880 to 8210 per ton. The nearest rail- 
road station is Milford, Utah, 120 miles distant, from 
which freight is brought bj' team at the rate of thirty 
dollars per ton. Fir, white and yellow pine, and 
mahogany are in abundance near the mines; water 
is hauled from springs two miles distant. The ores 
are smelted at Bristol, twenty miles distant, at a cost 
of seven dollars per ton, and about twenty-five tons 
are taken from the mines daily. The records of the 
district are kept by the County Recorder. 

JuNCTioNViLLE is a few miles south of St. Thomas, 
and twenty-five miles northeast of C'allville. D. 
Bonelle was its pioneer settler, being attracted there 
in 1875. J. Ellis arrived soon afterwards. Thej- 
opened a mail station and stopping-place for travel- 
ers, and also tried to do some farming, as the 
locality was on the direct route of travel between 
Idaho, Utah and Nevada, Arizona and Mexico. It 
stands on a small delta at the confluence of the 
Colorado River and Rio Virgen, and is surrounded 
by barren hills, and by the mountains of the Grand 
Canon of the Colorado. 

The first white settlement of any part of this 
region took place about the year 1856 by some few 
Mormon families establishing a way-station at Ijas 
Vegas for the convenience of the overland travel 
between southern California and Salt Lake City. 
This settlement was abandoned again by tliem 
when the branch at San Bernardino was called to 
Salt Lake, about 1857, and the station fell into the 
hands of other white men who have since occupied 
it. In 1865 a mission of some 250 Mormon families, 
from northern Utah, arrived, and settled the vallej' 
of the Muddy, establishing five villages along the 
course of the stream; the lowest and largest, near 
the confluence of the Muddy with the Rio Virgen, 



Ji 



HISTORY OF LINCOLN COUNTY. 



491 



was called St. Thomas, and maintained the prece- 
dence over the rest by reason of first rights to 
water and proximity to the (^olorado River, which 
wa.s calculated upon as an important factor in the 
prof^ress of settlements, a large warehouse being 
built at Callvillo, and steamboats bringing goods 
from California to that point. In ISGS, these settle- 
ments were about doubled in population by another 
influx from the north, and the Muddj- Valley flour- 
ished as I'ah-Ute County, Arizona. The subsequent 
cession by Congress of a degree of longitude from 
Arizona to Nevada placed these settlements within 
the State of Nevada, and some controversies arose 
with the authorities of Lincoln County about taxes 
of former j-ears, during which Brigham Young 
ordered the abandonment of the Muddj- settlements, 
and the exodus of the entire population, excepting 
one family', took place in March, 1871. 

During the Mormon occupancy of the valley some 
4(tO,0(IO shade trees, some 50,000 grape-vines and 
fruit trees were planted, and about 3,000 acres of 
land were reclaimed and irrigated, the aggregate 
expense of dams and ditches being about 8200,000. 
The products of the soil were wheat, barley, corn, 
cane, grapes, peaches, plums, and some other fruits; 
cereals j'ielding very well; cotton flourishing better 
than in Tennessee or Kentucky. I'nder the close 
and diligent culture of these people ten acres of soil 
would sustain an ordinary family comfortably. 
Since the exodus the land has passed into other 
hands, in quarter sections, taken up under the Pos- 
sessory Act of Nevada, and has retrograded in 
capacity of production as it has lacked careful 
attendance. There are about 500 acres of swamp 
lands in the valley, susceptible of drainage, and 
now yielding only wild hay. 

The only industry followed is farming. Lack of 
transportation renders mining impracticable, except 
that the mills of El Dorado Canon and of northern 
Arizona mining camps are supplied with rock salt 
from the l{io Virgen. This salt is blasted out of 
solid ledges, resembling those in Poland and Bavaria, 
and is carried on boats on the Colorado Iliver, and 
used in roasting and chloridizing silver ore. 

The aboriginal Pah-Ute inhabitants of this region 
have declined from 500 lodges to about 150 souls, 
during the past two decades just elapsed. 

The Colorado River forms the boundary of the 
county and State for 175 miles and is or would bo 
navigable if any industry existed sufticicnt to war- 
rant it, up to the point of intersection of the west 
boundary of Arizona at the foot of the celebrated 
Grand Canon; although the highest point reached bj' 
a large steamer heretofore is Junctionville at the 
mouth of the llio Virgen, where a tract of desert 
land is being reclaimed. At this point the mountain 
passes of the State and of Utah, and the drainage of 
this vast region converge with the Colorado liiver, 
thus determining also the main lines of travel which 
follow the natural passes, which in primeval ages 



were immense water-courses. The indications of a 
more advanced tribe of Indians having occupied this 
region are numerous, ])ottery ware of superior char- 
acter being often found. Also ruins of rock forts and 
irrigating ditches are occasionally seen, similar to 
those ascribed to the Aztecs and found among the 
Pueblos, The climate of this region is semi-tropical, 
the maximum temperature of summer in the shade 
being 120°, and the minimum temperature of win- 
ter about 20° above zero. Grapes, tigs, pomegran- 
ates, etc, etc., are in their proper sphere here, and 
thrive wherever planted and attended. All crops 
need irrigation. No society has existed hero since 
the Mormon exodus in 1871, The region has been 
sparsely settled, and mostly by a transient element, 
having no religious profession or name in which 
any considerable number agreed. The T'tah South- 
ern Railroad is the nearest point for shijjment by 
rail, and is 250 miles distant. The rate of freight 
from Milford is from S80 to 8100 per ton. Su])plies 
are brought from Utah and from El Dorado Canon. 

Panaca is located in Meadow Valley, three miles 
below the head of it, and is fourteen miles southeast 
of Pioche. It was laid out by the first settlers in 
1864, and grew rapidly till 1868, when it had over 
500 inhabitants. Business continued to be prosper- 
ous till in 1873, when work for the mines fall- 
ing off the town commenced going down. The 
present population numbers about 300 people, with 
a larger percentage of children than any other town 
in the State, the school census giving eightj'. Pan- 
aca has a tine school house, which cost 81,200, and 
which will accommodate 120 pupils. The average 
attendance is sixty. 

The town occupies about 250 acres of land, which 
is laid out in lots and blocks. The water supply is 
abundant, being taken from Warm Spring, which is 
about one and one-half miles east of the town. A 
large stream of water, about three feet deep and six 
feet wide, is thrown out from this spring, and the 
quantity is not aft'ected by the seasons. This is the 
principal source of water suj)ply for the whole valley. 

]{oVAi, City is in Jack Rabbit District, on the 
eastern slope of the Bristol range of mountains, 
about a mile east of Day Mine Stage Station, and 
previous to 1876 was included in Bristol Di.-itrict, It 
is situated near the mines, and contains a store, sa- 
loon, boarding-house, blacksmith shop and restaurant. 
Ore was discovered in 1876 by Isaac (iarrison and 
others, and a district was at once organized. The 
veins are found in limestone. The vein matter is 
black and white spar, and runs northeast and south- 
west with the formation. Its dip is nearlj- vertical. 
The ore is soft and carries native silver in flakes, 
and chambers are also found containing very rich 
carbonate deposits. No indications of gold exist. 
The Day or Jack Rabbit Mine is the princij>al one. 
It has been worked since 1876, and at present is 
yielding ten tons per day. It is owned by a San 



492 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



Francisco corjjoration known as the Day Silver Min 
ing Company, of which A. S. Gould is Superintend- 
ent. ItH regular vein goes about forty dollars per 
ton, and the chambers of carbonate yield as high, 
sometimes, as 82,000 per ton. It contains a shaft 
525 feet deep, and a tunnel 900 feet long. Freight 
from San Francisco costs 8120 per ton; it costs 
$40 per ton from Milford, on the Utah Southern 
Railroad, 115 miles distant, and is brought by team. 
Water is hauled from wells three miles distant. A 
scanty supply of pine, cedar and mahogany exist at 
the distance of six miles. The ore is smelted at 
Bristol, seven and one-half miles distant. Forty 
miners are in the district, twentj--five locations, and 
the records are kept by George F. Weed. 

vSt. Thomas was laid out in 18G4, in obedience to 
the instructions of Brigham Young, and a ilormon 
colony was established there. Jt was then expected 
that commerce and emigration M'ould move toward 
thenavigable waters of the Colorado, and St. Thomas 
was intended as one of the various settlements that 
were to connect Salt Lake City with that river. Its 
colonists consisted of seventy-five families from 
northern Utah, under the leadership of Thomas 
Smith. The town is situated on a small eminence at 
the mouth of a mountain gorge near Muddy Eiver, 
and its altitude is 800 feet. Surrounding it are dry 
mesas and sandstone hills. At the preriod of its 
greatest prosperity, in 1807, it contained 500 inhab- 
itants. Its streets and irrigiition ditches are shaded 
by 20,000 Cottonwood trees. Overton is seven miles 
northwest of St. Thomas, St. Joseph is eleven miles 
northwest, Junctionville is twenty-five miles south- 
ward, and thirty-five miles to the northward isBun- 
kerville. Fuel consists of mcsquit and drift-wood, 
and is gathered on the bottom-lands of theVirgen and 
Muddy. 

The cemetery is not inclosed. The prevalent dis- 
eases are ague and malarious complaints of a mild 
type. Only four families now live at St. Thomas, 
the original population having been withdrawn to 
Utah. A livery stable, blacksmith shop, butcher 
shop, store, post-ofRce and stopping- place for trav- 
elers represent all existing business activitj-. The 
buildings are adobe. The water supply is obtained 
from Muddy River, which contains two thousand 
inches, and is claimed by the first settlers, bj- priority 
right. The nearest railroad station is iMIH'onl, Utah, 
260 miles distant. Freight is teamed from that 
point at a cost of eighty dollars perion. The jn-inci- 
pal supplies are obtained from Salt Lake City and 
St. (ieorge, Utah, and from Pioche, Nevada. An 
adobe school house, 12x11 feet in size, accommodates 
twenty-five or thirty pupils. The taxable jjropcrty 
of the township is valued at 81(1,000; aggregate 
length of streets, five miles; agricultural operations 
in the vicinity are confined to farming and stock- 
raising on a small scale. The only murder on record 
is that of George Reed, a teamster, who was fatally 



shot with a needle gun, in 1872, by a man known by 
the sobriquet of " Green River." Nothing was done 
about it. 

On August 9, 1872, a flood occurred which in- 
flicted considerable damage. 

Salt Moi'ntai.n, three miles south of St. Thomas, 
is a leilge of solid crystalline salt, which, aside from 
its material value, is of remarkable interest from the 
fact that it contains traces of prc-historic man. 
Jt crops out along the points of the low hills three- 
quarters of a mile west of the Rio Virgen, is 75 or 
100 feet in width, and dips slightlj^ to the west. 
Trachitic tufa incases it on either side. The canons 
from the hills to the weslwai'd of it cut through it to 
the depth of 50 or GO feet. It is worked on the 
sides of these canons, and is so hard as to require 
blasting. The tufa is a light chocolate color, and 
has stained the salt. The altitude of this mine is 
1,100 feet above the sea, and about 300 feet above 
the level of the Rio Virgen. Another body of salt, 
of a similar character, crops out on the face of a 
hill on the east side of the river, about three miles 
south of the first described deposit. It can be traced, 
at intervals, for a distance of four miles to the south- 
ward, in the low hills about half a mile from the river. 
This body of salt is estimated to be about nine miles 
long, including the opening where the river i)asses it. 
Two miles west of the mouth of the Rio Virgen, on 
a bench of ground, is a natural salt well, with a 
funnel-shaped opening about ;>0(l feet in diameter. 
The sides descend at an angle of about 30°. The 
water is sevent}' feet below the level of the opening, 
has a temperature of about 70° and is very salty. 
Its depth has not been ascertained, but it is known 
to be more than seventy feet deep. To mine the 
rock salt costs about five dollars per ton, and it costs 
about eight to ten dollars per ton to deliver it at nav- 
igable waters. 



CHAPTER XLIX. 
HISTORY OF LYON COUNTY 

Character (if the Surface — .Samuel S. lUicklaiul — (i. W. Burrier — 
Jolin Carting — Organization and Bmnularics — Appointments 
anil Elections — Creation of a Comity Deht^ Internal Im- 
provements — Court House anil County Jail — Investigation 
anil Kconomy — Kinilier Cleaver — .1. S. Campbell — John 
l.othrop — li.l'. Ilnnilall — J. I). Sims— Prospecting.' for Coal 
— I'rincipal .Mining l>istriets — IVincipal Towns ;ititl Cities — 
Principal tjuartz Mills — ^History of the Sutro Tunnel — Col. 
C. C. Thomas. 

Ti!K general character of the surface of Lj'on 
County is mountainous and barren, except along the 
Carson River where there is land susceptible of cul- 
tivation. 

The Carson Valley l)ottom, as it was called, com- 
menced about one mile above Dayton and continued 
down the river about twelve miles. Near Fort 
Churchill, now Bucklands, there is quite an exten- 
sive tract of good land, which, by irrigation, might 
be capable of raising an immense amount of all kinds 



I 




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QC 

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HISTORY OF LYON COUNTY. 



493 



of produce. This section is now known as the Big 
Bend of Carson Valley. The quantity of hay grown 
in 18G3 was estimated at 2,100 tons. Grain and veg- 
etables were also raised in abundance. It was esti- 
mated that 10,000 acres ol' land might easily be 
br4)ught under cultivation. There is not much alkali 
in the soil, the drainage of the river effecting the 
elimination of that class of minerals. In manj- ])arts 
of the county, especially south and east of Dayton, 
the country is covered with ranges of low mountains. 
The nut pine abounded in these portions of the 
county in an early day. The cutting and hauling of 
this timber, or wood rather, to the mills of Da3-ton, 
furnished employment for many men. It was esti- 
mated in 1865 that the twenty-eight mills around 
Dayton consumed 1,815 cords of wood perday, much 
of which came from this source. This extraordinary 
destruction soon denuded a countr}' by no means 
well timbered, and that source of revenue was soon 
exhausted. Walker River runs through the south- 
eastern corner of the county, leaving about eight 
miles of the famous Mason Valley within the lines. 

SAMUEL S. BUCKLAND, 

Whose name appears so often in the early history of 
Nevada, was born at Kirkersville, Licking County, 
Ohio, September 13, 1826, where he remained until 
he reached the age of about twenty-four years, at 
which time he came, by waj- of the Isthmus of Pan- 
ama, to California, arriving in San Francisco on his 
birthday, 1830. His aspirations led him to the mines, 
and he soon after started for those in the northern 
part of the State, in company with James O. Will- 
iams, of '• Williams' Station " notoriety, where he 
remained until 1857. During the last-named year he 
came to what is now Nevada, intending to buy an 
improved ranch of the Mormons, hut found they had 
left for the eastern part of the territory three days 
prior to his arrival. In the fall of the year he 
engaged in packing suj)])lies from Piacervilie, Cali- 
fornia, to Genoa, using ten mules, and receiving eight 
cents per pound freightage. There being but little 
snow that winter he continued this business nearly 
all the time until the spring of 1858, when he took 
up a ranch in Jack's Vallej'. In these last two bus- 
iness relations he was associated with James O. 
Williams. After selling this ranch they dissolved 
partnership and Mr. Buckland took up another ranch 
at the north end of Carson Valley, which he sold 
during the same year. 

In Jul}-, 1858, he took charge of a band of iiOO 
cattle belonging to W. H. Bloomfield, moving them 
from Carson Valley to the big bend of the C'arson 
River. He arrived at the place known as Buckland's 
Station the last day of July, that year. He took up 
a ranch for Bloomfield on what is known as the 
Island, and built a cabin. In the fall of 1850 ho 
settled on his present ranch, and at the suggestion 
of Mr. Roberts. Agent for the Overland Stage Com- 
pany, established a station and ke])t the stage stock 
and boarded the company's men. In the winter of 
62 



1859-CO Lo built a bridge across the Carson River 
near the station, which was used as a toll-bridge 
for some years. This was the first bridge built over 
the river below Carson Valley, and was in use until 
1865, when it was replacetl by one of a toll-road com- 
]>:iny's. During the month of November, 1859, snow 
fell to the depth of two and one-half feet and the 
winter was unusuallj' severe. Mr. Buckland, how- 
ever, lived in a tent and " took boarders." Some- 
times as many as twenty men were staying with 
him. All who could found room to sleep on the floor 
of his "tent hotel," and the remainder were obliged 
to resort to the haystack. He did not charge for 
lodging, though he acted as chambermaid and cook 
for the wearj' travelers. In the s|)ring of 1860 ho 
built a log cabin, of good size, that was replaced by 
his present residence ten years later. In ]S6-t he 
opened a store, the goods being kept in his house 
until he erected a stone building for their reception. 
His partner in the mercantile business was Henry 
Bethel, who lost his life by the explosion of the 
steamer Yo Semite, on the Sacramento River, in Oc- 
tober, 1865. 

Mr. Buckland was married December 6, 1860, to 
Miss Eliza A. Prentice, at the residence of G. M. 
Reed. Their union was blessed with eight children, 
three of whom are now living: George H., aged 
eighteen: Nelson J., aged fourteen, and John F., aged 
nine years. The portraits of these brave pioneers, 
and the pleasant home they have made out of the 
wilderness in the valley of the Carson, will be found 
elsewhere in this work. 

O. W. BURRIER 

Is a native of Penns3-lvania, born in Luzerne County, 
September 14, 1838, where he lived until he was 
about four years of age. He then went with his 
parents to Rock County, Wisconsin. In April. 1861, 
he left homo and came to the then wild country 
that is now called the Slate of Nevada. Soon after 
his arrival, he located on some land near where his 
present residence now stands, and purchasing some 
of W. II. Bloomfield, has a fine ranch containing 
637 acres, all of which is inclosed, 60 acres hav- 
ing been plowed; 260 acres is classed as haj- land, 
and the remainder is well ada]>ted for grazing. 
Mr. Hurrier was one of the first to sow grain in his 
section of the country, putting in ten acres of barley 
as early as 1862. Owing to a lack of knowledge as 
to the proper waj- to irrigate, he, like others, made 
a failure of his first attempt. His total jMcld that 
year was not over three tons, but he has since 
learned how to produce as much, and as fine grain 
as can bo raised in the county. In 1864 he exper- 
imented with trees, setting out several varieties of 
fruit-bearing trees; among them were a dozen apple, 
only three of which lived, but thej' began bearing 
the next year, and have continued to 3Meld fruit over 
since. His peach trees all died. In 1863 he pro- 
cured some strawberry plants from ('alifornia, and 



¥Ji 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



the next year gathered about fortj- pounds of fine 
fruit, that sold readily for half a dollar per pound. 
There were 1,000 plants originally, but requiring 
too much attention, were allowed to run wild. 
Coming from a warmer climate they start too early 
in the spring for his locality. Currants are a success, 
but blackberries brought from California do not 
thrive. 

During the winter of 1861-62, snow fell to a depth 
of about eighteen inches, on a level around his 
his habitation, and a warm rain following soon after, 
his partly constructed log-house was washed away; 
he, however, regained the logs and built a house on 
higher ground, in which he lived until he built a 
frame house, his present residence, during the winter 
of 1863-64. 

Mr. Burrier was married in 1872 to Miss Helen 
Burst, at Hanover, Rock County, Wisconsin, and 
they have an interesting little daughter about six 
years of age. 

JOHN CARLIN, 

Son of John and Catherine (Dalej-) Carlin, is a 
native of Hudson County, New Jersey, and the date 
of his birth was the fourteenth of March, 1841. His 
first occupation, according to his best recollections, 
was driving a produce wagon from his home into 
Washington Market in the city of New York. In 
1860 he came to California, by way of the Isthmus 
of Panama. He naturally sought the mines as the 
proper place to enlarge his worldly treasures and 
became one of the earl}- prospectors in the Mono 
County placers. In the spring of 1861 he mined at 
Placerville, El Dorado County, and was again in the 
Mono diggings in the fall of that year. Having 
accumulated a little coin by industrj- and hard work 
he came to Daj'ton, L^'on County, Nevada, in 1861 
and engaged in teaming until January, 1863, at 
which time he purchased one-half of his jiresent 
home ranch, then containing 360 acres, and otie year 
later became sole owner. P'rom a small farm of 360 
acres he has from time to time purchased adjoining 
lands until he is at present the jiossessor of 4,000 
acres of very detiirable land, on a portion of which 
stands his elegant residence that can best be appreci- 
ated by reference to a view of the same to be 
found in this work. His land is well divided, 120 
acres being under cultivation, 1,000 acres of meadow, 
and the remainder in pasture land, the whole being 
under a substantial I'enco. Ho has also about twenty 
miles of ditches for irrigating purposes. 

Mr. Carling was married in October, 1865, to Miss 
M. L. Newman, of Lj-on County, and of the six 
children born to them but throe are living, named 
James H., aged twelve; Mary E., aged eight; and 
Maggie C, aged five years. Their mother now 
sleeps in the cemetery that overlooks the ruins of 
Fort Churchill, a dweller in the city of the dead, 
having crossed the silent river on the twenty-second 
of July, 1880. 



ORGANIZATION AND BOUNDARIES. 

We have given an extended histoiy of the early 
settlement of the territory of which Washoe, Storey, 
Douglas and Lj-on Counties were formed, and in 
this sketch will speak of Lyon County as a political 
organization, and give some account of the social 
and financial features at the time it was created a 
countj'. The great influx of active, aggressive men, 
eager for wealth and not always particular how it 
was obtained rendered the formation of county gov- 
ernments absolutely necessary. The most feasible 
routes of travel to the new mines lay through this 
section; the only available water-power for the 
reduction of ores was along the Carson River; the 
overland travel came directly through it, and these 
facts, with the rich silver mines of the Devil's Gate 
and other districts, then supposed to be equal, if not 
better, than the Virginia and Gold Hill mines, had 
induced a large number of people to settle within its 
limits. In fact, Silver City was a town sooner than 
Virginia Citj-or Gold Hill, and l)ayton was supposed 
to be a candidate for the location of the future Cap- 
ital. Section 5 of the Act to create counties and 
establish the boundaries thereof, approved Novem- 
ber 2.5, 1861, provides that there shall be a county, 
to be known as Lyon County, to include all that 
part of the Territory within the boundaries described 
as follows: — 

Beginning at the southeast corner of Washoe 
Countj-; thence following the north line of Ormsby 
County, in a southeasterly direction, to the Half-way 
House between Silver City and Carson Cit}-; thence 
following the said line of Ormsby County to Douglas 
County; thence following the northern boundary of 
Douglas County to the llOth meridian of west longi- 
tude; thence north five miles; thence, by direct line, 
northwesterly to a point on Carson River one mile 
below Reed's Station; thence north three miles; 
thence westerly, bj' a direct line, to the southern 
boundary of the Gold Hill Mining District, but run- 
ning so as to include in this countj' the Devil's (iate 
Toll-house; thence continuing westerly in the same 
course to the eastern boundar}' of Waslioi' ("i)untj-; 
and thence southerly along the eastern boundary of 
said county to the place of beginning. 

Daj-ton was appointed the county seat. At the 
same time the county of Churchill was organized on 
the east of Lyon, with provisions that for judicial 
and revenue purposes they should be considered one 
county. The name Lyon was in honor of (ieneral 
Nathaniel Lyon, who fell in the battle of Willson's 
Creek, near Springfield, Missouri. 

AI'I'OINTMKNTS AND ELECTIONS. 

In accordance with the provisions of the creative 
Act, the (rovernor, in December, 1861, appointed the 
county oflicers, who hold their positions till Januarj' 
14, lS(i2, when their successors were elected. These 
surrendered to their successors, who were chosen at 
the general election held September 3, 1862, so that 
there were three sots of officers in power during the 
year 1862. 



HISTORY OF LYON COUNTY. 



495 



Below will be found, under appropriate heads, the 
names of all the persons who have filled the differ- 
ent offices of honor and trust in the county from its 
organization down to the present time, cither by 
appointment or election, with the date of such 
appointment or election, and (he particular office 
each has tilled. 

SENATORS. 

R. M. Ford, elected Territorial Councilman Sep- 
tember 3, 18(52; N. P. Sheldon, elected September 2, 
1863; D. L. Hastings and John McDonald elected on 
the defeated Constitutional ticket .Tanuarj' 19, 1804; 
W. Ci. Lee, elected September 7, 1S()4, but superseded 
by Alfred James, elected under the new Constitu- 
tion November 8, 18G4; C. Carpenter, elected No 
vember 0, 1S(;(;; L». L. Hastings and M. S. Ilurd were 
elected November 3, 18G8; J. C. Haylett, elected 
November 5, 1870; J. S. Davenport, elected Novem- 
ber 5, 1872; W. R. King, elected November 3, 1874; 
Wm. J. Westertield, elected November 7, 187(i; \Vm. 
R. King, elected November 5, 1878; Wm. J. Wester- 
field, elected November 2, 1880. 

ASSEMBLY.MEN. 

Jno. McDonald, Jr., Jno. B. Winters and J. M. 
Ackley were elected September 3, 1862; McDonald, 
R. E. Trask and Benj. (Jurler were elected September 
2, 18G3; Curler, J, B. Brayleton, C. F. Brandt and 
C. A. Witherell were elected January 19, 1864, but 
did not serve, (he Constitution being defeated; J. D. 
Hedfern and II. (J. Parker were elected as Territo- 
rial Representatives September 7, 1864; W. T. Toombs, 
W. C. Lee, H. S. Parker, November 8, 1864; Jas. 
Crawford, Geo. A. Hudson and Geo. W. Walton, 
elected November 7. 1865; Walton, J. F. Rooney and 
A. Koneman, elected November I), 1866; C. D. King, 
J. K. Barnej- and T. C. Ford, elected November 3. 
1868; Geo. W. Likens, W. D. Dovey and J. F. Rooney, 
elected November 8, 1870; James Crawford, T. M. 
Hart and T. P. Mack, elected November 5, 1872; N. 
C. Dovej', H. J. Carling and L. Morrill, elected No- 
vember 3, 1874; P. D. Wright, H. Kennedy and C. 
Cleaver, elected November 7, 187G; AV. E. Smith, II. 
Kennedy and Levy Lamb, elected November 5, 1S78; 
J. J. Corbett, M. H. Fallon and J. E. Gignoux, 
elected November 2, 1880. 

COUNTY COMMISSIONERS. 

E. B. Zabriskie, Rufus E. Trask and S. S. Buck- 
land, were appointed by the Legislature December 11, 
1861; B. C. Howard, R. E. Trask, S. S. Buckland. 
elected January 14, 1862; T. Varney, L. L. Crockett 
and B. C. Howard, elected September 3, 1862; Chas. 
Ludlam, appo'nted County Commissioner December 
22, 1862, in place of Varney, deceased, Howard 
resigned May 7, 1866; A. Koneman was appointed 
July 2, 1866; L. L. Crockett and T. J. Cochran, 
elected September 2, 1863; G. W. Walton, elected 
September 7, 1864; F. H. Smith, Jno. Cutler and J. 
K. Barney, elected November 6, 1866; Smith resigned 
September 4, 1867, and Robt. Robinson was appointed 
September 9, 1867. 



W. W. Byron, J. F. Rooney and W. Buncher were 
elected November 3, 1868; J. L. Campbell, A. Per- 
kins and C. R. Ahorn were elected Novembers, 1870, 
Ahern resigned November 4, 1871; J. A. Angell, 
appointed December 9, 1871; Albert Perkins and J. 
M. McGinnis were elected November 5, 1872; J. R. 
Shaw and J. M. McGinnis, elected November 3, 1874; 
J. G. McKinzie, G. W. Burrier were elected Novem 
ber 7, 187G; G. W. Burrier and J. R. Shaw, elected 
November 5, 1878; J. R. Shaw and H. J. T. Schell 
wei-e elected November 2, 1880. 

DISTRICT ATTORNEYS. 

Frank II. Kennedy, appointed by the Executive 
December 18, 1861; Ellas B. Zabriskie, appointed 
March 22, 1862, resigned November 17, 1862, and F. 
H. Kennedy, re-appointed; Wm. M. Gates, elected 
September 2, 1863, re-elected November G, 18G6, re- 
elected again November 3, 18G8; J. Powell, Jr., elected 
November 8, 1870; Geo. W. Keith, elected November 
5, 1872, re-elected November 3, 1874, November 7, 
1876; John Powell, Jr., elected November 5, 1878; 
Geo. W. Keith, elected November 2. 1880. 

COUNTY SHERIFFS. 

J. Martin Reese was appointed by the Executive 
December 11, 1861; G. H. Moore, elected January 14, 
1862, re-elected September 3, 1862. resigned October 
20, 1863— H. C. Lynch, appointed; (t. W. Shaw, 
elected September 7, 1864, re-elected November 6, 
18GG, Xovember 3, 1868, November 8, 1870. and 
November a, 1872; R. A. Cooke, elected November 
3, 1874, re-elected November 7, 1876, re-elected again 
November 5, 1878, and November 2, 1880. 

COUNTY CLERKS. 

Daniel Kendrick was appointed by the Executive 
December 21, 1861, re-elected January 14, 1862. re- 
elected again September 3, 1862, September 7, 1864, 
November G, 1866; died August 20, 1867, and W. 
A. Landers was appointed to fill vacancy on the 
twentj'-second of same month; G. W. Keith, elected 
November 3, 1868, i-e-elected November 8, 1870; J. 
A. Bonhan, elected November 5, 1872, reelected 
November 3, 1874, J. S. Dallas, elected November 7, 
1876, re-elected Novembers, 1878, and again Novem- 
ber 2, 1880. 

COUNTY TREASURERS. 

John Irvine was a])pointed bj' the PLxecutive De- 
cember 21, 1861; John Irvine, Jr., was elected Janu- 
ary 14, 1862, resigned Juno 2, 1862, N. C. Power was 
appointed; K. II. Dean was elected September 7, 
18)4, and resigned Novembers, 1865, B. F. Leet was 
appointed; B. H. Carrick, elected November 6, 1866, 
re-elected November 3, 1868, re-elected again No- 
vember 8, 187(1; W. W. Byron, elected November 5, 
1872; (tco. W. Shaw, elected November 3, 1874; J, 
D, Sims, elected November 7, 1876, re-elected No- 
vember 5. 1878, re-elected again November 2, 1880. 

COUNTY ASSESSORS. 

Daniel Vanderhoof, elected January 14, 1862; 
Daniel L. Smith, elected September 3, 1862; J. K. 
Barney, elected September 7, 18ti4; D. L. Smith, 



496 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



elected November 6, 1866; G. C. McFadden, elected 
November 3, 1868, re-elected November 8, 1870, 
re-elected again November 5, 1872; O. E. Naeh 
elected November 3, 1874, C. F. Brant, elected No- 
vember 7, 1876, re-elected November 5, 1878; Fred 
Winzell, elected November 2, 1880. 

COUNTY RECORDERS. 

John G. Shirts was appointed by the Executive 
December 20, 1861; A. W. Russell, elected January 
14, 1862, re-elected September 3, 1862, re-elected 
again September 7, 1864; C. D. MoDuffie, elected 
November 6, 1866; L. L. Crockett, elected Novem- 
ber 3, 1868, re-elected November 8, 1870, and again 
November 5, 1872; Z. T. Gilpin, elected November 
3, 1874; John Lothrop, elected November 7, 1876, 
re-elected November 5, 1878; W. R. Davis, elected 
November 2, 1880. 

COUNTY SUPERINTENDENTS OF SCHOOLS. 

S. W. Kees was elected January 14, 1862; C. D. 
McDuffie, elected September 3, 1862, re-elected Sep- 
tember 7, 1864; J. C. Hazlett, elected November 6, 
1866, re-elected November 3, 1868; P. T. Kirby, 
elected November 8, 1870, resigned November 4, 
1871, C. V. Boiset appointed February 20, 1872; M. 
B. Augustine, elected November 5, 1872; J. G. Crom- 
well, elected November 3, 1874, resigned December 
6, 1875; C. D. McDuffie appointed, who resigned 
September 4, 1876, and was succeeded by W. E. 
Doovey; John G. Young was elected November 7, 
1876, re-elected November 5, 1878; T. B. Mercer, 
elected November 2, 1880. 

COUNTY SURVEYORS. 

Francis Tagliabue was appointed by the Execu- 
tive, December 13, 1861; John Day was elected Jan- 
uary 14, 1862, and was re-elected September 3, 1862, 
re-elected again Seitttmber 7, 1864, again re-elected 
November 6, 1866; R. T. Mullard, elected November 
3, 1868; J. C. Grubcr, elected November 8, 1870; A. 
S. Dildine, elected November 5, 1872, re-elected 
November 3, 1874, again re-elected November 7, 
1870, and November 5, 1878; John M. Campbell, 
and elected November 2, 1880. 

PUBLIC AD.MINISTRATORS. 

T. II. Laverty, elected November 6, 1866; J. II. 
Jaqua, elected November 3, 1868; W. H. II. Scott, 
elected November 8, 1870; Isaac Leversee, elected 
November 5, 1872, re-elected November 3, 1874; 
Thomas R. Hawkins, elected November 7, 1876; 
George E. Jaqua, elected November 5, 1878; J. P. 
Haj-nes, elected November 2, 1880. 

COUNTY COLLECTORS. 

J. S. Dillej' was elected January 14, 1862; M. W. 
Starling, elecled September 3,1862, re-elected Septem- 
ber 3, 1862, re-elected September 7, 1864, resigned 
September 4, 1866; B. II. Carrick was apj)ointed. 

INTERNAL l.MPROVE.MENTS. 

Soon after the approval of the bills organizing the 
counties of J^yon and Churchill, and uniting them 
temi)()rarily for judicial and revenue purposes, a full 
set of officers was appointed by the Governor, who 



held their respective places till their successors were 
elected, in January, 1862. By a reference to the 
election returns of that year it will be seen that 
there were no lack of candidates, although they 
were to hold only till the next general election, 
in September of the same year. 

At the meeting of the Board of Commissioners 
in 1862, A. F. Hurley contested the election of A. 
\V. Russell for Recorder, on what grounds does not 
appear, but the Board declined to investigate the 
matter for want of jurisdiction. Churchill County 
was made a district for the election of a Commis- 
sioner. The Board made an appropriation of 
810,000 to build a free bridge across the Carson, 
provided the public would subscribe a sufficient 
sum in addition to this to complete the bridge. 
This appropriation was however revoked at a sub- 
sequent meeting: and in December following the 
Legislature authorized Bolivar Roberts to build a 
toll-bridge across the Carson, at Dayton. By a 
special Act of the Legislature, the Dayton Gas- 
light Compan\- was organized, to be under the 
management of M. W. Starling, William Haydon, 
James H. Jaqua, and their associates. Tbe Silver 
City Water (Jompaiij- was also created, Robert C. 
Buzan and others being managers. Isaac II. Stith 
and associates were authorized to build a toll-bridge 
across the Carson, at Franklin Mill; and finally a 
vast project for inland navigation was conceived 
and attempted. This project was nothing less than 
an attempt to improve the Carson River and Car- 
son Lake, the Humboldt River and Humboldt Lake, 
so as to make a continuous line of navigation from 
Dayton to Humboldt City. The charter was granted 
to J. Jacobson, John Bowen, Alexander Pierson, John 
Taylor, T. Reynolds, and associates. The plan has 
never been executed, but it was considered far more 
feasible than the great Sutro Tunnel was, which is 
now a fixed fact, and with the same energy might 
also have been accomplished. 

CREATION OP A COUNTY DEBT. 

To create a countj' government is much easier 
than to run it afterwards. Money is required. Sal- 
aries of officers must be paid, rents for rooms as well. 
In short, a county government must be paid for. 
The debts had accumulated until outstanding war- 
rants called for 81,902.50, exclusive of interest. 
There was no money in tbe treasury, and something 
had to bo done. The Auditor was authorized to 
issue bonds, bearing interest, and paj-able out of the 
general fund when there should be anj-. It was 
stipulated that the bonds should be sold for not less 
than half of the face thereof It was also ordered 
that the rent of the Court House and jail be paid 
the same way. 

The jail was an insecure place, and extra guards 
had to be stationed around the prisoner who had 
murdered Varney. Silver Cit}' also had its share of 
criminals, with no suitable lock-up; a sum of 8250 
was ordered to be expended for that object, i)rovided 



X 



< 



UJ 




HISTORY OF LYON COTTNTY. 



497 



the citizens of Silver City raise half as much more 
for the same purpose. 

COrRT HOUSE AND COUNTY" JAII,. 

A king without a kingdom; a general without an 
army; a county without a Court House — what are 
they? A Court House was determined ujjon. and 
Commissioner Howard was authorized to procure 
plans and estimates, and to obtain such legislation 
at the session of 1SG4 as would enable the Commis- 
sioners to issue bonds necessary for the purpose. 
Accordingly the Legislature passed an Act, approved 
February 18, 1864, which authorized the Commis- 
sioners to issue bonds, to the amount of 830,000, 
bearing interest at the rate of ten per cent, per 
annum. 

A call for plans and proposals was inserted in a 
Virginia paper April 4th, and was dulj- responded to. 
Sites were ottered for the buildings in ditt'erent parts 
of the town, but the Commissioners fixed upon a lot 
on Main Street, near Leslie's haj- yard and a bouse 
occupied by Rothschild; provided that the parties 
interested in the lot gave a trust-deed to the Com- 
missioners, and opened streets in the vicinity; these 
latter conditions not being complied with the loca- 
tion should be at another specified point. John C. 
McDonald, Jr. was appointed to sell the bonds to 
be issued by the county. April 4, 18G4, the contract 
for building the Court House was awarded to Wm. 
M. Hussc}', who gave bonds for the faithful per- 
formance of the work in the sum of 86,000. B. C. 
Howard, one of the Commissioners was authorized 
to superintend the work, at a salary of §200 per 
month, March 20, 18G5, the Commissioners levied a 
special tax of fortj'-five cents on each 8100 for the 
erection of the county buildings, to be applied to the 
bonds. In May, 1866, the Grand Jury made an 
examination into the aff'airs of the Court House, 
there being some dissatisfaction on the purt^of the 
public in regard to the matter. Their report August 
8, 18(U), will make the matter plainer than any con- 
densed history can. It was as Ibllows: — 

We find the Commissioners of Lyon County au- 
thorized bj' Act (approved February 18, 1864,) to 
issue bonds in $30,000, payable 85,000 in one year, 
85,000 in two years, 810,000 in three years and 810,- 
000 in four years, bearing interest payable semi- 
annually at ten percent, per annum; to appoint a 
suitable person to negotiate the sale of bonds, no 
sale to be negotiated at not less than seventy-five per 
cent;, on the par value. Said agent encouraged the 
letting of the contract for the erection of the build- 
ing, as he had succeeded in negotiating for the sale 
of the bonds. A contract was let in April, 1864, to 
Wra. M. Hussej-, for 818,750, for the erection of a 
Court House, exclusive of the jail. The contractor 
proceeded at once to the erection of the building. 
After he had expended several thousand dollars, and 
had completed the basement walls, the first storj' 
approaching completion, information was received 
from the agent that the parties with whom he had 
negotiated for the sale of the bonds had declined 
advancing the money upon them without assigning 
any satisfactory reason. Then it was that the first 



financial embarrassment occurred, leaving the Com- 
missioners with the contract upon their hands, it 
having been abandoned by the contractor, anil the 
count}' deeply involved for the work already per- 
formed. * * * To relieve the embarrass- 
ment individual notes were issued by the Commis- 
sioners pledging the faith of the county for the re- 
demption. These notes were given to quiet the ap- 
prehension of parties who had furnished labor and 
material, the Commissioners presuming that the in- 
terest that would accruo on these notes would be 
much less than the costs that would necessarily arise 
from legal proceedings threatened bj' the various 
claimants. Then to procure money to relieve their 
obligations the Commissioners were obliged to give 
their notes pledging the bonds as collateral security. 

Accompanying the report was a financial state- 
ment of the Court House affairs, showing the total 
cost of the jail and Court House to be 849,066.15. 
The 830,000 of bonds had been sold for 824,500, 
leaving a debt of over 825,000, on account of the 
Court House, still outstanding. The Commissioners 
found, in the course of their investigations, that B, 
C. Howard had been paid 82,180 for superintending 
the work of construction. Thej- also found that the 
sum of 83,509.10 had been paid for interest upon 
notes which had been given from time to time during 
the process of the work of building, and that these 
various sums were incorporated into the total cost of 
the building. 

In this way the county buildings cost the county 
twice as much as they would have done for cash in 
hand, and the accumulation of years of interest has 
made them cost, probably, three times as much. 

INVESTIGATION AND ECONOMY. 

The Grand Jury, at this time, went into a 
thorough investigation of all the financial matters 
of the county from its organization to that time 
(1866). They found the entire receipts of the 
county, from December 30, 1861, to August 7, 1866, 
to be 8199,263.54, and the total disbursements for 
same time, including a defalcation of Treasurer 
Dean in the sum of 82,484, to be 8105,669.18. And 
still there was an outstanding indebtedness of 840,- 
952.82. 

They entered into an extensive mathematical cal- 
culation and found that at the i)resent rates of income 
and expenditure it would take just 272 j-ears to pay 
ofi' the debt, and recommended that it be bonded and 
a tax levied that would extinguish the debt in four 
years. They also recommended that the expendi- 
tures be put on a cash basis, and thought that the 
legitimate expenses might be brought within 81,000 
per month. As there was no paper published in the 
county the report was posted in the Clerk's office. 
October 8, 1866, in accordance with the recommenda- 
tion of the Grand Jury, the Commissioners levied a 
tax of ninety cents on each 8100, to be applied to 
the Court House bonds. 

Following up the work of economy and retrench- 
ment thus auspiciously begun, the county was very 
soon enabled to paj- current expenses without the 



498 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



necessity of putting its scrip on the market at a dis- 
count, and materially to reduce the bonded debt. 
In 1873, less than ten years, the bonded debt was 
reduced to 815,000, and to-da}' it is entirely wiped 
out. The present population of the county is 2,400. 
For a more perfect knowledi^c of the products of 
the county, the number of acres under cultivation, 
the stock and grain raised and the fruit trees and 
vineyards, reference is bad to pages IH.'), 136, 139 and 
140 of the general history. For the bullion product 
of the county see table elsewhere in this book. 

PROSPECTINO FOR COAL. 

Coal has not been found in quantity, or is it likely 
to be. The ranges of metamorphic slates, granite, 
syenite and porphyry which traverse the State indi- 
cate the presence of metals older than coal. On the 
other hand the fact that the Great Basin was form- 
erly an inland sea: that the rivers flowing from the 
Eocky Jlountains and also from the Sierra would 
be likely to bring down with them large quantities 
of drift-wood, point to the probability of deposits of 
lignite, or brown coal, which is a deposit of a recent 
age. The peat beds and deposits of vegetable matters 
several i'ect in thickness along the Humboldt, point 
to such a conclusion. If they had been buried a few 
hundred feet in a tight clay for a hundred thousand 
years or more, they would now have been tertiary 
coal or lignite. Such deposits have been sought for, 
but not with great success. The largest yet known 
is in this county, about twenty-five miles southeast 
ofUayton in El Dorado Canon, though mention of it 
is made at other places. It is found in a similar for- 
mation near Walkers Lake, and also in Washoe Val- 
ley, and appears to be comjiosed of nearly the same 
kinds of timber now growing on the hills and mount- 
ains to the east, the pine being particularly abun- 
dant. The first discoveries were made in 1861 by 
Whitman and others. They proceeded to organize a 
mining district and establish regulations for the 
size of claims. Forty acres were allowed in each 
claim, which was to be surveyed and treated as real 
estate. The Whitman Com])any expended 810,000 
or more in prospecting, but did not find very much 
to remunerate them. The coal was worth at the 
mines about twelve dollars per ton. It is said that 
it contained so much incombustible matter as to 
choke the flues and obstruct the draft, though much 
of the dilficulty might have resulted from inexperi- 
ence in the use of it. The beds of coal were on a 
slope about twenty degrees from a horizontal, and 
were from six inches to thirty inches in thickness, 
inclosed in strata of clays of different kinds, some of 
them approximating fire clays in mineral character, 
all finall}' terminating in a coarse sand. 

The discoveries in El Dorado Cafion were made 
soon after. This coal, or lignite, met with more favor 
than that of the Whitman Mine, several hundred 
tons being carried to market in a short time. Sam- 
ples from the Newcastle Mine assayed as fo 1 .ws: — 



Moisture 19 65 

Hydro Carbonaceous Matter 40 59 

Fixed Carbon 28 31 

Ash. 11 00 

With traces of sulphur and iron. 

It was remarkably free from sulphur, and if found 
in sufficient quantities, would be of value. For the 
most of the foregoing statements we are indebted to 
the work of J. Ross Brown on the mines of the 
Pacific Coast. 

According to the report of the State Geologist for 
1876, the explorations for coal in El Dorado Canon 
have been quite extensive, something over 8200.000 
having been expended in the search. The shafts 
have been carried down to a depth of 600 feet or 
more. The prospects were at one time so promising 
that a railroad to the mines was contemplated, a char- 
ter having been granted by the Legislature for this 
purpose. 

PRINCIPAL .MININO DISTRICTS. 

The mineral veins in the early days were not con- 
sidered much inferior to those of Virginia City and 
Gold Hill. In all mining countries where the mines 
are free to those who will find and work them there 
are a large number of men who will stake off claims 
in any direction that is possible for a lead to be 
found. Everything like a quartz vein, or even a 
stained rock, will attract their attention; they lay 
claim to it, doing just enough to hold the ground, 
and otherwise wait the approach of the industrial 
miner, with shafts and tunnels, to develop the sup- 
posed lead, and enhance the value of their ground. 
If the lead runs through their ground they make a 
stake, if not, they seek some other scone of excite- 
..ment, and tr}' again. Lyon County was no excep- 
tion to this rule. It was overrun b}' a multitude of 
prospectors and forestallers. By the first of January, 
1860, the number of claims recorded amounted to 
thousands, manj^ of which never had five dollars 
of work done on them. To give the names of all 
the locations would be giving too much space to 
folly. Only noted mines will be mentioned. 

Devil's Gate District was organized November 
19, 1859, and is situated in Lyon County, about 
two miles from Dayton. The first claim was 
named the "Wild Cat," and was recorded Novem- 
ber 24, 1859. By the first of January, 1860, there 
were as many as 100 locations recorded. Among 
the prominent claims were the Pride of the West, 
Buckej-e, Gray and Cook, Kossuth, Mount Hope, 
Danej-, and many others. The Daney eventually 
became a celebrated mine. The Surveyor General, 
in his report of 1865, claims that the Grosh Brothers 
made the discovery of silver in this district as early 
as 1857, on the ground then (1865) owned by the 
Kossuth Company. 

Indian Spring District was claimed to be rich, 
having a number of promising mines, among which 
were the Whitman. Jackson, Enterprise, Consoli- 



HISTORY OF LYON COUNTY. 



499 



dated, Maiden, Half X, Commodore, Walton, Spring 
Dale, Maine, Superior, Buena Vista, Constitution, 
Red, White and Blue, Banner, Washington and 
Oswego. 

In the southeastern part of the county, near 
Esmeralda, were found several veins of copper ore, 
which assayed also fifteen to eighteen dollars per 
ton in gold and silver The ledges appeared to be 
true fissure veins, with selvage or gouge of clay, 
and firm, well-defined walls, with a dip to the east. 
This belt of veins, carrying silver and gold as well 
as copper, was said to cover hundreds of s(iuare 
miles in the vicinity of Walker River, and to 
extend an unknown distance into other counties. 
This view of the matter was taken in 18(35, when 
it was sujiposed that Nevada was almost a mass of ore. 

Palmyra District was about eight miles south- 
east of Dayton, among the Pine Nut Mountains. 
The whole district was covered with a dense growth 
of nut pine, which, however, was soon stripped off. 
Water was found in sufficient quantity for steam 
purposes. The mining claims looking best at the 
time of the organization were the Orizaba, Tecumsoh, 
Rappahannock, Jloy Del Monte, Orizaba No. 2, 
Santa liosa. Palmyra, ^lontgomery, Santa ('ruz, 
Walker, Oriental, Magna Charta, Nebraska, Buena 
Vista, Prince of Wales, Anna McLellan, Winfield 
Scott, Jlontezuma, Margaret White, La Fayette, St. 
Lawrence, Cash Ledge, Express Company, Mont- 
gomery Ledge, Green Mountain (!ompany. Vera 
Cruz, Green Mountain Boy, Hooker Ledge, San Jose 
Company, and the Wagram. These were all consid- 
ered promising, but none of them have been mined 
with good results. 

PRINCIPAL TOWNS AND CITIES. 

Cleaver is one of the stations on the Carson and 
Colorado Railroad, thirty-nine miles southeast of 
Dayton, in the valley of Walker River, being a north- 
ern extension of Mason Valley. The surrounding 
region is well adapted to farming and grazing, and 
the station has the promise of growing into a busi- 
ness town. The Carson and Colorado Railroad, which 
has now fifty miles of track in T^yon County, is more 
fully described in the chapter on railroads in the 
early pages of this work. 

KI.MHER CLEAVER 

Was born near Toronto, Canada West, July 10, 1837. 
His father, J. H. Cleaver, emigrated from PennsjM- 
vania to Canada a few years before his birth. Be- 
coming involved in the War of the Patriotsof 18li7-:{8 
the family sacrificed their properly in the struggle 
for libertj', and, being forced to leave the country of 
their adoption, became henceforth one of that band 
of fearless pioneers who blazed the way of civiliza- 
tion to the far West, bringing up in Iowa in 1853. 
The subject of this sketch hail, by his early life and 
experience instilled in him a great desire for knowl- 
edge, which on every occasion he developed, thereby 
securing, by close application to his books, an excel- 



lent common school education. In 1861, when the 
youth and aged were rallying around the flag, Kim- 
ber Cleaver entered for the War of the Rebellion as 
member of Compaii}- II, Thirteenth Regiment Iowa 
Infantry, the flag of which regiment he faithfully 
followed from Shiloh (where he was wounded) to 
Vicksburg, and from Atlanta to the Sea, being again 
wounded at Atlanta, serving in all three years and 
ten months, seeing active service most of the time. 
At the close of the war he returned to Marshalltown, 
Iowa, and the peaceful pursuits of his farm. He was 
married to Miss R. A. IJandall on May 14, 18(58, and 
removed to Mason Valley, L3-on County, in 1873. He 
has, of course, experienced some fluctuations in fort- 
une during an active life of nearly forty-four 3-ears, 
but now, being well established on a pleasant ranch, 
and also dealing in agricultural implements, with a 
home and his wife and happy children about him, 
he evinces no desire for a change. He is an earnest 
advocate of Republican principles and is an active 
leader of the temperance cause, being an officer of 
the Grand Lodge of the I. O. G. T. of Nevada, and 
an untiring and efficient member of the home lodge, 
which numbers among its members many of the 
representative men of the valley, who, with Mr. 
Cleaver, are zealous in their desire to inspire the 
youth of the land with industrious and temperate 
habits and to instill into their minds the nobler aspi- 
rations of manhood. 

Co.Mo AND Palmyra, two towns in Palmyra Min- 
ing District, situated soutlieast from Dayton, at one 
time contained seven hundred inhabitants, but they 
have since been nearly abandoned. Como was quite 
a place in its day. In ISGl the town cast 200 votes 
for Lincoln and not one for McClellan. The people 
had determined to have 200 votes, and to make the 
number a sick tJcrman was taken from his bed and 
carried to the polls. Some said the man was dead 
when he was voted; others say he was alive at the 
time, but died shortly afterwards. 

At that time Como was the county seat of Lyon 
County, and had a newspaper called the Como Sen- 
tinel, a livelj% hopeful sheet, with no doubt whatever 
of the ultimate success of everything connected with 
Como. 

Notwithstanding all the blandishments of the 
place, men would commit suicide. The first death 
was of this nature. The place was so alarmingly 
healthy that it was a deliatable question whether any 
one would not have to move away to die, so that the 
suicide might have been a grand, self-sacrificing ex- 
periment. The ingenuity, as well as the liberalitj^ 
of the (riti/.ens. was taxed to give him a decent 
burial. There was no sawed lumber to bo had for 
love or money, but a wagon-bed which had been 
utilized as a |iig pen was brought into re(|uisition, 
and the youthful swine had to give up his house to 
accommodate the suicide's body, Alf Doten made 
the cofiSn, As there was no paint, a mixture of blood 



500 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



and other materials was used to stain the wood, 
polishing it with a rag. This piece of extravagance 
cost his friends forty dollars. 

When the first mill arrived in Como. a public 
reception was tendered it. A procession headed bj' 
a band composed of fife, drum, cymbals and cornet, 
escorted it into the town. This mill, called the 
Solomon Davis Jlill, bad quite an eventful history. 
It was built in California for saving free gold, and 
when quite old, was brought into Nevada and set up 
at Dayton, being the second steam mill at that 
place. It proved a failure, and in 1863 it was moved 
to Como with the ceremonies mentioned. It was 
true to its former character, and made no money for 
its owners. In December, 1865, this mill was moved 
to the Kearsage District, and ground out a twelve- 
horse load of bullion for Almarin B. Paul, which 
was taken to Virginia City under a strong guard of 
troops. When it arrived it proved to be pyrites 
of iron ! 

The town of C!omo, in spite of its having such a 
romantic name, graduallj' dwindled away, hotel, 
saloon, stores and mining oflfices consolidating until 
but one solitary individual. Judge G. W. Walton, 
was left. On the night of November 22, 1874, the 
cabin burned down, leaving his charred remains as 
the last of Como. He was a Mason, and his body 
was taken in charge by the fraternity and buried in 
the southwest corner of their cemeterj' at Dayton. 
Judge Walton at his death was sixty-three years old. 

Captain Truckee, perhaps the best Indian that 
ever inhabited Nevada, lived in this vicinity. He 
was always the white man's friend, and when he 
died he was buried according to his wish, "alle same 
white man," with a " wooden head-stone " marking 
his grave. This has since rotted away, and now no 
one can tell where Captain Truckee sleeps. His 
death occurred October 8. 1860. 

D.WTON, the present count}' seat, is at the mouth 
of the gulch, or stream, which runs from the Bonanza 
mines to the Carson Kiver, and at the end of the 
twenty-mile desert, across the fireat Bend of the 
Carson, and seven miles from Gold Hill. It has had 
an existence since 1849, but for ten years ])revious to 
the discovery of silver was only a straggling lianilet, 
bearing the name of Chinatown, in consequence of 
the Chinese engaged in washing the gravel of the 
ravine for gold, being the most numerous of any 
nationalitjv The jirescnt name was determined at a 
public meeting, held for that purpose November ;5. 
1861. The discovery of the rich silver lodes had the 
effect of near!}' destroying the ])iace I'or awhile, as 
the discovery of gold did .San Francisco, hardly a 
half-dozen persons being left to keep possession. 
Manj- of the houses were moved away to \'irginia 
City and (lold Hill. As the mines developed the 
relation of Daj'ton to them became apparent, it 
was the natural gateway to tlie outside world. Jn 
addition to this the mill-sites along the Carson Kiver 
were necessary to reduce the rich ores, consequently 



a reaction set in that made Dayton nearly as flour- 
ishing as Virginia City or (Jold Hill. All the min- 
eral had to pay toll there. From the time that 
milling commenced Dayton had a full share of the 
profits arising from mining. In 1865 it had 2.500 
inhabitants, a school house, lodge of Free and 
Accepted Masons numbering fifty members, lodge 
of Independent Order of Odd Fellows numbering 
twenty-seven, a military company of eightj'-four, 
one brewery, five car|)enters, three grocery stores, 
seven hotels, five saloons, three lumber yards, and 
other institutions common to flourishing towns in 
mining countries. 

In 1880 the population was about 200. It has a 
post-office, telegra])h and express office, hotel, drug- 
store, three for general merchandise, several saloons, 
two blacksmith shops, two shoo shops, and one 
barber shop. The people complain of its being 
terribly dull. 

In July, 1866, the people of Dayton sustained heavy 
loses by fire. The office of the Lyon Countj^ Sentinel 
was destroyed, and the paper was subsequently 
issued in small sheets containing legal advertise- 
ments. 

J. L. CAMPBELL, 

The subject of the following sketch, is a native of 
Indiana, born in the city of Logansport, Cass Countj', 
March 7, 1832. His father and mother were natives 
of the State of New Jersey. At the age of twelve 
years, Mr. Campbell emigrated, with his parents, to 
New Boston, Illinois, where he remained as a plow- 
boy, on his father's farm, until he reached his major- 
ity. He had during that time acquired a fair educa- 
tion, and, as youth ripened into manhood, he thought 
to better his condition by leaving the j)arental roof, 
and launching out into the great world in search of 
the fortune he believed in store for him. He, there- 
fore, decided upon California as the place for his 
future operations, and, accordingly, jirepared for a 
trip across the plains, and, alter a five months' 
journej", through the hiirren country lying between 
his home and the Pacific Coast, arrived in Sonora, 
Tuolumne County, where he engaged in the butch- 
ering business, and continued to follow that occupa- 
tion until 1S62, al which lime ho crossed the mount- 
ains, and located at Daj-ton, Lyon County, Nevada. 
Since his arrival in this State, Mr. Campbell has 
followed the same business, having besides his estab- 
lishment in Dayton a branch meat-market in the 
town of Sutro. about three miles away. He kills 
his own beef, and, therefore, is able to supply bis 
many customei-n with a fine (Hiality of meal. 

He was first married at Sonora. California, to 
Miss Liz./.ie Mitchell, a native of Ohio, who joined 
her husband in l)a3'ton,Juiy 1, lS(i3, and was buried 
in the cemetery at that place, on the twenty-first of 
September, the same year. One son, George B., is 
the result of that union. 

Mr. Campbell was again married in 1867, and has 
six children, four boys and two girls. 




S. S. BUCKLAND. 




M'".' S. 5. BUCKLAND. 



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RESIDENCE AND PARTIAL VIEW OF RANCH OF S.S. BUCKLAND. 

FORT CHURCHILL, LYON CO.,NEV 



HISTORY OF LYON COUNTY. 



601 



MR. JOHN LOTHROP 

l.s a nutive of Missouri, and was born July 25, 1842. 
When ten years of ago he crossed the plains to Cali- 
fornia, in 18()0 he became a resident of the State of 
Nevada, and was actively employed in mining pur- 
suits for several years, and has so satisfactorily 
established himself in the esteem and regard of his 
fellow-citizens that ho has been called upon to give 
them good service as Deputy Sheriff and Deputy 
Clerk, and has three times been elected Countj' 
Recorder of Lyon County and is now a resident of 
Daj'ton, the county seat of Lyon County. 

a. p. R.\NUALL 

Was born in Rhode Island, October 9, 1831. 
His father, Samuel R. Randall, removed to Cincin- 
nati in 1838. While there he was sent to school and 
was advanced in his studies as much as was possible 
at his ago, receiving Judicious care and careful 
instruction at home, besides. When twelve j-ears of 
age, bis parents removed to Campbell County, Ken- 
tucky, and when eighteen years old, G. I'. Randall 
returned to Cincinnati and worked at the blacksmith 
trade until 1852. 

He then loft for ('alifornia, reaching that long- 
looked for goal on the last day of August, 18.J2. In 
that year he was in Downieville, Sierra County, and 
then in San Francisco, going from thence to I'unto 
de los Rej-es, thirty-five miles from San Francisco, 
where he remained until 1858 engaged in farming. 

During the spring he removed to Calaveras Countj^ 
and erected a substantial steam saw-mill in Nassau 
Valley, and had it constantly running until 1861, 
when he removed it to French Gulch, in the same 
count}'. In 18(13 ho disposed of his business, sold the 
saw-mill and went to Summit City, Alpine County, 
but was there oiilj- a short time. He then came to 
Nevada, farming in ('arson Valley, I)ouglas Count}', 
and was so engaged until in 18C6 when he went to 
Empire Cit}' and engaged in his legitimate business 
of blucksmilhing, and for eight years continued at 
that calling. In 1874 he removed to Dayton, Lyon 
('ounty, and purchased a blacksmith shop. He imme- 
diately added extensive improvements, and now, in 
1880, his shops and yards occupy an entire block in 
the center of the growing town of Dayton. The 
work which he turns out of his shops in wagon-mak- 
ing and all the branches of the business shows him 
a careful workman. 

.Mr. Randall owns also a pretty residence in the 
town. He married .Miss JI. E. C. Williamson, April 
22, 1855. They have eight children living and three 
deceased. 

J. I>. SIMS, 

Whose father, Robert Sims, left Tennessee at an 
early day and settled in the then sparsely peopled 
district of Missouri, now well-known as Greene 
County. There, the subject of this sketch, was 
born in 1841, and meritoriously remained with his 
father until he was nineteen years of age, giving \ 
63 



most of his time and care to the clearing and culti- 
vation of the farm, going to California in 1860, by 
the southern overland stage route. He stopped in 
Najia N'alley until the fall of that year, when he left 
for Sacramento. 

In the following sjiring he removed to the State 
of Nevada and settled permanently in Dayton, Lyon 
County. For a number of years he found steady 
employment in the quartz mills, but concluding on 
a change, in 1874, he established himself in a gene- 
ral merchandising business, which has proven so 
successful that he has found it necessary to extend 
his facilities for trade, and to very materially en- 
large his stock, and he now owns and occupies the 
well-known brick building on Main Street. Mr. 
Sims was elected Treasurer of Lyon County in 1876, 
and being re-elected at each succeeding election he 
has filled the position ever since; on the eighteenth 
of September, 1880, was nominated by the Republi- 
can convention for a third term, and being again 
re-elected, is still Treasurer. In August, 1871, ho 
married Miss Hattic E. Midgley, by whom ho had 
four children, two of whom are dead and two are 
now living. Mrs. Sims died on the twenty-third of 
April, 1880. 

Fort Churchill has often been mentioned in this 
Historj'. and is more noted for its past than for its 
])resent. The glory of its military career has long 
since departed. The Post was first occupied in 
.June, 1860, by U. S. troops, under Captain Stewart, 
who had been engaged in subduing the Indians at 
Pyramid Lake, and after the commencement of the 
War of the Rebellion, was enlarged and garrisoned 
by the California Volunteers. Barracks and i|U«rter8 
were erected at a largo cost, there being six fine 
buildings for officers' quarters which cost S1G,Q00 
each. In March, 1870, the Post was abandoned, 
and tlio buildings sold at auction, bringing the sum of 
8750. As a ranch overlooking the valley of the 
Carson, it, for some years, hold its name, and later 
the name is a]>plied to a station on the Carson and 
Colorado Railroad, twenty miles oast of Da3'ton. The 
railroad follows the Carson River to this point in 
order to pass the Fort Churchill Caiion, then turning 
Houth to the plains of Mason Valley and Walker 
River. 

Maso.v Vallev embraces a largo extent of country, 
having within it the corners of the three counties of 
Lyon, Douglas and Esmeralda. This is principally 
described in the History of Esmeralda Count}', where 
the town of that name and |)OSt-oflice is located. 
Properly speaking, the extended valley should be 
called Walker River Valley. This extensive valley 
embraces one or more square townships of govern- 
mont survey in Lyon County, the river flowing 
from the south through Esmeralda, across the corner 
of Lyon, for about ten miles, and into Churchill, 
where it turns east, and then southerly to its moutb 
in Walker Lake, Entering this valley from the 



502 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



north is the Carson and Colorado Eailroad, with the 
stations of Wabuska, Cleaver and Mason. This 
railroad has its initial ])oint at Mound House, in 
Lyon County, on the Virginia and Truekee Eailroad, 
and its present terminus at Hawthorne, in Esmeralda, 
having a total length of 100 miles, about half of 
which is in Lyon. 

Mound House is a busy milling and railroad cen- 
ter, six miles southwest of Dayton, being the junc- 
tion of the new Carson and Colorado Railroad with 
the Virginia and Truckcc Railroad. 

Wabuska is one of the villages in the northern 
part of Mason Valley, and is a station on the Carson 
and Colorado Railroad, thirty-two miles southeast of 
Dayton. The exact location is in township fifteen 
north, range twenty-five east. Mount Diablo meridian 
of the United Slates Land Survey. 

Silver City was settled before Virginia Citj', and 
was a place of considerable importance in 1860, hav- 
ing four hotels, ten stores, two drug stores, two 
butcher shops, three blacksmith shops, and several 
elegant dwellings. In early days it rivaled Virginia 
City in its mines, but failed to develop any "bonan- 
zas," and afterwards derived most of its importance 
from the quartz mills in its vicinity, and to being on 
the line of travel between the "bonanza" mines and 
the mills on the river. In 18G1 it had a population 
of over 1,000 persons, the "Directory" giving the 
names of 2G0 persons engaged in business. Several 
hundred horses and mules, engaged in hauling 
quartz, were boarded hero in the early years, and 
the string of teams daily going to and fro were quite 
a feature. 

The Devil's Gate is an opening or gorge across 
a reef of the metamorphic^ rock which traverses the 
country parallel to the trend of the mountains. It 
was a landmark from an early day, and was con- 
stituted one point in the boundary line between 
Storey and Lyon Counties. The town has^ few 
resources for prosperity within itself, and, depending 
upon the Comstock mines for life, it has partaken of 
the general recent dullness. 

It now has two hotels, two stables, one brewery, 
express office, post-office, barber shop, blacksmith 
shop, butcher shop, two shoe shops, one store for 
general merchandise and several saloons. 

Wadswortii on the Central Pacific Railroad is 
claimed to be in Lj'on Cminty in its extreme north- 
western corner, and is also claimed by Storey and 
Washoe, the latter maintaining jurisdiction. 

PHINCII'AL yUAKTZ MILLS. 

Lyon County contains nearly all the mill-sites 
available for reducing the ores of the mines of the 
Comstock Lode, and, for a time, the whole of the 
Carson River for twenty-five miles was claimed, and 
much of it improved. John Lothrop, present 
County Recorder, came to Dayton April )i'^, 1801, 
and found the Logan and Holmes two-stamp mill 



about 1,000 feet southeast of the present works of 
the Lyon Mill and Mining Company. It had been 
driven by an undershot water-wheel, but seemed to 
have been abandoned. Tbe Sutro Mill was building 
at the same time. This was the second mill built 
in the canon, and the first that was run by steam 
power. It had fifteen stamps, and was considered at 
the time " a highly respectable aftair." The Carson 
and Colorado Railroad runs through its ancient site 
at the southwest bank of the canon in Dayton. It 
worked ores for the Gould & Curry but it would 
seem not verj' thoroughly, for Sutro has since 
worked over the tailings, and made §100,000 out of 
them. The mill was burned in 18(53, a man sleeping 
on the premises perishing in the flames. There was 
a rumor (hat the fire was premeditated to obtain 
quite a large sum for which the mill was insured. 

During the same season, 1801, the Solomon Davis 
Mill was set up. This was an old aft'air from C!alifornia 
and was only capable of saving free gold. It proved 
a failure and was removed to Como, and thence to 
the Kearsage District. Its history is given more 
fully in the account of the town of Como. 

The Rocky Point Mill, built in 18(51. was the first 
large mill. A mill was put up opposite the point 
where the Sutro Tunnel now opens about the same 
time, but was soon after carried away by a flood. 
The Illinois Mill was above the Rocky Point, and had 
fifteen stamps. The Shaw Mill was east of the Rocky 
Point. It had fifteen stamps, but was never put in 
operation, as the Rocky Point Company claimed the 
water with which the company expected to run the 
mill, and succeeded in holding it. From this lime on 
mill-sites were rapidly appropriated. Many a con- 
test took place in settling these rights, in which a 
strong arm and a resolute will took precedence of a 
prior location. That the chaos terminated in a 
peaceful industrial period of years is a matter of as- 
tonishment and wonder to this day. It technical 
law was violated, and the strong arm gras])ed more 
than the courts would have awarded it, the property 
generally fell to those who would utilize it. 

In 1862 the following mills were in operation on 
Carson River. First on the river below Ormsby 
County was the Eureka Mill. The water was brought 
through ditch and flume l.r>(Ml loot from the dam 120 
feet long across the river. The building was "fix 180, 
had twenty stamps, fonr arastras, and reduced thirty 
tons of rock a day. They used the IlunI jirocess of 
concentrating, with forty-two Hungarian bowls, 
twelve copper concentrators, six flues, two Varny 
pans and employed twenty-five hands. 

iSan Francisco Mill, next below, with twenty 
stamps, (Jhas. Itgen, A. H. Doschor, Chas. .McWill- 
iams and William C. Divoll, proprietors, the last 
named being Superintendent. 

The Franklin Mill, Superintendent J. McDonald, 
near the Daney ledge, was a large and substantial 
structure l{Ox()(( feel, with ten stamps, two arastras, 
with shaking tables and Hungarian rilttos. This was 



HISTORY OF LYON COUNTY. 



503 



one of the most substantial structures on the river. 
The dam half a mile above was of stone, twenty 
feet wide at the bottom and ten at the top. The 
cost was about §00,000. The works were intended 
to reduce the Daney ores, the mine being but one 
and one-half miles distant. 

Barton Company's Mill was situated on the east 
side of the river below the Franklin. The water was 
carried one and one-half miles from a sub.stantial 
dam. The machinery was arastras, using the I'atio 
process, J. N. Barton, Superintendent. 

Sproul's Mills, owned by J. IJ. Sproul, C. C. Good- 
win, Levi llile and J. E. Brett, the first named being 
Superintendent, run ten stamps, but have water-power 
for 100, if neeessarj'; use twentj- Huni^arian pans 
and employ fifteen hands. 

Carson Eiver Quartz Mill, Woodworth, Stewart and 
Winters proprietors, was one and one-half miles 
above Dayton. They had ton stamps and four aras- 
tras. Two Turbine wheels were driven by a large 
stream of water taken from the river 2,000 feet above, 
the canal being twenty-three feet wide. The Hun- 
garian bowls and Kayden process are used. 

The Aurora Mills immediately joining the fore- 
going, were owned by Mossheimer, John D. and 
Joseph D. Winters and G. Kustcl, the latter being 
Superintendent. Had thirty-eight stamps and re- 
duced forty tons of rock per daj-. The two Turbine 
wheels were driven by water taken out of the river 
GOO yards above. 

Keller & Co.'s Mill was below the Aurora, was 
G0x75 feet, had fifteen stamps, reducing twenty tons 
of ore per day, saving both silver and gold. 

Solomon and Jacobs Mill was a steam mill of 
small capacity, working ten arastras, and employing 
ten or twelve hands. 

Sutro's Mill had ten stamps, and reduced about 
twelve tons of rock a day. 

The Dayton Mill, owned by Ford, Berry & Co., 
was at the lower end of the town of Daj'ton. It 
had fifteen stamps and crushed about fifteen tons 
per day. Cost 8t;0, 000. L. J. Carr, Superintendent. 

Mineral Ilapids Mill. A town was laid out hero 
which was intended to eclipse Dayton, but it did 
not. The mill, owned by Colton & Smith, was run 
by steam and had ten stamps and four twelve-foot 
arastras, crushing twenty tons of rock per day. 
The mill did custom work, not being connected with 
any mine. 

The Kocky Point Mill, owned by 11. Logan, J. 
It. Logan, J. P. Holmes, and John Black, built in 
1800, was one of the most extensive establishments in 
the countr}-, the main building being 90xlO(t feet, 
with water-wheel of one hundred-horse-power, forty 
stamps, and reduced fifty tons of rock per da}-, 
working for both silver and gold. The water was 
brought a distance of 2,000 feet in a flume ten feet 
wide and three feet deep. The dam was built of 
stone and timber, and with the race cost over 810,000. 
The wheel was sixteen feet in diameter and twelve 



long, with forty buckets holding, when full, 6,000 
pounds of water. Superintendents were Logan and 
Black. It cost 8200,000, and in 1808 was owned by 
the Imperial Silver Mining Company. 

Freeborn & Sheldon's Mill was on the east side 
of Carson Eiver, three-quarters of a mile below Daj'- 
ton. It was on a large scale, the building being 
seventy-five feet square. The machinery was driven 
by a Turbine wheel weighing .").000 pounds, being the 
heaviest in the countr}- at that time, having a power 
sufficient to run fortj- stamps. J. S. Aitkin was 
Superintendent. 

Gautier's Mill was on the east side of the river, 
run ten stamps, crushing fifteen tons of rock a day. 
The process of amalgamation was (iautier's own 
invention. 

The Succor Mill, one mile and a half below Day- 
ton, run fifteen stamps, crushing twenty tons per 
day. The building was sixty feet square. The ditch 
or flume convej-ing the water was thirty feet wide. 
J. B. Moore was the Superintendent. 

Frolhingham & Co.'s Mill was four miles below 
Daj'ton, and run three 8tam))8 and four arastras, 
crushing and reducing eight tons of rock per day. 
P. Frothingham was Superintendent. 

This completes the list of all the mills completed 
on Carson River in 1802. Many moi-e were contem- 
plated, and some were built. In Gold Cafion near 
the Devil's Gate were the following: — 

Pioneer Mill of the Washoe Gold and Silver Min- 
ing Company. This mill was in Gold Cafion, just 
above Devil's <4ate, and was started August 13, 1800. 
It has been claimed for this mill that it was the first 
in the Territory, but it is quite certain that one if not 
two were prior to this. The Logan and Holmes 
mill (a small affair however) started in October, in 
1859, and E. B. Harris' mill, contest the priority with 
the one in question, having probably started a day 
or two sooner. The subject of priority is more i)ar- 
ticularly mentioned in the early history of mining. 
It was erected under the superintendence of Almarin 
B. I'aul, having two engines, thirty-two stamps, 
twenty-four amalgamating pans, and employed fif- 
teen men. 

Burk & Co.'s Mill, formerly McNulty's Mill was 
situated at the junction of Gold Canon and American 
Ravine at the lower end of the citj-, and was the 
second quartz mill started in the Territorj-, was run 
by steam, had five stamps, with ten grinders, on tlie 
principle of the grist mill, invented bj- the superinten- 
dent. 

Trench's Mill was built during 1800. at a cost of 
about 840,000 and was near the American Ravine. 
It had a thirty-horse-power steam engine, twelve 
stamps, two of the Brevoort's grinders, eighteen 
pans, the invention of the projirietor. The main 
building was 50x80. 

Silver City Quartz Mill was owned by Lam- 
bert, Weaver & Sullivan and had a thirty-five-horse- 
])ower steam engine, five stamps, two Brevoort's 



504 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



grinders and crushed ten tons a day. This mill com- 
menced running in Pebruar}-, 18(11, and cost about 
«35,000. 

Union Mill was on American Uavine about fifty 
yards above the Silver City Mill, had a forty-horse- 
power steam engine, ten stamps and crushed custom 
rock. 

Pioneer Company's Mill, near Devil's (iate, had 
a forty-horsc-power engine, fifteen stamps, and 
crushed twenty tons of rock per day. Like several 
other mills they had an improvement of their own 
in the shape of a mullcr or grinder. 

Swansea Mill was in Gold Canon, one mile below 
Silver City. It had a forty-horsepower engine and 
twelve stamps weighing 800 pounds each, doing cus- 
tom work, crushing about twenty tons of rock per 
day. Amalgamated with Hungarian bowls. John 
Tregloan, Superinten<lent. 

Excelsior Mill was situated above and near the 
Swansea. It had a forty-five-horse-power engine 
with eight stamps weighing 900 pounds each, crush- 
ing sixteen tons i)er day. Thej' also had two ten- 
foot arastras. John Briggs, Superintcmlent. 

Osgood & Co.'s Mill was on the Dayton Road. It 
was worked by an eighteen-horse-power engine, 
had eight stamps crushing twelve tons per day, 
doing custom work. Employed twelve men and 
used the Bertola process of working ores. C. A. 
Chapin, Superintendent. 

Van Horn & Co.'s Mill, one mile and a half above 
Dayton, was driven by water, having an over-shot 
wheel fortj' feet in diameter. It was running six 
stamps with a reserved power for six more. Van 
Horn, Weston and Simon were the proprietors. 

The Eastern Slope Mill was one mile and a 
quarter below the Devil's Gate, had twelve double 
stemmed stamps driven by a forty- horse- power 
engine and crushed twenty tons of i"0ck per day, 
employing twelve hands. They used the Novelty 
Company's process, an entirely new one and one from 
which great things were expected. J. C. Cushing, 
Superintendent. 

The Phii'nix Mill was on the south side of Gold 
Cafion half a mile below Silver Cit)-. It had a forty- 
horse-powcr steam engine, crushed forty tons of 
rock j)er daj*. It was one of the largest mills run- 
ning at that time and cost 850,000. It was said'to 
have been managed very successfully. Bowton and 
Uztiaj- ])roprictors. 

Kellogg's Mill was about half a mile below Silver 
City. The building was about 40x60. It had a 
8tc;im engine of twcnty-horse-])ower, eight stamps 
weighing (iOO poun<ls each and crushed fifteen tons 
per day. They used the Chili mill in amalgamating. 
It will bo seen that the mill men were laboring 
under many ditticulties in reducing the ores. Almost 
every Superintendent had a plan of his own. How 
these experiments succeeded will be learned in the 
portion of the work devoted to mining. 

In 1868 there were thirty-one quartz mills in 



operation, which had an aggregate of 440 stamps, 
227 pans, and cost in round numbers the sum of 
S050,000. The greatest public work is the Sutro 
Tunnel, which has its terminus, or opening, in this 
county. Lyon has an area of 621 square miles and 
a population according to the census of 1880 of 
2,409. 

THE SDTRO TUNNEL. 

The plan of working deep mines by means of an 
adit is nothing new. Since the Romans worked the 
mines of Spain, for silver, to the working of the 
mines of Saxony, the adit has been a common 
method. Some of these adits, or tunnels as the miners 
choose to call them, are of immense length. The 
adit of the Clausethal, in the Harz Mountains, is 
six and a half miles long. It was commenced in 
1777, and was not completed until 1800. Within 
the last few years, the surve^-ors demonstrated that 
a tunnel of fourteen miles in length would intersect 
the lodes 300 feet deeper, and the work was under- 
taken to save that much elevation of water and ore. 
The supposed importance of the work was indicated 
by naming it after the King of Hanover, the •' Ernst 
August Tunnel." One in Gevenap, in Cornwall, has a 
total length of more than thirty miles. One in 
Germany, commencing on the banks of the river 
Gram passing through the mines of Hodritz to those 
of Schemnitz. has a direct line of about ten miles. It 
was constructed both as a drain, and for the explora- 
tion of the ground along its course. When the im- 
mense wealth of the Comstock Lode, as well as the 
floods of water, began to be apparent, the necessity of 
working the mines in a more scientific manner was 
soon considered. The elevation of the mines, near 
2,000 feet above Carson River, which was but five 
or six miles distant, suggested that as a proper loca- 
tion for a drainage adit. 

THE projector's TRIUMPH. 

Mr. Adolph Sutro. a German by birth, and 
acquainted with the manner in which the mines of 
his native country were worked, undertook the hercu- 
lean task — as will be hereafter related — of openmg 
this great lode by such a work — and the Sutro Tun- 
nel was made. 

On March 1, 1881, this tunnel had attained a 
length of 20,469 feet. The mouth of this tunnel is 
on the northwestern face of the Dayton range of 
mountains, in Lyon County, near the Carson Uiver, 
and about 150 feet above its bed. At the Virginia 
City end of the tunnel, and at right angles to it, are 
two branches, known as the North Lateral aiui 
South Lateral Tunnels. The former had attained, 
on March 1, 1881, a length of 4,4(13 feet, and the 
latter, 4,114 feet. These extensions are still being 
continued. Including the main tunnel, the total dis- 
tance penetrated underground is 28,980 feet, or fiftj-- 
four feet less than five miles and a half. 

The Sutro Tunnel was constructed at a total cost 
of about 84,500,00(1, and it took nearlj' nine years to 
complete it from its mouth to the Comstock Lode 



HISTORY OF LYON COUNTY. 



505 



Itfl cost, including lateral branches, up to and includ- 
ing March 1, 1881, is 85,069,801.16. It has an inter- 
esting history. At the time the scheme was pro- 
posed, it was denounced as Utopian, and Adoiph 
Sutro, its projector, was mercilessly ridiculed. When 
it was seen that he was terribly in earnest, he re- 
ceived some encouragement; but when he began to 
lay his plans for success, he encountered the most 
bitter opposition from the mining and milling com- 
panies and the banking and railroad corporations in 
Virginia City. But Sutro's shrewdness, with his 
indomitable energy, pluck and perseverance proved 
in the long run too much for his powerful antago- 
nists. Starting without a dollar of money, and 
defeated in his many efforts to obtain government 
aid, he traveled through all the European money 
centers, and, after many refusals, succeeded in rais- 
ing sutKeient means to begin the enterprise, and 
conduct it to success. The tunnel is a monument to 
Sutro's genius, as well as to his pluck and stamina — 
and we shall now relate something of its construc- 
tion anil history. 

THE IDEA CONCEIVED. 

Soon after the discovery of silver, on the Comstock, 
Adoiph Sutro, who was carrying on the cigar business 
in Virginia Cit}', formed an opinion that the vein 
was a true fissure one and likely to be productive to 
an indefinite depth. Ho next conceived the idea 
that the most economical method of developing the 
various mines was by means of a gigantic tunnel 
from Carson Valley to the lode. This idea, suggest- 
ing in itself the greatest mining enterprise ever un- 
dertaken in this country, and involving in extent 
some of the costliest engineering feats of the Old 
World was at first regarded as chimerical and im- 
practicable. The encouragement and capital neces- 
sary to the execution of the scheme were nowhere 
to be found. On April 20, 1860, a communication 
appeared in the Alta California, of San Francisco, 
from Sutro calling attention to the lack of any sys- 
tem in working the Comstock mines. " Most of the 
companies,"' he said, "commence without an eye to 
future success. Instead of running a tunnel from 
low down on the hill, and then sinking a shaft to 
meet it, which at once insures drainage, ventilation, 
and facilitates the work by going upwards, thcclaims 
arc mostly entered from above, and large openings 
made which require considerable timbering ; and 
exposes the mine to all sorts of difficulties." He 
wrote this when he had been in Virginia only a 
week, and when he did not know to his entire satis- 
isfaction that there was an extensive vein of ore 
there. Such explorations as had been then made 
did not extend to a greater depth than twenty or 
thirty feet. In 1861 Sutro erected a mill and reduc- 
tion works, and took up his residence in the neigh- 
borhood of the Comstock. He continued amid a 
wilderness of indifference to advocate his project and 
after awhile the people began to look upon Sutro as a 
monomaniac upon the subject. He watched the 



current of events, and day after daj' it became 
plainer — to him that there was absolute necessit}' 
for a deep mining tunnel. 

TlIE PKO.IECT K.WORED. 

In the fall of 1804 he petitioned the Legislature of 
Nevada for a franchise, and a bill was drafted, giving 
him and his associates the right of way for a tunnel, 
as far as it lay in the power of the State to give it. 
While this Act gave to the project the official sanc- 
tion of the State, j^et the amount of toll or roj'alty to 
be paid b)' the mine owners was not yet provided for, 
but was wisely left to a voluntary agreement between 
the tunnel projectors, and the various mining com- 
panies interested in the completion of the work. Sen- 
ator Stewart was the first President of the Tunnel 
Company. He and Sutro spent nearly eight months 
in persuading the mine managers to enter into some 
kind of agreement with their company to push along 
the enterprise. After protracted negotiations and 
considerable expenditure of money, it was at length 
agreed by a niajoritj' of the companies representing 
nine-tenths of the value of the lode, that a royalty 
of two dollars per ton should be paid on every ton 
of pay ore extracted, and a compensation was also 
provided for the waste rock and passengers which 
should be transported through the tunnel after its 
completion. The royalty was then regarded as a 
mere bagatelle. The peo])lo interested now began 
to appreciate the magnificence of the undertaking 
and instead of throwing obstacles in the way they 
all joined to help Sutro, the Bank of California 
among them. 

The following document shows the standing of the 
Bank of ('alifornia towards the enterprise at the 
date mentioned: — 

BANK OF CALIFORNIA. 

I). O. Mills, President. W. C. Ealston, Cashier. 

San Francisco, May 4th, 1866. 
To THE OiiiE.NT.vi. Bank CoiiroitATioN London — 

Dear Sirs: This letter will be presented to you by 
Mr. A. Sutro of this city who visits England with the 
view of laying before capitalists there a verj- impor- 
tant enterprise, projected by himself, and known as 
the Sutro Tunnel in the State of Nevada. This tun- 
nel is designed to cut the great Comstock Lode or 
ledge, upon which our richest silver mines are located, 
at a depth of 2,000 feet from the surface, to 
drain it of water, render it easily accessible at that 
])oint and thus increase the facilities and diminish 
the expenses of the progressive development of these 
mines. 

Too much cannot be said of the great importance of 
the work, if practicable u])on any remunerative basis. 
We learn that the sclicnie has boon very carefully 
examined by scientific men, and thej- unhesitatingly 
pronounce in its fav^r at all points — practicabilit}-, 
])rofit and groat i)ublic utility, Mr. Sutro, wo pre- 
sume, is furnished with the necessary documents to 
make this apjiarent; and our object in this letter is 
sim])ly to gain for him, through your kindness, such 
an introduction as will enable him to present his 
enterprise to the |)ulilic fairly upon its merits. 

Conimen<ling .NIr. Sutro to 3-our courteous atten- 
tions, we remain dear sirs, j-ours very irulj'. 

W. C. Halston, Cashier. 



506 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



In a year or two the bank company was fighting 
the tunnel project with terrific power. No one 
thought that a two dollars roj-alty was an adequate 
compensation for the manifold benefits the tunnel 
would confer. Many were firm in the conviction that, 
even at a ro3-alt}' of six or eight dollars per ton, it 
would be advantageous to them. The Bank of Cali- 
fornia, which later entered into a vigorous warfare 
against the ciiterprise, then seemed particularly anx- 
ious to help Sutro. 

At that time the title, or fee, to the mines was in 
the United States Government, and an Act of Con- 
gress was deemed necessary, which should embody 
the general features of the Act already passed by 
the Legislature of the State, and which would grant 
other necessary privileges in addition. Sutro accord- 
ingly visited Washington, and, on the twenty-fifth 
of July, 18()G, the bill, commonlj- known as the 
" Sutro Tunnel Act," was approved. 15y the pro- 
visions of this bill the (rcneral CTOvernment entered 
into a direct compact with Mr. Sutro for the com- 
pletion of the tunnel, and, in addition to giving the 
right of way, empowered him to jiurchase 4,3b7 
acres of land at the mouth, and to claim the owner- 
ship of the mines within 2,000 feet on either side of 
the tunnel, which he would have had under the 
common mining law. The bill also confirmed the 
roj'alty of two dollars a ton, and made the patents 
of mining companies thereafter obtained subject to 
the condition that the royalty be paid. Other minor 
concessions were also made by the Act. But there 
were manj- difficulties to be overcome. Objections 
were to be met, capital to be secured, and private 
interests were to be guarded. 

BRIUIIT PROSPECTS OP SUCCESS. 

After the Act of incorporation passed Congress, 
Sutro thought his long-cherished project stood on a 
basis that was not susceptible of doubt. Visiting 
New York to enlist the aid of capitalists he pub- 
lished a little pamphlet in which he explained the 
advantages of the tunnel, and the probable income 
tiiat would be derived from it. He was, however, 
confronted by the objection that if, as he alleged, 
there were millions in the scheme, he would easily 
raise the money in California to carry it forward. 
After considerable imporUmity, however, they prom- 
ised that, if he would return to the Pacific Coast, and 
raise three or four or five hundred thousand dollars, 
thi-y would get SH, 000, 0(1(1 for him in the Kast. He 
returned to California and submitted the proposition 
to the mining companies. They began to subscribe, 
and, in May, 18f)7, ho had 8(;00,(I00 pk-dged. A 
groat many private people i)ut down their names for 
five or ten or twenty thousand dollars each, and lie 
had a fair i)rospect of raising 81,0(»0,000 in San 
Francisco, and the whole amount retiuirod, perhaps, 
in California. 

OPPOSITION CO.M.MENCEU. 

H was at this promising stage of the worlc that 
the Bank of California stepped in and condulod to 



break up the enterprise. Early in the year Sutro had 
induced the Nevada Legislature to memoralize Con- 
gress in the strongest terms, to aid the ])roject by a 
loan. The Bank of California at that period virtu- 
ally controlled the mines and mills. Thinking Sutro 
was about to get a subsidy from the United States, 
they set out to defeat his project. The first step 
taken by them was to get the mining companies to 
repudiate their subscrij)tions. The officers of the 
mining companies had willingly entered into con- 
tracts for royalty on the ores raised and also for other 
things, but the mining companies had changed sides, 
as the following telegram will show: — 

ViBtiiNiA, Nevada, Jan. 15, 1868. 
To the lion. William M. Stewart and James W. Nye — 

We are opposed to the Sutro Tunnel project and 
desire it defeated if possible. 

Signed: William Sharon, Charles Bonner, Super- 
intendent Savage Companj'; B. F. Sherwood, Presi- 
dent Central Company; John B. Winters, President 
Yellow Jacket Company; John P. Jones, Superin- 
tendent Kentuck Companj'; J. W. Mackaj-, Super- 
intendent Bullion Companj-; Thomas G. Taylor, 
President AIj)ha and Su])eriiilendent Crown Point 
and Best and Belcher ('()m))any; F. A. Tritle, Pres- 
ident Belcher Company; Isaac L. Requa, Superin- 
tendent Chollar-Potosi Company. 

Alphcus Bull, President of the Savage Mining 
Company, in his official report July 10, 186(5, wrote as 
follows; — 

The im])ortance of affording drainage at a great 
depth, if it can possibly be obtained, cannot be too 
highly estimated. The Sutro Tunnel Company is 
the only part}' that proposes to undertake this 
important enterprise, and j'our trustees have entered 
into a contract with that company^ for the purpose 
of efl'ecting this great object. It is much to be desired 
that success may atteinl the effort, for it is in my 
opinion a work upon which depends the future value 
and profitable working of the mines of the Comstock 
Lode. 1 recommend that this contract be ratified by 
the stockholders at their present meeting. 

The company in accordance with his recommen- 
dation did ratify it. In July, 1867, he wrote to the 
company that there were grave reasons for doubting 
the policy of the arrangement, and recommended the 
stockholders to repudiate it. This was generally 
done under the pretext that Sutro had not complied 
with the terms of his contract. Two conditions it 
was claimed had not been fulfilled; first, the tunnel 
com|)aiiy were to procure bona fide subscriptions to 
the amount of 83,000,000; and, second, the agree- 
ments were to have been submitted for ratification 
by the stockholders in the mines at their annual 
meetings. Sutro, however, showed that ho had 
secured extensions of time from the trustees, and 
that under such extensions they had no right to 
repudiate their contracts. The real motive which, 
it is said, inspired the 0])position to the tunnel pro- 
ject, was the I'ear that it would, when completed, 
ruin the business of the railroad, owned by the bank 
people, which carried the ores from Virginia to the 



HISTORY OF LYON COUNTY. 



507 



quartz mills owned by the same intere8t and located 
on the Careon River. As Sutro's scheme contem- 
pla4,ed the erection of" extensive reduction works ut 
the mouth of his tunnel, it was an easy matter to 
array against it the hostility of the people of Vir- 
ginia City. They became alarmed at the prospect 
of seeing their town sooner or later depopulated, 
and witnessing the rise of a still larger camp at the 
mouth of the tunnel some four miles southeast of 
them. They therefore regarded with genuine appre- 
hension the destruction of ]>ro])erty values to the 
extent of 813,000,000 or 814,000,000— that is to say, 
property in Virginia City and Gold Hill, the mills 
on the Carson, and the railroad. 

The upshot was, that Sutro was baffled on the 
very threshold of his success. He could not raise a 
cent. lie returned to Xow York disappointed but 
not vanquished. He soon discovered, to bis dismay, 
that ho could get no money there. Then he formed 
the resolution to visit Europe in quest of the sinews 
of war. During his tour abroad he met such men 
as Von Beust, Sir Roderick Murchison, Von Cotta, 
Weissbach, Kerl. Hivot, Chevalier and many others 
— the great scientific celebrities of the world. They 
all indorsed his project. But it was impossible to 
raise monej' to further it. The great obstacle in 
1S(;7 was a feeling all over Kuropo that there was 
going to be a war between Prussia and Franco. 
Nothing could be done with American enterprises, 
either railroads or tunnels, or anything else, because 
war was bound to come. It did not come for two 
j'ears afterwards, but it did come, and long before it 
broke out uivesters had became timid. 

F.WORABLE ACTION BY CONGllESS. 

At the close of 1SG7, Sutro returned to America, 
still resolutely intent upon accomplishing his ])ur- 
pose. His first step was to submit the memorial of 
the Nevada Legislature to Congress, which was 
referred to the Committee on Mines and Mining, of 
which, at that time, Jl r. Iligby, of (California, was 
Chairman; the other members were Judge Wood- 
ward, of Pennsylvania; Mr. D. R.Ashley, of Nevada; 
J. Proctor Knott, of Kentucky; M. C. Hunter, of 
Indiana; Judge Ferris, of New York; .Mr. Mallory, 
of Oregon; Ceneral Ashley, of Ohio; and Mr. Driggs, 
of .Michigan. They became deejilj' interested in the 
question. Sutro was irrepressible. He fairl}- bom- 
barded the committee with arguments in behalf of 
the tunnel. He haunted both Houses of Congress 
and soon became hale fellow well met with nearly 
all the Scnatoi-s and Representatives. The result of 
his active winter campaign was that the committee 
mentioned, in an able report to the House, recom- 
mended a loan of 85, (10(1, (((»(» to the tunnel c<>mi)any, 
with a mortgage on all its property. A bill was 
drafted and had every chance of a favorable consider- 
ation. But Sutro's' evil star was still in the ascend- 
ant. When the committee was about to be called in 
the House, the impeachment of Andrew Johnson 
commenced, and that lasted for months. Sutro had 



in fact accomplished nothing. Congress adjourned 
before his bill was reached. Under large expense, 
out of pocket and almost despairing, he went home 
again. But he was still full of courage. After a 
few months' reflection in California he returned to 
Washington to again press his claim before Congress. 
The session of 18tJ8-(i'.l was a short one, and the 
whole time was occupied in passing appropriation 
bills. Sutro this time could not get a hearing, so he 
went back to California once more and kept up com- 
munication with financial men all the time, but did 
not succeed in doing anj'thing. 

IMPORTANT VISIT BY CONGRESSMEN. 

In the summer of ISdli the Ways and Means Com- 
mittee paid a visit to California. Mr. Hooper was 
the acting (Jhairman. Sutro saw the importance of 
getting those gentlemen over to Virginia City. He 
urged them veiy earnestly to go to the mines on 
their return to the East. They accepted his invita- 
tion, but the California Bank people, Sutro's relent- 
less enemies, insisted on taking charge of the com- 
mittee during their visit to the Comstock. They 
became the guests of .Mr. William Sharon, but this 
did not prevent them from visiting Sutro at the 
hotel in Virginia City. Ho showed them the lay of 
the country, and they loft fully convinced of the 
justice of his case. They went down into the mines and 
were nearly prostrated by the terrible heat. Sutro 
regarded it as a verj' fortunate circumstance that these 
gentlemen came and saw the country. He thought 
it would secure to him at last a hearing in Congress, 
They had become fully satisfied that what he had 
stated in regard to his undertaking was correct. 

THE MINERS START THE WORK. 

The next move made by Sutro was to fire the 
hearts of the working miners. To that end he 
harangued them in Virginia City. He apjiealcd to 
them to assist him in the work. If each one would 
put in tive or ten dollars apiece he declared he could 
go on with the work and carry it out. He engaged 
Pijier's Opera House at Virginia and addressed the 
workers at considerable length, showing up the con- 
s])iracy that had been forniod to lircak uj) the tunnel 
])roject. It may be concluded that Mr. Sutro had 
motive enough for a bitter speech. He proved him- 
self no mean orator, and by telling the miners of 
the terrible nature and danger of the work, of the 
dangers from sufl'ocation, from heat and from fire, 
which the mine owners subjected them to, and of 
the comforts, safety and profits of working with a 
tunnel, which the mine owners refused to adopt, so 
raised their wrath that death to the capitalists and 
general destruction of mining ])roperty was so im- 
minent that be had to go around among them and 
allaj' the e.\citenient he had raised, lie circulated 
pictures among the miners to illustrate .'ill these mis- 
haps. Not long before a large number of men had 
been lost by a fire in the Yellow Jacket Mine. This 
was made into a picture of hundreds of miners fall- 
ing headlong down a burning shaft a thousand feet 



508 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



deep, while the wives and children were wringing 
their hands in frantic despair and imploring Heaven 
for vengeance. The other picture represented the 
miners as escaping from the mouth of the tunnel, in 
case of a fire, to be caught in the arms of the happy 
wives and children. Pictures of a rich mine owner 
driving six fast horses and contemptuously covering 
a worn-out miner with dust, and more to the same 
eftect, calculated to arouse animosity, were spread 
through the communitj'. There was the greatest 
enthusiasm excited by his speech. The Miners' 
Union subscribed S.")0,000 and received an interest in 
the tunnel company. Th<it helped to start the work 
going. 

BEGINNINf, OF THE TUNNEL. 

It was on the nineteenth of October, 1S(J9, that 
the first shovelful of earth was turned over in this 
gigantic enterprise. The occasion was marked by 
some festivities. Manj' of the laboring men came 
down from Virginia, and the officers of the labor- 
ing associations, but none of the prominent operat- 
ors on the Comstock showed themselves. The tunnel 
was started going on a small scale. A little money 
had been raised in California, but the means of the 
tunnel companj' were limited. In December, the 
projectors incorporated as a company in San Fran- 
cisco. At the end of the year a progress of 460 
feet had been made. 

MORE TROUBLE AT WASHIN(iT()N. 

In the following spring Sutrowas startled from his 
work by the information that the Bank of Califor- 
nia had sent agents to Washington to get his fran- 
chise repealed. He thereupon rushed off to the 
Capitol, and discovered on his arrival that Mr. Fitch, 
of Kevada, had introduced a bill to repeal the third 
section of the law which secured him his royalty. 
The measure provoked quite a debate in the Fortieth 
Congress. Then it was Sutro's good fortune that 
the gentlemen of the Ways and Means (Jommittec 
had been over in Virginia City. They all stood up 
for him. With the exception of Mr. Sargent, of 
California, the conimitee made a unanimous report 
against the repeal. The vote upon the measure was 
124 nays and 42 yeas. 

After the bill was defeated, Sutro had to remain 
in Washington to watch his opponents during the 
remainder of the session. .Meanwhile he began 
negotiations for money in Europe once more. He was 
])roniised 15, 1)0(1, 00(1 francs from Paris, and was wait- 
ing for ('ongress to adjourn to leave for that city to 
complete the financial arrangements. lie was just 
read}' to sail, in July, when he received letters from 
JJoveriiy Johnson in JiOndon, that it was no use to go 
over, and sure enough on the fifteenth of July, when 
he had reason to suppose ho had secured all the 
money required, news came that war had broken 
out between France and Prussia. That broke up 
the negotiations. Sutro could not raise one dollar 
in Europe or in the United States, bo ho returned to 
Nevada once more. He carried on his work in the 



tunnel, all the time struggling to get money to pay 
for it. The miners were paid four dollars a day, in 
eight- hour shifts, that is, three dollars in money and 
one dollar in stock. Powder, tools and timbers had 
to be supplied. It was also necessary to erect steam 
machinery, and Sutro had to provide the funds or 
stop the work, and that he was determined should 
not happen. He tried to get along the best way he 
could, pending the termination of the European war, 
and then to commence anew negotiations for money 
abroad. 

In December, 1870, he was back in Washington. 
He could do nothing in (California. He thought it 
probable he might yet induce Congress to do some- 
thing for him. It was a most mortifying situation 
for him to see some of the ]{cpresentativos of the 
Pacific Coast arrayed against the tunnel. They 
were nearly all opposed to it. The other members 
were told the tunnel was all a humbug, that it was 
not necessary, and that the mines had given out. 
During the year 1,200 additional feet had been exca- 
vated. Sutro, now almost rendered desperate by 
the untoward course of events, asked Congress to 
send out a commission to investigate the subject. 
The request was granted. On the fourth of April, 
1871, President (rrant signed a bill authorizing the 
appointment of a commission to examine into the 
cost and utility of the work. The President 
appointed Major (ieneral H. G. Wright, Major Gen- 
eral John G. Foster and Professor Wesley Newcomb. 
During the following summer the examination and 
necessarj- reports were made. The work was deemed 
altogether ieasible by the report; the cost was esti- 
mated at $4,500,000, and the time neeessaiy for its 
completion was somewhat dependent upon the capi- 
tal and machinery emploj'od; but the tunnel was not 
regarded as necessary for working or draining the 
mines. 

PROSPECT.S BRKiHTENINO. 

While these gentlemen were carrying on their 
investigations, Sutro received advices from London 
thai his friends thei-e could arrange some financial 
matters for him. On the thirtieth of August he 
sailed forKuro])e, and, a few days after his arrival in 
London, he arranged for S(i50,(M»0 in gold coin. He 
returned to .Nevada after an absence of thirty days, 
and, soon after his return, succeeded in raising in 
London 8800, (M)0 more, which made in all 81.450,000, 
a prett}- good sum towards constructing the tunnel. 
With this increase of capital a more energetic pros- 
ecution of the enterprise was undertaken. Some 
400 men were set to work. In .\'oveml)cr four verti- 
cal shafts were located along the tuiinol line. On 
December 3l8t 985 additional feet had been exca- 
vated, and the tunnel was then advanced 2,(iG5 feet 
from its mouth. Willi the beginning of the New 
Year (1872) work on all the shaft's was begun. 

INVE.STKiATINO THE COMMISSION. 

But Sutro was not satisfied with some of the con- 
olusione reached by the commission. These he claimed 



TflSTORY OF LYON COUNTY. 



509 



were based upon information furnished by hiecnemiee 
in reference to the important points of drainage, 
transportation and concentration. lie insisted that 
the commissioners' estimate of the comparative cost 
of worlcing by means of the tunnel, and the way the 
mines wore then worked, was certainly erroneous. 
Another visit to Washington was made by him. this 
time to request the Chairman of the mining committee 
to ask that the commissioners bo cited before it. 
In compliance with the request the Secretary of War 
was asked to have them ordered to Washington. 
The)' arrived, and the time from Kobruary 12lh to 
April 22, 1S72, was occupied in their examination 
before the committee. The evidence taken and 
arguments made filled 810 pages of printed matter, 
making up Executive Document No. 15, of the 
Second Session of the Forty-second Congress. Sutro 
did nut leave a stone unturned to show up every 
point. A great many scientific facts were brought 
out in the evidence. The testimony made a conclu- 
sive case for Sutro. The Committee on Mines and 
Mining, as a result, submitted a strong report in favor 
of the enterprise. Tiic}- rocommondod a government 
loan of 82,000,000 in its aid and submitted sixty-one 
reasons to sustain their recommendation to this effect. 
A bill had alread}- been introduce<l to aid in the 
construction of the SutroTuniioi from the proceeds of 
the sale of mineral lands and authorizing a loan of 
85,000,000 to the tunnel company. This bill was 
referred to the Committee on .\Iines and Mining and 
their bill authorizing a loan of 82,000,000 was offered 
as a substitute and its passai^e recommended. The 
committee reported that thccost of theoonstruction of 
the tunnel would be from 84,000,000 to 85,000,000 and 
that it would take from two and a half to three and 
a half 3'ears to complete it. Under the bill roi)orted, 
the security to the government was to be one-half of 
the royaltj'; the company to spend an equal amount 
to that loaned by the government; one-half of all the 
income to be paid over to the government semi- 
annually; no money to be ])aid until commissioners 
report the completion of each section; the aid 
extended to applj- only to the first four miles of 
tunnel to the Comstock Lode. Nothing could have 
been more satisfactory to the indomitable Sutro, 
whose hour of triumph was now evidently at hand. 
But the bill was never passed and Sutro thencefor- 
ward trusted to his business sagacity and energy 
alone to carry forward this stupendous enterprise. 
The money which ultimately completed the tunnel 
came from private capitalists, and chiefly from Eng- 
land and Germany. 

.'■,EI,K-DEPE.NDENCF, ANU PROOKESS. 

The mouth of the tunnel at the town of Sutro 
enters the mountain about 150 feet above the Carson 
Rivor-bed. The grade is three inches in 100 feet, 
and the distance to the point where connection was 
made with the Savage .Mine (1,640 foot level) is 
20,018 feet. The first shaft is located 4,915 feet from 
the mouth, and the top is 522 feet from the tunnel 
64 



level. In eighteen months after the beginning of 
work upon this shaft the level was reached and 
drifts east and west were started, the former in due 
time being connected with the tunnel header. A 
great deal of ditticulty was experienced from the 
influx of water, and accordingly very effective pumps 
were placed in position, and an average of ;{,000,000 
gallons per month, or 100,000 gallons per day were 
discharged. The second shaft is located 4,150 feet 
further from tho tunnel mouth than the first, and its 
elevation above the tunnel level is 519 feet greater. 
During the seven months following the commence- 
ment, the work of sinking was prosecuted with con- 
siderable vigor, but when a depth of 600 feet had 
been attained the work was stopped to place the 
necessary pumps in j)08ition. 

After a delay of four months, sinking was re- 
sumed; and with an interruption during a part of 
the year 1873, the tunnel level was reached in the 
spring of 1874. East and west drifts were then 
started; and when the former had reached a dis- 
tance of 171 feet, and the latter 170 feet, a large 
body of water was unexpectedly encountered in the 
west, and in loss than a month the drifts and shafts 
were almost filled to tho top. Nine months later, 
this enormous bodj* of water was tapped b}- means 
of a hole lOO foot long, bored by a diamond drill 
from the face of the tunnel header. The water then 
filled the two drifts, being a chamber .341 feet long 
and 8x12 feet in dimensions, in addition to filling the 
5x10 feet shaft over 1,000 feet high. The tapping of 
this water was the most interesting incident of the 
year. Upon the completion of the hole, the press- 
ure was so great that the water burst through with 
tremendous force. Nothing seemed able to with- 
stand it. Hocks and fragments of timber were 
carried along with irresistible power, and the miners 
were obliged to have a care for their lives. The 
outlet becoming stopped by the debris, it was again 
opened, and the force ot the water was so great that 
the steel drill was hurled out into the tunnel. Grad- 
ually, however, the water became exhausted, and in 
a few days work was resumed on the header. Tho 
third shaft is located 4,490 feet from the second, and 
its distance to the tunnel level is 320 feet greater 
than the second. After a depth of 456 feet had 
been attained, owing to an influx of water, which 
could only be regulated with enormous labor and 
expense, the shaft was abandoned. The fourth 
shaft, 17,()!t5 feet from the tunnel entrance, was also 
abandoned when 674 feet had been attained. The 
cause of abandonment was the same as that in the 
shaft above described. In addition to these main 
shafts, a small air shaft was successfully completed 
in the summer of 1872. It is situated 2,250 feet 
from the mouth, and has a depth of 211 feet. 

During the j'ears 1871 and 1S72, tho progress made 
was 1,730 feet, and at tho end of the latter year 
3,480 feet had been completed. The average num- 
ber of foot made per month during the two years 



510 



fflSTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



was seventy-two and one-twelfth. During the year 
1873, 1,919 feet were made, making a total excavation 
at the end of the year of 5.399 feet. The average 
number of feet made per month was 105i. The 
total estimate includes the 655 feet made in the east 
and west drifts of the first shaft. During the follow- 
ing year the average monthly progress was 223J feet, 
and at the close of the year 8,079 feet had been made. 
This great increase was due to the introduction dur- 
ing the year of six Burleigh drills, which were run 
by means of compressed air. The compressor, which 
had been constructed by the Societe Cockerill, of 
Belgium, was located at the first shaft. But after 
the second shaft had been passed, this compressor 
was exchanged for a new one located at the second 
shaft, and constructed bj' the Humboldt Company 
of Kalk, near Dentz and Cologne, on the Ehine. 
Both compressors worked smoothly and gave excel- 
lent satisfaction. 

During the year 1875, the number of feet made 
was greater than during any year preceding, or 
anj- year which has followed. No less than 3,728 
feet were made, and the average number of feet per 
month was 3IO5. During the following year, the 
monthly progress was forty-five feet less than in 
1875, and the total distance made was 3,130 feet. 
The falling ofi" in the number of feet was due to the 
taking off of two drills early in the year, and also to 
the diffic'ult character of the ground encountered. In 
1877 the same difficulties were met as in the preced- 
ing year. In addition to the dangerous character of 
the ground, and the constant watchfulness necessary 
to prevent accident, the temperature of the air was 
terribly oppressive, and the water extremely hot. 

TITROUOH TO THE COMSTOCK. 

On the night of the eighth of July, 1878, and eight 
years, eight months and nineteen days after the be- 
ginning of work upon the tunnel, a connection was 
made with the cast drift on the 1,640 foot level of 
the Savage Mine. At the end of the drift, which is 
270 feet east of the incline, a drill hole was bored 
through some six feet of rock down into the tunnel. 
This was the first connection between the tunnel 
and the mine, and through the bole a rush of hot air 
came up from below with a sound that could be 
heard some distance from the spot. About 1 1 o'clock 
the workmen on the Savage side placed eight Eig- 
orret cartridges in position, and the tunnel men filled 
the bottom of the hole with clay. The blant being 
fired, the ground was shaken on all sides, and as the 
workmen above hastened to the spot to see the con- 
nection, they were met about half waj- up the drift 
by a rush of hot air ami smoke which was almost un- 
bearable. Their lights being blown out, they groped 
their way in tlio darkness to the spot, and found that 
the blasts had made a hole about five feet square in 
the rock. Through this opening a shower of dust 
and fine fragments of rock shot up, and the impure 
air which had accumulated during the j'ears of 
working found an easy outlet through the Savage 



drift. On the following evening Mr. Sutro, his 
daughters and a party of friends passed through the 
opening, and thus the first step in the completion of 
the tunnel was accomplished. They left the mouth of 
the tunnel at half past4 o'clock in two passenger cars, 
and after passing to the Savage Mine, they were 
landed on the surface in Virginia Citj' in scarcely 
more than one hour from the time of starting. It 
was a season of great rejoicing among the tunnel 
miners and their friends, and some festivities were 
had at the mouth of the tunnel. 

L.^TEKAL BRANCHES. 

The work upon the main tunnel was continued 
somewhat longer when preparations were made for 
lateral branches in the direction of the Comstock 
Lode. In August a contract was entered into be- 
tween the tunnel company and the Julia Mining 
Company, and the south lateral branch was immedi- 
atelj' begun. By virtue of this contract, the Julia 
company agreed to pay §100,000 for the benefit to 
be derived, while the tunnel company procured an 
outlet to Virginia City with full railroad facilities 
from Carson Eiver, for the transportation of both 
freight and passengers. The Julia company also 
purchased the right of way to any ore bodies or 
ledges that may be encountered in the tunnel grant. 

During the last three years the work of extending 
these lateral tunnels has been steadily progressing. 
In addition considerable repaii-ing has been done 
along the entire line. A large portion of the tunnel 
had to be retimbered, tracks had to be laid and re- 
laid, drain boxes constructed to cany off the water 
and much other work done to make the tunnel serve 
its purpose. On March 29, 1879, the Sutro Tunnel 
Company relin((uished one-half the royalty of two 
dollars per ton (to which, under the original agree- 
ments, it was entitled) as far as ores are concerned 
which would mill fort}- dollars per ton or under, so 
that only those ores which yield over forty dollars 
per ton will hereafter have to pay the full royalty. 
The mining companies had continued up to this time 
to regard the tunnel with disfavor, and to win them 
over a readjustment of relations had become abso- 
lutely necessary. The mining companies by the 
new contract made at that date also agreed to ad- 
vance to the tunnel compan}- seventy dollars per 
running foot for every foot of lateral tunnel con- 
structed northerly along the line of the Comstock 
Lode to the Utah Mine and southerly to the Over- 
man Mine, to be liquidated out of half the royalties 
earned on ores extracted. The expenses of the 
work during the last three j-ears have been defra>-ed 
from advances ami roj'alties received under such 
agreements, from sales and rents pf land and other 
property, and from amounts borrowed on mortgage 
from time to time as needed. 

THE ITILITY OF THE TUNNEL. 

The Sulro Tunnel was constructed chiefly with a 
view of facilitating the working of the Comstock 
mines, by ventilating and draining them, and trans- 



HISTORY OF LYON COUNTY. 



511 



porting their ores to a point where they can be 
worked cheaply. It was also to serve as a channel 
for the transportation of passengers and supplies for 
the mines. While the tunnel has not thus far met 
all the expectations of its projector, it is a fact that 
it would be impossible to carry on the mining explo- 
rations on the Comstock at their present great depth 
of 3,000 feet, had it not been for the tunnel. As a 
means of ventilation it has failed. No rich ore 
bodies have ever been found in the course of its 
excavation, and this was one of the groat dreams of 
its bold originator. It is true the Brunswick Lode 
is intersected by the Sutro Tunnel at a distance of 
11,600 feet from the mouth, and at a depth of 1,361 
feet from the surface, but the ore is of a low grade, 
the assays varying from ten to thirty dollars, and 
no prospecting has been done on this vein from 
the level of the tunnel, except by two small drifts. 
On the surface the vein shows well-defined crop- 
pings, and is traceable two and one-hail' miles. It is 
estimated that 8700,000 have been taken out near the 
surface from the various mines from the Monte 
Christo to the Occidental. The greatest benefit, and 
an indispensable one at that, aft'orded by the tunnel 
is the increased facilities afforded by it for the drain- 
age of the mines. AVater, which has heretofore been 
pumped, at an enormous expense, to the surface, 
needs now only to be raised to the tunnel level. In 
the Savage Mine water, which had to be raised 2,200 
feet, has now onlj- to be raised 600 feet. In other 
mines the same comparative difference of level will 
be maintained. Much of the monej' raised annually 
by mining assessments is expended in the purchase 
of pumping machinery, and in the working of the 
same, and so troublesome has the water been found, 
that the cost of discharging the same has been esti- 
mated at 83,000,000 per annum. Some idea of the 
great volume of water carried off from the mines by 
the tunnel maybe learned b}' referring to the StTper- 
intendent's report for 1880. According to that 
report the average amount of water received during 
that year was equal to about 3,500,000 gallons per 
twenty-four hours, or 208 miners' inches; but it has 
run as high as 232 inches, or 3,9-12,720 gallons per 
twenty-four hours. The tunnel is at this writing 
connected with the following mines: Yellow Jacket, 
Consolidated Imperial, Union Consolidated, Hale 
& Norcross, Savage, Ophir, California and Consoli- 
dated Virginia, aggregating a distance along the 
Comstock Lode of about 9,000 feet. As a prospec- 
tive profitable venture the hopes of the tunnel com- 
pany are based upon working the low grade ores 
remaining in the Comstock Ijode. It is difficult to 
get reliable data concerning their quantity or value. 
Most of the upper levels and workings are inacces- 
sible, as the machinery on the surface has been 
removed, and many of the old drifts have closed in. 
It is the prevailing opinion, however, of those who 
are familiar with the early workings of the lode, 
that there are large quantities of low grade ores 



still remaining in the various mines which can bo 
worked at a profit. Should this work be commenced 
it would not only become an industry of vast impor- 
tance in itself, but would offer opportunities for 
exploring new bodies of ore. The average value of 
the low grade ores extracted near the surface from 
the Crown Point, Belcher and Imperial claims is 
812. 40|. In addition to the low grade ores of the 
value mentioned, there are vast bodies of ore of too 
low a grade to be worked at a profit without concen- 
tration. If there were some method by which these 
ores could be concentrated, they could be cheaply 
extracted and transported through the tunnel and 
worked at a profit. 

MR. SUTRO RETIRES. 

In 1879 Adolph Sutro resigned his position as 
Su])erintendont of this company, at the same time, 
it is believed, disposing of all his stock in the enter- 
prise. He retired wealthy and well satisfied with 
the result of his long struggle against the most ad- 
verse circumstances. His enemies had finally been 
compelled to recognize the man's genius and his 
devotion to a single idea. Sutro will need no other 
monument than the tunnel named after him. The 
officers of the Sutro Tunnel Companj-, in 1881, were 
Charles \V. Brush, President; William Irvine, Vice- 
President; Lazard Freres, Treasurer; Pelham W. 
Ames, Secretary, and C. C. Thomas, General Super- 
intendent. 

COL. C. C. THOMAS. 

Colonel Thomas was born in Frederick County, 
Marj-land, on the ^ixth daj- of September, a. d. 1827. 
His father, John il. Thomas, was Surgeon in the 
United States Armj% and his uncle, Francis Thomas, 
was at one time Governor of Marj-land, and also 
represented his State in Congress for manj- years. 
He received in early years the advantages of the 
best schools in his native town, and subsequently 
entered St. John's College, Annapolis, Maryland, 
from which school he graduated at the age of twenty- 
one years. In the spring of 1849, attracted by the 
romantic reports of the golden wealth of California, 
he left Marj'land, and in company with a few friends, 
crossed the continent to the shores of the Pacific, 
and engaged in mining on Feather River, at Bid- 
well's Bar, and in other portions of Butte County, 
California. In 1853 he was elected to represent that 
county in the Legislature, whore he served with dis- 
tinction. In 1854 he removed to Sierra County, and 
was one of sixteen who originated the mining enter- 
prise known as the Masonic and Highland Mining 
Company, to work the Blue Gravel lead near Forest 
City, and there erected the second steam Imisting 
works erected in the State. This was his first ex- 
perience in deep mining. He was then engaged in 
practical mining for seven years. 

In 1862 ho received a commission as Colonel of 
one of the Maryland regiments engaged in the Civil 
War, and at once sold his interests in Sierra County, 
and started east on the ill-fated steamer Golden Gate, 



512 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 




-.x^ 



PHOTO, ar JOHN s- hoc, viroinia, ncv. 

Col. C. C. Thomas. 

burned oiF the coast of Mexico, wherebj' 600 lives 
were lost. 

At the time of this terrible calamity, Colonel 
Thomas remained on the ship, giving all the assis- 
tance in his power, and, when the heat became 
unendurable, cast himself into the waters and swam 
ashore. He, and about 100 others, being all that 
were saved. Soon after, obtaining passage to San 
Francisco, and finding it impossible to resume his 
journey, resigned his commission, and accepted the 
position of Superintendent of the North Potosi 
Mine, and removed to Nevada. During his resi- 
dence in Nevada, he has been at various times Super- 
intendent of the Overman, Uncle Sara, and of the 
Halo & Norcross for nearlj' three years, in which 
time a large amount in " dividends " were paid 
to the stockholder.^. After twenty-seven j'ears of 
experience in raining and milling, he has been 
appointed to the responsible j)osition of General 
Superintendent of the Sulro Tunnel, one of the 
greatest mining and engineering enterprises of the 
age. 

The Colonel is now residing at Sutro, Nevada, 
near the scene of his labors, surrounded by his 
family and respected by a large circle of acquaint- 
ances and friends. 



CHAPTER L. 
HISTORY OF NYE COUNTY. 

Early Explorations — Petition and Kemonstrance — Organization 
and Boundaries — Appointments and Elections — Economy 
and Healthy Growth — Debt and County Buildings—Grazing 
and Agriculture — Valleys of the County — Principal Mining 
Districts — Principal Towns and Cities — Hon. George Ernst 
— Hon. J. T. Williams. 

Organized in 1864 and named in honor of Gov. J. 
VV. Nye. In the organization of the Territory of 
Nevada, all that part south of the thirty-ninth par- 
allel and east of Mason Valley was assigned to Es- 
meralda County. Little was iben known of the re- 
gion, excepting that about Aurora and a narrow belt 
leading thereto frora the north. All the east was an 
unexplored wilderness, with the exception of a few 
localities. Some of the old maps liad a line running 
ilirough Smoky Valley, designated as '-Fremont's 
Trail in 1845," and along it were the names of San 
Antonio Peak, Hot Springs, Twin Pivers and Smoky 
Creek. 

Lilllo or nothing more was known of that section of 
I lie Territory prior to the Reese River excitement ol 
1862-63. Soon after the settlement of Austin, pros- 
(jcctors went on exploring expeditions along the 
Toiyabe range, which extends southward beyond the 
limits of Lander County. In that range were soon 
organized the districts of Washington and Marys- 
ville on the western slope, and Twin River on the 
eastern slope. In Reese River Vallej', part of which 
was in Esmeralda County, several ranches were lo- 
cated and settlements were made. 

Prospectors were thought exceeding bold who pen- 
etrated the unknown country beyond sight or easy 
reach of known springs or water-courses, and it was 
some time before any dry valleys were crossed. South 
of the Lander County line the Toiyabe range is a 
high and precipitous ridge from 8,000 to 12,000 feet 
in height, and flowing down both sides are numer- 
ous streams, generally sinking in the border of the 
subjacent vallej's, but Reese River, coming from the 
southern part of the range, continues its course 100 
miles or more to the north. These supplies of water 
led the prospectors south. Heading Reese River 
Valley and inclosing it on the west is the Shoshone 
range, and this was ne.xt explored. On the western 
slope of this range silver-bearing veins were found 
in 1863. Union District was organized and the town 
of lone was soon built in the midst of supposed rich 
mines. 

PETITION AND ItE.MONSTRANCE. 

The causes which led to the organization of Nye 
County are partially set fortii in a petition to the 
Territorial Legislature, signed b}' a large number of 
pioneers, who had recently discovered a new mining 
district, and reads as follows: — 

To His Excellency, the Governor, and the Honorable mem- 
hers of the Leyislature of the Territory of S^evada — 
We, the undersigned residents of Nevada Terri- 
tory, respectfully represent that we are residents of 



HISTORY OF NYE COUNTY. 



513 



a newly-discovered mining district, which is now 
known as "Union District; " that the same is situ- 
ated in the ransje of mountains lyin^j between the 
valley of Keese River on the east and the valley of 
Smith Creek on the west. We are distant from the 
city of Austin, in Lander County", in a southerly 
direction about sixty miles, and from Aurora, in 
Esmeralda Count}-, in an easterly direction, about 
100 miles. Now wo, your petitioners and residents 
of this district, pray your honorable bodies that you 
take into consideration the proprietj' of forming a 
county for us, believing that our ends and the ends 
of justice will be better subserved by so doing. 

Immediately upon the presentation of the above 
petition, a remonstrance was forwarded to the (tov- 
ernor and Legislature, vvhich was extensively signed 
by residents of Lander County, protesting against 
the cession of any portion of thi-ir county to the 
proposed new corporate body. Nevertheless, a bill 
was introduced into the Assemblj' for the creation 
of Nye Count}-, and was favorably- reported upon by 
the commitlee t" whom it was referred. In report- 
ing the commitlee stated that the [jroposed county 
contained from 1,000 to 1,500 people. 

ORGANIZATION AND BOUNDARIES. 

The bill to organize the countj' of Nj-e was ap- 
proved and became a law Februarj- Iti, 18(54. The 
territory of the new county was thus described: — 

Beginning at the intersection of the thirty-ninth 
parallel of north latitude with the meridian of longi- 
tude 40° .30' west from Washington; thence running 
east along said lhirt3'-ninth parallel of north latitude 
to the eastern boundary of the Territory of Nevada; 
thence running south along said eastern boundary 
to the point of intersection with the thirty-seventh 
parallel of north latitude; thence running along said 
thirty-seventh parallel of north latitude west to the 
California line, and northwest along said California 
line to the jjoint of intersection with the meridian of 
longitude 40° 30' west from Washington: thence run- 
ning north along said meridian to the place of begin- 
ning. 

Subsequent to the original creative Act the bound- 
aries of Nye County have been changed six times. 
On the ninth day of March. 18()5, half a degree was 
ceded to Esmerahla Count}-, making the eastern 
boundary of the county the meridian of longitude 
40° .30' west from Washington. February 2G, 18(50, 
a large part of the southeastern portion of Nye was 
formed into Lincoln County. -May 5, 18GG, an Act 
was approved by the President of the United States 
extending the eastern boundary of Nevada sixty 
miles into Utah, and adding to this State all its 
present area south of the thirty-ninth parallel of 
latitude. This addition on the south increased the 
territory of Nye; but on March 2, 18G0, a portion 
of Nye was added to White Pine. March 5, 1869, 
the western boundar)- of the county was established 
as at present. In 1875 that part of Nye oast of the 
one hundred and fifteenth meridian west from Green- 
wich was added to Lincoln and While Pine. Tho 
area is 18,432 square miles. 



APPOINTMENTS AND ELECTIONS. 

Below, under appropriate heads, will be found the 
names of all the persons who have filled the different 
ottices of honor and trust in the county from its or- 
ganization down to the present time, either by ap- 
pointment or election, with the date of such appoint- 
ment or election and the particular oflSce each has 
filled.* 

.STATE SENATORS. 

F. M. Proctor, elected November 8, 1864, and 
vacated his seat September 20, 1866; J. G. Riddle, 
elected November 6, 1866; Robert Mullen, elected 
November 3, 1868; 1). P. Walter, elected November 
5, 1872; H. T. Cressweli. elected November 7, 1876; 
J. T. Williams, elected November 2, 1880. 

ASSE.MBLYMEN. 

A. C. Bearss, elected November 8, 1864, and 
re-elected November 7, 18G5; J. M. Graves and W. 
T. Jones, elected November 6, 1866; Wm. Doolin 
and John Bowman, elected November 3, 1868; Bow- 
man and A. II. Greenhalgh, elected November 8, 
1870; Bowman and J. A. Prague, elected November 
5, 1872; John B. McGee and P. M. Ellison, elected 
November 3, 1874; T. J. Bell and J. M. Caldwell, 
elected November 7, 1876; W. B. Taylor and J. T. 
Williams, elected November 5, 1878; T. J. Bell and 
Geo. Ernst, elected November 2, 1880. 

COUNTY COMMISSIONERS. 

Wm. B. Gould, G. A. Swasey and Lucius B. Moore 
were appointed by the Executive April 4, 1864. 
Moore did not accept and E. C. Southworth was 
appointed to fill the place July 6, 1864; J, M. Bowes, 
J. P. Courter and A. H. Sinimonds were elected 
September 7, 18G4. Courter resigned .March, 1865, 
John L. Craig appointed. O. T. Clark, elected No- 
vember 8, 1865; A. T. Hatch, J. S. Bernard and W. 
N. Smyth were elected November G, 186G. Hatch 
resigned September 26, 1868; Samuel Tallman, J. A. 
Ball and J. S. Tipton, elected November 3, 1868, E. 
G. Brueii, A. Pearson and R. A. Prior, elected No- 
vember 8, 1870. Tho vote between Pearson and Prior 
was a tie. R. M. King, E. G. Bruen, and P. M. Elli- 
son, elected November 5, 1872. Elli.son resigned Sep- 
tember 27, 1873, Joseph Stowe appointed to fill the 
place. C. E. Ashburn and B. .\IcCann were elected 
November 3, 1874. W. C. Humiihrey and T. F. Mor- 
gan, elected November 7, 1876; Andrew Bradley 
and J. (r. Mitchell, elected November 5, 1878; A. U. 
Spaulding and John Gooding, elected November 2, 
1880. At a meeting of the Commissioners June 5, 
1865, J. C. Johnson appeal's as a member of the 
Board, there is nothing on the minutes to show 
how he came there. 

DISTRICT ATTORNEYS. 

Elias C. Brearley appointed bj' tho Executive 
April 8, 1864, resigned July 28, 1864, George W. 
Merrill appointed, and elected September 7, 1864, and 
re-elected November 6, 186G; George R. Williams, 



)14. 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



elected November 3, 1868, and re-elected November 
8, 1870; Frank Owen, elected November 5, 1872; H. 
T. Cresswcll, elected November 3, 1874; Benjamin 
Curler, elected November 7, 1876, and re-elected 
November 5, 1878; J. I. Griffith, elected Novem- 
ber 2, 1880. 

COUNTY SHERIFFS. 

Edward Irwin, appointed by the Executive April 8, 

1864, re-elected September 7, 18G4, resigned June 5, 

1865, A. Ranncj' appointed to fill vacancy, and 
elected November 7, 1865, re-elected November 6, 
1866; Robert Stein, elected November 3, 1868. and 
re-elected November 8. 1870; J. M. Caldwell, elected 
November 5, 1872, and re-elected November 3, 1874; 
W. H. Huyck, elected November 7, 1876; David 
O'Neil, elected November 5, 1878, and re-elected 
November 2, 1880. 

COUNTY CLERKS. 

George W. Chandler, appointed by the Executive, 
April 11, 1864; E. D. Turner, elected September 7, 
1864; J. M. Bellrude, elected November 6, 1866; W. 
A. Brophy, elected November 3, 1868, re-elected 
November 8, 1870; G. Nieholl, elected November 5, 
1872, and re-elected November 3, 1874, November 7. 
1876, November 5, 1878, and November 2, 1880. 

COUNTY TREASURERS. 

Henry D. Groot, appointed by the Executive April 
4, 1864, resigned July 28, 1804, P. C. Turner was 
appointed to fill the place; A. Ranney, elected Sep- 
tember 7, 1864, resigned June 5, 186.5, and A. A. 
Simmonds was appointed to fill the place; John Sharp, 
elected November 7, 1865; William Locker, elected 
November 6, 1866; Perry Coleman elected Novem- 
ber 3, 1868, and failing to file additional bonds 
the office was declared vacant August 20, 1870, and 
C. F. Singletary was appointed, and elected November 
8, 1870; A. McLean, elected November 5, 1872, and 
re-elected November 3,1874, re-elected again Novem- 
ber 7, 1N76, November 5, 1878, and November 2, 
1880. 

COUNTY ASSESSORS. 

D. p. McHay, appointed b3-tho Executive April 4, 
1864; S. Brees, elected September 7, 1864, failed to 
qualify; James II. Berrj-, a])])ointed April 6, 1865; 
Stephen Roberts, elected November 7, 1865, re-elected 
November 6, 1866, November 3, 1868, and November 
8, 1870; Thos. Morgan, elected November 5, 1872; 
T. Warburton, elected November 3, 1874, re-elected 
November 7, 1876, and November 5, 1878; T. F. 
Morgan, elected November 2, 1880. 

COUNTY RECORDERS. 

Nicholas Smith, appointed by the Executive April 

4, 1864; Josejih Stowe, elected Sei)tember 7, 1864, 
and re-elected November 6, 1HH6; John Sharp, elected 
November 3, 1868, and re-elected November 8, 1870; 
J. J. Falkinheim, elected November 5, 1872; James 
A. Service, elected November 3, 1874, re-elected 
November 7, 1876; George Ernst, elected November 

5, 1878; M. R. Delano, elected November 2, ^ d. 



COUNTY SUPERINTENDENTS OF SCHOOLS. 

H. D. lloyt, elected September 7, 1864; Thomas 
Cahill, elected November 7, 1865; B. W. Crowell, 
elected November 6, 1866; G. R. Alexander, elected 
November 3, 1868, resigned July 6, 1869, and Jno. 
Powers appointed; J. V. Hathaway, elected Novem- 
ber 8, 1870, re-elected November 5, 1872, resigned 
April 9, 1873; C. E. Ashburn, appointed, who resigned 
July 7, 1873, and E. C. Soulhworth was appointed; 
F. C. Granger, elected November 3, 1874; M. R. 
Delano, elected November 7, 1876, and resigned 
April 2, 1878; R. M. King was appointed; J. R. 
Daugherty, elected November 5, 1878, and re-elected 
November 2, 1880. 

COUNTY SURVEYORS. 

John F. Kidder, was appointed by the Executive 
April 4, 1864; Francis Tagliabuc, elected September 
7, 1864; D. S. Childs, elected November 6, 1866; J. 
A. Phillips, elected November 3, 1868, office declared 
vacant January 4, 1872, and A. D. Rock was 
appointed; John Jack, elected November 8, 1870, 
office declared vacant January 4, 1872, and George 
Ernst was appointed; J. C, Ogden, elected November 
5, 1872, failed to qualif}^ and George Ernst was 
appointed April 3, 1873, and elected November 3, 
1874, re-elected November 7, 1876; A. M. Hawkins, 
elected November 5, 1878; Aug. Matthews, elected 
November 2, 1880. 

PUBLIC ADMINISTRATORS. 

S. L. Baker, appointed by the Executive, April 4, 
1864; C. E. Ashburn, elected November 6, 1866, 
failed to qualify, and G. A. Swasey was appointed, 
January 6, 1868, and resigned, July 21, 1868; L. W. 
Ferris, appointed to fill vacancy, was elected No- 
vember 3, 1868, and resigned November 18, 1868, W. 
W. Brow!i appointed to fill the place; J. Cornell, 
elected November 8, 1870; J. W. Hollis, elected 
November 5, 1872; C. C. Dykeman, elected Novem- 
ber 3, 1874; J. L. Thomason, elected November 7, 
1876, re-elected November 5, 1878; A. Crabtree, 
elected November 2, 1880. 

ECONOMY AND HEALTHY GROWTH. 

The territorj- originall)- embraced in Nye County 
was carved out of Esmeralda. 

April 2, 1864, in accordance with the Creative Act, 
the Governor issued hio proclamation, locating the 
county seat at lone City, and ai)poiuting the first 
county offifiers. 

The County Commissioners thus appointed con- 
vened at the countj' seat April 26, 1864, and ijuali- 
fied by taking the prescribed oath of office and the 
oath of allegiance. 

A tax was then ordered of eighty cents on each 
$100 worth of taxable property in the county, to be 
■made immediately i>:iyablo; and the Clerk was in- 
structed to notify the Auditor, Assessor, Treasurer 
and Tax Collector of the fact. Thus was the 
machinery placed, and the wheels of government 



HISTORY OF NYE COUNTY. 



515 



were set in motion. Although the birth of the 
new county was ushered in by the discovery of a 
new mining district, there was not that unbridled 
extravagance in the management of its financial 
affairs which characterized and distinguislied many 
of the county organizations of the Slate. 

A Court House was necessary, and the modest 
sum of ?800 was deemed sufficient for the construc- 
tion of a building for that purpose. 

The wisdom of the Commissioners, in this regard, 
is now apparent, as the county seat was removed 
from lono in three years' time. Februarj' G, 18(57, 
the Legislature of the State passed an Act decreeing 
that from and after the fifteenth daj- of tlie follow- 
ing May, the county seat of Nye Countj^ should be 
at the town of Belmont, to which place the i)ublic 
records, archives and officers were moved on the day 
provided. 

The numerous mines located in that vicinity, and 
the rapid developments that were being made, 
attracted wealth and population, and Belmont soon 
became an important center for all kinds of busi- 
ness. The year previous and the year following the 
change of the county seat, several quartz mills were 
constructed in the district, of which Belmont was 
the center. 

DEBT AND COUNTY BUILDINOS. 

In 1874 it was found necessary to build a Court 
House and county jail at the county seat, with 
accommodations to meet the wants of the growing 
county. The sum of §34,000 was appropriated for 
this purpose, and the bonds of the county were 
issued to cover the appropriation. This fact will 
explain the great increase of the countj' debt in the 
year 1875, which was 869.101. The total valuation 
of property for that j'car was 61,500,000. The jjop- 
ulation was nearly 2,000. From that year to the 
present the county indebtedness has steadil}' dimin- 
ished, and the population remains about the same. 

The bullion product of Nye, although aggregating 
nearly SS, 000, 000, has not been so great as that of 
some other counties, nor the returns from her agri- 
culture so satisfactory. Still the afl'airs of the 
county are, and always have been, in a health}- and 
flourishing condition. ; 

In the tables, found on jiagcs i:55. 180, 1.80 and 140 i 
of the general history, can be seen the total products ' 
of the county, the number of acres under cultivation, j 
the stock and grain raised, and the fruit trees and 
vineyards under training. For the bullion product 
of the county see table elsewhere in this book. 

ORAZINti A.\D AliRICULTUUK. 

The topography of the county difTers little from 
that of the major portion of Nevada, consisting of 
valleys running north and south, and of mountain 
spurs and ranges. A few years ago Nye was con- 
sidei-ed a fine grazing countr}-, but its feed supply 
has been nearly destroyed by the large herds of 
stock which have been subsisted within its boun- 



daries for several seasons past. During the last two 
years more than 10,000 head of cattle have been 
driven awaj-. The summer feed consists of bunch 
grass. The winter feed is white sage, a fine forage 
plant growing from eight to ten inches high, which 
is not eaten bj' stock till after a heavj- frost occurs, 
which latter sweetens or softens the plant. Cattle 
are then very fond of it, and prefer it to anything else, 
and, where it is abundant, will fatten on it through 
the severest winters known in Nevada. The ranch- 
ers of this county have never been seriously troubled 
with grasshoppers, but crops are frequently injured 
by frosts. With the exception of barley, very little 
grain is raised. Alfalfa does well, and is being intro- 
duced where sufficient water can be had for irrigation 
purposes. 

In 1874 the Surveyor General reported ten ditches 
in the county for this purpose, and that 3,000 acres 
of land were being supplied with water sufficient to 
make them productive. Fruit trees, especially apples, 
pears and plums, were being cultivated with good 
success. At that time the value of taxable propertj' 
in the county was a little over .?1.5M0,00(), nearly 
two-thirds of which was personal property. Since 
then the value of jiersonal property has been re- 
duced one-half, while the real estate value has re- 
mained about the same, showing that while the 
mining interests of the count}' have materially de. 
dined, the farming and grazing interests have about 
held their own. 

VALLEYS OP THE COUNTY. 

DucKWATER Valley commences about seven 
miles south of the north line of the county, and runs 
southerly into Railroad Valley. It is three-quarters 
of a mile wide and about twelve miles long, and is 
well watered by Duckwater Creek. It almost en- 
tirely consists of meadow land, only about 800 acres 
of which arc under cultivation. It produces all kinds 
of grain and vegetables, which are only slightly 
liable to injury by frost. .Many fruit trees have been 
planted, none of which are yet old enough to bear. 

Hot Creek Valley runs nearly parallel with Rail- 
road Valley, and is about eight miles wide and 200 
miles long. It affords good winter grazing, produc 
ing white sage in abundance. Its water supply is 
insufficient, being obtained from small creeks and 
springs. No families occu])y the valley at ])resent. 
The towns of Hot Creek. Tybo and Morey are in the 
bordering mountains. 

Monitor Valley lies to the westwardol Hot Creek 
Valley and extends about seventy miles southerly 
from the northern boundary of the county, and is 
about eight miles wide. It is watered by Fine and 
.Mos(|uil<) Creeks and several other small streams. 
Only about 300 acres of its entire area are under 
cultivation; the balance consists of hay land. This 
valley was first settled in ISOtl by Jacob and Samuel 
Stainenger. Soon afterwards (ieorge and Thomas 
Andrews settled near them, and in a difficulty which 



516 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



ultimately followed, Thomas Andrews was killed. 
The Stainengers were acquitted. 

Ralston Valley commences at a point sixty miles 
south of the northern lineof the county near the town 
of Belraont, and runs to the southern line. It is 
about eight miles wide, contains no water, and no 
attempts to settle it have ever been made. It was 
named in memory of Judge James fl. Ralston, who 
left Austin on May 1, 1864, to go to his ranch, situ- 
ated about thirtj'-five miles .southwest of Austin. 
Losing his way, he crossed several mountain ranges, 
and on the eighth of May died of exposure and star- 
vation at the edge of the valley bearing his name, at 
a locality sixteen miles southeast of Belmont. He 
had traveled more than 250 miles. Some days after 
his departure from Austin, his friends feared that 
something had befallen him, and a search party was 
dispatched to overtake him, but returned unsuccess- 
ful. A second party was organized, and, accom- 
panied by Indians, trailed him to the place of his 
death, and recovered his body. Here and there, on 
their way, they discovered evidences that he had fed 
on mountain berries, and had been sufficiently 
refreshed to resume his dreary pilgrimage. On the 
day he died he was observed by an Indian while 
staggering along in a demented condition. The 
Indian remarked to his squaw that" that man would 
die before night," and approaching the Judge 
endeavored to take charge of him. but was unable 
to do so, and found his body on the following morn- 
ing. The Indian refrained from communicating the 
fact to the whites for fear of being charged with 
murder. In 1837, Judge Ralston succeeded Stephen 
A. Douglas as Judge of the Fifth District of Illinois. 
Later he was a State Senator in Illinois, and a Quar- 
termaster in the arm}- during the Black Hawk War. 
In 1850 he removed to Sacramento, California, and 
became a State Senator, and about 1860 came to 
Nevada. At the time of his death his family resided 
at Austin. 

Railroad Valley, on some maps called Warm 
Springs Valley, lies between the White Pine Range and 
the Pancake range of mountains, and is twelve miles 
wide and nearlj- 20u miles long. This valley was 
first settled in 1867 by Alexander Beaty and others. 
There is a lack of water, which is found only in 
occasional spots, but not in sufficient quantities for 
use in irrigation. There is enough for stock-raising, 
however, and the valley is a good stock-raising 
region, producing plenty of white sage and sand 
grass. It also contains two salt marshes, which sup- 
ply the local demand for salt for milling and domes- 
tic purposes. There is at present but one family 
in the valley. 

Reese River A''allev, which extends south from 
Lander County and reaches thirty miles into Nye, is 
eight miles wide, well watered and contains eighteen 
Pinches and fifty inhabitants. About 900 acres have 



been brought under cultivation, much of which is 
white sage land which yields well. 

Sierra, or White River, Valley extends across 
the eastern part of the county and is an extensive 
grazing region with a number of fine ranches in it. 

S.\ioKY Valley also commences in Lander County, 
and for 140 miles runs southward through Nye, a 
little west of the center, being about fifteen miles in 
width, and watered by numerous small streams and 
springs. H. Rpbinson and William Shay were the 
first settlers. They took up land as early as 1863. 
The valley now contains thirteen ranches and forty 
inhabitants, and 500 acres of ground are under culti- 
vation. The crops suffer verj- little from frost, the 
reverse of which is the case in the principal portions 
of the county. An extensive salt marsh is in the 
central part of the valley, from which large quantities 
of salt is gathered for the supply of the quartz mills 
of the neighboring districts. Some remarkable hot 
springs, elsewhere described, are in the southern 
part. 

principal mining districts. 

Blue Spring District is situated about fifty miles 
southerly from Austin, and about seventeen miles 
northerly from the stage station of Hot Spring, 
ilineral discoveries were made there in 1867, upon 
which a district was immediatelj' organized. Fifteen 
locations have been made. The formation in which 
the veins are found consists of slate, quartz, por])liyry 
and granite. The veins run with the formation, in 
the direction of northeast and southwest. The ore 
is low grade, is both free and base, and contains a 
trace of gold. A fifty-foot shaft is the deepest in the 
district. Freight charges to Austin are twenty 
dollars per ton. Timber and water are scarce. No 
mills have yet been erected, and but little work has 
been done in the district for several years. The ore 
is worked b}' milling and roasting, and has thus far 
been taken to Park (".ifion in .Vnrtli Twin District. 
The name of the post-office at Blue Spring District is 
Minnium. The mining records are kept by J. H. 
Greenhalgh. 

Danville District is situated in the Monitor range 
of mountains, about half waj- between Hot Creek 
and Eureka, and a little westerl_v of the direct line. 
Ore was discovered by P. W. Mansfield in 1866, and 
a district organized which was re-organized in 1870. 
(Quartz veins are found in a formation of limestone, 
running north and south with the formation, and 
dipping to the west at an angle of forty-five degrees. 
The ore is free, and bears a small trace of gold. It 
is most advantageously worked by the milling pro- 
cess. Spring water is abundant, and nut ])ine grows 
in close pro.ximiry. The freight rate to Eureka, by 
team, is thirty-five dollars per ton. The prin(.-i|)al 
mines are the Sage lien, Boston, Kucalyptus, Argo- 
naut and Richmond. The greatest depth of shaft is 
in the Boston, 150 feet; the greatest length of tunnel 
is in the Eucalj'ptus, 125 feet. About thirty locations 



HISTORY OF NYE COUNTY. 



517 



have been made thus far. The ore is hauled to Morey. 
From 1877 to 18711 about twenty men worked in the 
various mines, but only five arc now employed, and 
very little more than assessment work is done. 
Some of the ore assays from .S2(I0 to -SciOd per ton. 
The mining records are kept b^- Frank Miller. 

E.MPIRE District takes in a portion of the town of 
Tybo, and is in the Hot Creek range, about 100 
miles southerlj' from Eureka. Ore was discovered 
in August, 1866, by John Centers, P. B. Ilaight, J. 
B. Saburn, E. P. Sine, and others, and a district was 
immediatelj' organized. The principal mines are the 
Bunker Hill, Mayflower and Sclavonian Chief. The 
greatest length of tunnel is in the Bunker Hill. 200 
feet; the greatest depth of shaft, 180 feet. The for- 
mation is of limestone, running southeast and north- 
west, the veins running with it "and dipping to the 
east at an angle of thirty' degrees. The ores are 
both free and base, and contain lead, iron, a little 
copper and a small percentage of gold. The num- 
ber of locations in the district is 168, and the number 
of mines twenty. Little more than prospecting has 
ever been done excepting in the Bunker Hill Mine, 
from which about 2.000 tons of ore have been taken 
that yielded from thirtj- to thirty-five dollars per ton. 
Small lots of surface deposits have been shipped from 
the district which went as high as S500 per ton, but 
no permanent ledge of such value has been found. 
Sufficient spring- water is available, and at a distance 
of eight miles nut pine is abundant. The ore is 
worked b_v the milling process. Freight teamed 
from Eureka costs forty dollars per ton. The mining 
records of the district are kept bj- J. D. Pago, of 
Tybo. 

GR.A.NT District was organized on the twcntj-- 
sevcnth of October, 1868, and lies on the western 
elope of the White Pine Mountain-*, at a locality 
seventy-five miles south of Hamilton. The forma- 
tion is of talcose slate, which dips to the east. The 
two principal mineral veins also dip to the east at an 
angle of forlj--five degrees. They run parallel. The 
mountain is lofty, broken and precipitous, and affords 
an abundant supply of white and j-cUow pine, fir and 
other woods valuable either for fuel or timber. 
Water and grass are also abundant. The Meridian 
ledge is about four feet wide, the ore of which con- 
tains carbonate of copper and chloride of silver. The 
width of Blue Eagle ledge is five feel, the ore of 
which is a green and blue carbonate of copper. 
Assays show silver as high as 8300 dollars per ton. 
Very little work has been done in t he district. But- 
terficld's Salt Marsh is adjacent, and could produce 
an unlimited amount of salt for milling purposes. In 
1860 a considerable quantity- of ore was shipped to 
Austin from Grant District, and j-iclded from 8500 to 
$600 per ton. The ore is base. 

Hot Creek District was. organized in 1806, ore 
having been discovered by William Waters, William 
Robinson, and others. The mining records are kept 



65 



by W. Gluys. There are ten miners in the district, 
and the number of locations is 200. The formation 
is limestone running north and south, the veins run- 
ning with it, and dipping to the east at an angle of 
eighty-five degrees. The ore is free-milling, bears a 
small per cent, of gold, a.ssays as high as 8900 per 
ton, and averages about 8250. The principal mines 
are the Old Dominion, New Dominion, Coal Burner, 
Wyandott, Mountain View, Free Ore Ledge, Oliver 
Twist and Night Watch. The Old Dominion has a 
shaft 300 feet deep, and the Night Watch a tunnel 
300 feet long. Freight is teamed from Eureka, a 
distance of eighty-five miles, at the rate of forty 
dollars per ton. Water is abundant, and plenty of 
nut pine is to be had at a distance of two miles. 
The mineral belt included in this district is about six 
miles long and a n\ile in width. There is a belt of 
slate on the cast of the mines, and near them an 
outcropping of transition rock. The district received 
its name from a great natural curiosity, being a 
stream of hot water of several hundred inches in 
measurement, and running for several miles in a 
deep chasm through the mountains, sinking in a tuie 
marsh in a valley east of the range. 

Jackson District is in the lone, or Shoshone, 
range of mountains, thirty miles south of the rail- 
road station of Ledlie, and ten miles west of the 
stage station of Barrett. Ore was discovered in 
18G4 by a prospector named Thomas Barnes, and 
the North Union District was organized. In 1878 it 
was reorganized under the name of Jackson District. 
The veins are found in a formation of porphj-ry and 
syenite, and run north and south, the veins running 
with it, and dipjiing to the east at an angle of from 
forty to si.xty degrees. The ores are free and con- 
tain metal that is forty per cent, of silver and sixty 
per cent, of gold. The principal mines are the San 
Francisco, Arctic and North Star. The Arctic has 
a shaft sixty feet deep, and the North Star, a shaft 
fifty feet deep. Wood and water are found in 
abundance immediately around the mines. The 
wood consists of nut pine and cedar. Aboul twenty 
locations have been made in the district, and there 
are about six miners there. The district was dis- 
tinguished, in the early 3-ears of its organization, for 
the many beautiful specimens of geodes, chalcedony, 
agates, silicified wood and other stones, valuable to 
the jeweler and lapidarj-, found in it. 

Jett District is situated in the Toiyabe range, 
near Summit Cafion, thirty miles west of Belmont. 
Hot Springs, ten miles to the northward, is the near- 
est stage station. Belmont is the nearest post-office. 
Ore was discovered in the district in 1875, by John 
D.ivenport. During the ensuing year, the district 
was organized, but not until 1880 did active opera- 
tions begin. More than a hundred locations have 
been made, although no miners are now resident 
there. The records are kept bj- J. W. Bolcn, of Hot 
Springs, The principal wines aro the Centennial, 



518 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



Seventy-six and the Idlewild. In the Centennial, 
the ores are of a varied character, such as carbonate 
of lead, argentiferous galena, zincblende and anti- 
mony. They are very rich, assaying from SlOO to 
8300 per ton. The general character of the ore in 
the district, however, is low grade and base, with 
no trace of gold. The veins are found between 
slate and porphyry. The greatest depth of shaft. 
190 feet, is in the Centennial; the greatest length of 
tunnel, 200 feet, is in the Idlewild. Plenty of 
wood and water are to be had near the mines. Con- 
siderable ore has been shipped to Eureka and 
smelted. Freight is teamed from Austin, sixty 
miles distant, at the rate of thirty dollars per ton. 
A New York company contemplates active opera- 
tions at an early date. 

Lone Mountain District takes its name from a sol- 
itary mountain standing in Smoky Valley. On this 
mountain the minei« are located. The}- were discov- 
ered by Mexicans in 1863, and were worked in a 
rude way for several years, in quest of gold. A dis- 
trict was organized in 1864. In 1866 the mines were 
abandoned. In 1878 new mines were opened, and 
the ore was transported to Belleville and milled, 
yielding from seventy to seventy -five dollars per ton. 
The number of miners now in the district is fifteen; 
the number of locations, twenty. The veins are found 
between slate and porphyry, and run with the forma- 
tion in a northeast and southwest direction, dipping 
to the east. The ore is base, being adapted for 
smelting, and contains copper, lead, silver and some 
gold. The greatest depth of shaft is thirty-five 
feet. The nearest railroad point is Austin, 120 miles 
distant, from which freight is brought by team. 
Spring-water is abundant, and there is plenty of nut 
pine and cedar convenient of access. Not very far 
west of Lone Mountain is a salt mine, but it has 
never been worked to a great extent. 

JL\NHATTAN DISTRICT is ten miles southwest of 
Belmont. Ore was discovered in 1866 by George 
NichoU, and a district was organized the following 
year. Fifty locations have been made. The princi- 
pal mines are the Mohawk and Black Hawk. The 
veins are between limestone and porphj-ry, which 
formation runs north and south. The veins run with 
it in most cases, but in others, across it. The dip is 
westerly, at an angle of thirt3'-fivo to thirty-seven 
degrees. The ore is base, containing copper and 
iron, but no trace of gold. The Black Hawk Mine 
has a shaft sixty feet deep, and the Mohawk a 
tunnel 100 feet in length. Freight from Austin, 
ninety miles to the northward, is teamed at sixty 
dollars per ton. Plenty of nut pine and cedar are 
close by the mines, and the supply of spring-water 
is ample. ' The ore has been milled at Belmont, and 
has averaged about SIOO per ton. Very little work 
has been done in the district since 1869. The mining 
records are kept by treorge Nicholl. 

Milk Spring District joins Tybo District on the 



south, and was organized in 1867. About forty loca- 
tions have been made. In the fall of 1867 Colonel 
Bucl worked six or eight mines. Considerable ore 
was taken out, much of which yet remains on the 
dumps. Since then nothing has been done. The 
district receives its name from the appearance of 
the water which rises in a large spring, which, 
although pure to the taste, is milky in color. 

North Twin Eiver District lies on the east side 
of the Toiyabe Mountains, forty miles south of 
Austin. A mill was built there in 1867, by the La 
Plata Mining Company, of Reading. Pennsylvania, 
but ran only for a short time. The Buckeye Min- 
ing Companj", of New York, worked extensively for 
several years upon the Buckej'e Mine, which was 
discovered and opened in 1865. The mine produced 
considerable silver, the ore being in irregular bunches, 
sometimes very rich and promising, but not equaling 
the great expectations, the mine was abandoned by 
them. Ore is occasionally taken out and shipped to 
Austin. 

San Antonio District is situated in the Toiyabe 
Mountains, about thirty-six miles southwest of Bel- 
mont. Ore was discovered in 1863 by a party of 
Mexicans, and a district was at once organized. 
Considerable work was done during the ensuing 
few years. In 1865 a ten-stamp mill was built at 
San Antone Station, in Smoky Valley, twelve miles 
distant, but after being operated a year it was pulled 
down and removed to some other mining locality. 
A four-stamp mill was also built in 1867, but was 
only run a year. Slate, lime and porphyry- are the 
prevailing formations, and run north and south, the 
veins running in the same direction. The ore is 
base. It is of high grade and boars load and anti- 
mony, but no gold. It is worked by the milling and 
roasting process. The principal mines are the Poto- 
mac and Liberty. The latter contains a shaft 400 
feet deep. Plenty of nut pine and cedar are found 
at the distance of twenty miles from the mines. 
Water is hauled from springs three miles distant. 
Freight is teamed from Austin, 100 miles distant, at 
a cost of thirty dollars per ton. 

Silver Point District is twelve miles south of the 
stage station of Hot Spring. The nearest post-office 
is Belmont. Ore was discovered in 1865 by Edward 
Shumwaj- and others, and a district was organized 
under tho name of Argcntoro. In 1871 it was re- 
organized under the present name. Twenty-one 
locations have been made. Tho veins are found be- 
tween slate and porphyry, and run north and south 
with tho formation, dipping to the southwest at 
an angle of fort3--fivc degrees. The ores are 
base, containing copper and iron, and aver- 
age about $130 to tho ton. About 100 tons 
have been taken out that have not been milled. 
The principal mines are the Minnesota, Blue 
Bell, Modoc and Monte Christo, The shaft of the 
I Minnesota is eighty feet in depth. Water is scarce. 



HISTORY OF NYE COUNTY. 



619 



Plenty of wood is found within three miles of the 
mines. Freight is brought from Austin, seventy 
miles to the northward, at thirty dollars per ton. 
The ores of the district are worked at Austin and 
Jefferson. The mining records are kept by the 
County Clerk. 

Springfield District is on the west side of Moni- 
tor Vallej', in Silver Bend Mountains, about thirty- 
five miles north of Belmont. It was organized 
November 2-i, 1874. More than a hundred springs 
furnish an abundant supply of water, while the 
slope of the mountain is covered with white and nut 
pines. The ores arc base, containing iron, lead and 
silver, and best adapted for smelting. The bolt has 
been traced for five miles along the range, some 
of the veins being shown by continuous croppings for 
a mile or thereabout, which reappear in the distance. 
Considerable work has been done on the Sheba Mine, 
which produces ore assaj-ing ninety dollars to the 
ton. 

The Devil's Punch Bowl. About a mile east of 
the district is the remarkable feature of nature 
known as the Devil's Punch Bowl. It consists of a 
butte in the form of an inverted wash-bowl, which 
is a quarter of a mile in diameter where it touches 
the ground, and a hundred feet in diameter at the 
apex. Upon ascending the smooth side of the^bowl 
to the top, the visitor is confronted by an immense 
chasm, almost perfectly circular, with vertical walls, 
and of great depth, at the bottom of which is a 
seething cauldron of boiling water of unfathomable 
depth, which is incessantly foaming and exhaling hot 
vapors and steam. 

SuM.MiT District is in the Toiyabe range of mount- 
ains, thirty miles south of Austin, on the southeast 
side of Bunker Hill. Ore was discovered in 1863, a 
district organized, and three mills erected. Opera- 
tions were not successful, however, owing to inade- 
quate machinery, and lack of proper knowledge of 
the ores. The companies engaged in mining failed, 
and very little work has been done since. The prin- 
cipal mines are the Victorine and Phtenician. The 
formation of the latter is limestone and slate. The 
vein is five feet thick, has a course east and west, 
and dips north at an angle of forty degrees, A tun- 
nel fifty feet in length has been driven into the ledge, 
and from the end of it an incline has been sunk 
forty feet. The ore contains a large per cent, of 
gold. Assays have been made which show $150 
gold, and 8125 silver per ton. Some years ago, 1,800 
tons of ore from the Victorine were worked, the 
average pulp assays of which were sixty dollars per 
ton. Thirty-seven per cent, only of this was saved, 
which was not sufficient to pay the expenses of 
milling and mining. There is plenty of good ore in 
this district, which improved machinery could handle 
at a profit. There is an abundance of water, and 
wood can be had at five dollars per cord. The ore 
can be mined and delivered at the mills for two dollars 



and fifty cents per ton, [This district is probably 
in Lander County,] 

Toiyabe District is fifteen miles north of San 
Antone Station. Ore was discovered in 1876 by 
Messrs, Nicholl, Wallmer and Terrill. In 1878 a 
district was organized, but no town has ever been 
built there. The veins are between limestone and 
slate, and between slate and porphyry, and run 
north and south with the formation, dipping to the 
west at an angle of forty degrees. The ores are 
both free and base, and bear gold and silver. The 
base ores contain lead and antimony. In some of 
the mines there is very little silver, the ore going 
about 8300 per ton. About thirty tons have been 
milled at Jefferson, The base ore yields from sixty 
to eight}- dollars per ton. Wood and water are 
abundant, the latter being obtained from springs. 
Freight is teamed from Austin, eighty miles to the 
northward, at the rate of twenty-five dollars per 
ton. The principal mines are the Toiyabe North, 
Wykiup, California North, California South and 
Toiyabe South, The deepest shaft in the district is 
-seventy-two feet. The mining records are kept by 
S. Compton at Peavine, 

Other districts are described in connection with 
the principal towns within their limits, 
principal towns and cities. 

Belmont, the countj- seat of Nye County, is situ- 
ated on a sloping plateau of the Toquima range of 
mountains, and has an altitude of 8,000 feet. Its 
environs are picturesque in the extreme. The loca- 
tion is also at the center of the important Philadel- 
phia Mining District, the principal mines of which 
are aliout a mile east of town. They are the Bel- 
mont, Ilighbridge, Arizona, El Dorado South, El 
Dorado North, Combination, Green & Oder, North 
Belmont, Monitor-Belmont and Quintero. Ore was 
discovered by an Indian, and the first locations were 
made in October, 1865, soon after which a district 
was organized called the Philadelphia. In 1866 the 
name was changed to Silver Bend, but in the same 
year was changed back to the one originall}- 
adopted. The quartz veins are found between slate 
and porphyry, which formation runs north and 
south, the veins running with it, and dipping east- 
erly at an angle of from thirty -seven to forty-five 
degrees. The ore is base, containing copper, lead 
and antimony, and is worked by milling and roasting. 

Spring-water is abundant for all purposes, and nut 
pine and cedar are found within eight miles of town. 
Freight is teamed from Austin, ninety miles distant, 
and from Eureka, 109 miles distant, at the rate of 
from two to three dollars per 100 pounds. The com- 
pletion of rail communication to Walkers Lake will 
probably somewhat reduce these rates. Three hun- 
dred locations have been made in this district. 

The first mill was built in 1866. having ten stamps. 
During the following year a twenty-stamp mill was 
put up, and in 1868 a forty-stamp mill. The first 



520 



fflSTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



mill erected ceased operations in 1869. The second 
was idle from 1868 until 1878, after which it ran at 
intervals for two years, and was then taken down 
and moved to Gold Mountain. The third stopped 
running in 1876. The present facilities for working 
ore consist of a five-stamp and a twenty-stamp mill. 
The richest of the ore has yielded as high as 81,000 
per ton. 

The deepest shaft in the district is in the Belmont 
Mine, and penetrates to the depth of 500 feet. At 
the depth of 360 feet a level has been run in the vein 
for the distance of 1,400 feet. In sinking winzes from 
this level two ehimnej's of ore were discovered, pitch- 
ing south, which were so remurkabiy rich that the 
stock of the company rose from 81.50 to 830 per share 
within a few days. One of these chimneys was 
within 200 feet of the locality from which the Can- 
field Company took half a million dollars' worth of 
ore a few years ago. Considerable difficultj* is ex- 
perienced ia working the Belmont Mine, on account 
of the flow of water. Pumps throwing out 200 gal- 
lons of water per minute can scarcely remedy the 
difficulty. Nevertheless the mine has been most 
entensively developed, which can also be said of the 
El Dorado South. The shaft of the Monitor-Belmont 
has been sunk to a depth of 250 feet, and much rich 
ore has been taken out. An incline in the Arizona 
Mine is 175 feet in depth. Some of the ore extracted 
from the Green & Oder Mine has yielded 8400 per 
ton. The records of the district are kept by George 
Nicholl, of Belmont. 

The first settler of Belmont was Antonio Borquez, 
who arrived in 1865. He was soon followed by A. 
BiUraan, H. G. C. Schmidt, J. M. Reed, C. L. Straight, 
R. Kelley, D. R. Dean, Len. Martin, O. Brown, S. 
Tallman, J. Grover, D. E. Buel, Dr. \Vm. Geller, 
Charles St. Louis, J. W. Gashwiler, S. M. Burk and 
others. Ore discoveries, the convenience of wood 
and water, and a naturally fine location, caused the 
selection of the town site. Belmont was most pros- 
perous in 1866-67, and again in 1873-74, at which 
times it contained about 1,500 inhabitants. Its streets 
are partially shaded by maples, locusts and Balm of 
Gilead trees. 

The nearest towns are these: Barcelona, eight 
miles west; Jefterson, fourteen miles north; Hot 
Creek, thirty-five miles easterly, andTybo about the 
same distance southeaster!}'. Nut pine, cedar and 
mountain mahogany arc obtained from the surround- 
ing hills. At present the town contains four stores, 
two saloons, five restaurants, one livery stable, a 
post-office, an assay office, a blacksmith shop, and 
about 400 inhabitants, '^'he buildings are constructed 
of stone, brick, adobe and wood. 

The Episcopalians and Koman Catholics have 
organizations, and frame houses of worship. The 
Episcopalian ('hurch will seat 200 persons, and the 
Catholic Church 150. There are no clergymen at 
Belmont, however. There are four lawyers, and the 



extreme healthfulness of the township enables it to 
fare well with one physician. 

The number of quartz mills is three — one of five 
stamps, one of twenty stamps, and one of thirty 
stamps. The water supply is obtained from springs 
and wells, and is ample for general use. Merchandise 
is procured both from San Francisco and Chicago. 
Secret societies consist of one Masonic lodge and one 
lodge of Good Templars. A stone school house 
20x24 feet in size, is capable of seating 100 pupils, 
but only about half that number are in attendance. 
The public hospital is under the management of the 
County Commissioner*', and at present contains ten 
patients. The aggregate length of streets is three 
miles. The sidewalks are of wood and stone. 

Agricultural interests in the vicinitj- are not of an 
important character. Some stock-raising is carried 
on. In Smokj- Valley are numerous hot springs, 
which have attracted much attention. 

In 1867 a weekly newspaper called the Silver Bend 
Weekly Reporter was established and continued in 
existence about two years. Another paper The 
Mountain Champion was published in 1868 during the 
election campaign, and in 1874 the Belmont Courier 
was established and still continues. 

The prices of board, and commodities in general, as 
they were in March, 1867, may be learned from the 
following extract from the Silver Bend Reporter of 
that time: — 

For the information of persons contemplating a 
trip to Belmont, we append the following list of 
prices of various articles at this time. Lumber per 
1,000 feet, 8140; stone wall per perch, 85; passage 
from Austin, 815; freight from Austin per pound, 
fast 4(«,5 cents, slow do 22@3; board per week, 
S10(n)812; flour, per 1(10, 813; sugar, (crushed) per 
])Ound, 33J cents; coft'ee, 45(5)50 cents; bacon, 35(0)40 
cents; wood j)er cord, 84(aj8G; beef, 15(V^25 cents, 
eggs per dozen, 81.25; tea ])er pound, 81(5 150; 
beans, 15(^20 cents; butter, 75 cents; barlej' 9(^10 
cents; hay per ton, 875. Adobes are valueless, and 
there is no brick, shingles, nor shakes in the market. 

Nye County, at present, is classed among the un- 
developed counties, being distant from, and untouched 
by any railroad. Every other county has some rail- 
road history, but this great means of development 
promises to reach these most distant parts at an 
early day. From the east is promised the extension 
of the Utah Southern from Milford, through the 
northern part of Lincoln, crossing thiscountj- bj- Rev- 
eille and Tum Pah-Ute, opening easj- communication 
to Belmont, San Antonio. Smoky Valley and to a 
junction at Silver Peak with a railroad from Califor- 
nia. The work of construction has already begun 
for the extension of the Nevada Central from Ledlie 
in Lander County, under the name of the Nevada 
Southern Railway, which will pass through the rich 
mining region of Granl.sville, and extending to a 
junction with the road from California and from the 
East. 



HISTORY OF NYE COUNTY. 



sn 




?yCt>^,^^^<i^ 



Hon. Benjamin Curler was born in Ferrisburgh, 
Addison County, Vermont, September 27. 18.34. 

Tho father of our present subject being a farmer of 
no great wealth, his earlydays were spent in active 
pursuits, and were only varied b}- his attendance at 
the district school. In September, 1853, he entered 
a high school kept by B. B. Allen, at Vergennes, 
Vermont, and at the expiration of the term, re- 
turned to his father's farm, and worked until the 
school opened again the next September, when he 
once more settled down to his studies in good earn- 
est. After his second term, he taught a school for 
four months. During his twenty-first year of life 
he emigrated to Illinois, but returned to his native 
State, and taught school that winter. In the spring of 
185C he again went to Illinois, and for a period of 
nearly two years was engaged in teaching school, and 
reading law. In the fall of 1857 he went to Wisconsin 
remaining but a short time, however, when he re- 
turned to Illinois, and engaged in the mercantile 
business. In the spring of 1859 ho started for tho 
mines at Pike's Peak, Colorado, and not realizing 
what he expected in that region, he continued his 



journey, and reached Carson City, Nevada, on the 
fifteenth of September of that year, and followed tho 
occupation of carpentering for some time. In 1862 
he kept a stage station on the Carson River, and 
continued the study of his profession. In 18G3 he 
was elected a member of the Territorial Legislature. 
March 9, 18G4, was appointed County Commissioner, 
by Gov. James W. Nye, for Churchill County; and 
during the same year ho was elected District Attor- 
ney, and admitted to practice law in all the Ter- 
I'itorial Courts. At tho general election in 186('>, 
ho was elected District Judge of the Fifth Judi- 
cial District, comprising the counties of Xyo and 
Churchill; and was re-elected to the same office four 
years later, his opponent being the Hon. C. H. 
Belknap. At the expiration of his last term, he 
resumed the practice of his profession. In 187C 
ho was elected District Attorney for Nye County; 
and was re-elected in 1878, which office ho still 
holds. Mr. Curler is well known throughout the 
State of Nevada, and is universally esteemed. He 
was married in Vermont, November 6, 1856. to Miss 
Rhoda A. Thompson. 



522 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 





Hon. George Ernst was born in Kirchheim, Hessen 
CasBcl, Germany, a. d. 1837. His father is a stone 
mason, and is still living. At the early age of two 
years the subject of this sketch emigrated with his 
parents to America. In 184.") his family settled in 
Dubuque, Iowa, and George received bis education 
in the common schools of that place, and also learned 
the trade of his father. He subsequentlj' entered 
Konyon College, in Ohio, from where he graduated 
with high honors in 1862. In 18G3 he came to 
Nevada, and located at Daj-lon. Ln'oii County, where 
he soon alter received the appointment of Deputy 
County Surveyor, under John Day, and for three years 
remained in that office. In the spring of 1866, Mr. 
Ernst accompanied Governor II. G. Jilai.sdel on an 
expedition to Pahranagat Valley, and for a time 
remained there. In 1867-68 he was Assessor for 
Lincoln County, being the first man elected to that 
office in the county. In 1870 wo find him a farmer 
at Hot Creek, in Nye County, and in 1872 he was 
appointed County Survej-or of the same, to which 
office he was elected in 1874 and 1876. In 1877 he 
had charge of the office of County Recorder and 
Auditor, and was elected to perform the duties per- 
taining to that office in 1878. In 1880 ho was 
elected to the Assembly of the Nevada Legislature. 
Mr. Ernst was the first to suggest to Adolph Siitro, 
the feasibility of the enterprise resulting in the con- 
struction of the famous Sutro Tunnel, and to him is 
accorded the honor of making the first survey, locat- 
ing the tunnel and shafts. In connection with his 
many other duties bo has been Deputy I'liited 
States Mineral Surveyor for eight years. In politics 



he is a Democrat, but was a strong Union man 
during the slight misunderstanding between the 
North and South. He was married to Miss Ellen 
Mary Hinton at Dayton, in 1865. 

Barcelona is eight miles west of Belmont, in 
Spanish Belt District, which is situated in the 
Smoky Valley, or Toquima, range. Ore was discov- 
ered by a party of Mexicans in 1867. In 1875 the 
district was detached from the Philadelphia District, 
and organized as at present. During the Ibllowing 
year Barcelona was started, and attained a popula- 
tion of 150. It contained a store, blacksmith shop, 
assay office, three boarding-houses, etc.. but was 
deserted in the latter part of 1877, by reason of the 
cessation of work in the mines. In 1879 the mines 
started up again, and about 500 tons of ore were 
taken out. The ores of the district are rich, and 
prospects are promising. The formation is between 
slate and porphyry, running northeast and south- 
west, the veins running with it, and di])j)ing to the 
east at an angle of forty-five degrees. The ores are 
base, requiring roasting. They contain antimony, 
zinc and iron, and some have yielded twentj- dollars 
per ton in gold and S3S0 per ton in silver. There is 
plenty of spring-water at the mines, and nut pine, 
white pine and cedar ai'c abundant in the neighbor- 
hood. The principal mines are the Barcelona, Ligu- 
sia, Altocana, Enterprise, and San Pedro. The 
shaft of the Barcelona is 180 feet deep; the tunnel of 
that mine is 1,300 feet long. Freight is teamed from 
Austin, eighty miles to the northward, at the rate ot 
fifty dollars per ton. The ores taken out are worked 
at Belmont, Austin and Eureka; but it is believed 
that a mill will soon be erected at the mines. The 
records of the district are kept by George Nicholl, 
at Belmont. 

Bartlett is twenty miles east of the stage station 
of iMinniuni, on Miner's Mountain, in the midst of a 
good mining region. Ore was discovered in 1866 bj* 
a prospector named Logan, and a district was organ- 
ized called Northumberland. In 1875 the name was 
changed to Monitor, but was changed back to North- 
umberland in 1879, at which date the town was 
started. It once contained a store, boarding-house, 
post-office, numerous saloons, etc., but is now entirely 
deserted. A ten-stamp mill was erected in 187!i, but 
was operated only three months. The quartz veins 
are between slate and porphyry, running north and 
south with the formation, and dipping to the east at 
an angle of thirty-seven degrees. The ore is free- 
milling, containing gold and silver. Some of it is 
very rich in gold. The j)rincipal mines are the 
Monitor and Blue Bell. The shaft of the latter is 
1 20 feet deep. Freight is teamed from Austin, sixty- 
five miles distant, at the rate of twenty dollars per 
ton. Nut and white pine are abundant. Water is 
scarce, and is ])rocured from springs. Belmont and 
Austin are the nearest post-offices. The books of 
the district are kept by S. Slusher, of Eureka. 



I 



HISTORY OF NYE COUNTY. 



523 



Ellsworth is in Mammoth District, thirty miles 
south of the old overland road through the Cold 
Spring range of mountains, and about twelve miles 
■westerly- from lone. It contains a ]io8t-orticoand stage 
station. Ore was discovered in 18(53 by the Indians, 
and in 18(14. Sam. .McKeon, A. T. Hatch, and others, 
organized a district. The town was started soon 
afterwards, but its growth was slow and discourag- 
ing until 1870, when a ten-stamp mill was built. Its 
population then increased to 200, and it became verj^ 
lively. Since 1874 the mill has been operated on!}- a 
portion of the time, and the population of the town 
has dwindled down to twenty persons, including six 
miners. The quartz veins are found in a formation 
of granite, which runs northeast and southwest, the 
veins running with it and dipping to the west at an 
angle of fortj--five degrees. The ores arc most!}- 
free-milling, and average about SI 00 to the ton. The 
principal mines are the Peoria, Morning Call, General 
Lee, Silver Wave. Mount Vernon and Lisbon. The 
greatest depth of shaft is in the Mount Vernon, 180 
feet. When the mill was in operation, Indians were 
employed at the pans, settlers, concentrators and fur- 
naces, with a couple of white men to oversee them, 
and proved very eiBcient laborers. The cost of wood 
delivered at the mills, has usually been three dollars 
and a quarter per cord. Salt is worth thirty-five 
dollars per ton. Water for the mill is obtained from 
a forty-foot well. Some very rich ore has been taken 
from the Esta Buena Mine, located and owned by 
Don Manuel San Pedro, of (Trantsville. Some of it 
has gone as high as Sl,(iOO per ton. Several tons 
worked in the mill j'ielded 8325 each. The nearest 
railroad point is Austin, sixty-five miles to the north- 
east. Freight is brought from Wadsworth at the 
rate of fifty dollars per ton. 

Grantsville is in a beautiful canon about four 
miles from lone Valley. It is in Union District, 
which IS situated in the lone, or Shoshone, range of 
mountains, just west of the Toiyabe range. Ore 
was discovered in 1863 bj^ P. A. llaven, and a 
district was at once organized. llaven also laid off 
the town of Grantsville, and about fifty persons 
settled there, among whom was John Bowman, J. C. 
John.son, Mr. Veach, Peter Lefler, M. C-. JIahone, 
Manuel San Pedro, and others. Its growth has 
been most promising. Its altitude is about 8.500 feet, 
and fine mountain scenery stretches away on everj- 
hand. Ton miles to the northward is lone, and 
seventy miles to the northeastward is Austin. 

In September, 1877, the Alexander Company 
became mterested in the mines in and around (Jrants- 
ville, and re-located and laid oft' the town, and built 
a twenty-stamp mill there, the capacitj' of which was 
increased to forty stamps in 1880. 

The present population of Grantsville is 800, 
including 356 registered voters. It contains ten 
merchandise stores, two drug stores, one hardware 
store and tin shop, one furniture store, five restaurants 



two bakeries, five saloonB, two barber shops, one jew- 
elry store, two blacksmith shops, two meat markets, 
two livery stables, one brewery, two assay offices, an 
express oftice. bank, newspai)er, ami a foundrj-. The 
climate is healthy- and the atmosphere pure. Three 
mails arrive and depart every Avcek, and stage lines 
connect with Wadsworth and Austin b\- way of lone, 
and with Eureka by way of Belmont. Town lots 
sell all the way from 850 to 8500. 

In the vicinity of tJrantsville there are fourteen 
valuable silver mines, as follows: The J*;ii/,abeth, 
Bonanza, Lefler, Harvey, Success, Galatea, Chicago, 
Centennial, Cooper, Silver Crown, Cadiz, Alameda, 
Brooklyn, and the Alexander series. 

The veins of the district are found in porphyry, 
quartzite and limestone, running northwest and 
southeast with the formation, and dipping to the 
southwest at an angle of sixty degrees. Porphyry 
is the predominating formation. The ore contains 
native gold and silver, chloride and sulphuret of 
silver, antimony, copper, and the carbonate of lead. 
Some excecdinglj- rich specimens, containing gold, 
have been found in the Shamrock and Franklin 
Mines. Large-sized specimens have been obtained 
from the former mine, showing moi'e gold than 
quartz. The deepest shaft is in the Alexander mii;e, 
1,200 feet. The incline of the same mine is 500 feet 
long. The ores of the district are worked by the 
milling and roasting process. 

Wood and water are convenient and abundant. 
Freight is teamed from Austin at the rate of forty 
dollars per ton. The number of miners now in the 
district is 140. Thus far the total bullion product 
has been to the value of about 81,000,000. The 
mining records of the district are kept by J. F. 
Duchct. 

The Odd Fellows have a well-organized lodge. 
Educational facilities consist of a good, brick school 
house, capable of seating sixty pupils, about forty 
pupils being in regular attendance. The aggregate 
length of streets in ihc town is two miles. About 
ten miles to the westward, on Reese River, are a 
few small ranches, and some stock-raising is also 
carried on. 

In November, 1870, Ihe Grantsville Snn, a weekly 
paper, was started in the interest of Senator Jones, 
but suspended in 1880. In Januarj-, 1881, the Grants- 
ville Bonunza was started by -Mautc & Donald, and 
is now being regularly ])ulilished. 

A tunnel in the hillside answers the purpose of a 
jail. In February, 1881, a Spaniard was Ij-nched 
for the murder of a countryman of his. Another 
murderer was arrested in August, 1880, and alter 
conviction, was sent to the State Prison, where ho 
is now incarcerated. The prospects of Grantsville 
are favorable in the extreme. 

The town ok Hot Creek is situated in the center 
of a rich mining region, with wood and water con- 
venient and abundant. Amonj' its earliest settlers 



524 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



were Jeremiah Miller, David Baker, Eli Baker, G. B. 
Montgomery, Dr. Walter, E. G. Brown, Garrett & 
Joslyn and Capt. A. D. Rock— who arrived in 1867. 
The town was most prosperous in 1868, when its 
population numbered about 300. The altitude is 
6,800 feet. It is situated in a beautiful valley in 
the foot-hills of the Hot Creek Mountains, and is 
fifteen miles south of Morey District, twelve miles 
north of Tybo, and thirty-five miles southeast of Bel- 
mont. Its present inhabitants number only twenty- 
five. The site of the town is now the property of 
Hon. J. T. Williams. A saloon, restaurant, hotel, 
post-office, blacksmith shop and assay office meets 
the present wants of the community. The buildings 
are of stone and iron. In 1867 a twenty-stamp mill 
was built, but it was soon afterwards burned down. 
The town at that time consisted of two camps, and 
the upper one wa't then abandoned. In 1880 a ten- 
stamp mill was built at the lower town, but it has j 
never been operated much. 

The bullion product of the town to date has been 
about 81,000.000. The water supply consists of 300 
inches, and is private property. Austin, about 
ninety miles to the northwest, is the nearest railroad 
point, and to team freight from it costs two cents 
per pound. The taxable property of the township 
is valued at §200,000. Large herds of cattle and 
horses are raised in the vicinity, and one fine ranch 
raises a large amount of hay and other produce. 

Near the town are boiling hot springs of great 
medicinal value, and mineral water is also abundant 
of a quality highly appreciated. 

The principal fire occurred in 1867. when the Old 
Dominion twenty-slamp mill was burned down, 
causing a loss of 890,000. 

The P^ureka ^en^tJie^ of September 2, 1877, contains 
the following information concerning Hot Creek: — 

Hcniy .\lleii, the well-known contractor of Eureka, 
has just finished a work of considerable magnitude 
at Hot Creek. Last summer he was employed by 
the Tybo Consolidated Company to build fifteen 
kilns, in which the company proposed to burn the 
charcoal necessary to supply their furnaces at Tybo. 
He finished the work about a week ago, and some 
idea of its magnitude maj' be gathered from the 
fact that 600,000 bricks were used in building the 
kilns. They are oval in shape, having a diameter 
of twenty-five feet. Kacli one has a cajiacity of 
1.400 b'lsbels. turning out that riuantity of coal to 
each charge, the o))eralion consuming five days, A 
great economj' of time results from these kilns, 
instead ol' burning in the old-fashioned way, and as 
the com|):iny owns a vast quanlitj- of wood in the 
immediate vicinity, they calculate on their fuel cost- 
ing them about one-half the usual rates. .\ force of 
twenty men were emploj'ed about three months in 
building the kilns. 

The White Pino excitement jjroved a great injury 
to Hot Creek, from which its recovery has been slow. 

HON. J. T. WILLIAMS 

Is a native of Arkansas, born in Conway, July 21, 
18'i2. His father was a planter and died when the 




PHOTO. BY LOUIS MONACO. EUREKA. HEV. 

/. T. Williams. 

present subject was quite young. At the earlj- age 
of seventeen j-ears he came to California, by way of 
the plains and arrived in 1859 in the land of promise. 
He having no relatives or friends on this coast, was 
obliged to follow the promptings of his own nature. 
He settled in Calaveras County and engaged in min- 
ing until 1862, when he came to the then Territory 
of Nevada, and followed the occupation of silver 
mining. 

In 1863 he went in company with Gov. L. R. Brad- 
ley to Austin, during the Reese River excitement, 
and assisted in the organization of Nj'e County, 
and has since resided in that countj'. He was mar- 
ried to Miss Sophia Ernst, September 20, 1870, a 
lady of cultured tastes, and more than ordinary 
ability. 

Mr. Williams is a descendant of an old Democratic 
family, and is himself a Jiickson Democrat of the 
strictest kind. His ancestors on his father's side 
were from Wales, and settled in North Carolina long 
before the American Revolution. His mother's ances- 
tors were of French descent, settling in Virginia 
about the same time, both families being strongly 
identified in the cause of American Independence. 
His grandfather was an officer in the Revolutionary 
War, and his brother, Colonel Williams, fell at a 
])lace known as Williams' Pond, in South Carolina. 
The works of Thos. Benton, "Thirty j-ears in the 
United States Senate," reveals the fact that Mr. 
Williams comes from good stock. His brother Lewis 
Williams, of North Carolina, was a member of Con- 
gress for manj- years, and Jonathan Williams, at one 
time United States Senator from Tennessee, whoso 
father fought in the Revolution, and who participated 
himself in the war of 1812, Wfts also a member of 
the same family. 



HISTORY OF NYE COUNTY. 



525 



The great triumph of the subject of this sketch is 
in the authorship of the Williams Resolution regulat- 
ing freights and fares on the railroads of the State, 
which be introduced in the Nevada Senate in 1881. 
His present residence is at Hot Creek, Nj-e Count}-, 
and his business is divided between mining and farm- 
ing. He is extensively interested in mining, owning 
several paying claims. He also owns a hotel, and 
has some 500 acres of fine bottom-land at his home 
place and his hay crop is very valuable, being worth 
about fort}' dollars per ton. Mr. Williams is a gentle- 
man, esteemed by all who have the honor of his 
acquaintance. 

loNE, the original county seat of Nye, is about 
twelve miles north of Grantsville, and is situated in 
a romantic canon surrounded by lofty mountains. 
Among its first settlers were Messrs. Veach, Carmack_ 
Bowman, Barker, Baker, Johnston, Williams and 
other prospectors. In 1865 lone contained a popu- 
lation of about 600. At present it contains a store, 
hotel, saloon, livery stable, post-oftice, blacksmith 
shop and twenty-five inhabitants. Its two quartz 
mills are idle. Their total bullion product to date is 
estimated at 850(1.000. Austin is the nearest rail- 
road station, and the freight rate, by team, is one 
and one-half cents per pound. The taxable prop- 
erty of the township is valued at §50,000. About a 
thousand head of horses and cattle are owned in the 
vicinity. In 1865 a weekly newspaper was started, 
called the Xye Coanly Xews, but it discontinued pub- 
lication in 1867. The wood and water supplies of 
the town are abundant. Its buildings arc chiefly 
frame structures. 

Jefferson is situated in Jefferson I^istrict, in Jef- 
ferson Mountain, a loft}' section of the Toquima range, 
and is about twelve miles north of Belmont. Ore 
was discovered in 1873 by John Johnson and Robert 
Furgerson, and a district was organi/,ed under the 
name of tJrecn Isle, which name was subsei|Uently 
changed to the present one. In 1874 the town of 
Jefferson was started, which, in less than two years, 
contained a poi)ulation of 800 and polled 600 votes. 
It contained two stores, three blacksmith shops, throe 
boarding-houses, a post-ofl^ce and an express office. 
Two mills were also in operation, and eight of the 
mines were producing ore. In 1876 the ten-stamp 
mill stopped work, and in 1878 the othcroncstopped, 
upon which the town was abandoned. Only four 
miners are now there. One hundred and twenty 
locations have been made. The ore is free and con- 
tains chloride of silver, containing a small percentage 
of gold, and is very rich, and is worked by the mill- 
ing process. The veins are small, and are found 
between porphyry and slate. They run with the 
formation, nearly north and south, and dip to the east 
at an angle of sixty degrees. The Jefferson Mine 
contains a tunnel 625 feet long, and a shaft 700 feot 
deep. Selected specimens of ore from this mine, 
having the appearance of granite, and betraying no 
' 66 



evidence of metal, yielded as high as 810,000 and 
820,000 per ton, and took the premium at the Cen- 
tennial Exhibition. General ore from the district 
assays from S40 to SI .700 per ton. Freight is teamed 
from Austin, seventy-six miles, at thirty dollars per 
tOTi. An ample quantity of spring-water exists, 
and nut pine is abundant at the distance of three 
or four miles, the records of the district are kept 
by K. E. Shumway. 

LoDi is in Lodi District, in the northwest corner 
of the county, about a mile from the line of Churchill 
County. The district is situated on a mountain spur 
running northwest from the Mammoth Range. It is 
seven miles from Porter's Stage Station, and the 
nearest post-oflicc to it is Downeyville. Ore was dis- 
covered in 1874 by Henry Welch and J. Kirkpatrick. 
On May 14, 1875, a district was organized. In 1878 
the town contained a population of 100, and boasted 
a store, blacksmith shop, boarding-house, saloon, a 
ten-ton smelting furnace, and other indications of 
business life. It has since been abandoned, however, 
and there are only six miners in the district. The 
records are kept by Mr. Massey. About twenty-five 
locations have been made. 

The formation is of limestone, running southeast 
and northwest, the veins running with it, and dip- 
ping to the southwest. The ore is ba.se, and contains 
lead and a little antimony, but no trace of gold. 
The principal mine is the Illinois, on which a largo 
amount of work has been done. Its shaft is 450 
ieet in depth. At a depth on the vein of 100 feet, 
a tunnel has been run 200 feet, from which level 
winzes have boon sunk at different points. The vein 
is from two to eight feet in width, and the ore in it 
is chiefly carbonate of lead, which carries a large 
per cent, of silver, some of which assays as high as 
S500 per ton. 

Water is brought in pipes from springs five miles 
distant. Wood is scarce. Freight is teamed from 
Wadsworth, on the Central Pacific Railroad. 100 
miles to the northwest, the rate being forty-five 
dollars per ton. Tho present facilities for working 
ore consist of a small water jacket furnace. Since 
its organization the district has yielded ore to the 
value of $400,000. 

MoREY is in a mining district of the same name, sit- 
uated in the mountains about fifteen miles north of 
Hot Crook, and four and a half miles from More's 
Stage Station. Ore was discovered in 1865 by T. 
J. Barnes, and in 1866 S. A. Curtis, Wm. .Muncey, 
John Emerson and others organized tho district. In 
1869 tho town was started. A ten-stamp mill was 
built in 1873, but, after running a month, it discon- 
tinued operations, and tho ore was shipped to Tybo 
until .\pril, 1880, when tho mill started up again, 
and ran until tho following December, turning out 
89,000 worth of bullion per month. Another resump- 
tion of milling operations is soon expected. Moroy 
contains a store, blacksmith shop, post-office, board- 



526 



mSTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



ing-house, express office, and a population of about 
sixty persons. Thirtj--fivc locations have been made 
in the district, and there are twenty miners there. 
The records are kept by George Hammond. 

The quartz veins are found in a formation of por- 
phyry, which runs east and west, the veins running 
with it, and dipping to the south at an angle of fifty 
degrees. The ores contain zinc, lead, antimony, 
some copper, and a small percentage of gold. The 
principal mines are the Bay State, American Eagle, 
Cedar, Keyser, Monterey, Little Giant and Black 
Diamond. The shaft of the American Eagle is 200 
feet deep; the tunnel of the Bay State, 1,000 feet 
long. 

Freight is teamed from Eureka, a distance of sev- 
enty-five miles, at the rate of thirtj' dollars per 
ton. Wood and water are in sufficient quantities for 
all purposes. The ores averaged about eighty dol- 
lars to the ton. Most of the mines in the district 
have been self-sustaining from the outset. 

Ophir Canon is situatod on the eastern slope of 
the Toij-abe range of mountains, in Twin Eiver Dis- 
trict. The nearest stage station and post-office is 
Minnium, twenty-six miles to the northeast. Ore 
was discovered in 1864, by G. H. Willard, Joseph 
Patty and John Murphy, and a district was organ- 
ized. In 1865 a twenty-stamp mill was completed, 
costing over $200,000; connected with it was the 
first experimental Stetefeldt furnace ever built. The 
mines proved very rich at the outset, but after pen- 
etrating below the water level, the wall rock was 
found to be so hard that it could not be worked 
profitably. Over 82,000,000 worth of ore was taken 
out of the Murphy Mine. When the mill was built 
the town was started, and it grew to a population of 
400, but work on the mines ceased in 1868, and the 
town became deserted. 

In the Murphy Mine the vein is from eight to 
forty feet in width, its course is northeast and south- 
west, and it dips to the east at an angle of forty-five 
degrees. The ore is found in pockets near the hang- 
ing-wall, and contains a largo per cent, of iron, 
copper, and arsenic. Beautiful specimens of native 
silver have been found in this mine. The country 
rock on both sides of the canon, where the metal- 
bearing veins are found, is slate, it contains a large 
amount of the pyrites of iron; small stringers of 
white quartz cut through it in all directions. The 
.Murphy Mine contains a shaft HOO feet in depth. 
Freight from Austin, sixty miles to the northward, 
is teamed at the rate of twenty -five dollars per ton. 
Timber is scarce; Ophir Canon Creek supplies an 
abundance of water. The mining records are kept 
by A. H. Greonhalgh; the number of locations is 
100; onlj' four mines still remain in the district, but 
the massive stone walls of the costly and splendid 
mill, and the brick walls of the elegant office and 
mansion connected with the works, mark the scene 
of the once busy place, monuments of great expec- 
tations and wasteful extravagance. 



Reveille is in a mining district of the same name, 
in the Eeveille, a continuation of the Pancake, range 
of mountains, about thirtj'-five miles southeast of 
Tybo. Ore was discovered in August, 18G6, by W. 
O. Arnold, M. D. Fairchild and Alonzo Monroe, and 
a district was at once organized, and named in honor 
of the Reese River Reveille, of Austin. By the ensu- 
ing year fifty mines were in course of development, 
and the ore shipped to Austin and other places. A 
town sprung into being, containing two stores, a 
blacksmith shop, a boarding-house, a post-office, and 
150 inhabitants. 

In 1S69 a five-stamp mill, and another one of ten 
stamps, were built about twelve miles west of the 
town, where water was to be had in abundance. 
They were operated only a short time owing to the 
failure of the company interested. In 1875 the ten- 
stamp mill again started up, and was run at inter- 
vals for four years, producing about 81.500,000 worth 
of bullion. It then ceased operations. In the spring 
of 1880 work was stopped on all the mines and the 
town was abandoned, but the indications are that it 
will again be re-peopled. 

The number of locations in the district is !»50. The 
formation is of limestone, quartzite and porphyiy, 
and runs northeast and southwest, the veins running 
with it and dipping to the east at an angle of forty 
degrees. Most of the ores are free-milling. The 
base ores contain lead and antimony. The jirinci- 
pal mines are the tiila, Spj', Liberty, Fisherman, 
Good Hope, La Salle, and Joliet. The Gila mine has 
a shaft 4G0 feet deep and a tunnel a thousand feet 
long. 

The water supply of Keveille is obtained from 
wells, and is insufficient. Wood is scarce, but there 
is an amjilc supplj- of nut pine and cedar ten or 
twelve miles distant. The mining records are kept 
by J. U. Taylor, of Grantsville. Much of the ore of 
this district has averaged from 875 to 8100 per ton, 
and in several instances has j'ieldcd 81,500 per ton. 
Reveille District is remarkably healthj% most of 
the deaths which have occurred having originated 
from accidents. There have been some cases of 
pneumonia. The town of Reveille now consists of 
one hotel, a saloon, post-office, butcher shop, livery 
stable, and a blacksmith shop, and about thirty 
inhabitants. The buildings are constructed of wood 
and stone. Freight is hauled from Eureka, a distance 
of 125 miles, at a cost of two and one-half cents per 
pound. In the vicinity of Itcveille are five or six 
cattle ranches, but agricultural interests are not 
flourishing. 

Trov is situated on (irant Mountain, about fifty 
miles east of Hot Creek. The nearest post-office is 
Duckwater; the nearest railroad station. Eureka. In 
1867 the attention of A. Bcaty was attracted to 
some float rock in a ravine. Ho immediately sunk a 
shaft on the side hill above and struck ore, and a 
district was soon organized. In 1869 the town of 
Troy was laid otV, and it soon contained two stores, 



HISTORY OF ORMSBY COUNTY. 



527 



a boarding-house, a blacksmith shop, a post-office, 
an express ottit-e and other adjuncts of embryo civil- 
ization. 

In 1871 a twenty -stamp mill was built, with a fur- 
nace in connection. It ran about six months and 
was then moved to Ward. The ore was of such low 
grade that its reduction was considered unprofitable. 
Work ceased on the mines and the town became 
deserted. The formation is slato and limeHtone, run- 
ning northeast and southwest, and dijiping to the 
southeast at an angle of fifty -five degrees. The ores 
are base, containing lead and copper. The principal 
mines are the Clifton, Troy and Blue JOagle. The 
latter has a shaft 300 feet deep and a tunnel 700 feet 
long. The Troy Mine is also well developed. Plenty 
of black pine, nut pine, j-ellow pine and fir are in 
close proximity to the mines. Water is abundant, a 
fine creek flowing past the town and mines. Freight 
is teamed from Eureka, 12.") miles distant, at the rate 
of sixty dollars per ton. No ore is now being taken 
out. The mining records are kept by A. Beaty. at 
Blue Eagle IJanch. There are seventy miners in 
the district. 

Tybo is twelve miles south of llot Creek, and 
about forty miles southeast of Belmont, in a mining 
district of the same name, which is situated on the 
eastern slope of the Hot Creek Mountains. Ore was 
discovered in 18G6, and in 1870 some important loca- 
tions were made, including the Two (x Mine, bj- Dr. 
Gallj- and M. V. B. Gillett. Tybo District was or- 
ganized in 1870, being composed of the southeast 
portion of Empire I)istrict. In 1874, the town of 
Tybo was started in Tybo Canon, about two miles 
from its mouth at Hot Creek Valley. John Centers 
was its first settler, having made bis home there in 
August, 18CG. Its altitude is 0,500 feet, and it is 
surrounded by fine mountain scenery. 

Soon after the organization of the district, a 
smelting furnace was built at the town, and put in 
operation, and in 1875 still another furnace was 
built, and also a twenty-stamp mill. In 1S7(! the 
town contained five stores, two blacksmith shops, 
numerous saloons and 1,000 inhabitants. From the 
opening of the mines until 1879, most of the ore 
worked in the district was smelted, but in that year 
the process of crushing and roasting was adopted, 
since which time the smelting furnaces have not been 
ran. Closing them threw more than 400 men out of 
employment, and the town commenced declining. 
The present population is 100. It contains three 
hotels, one saloon, two restaurants, two livery stables, 
a post-office, an express office, an assay office and a 
blacksmith shop. Pneumonia is the only disease 
which can be called prevalent, for the whole region 
is remarkable healthy. The buildings are of wood 
and stone. The fuel supply is obtained from the 
mountains, at distances varjnng from ten to twenty 
miles. 

The Tybo Consolidated Company has two furnaces, 
having a total daily capacity of eighty tons, and a 



twenty-stamp mill. The water supply is obtained 
from s])rings, which are private property. Eureka 
is the most convenient railroad station, 100 miles 
distant, and the I'reight rate by team therefrom is 
two dollars per 100 pounds. 

Tj'bo has a Good Templar's lodge, a brick school- 
house, 18x20 foot in size, with twentj'-tive pupils in 
attendance; and the taxable property of the town- 
ship is valued at §200,000. In the vicinitj^ of the 
town are numerous tine ranches, and about 2,000 
head of horses and cattle. The Tybo Sun was 
started in 187(1 by Mr. Ragsdale, who sold out to 
\Vm. B. Taylor. William Love and D. M. Braunan 
in turn succeeded Taylor, and in 1879 the paper sus- 
pended. The jail consists of a stockade, and is, 
fortunatelj', but little used. Several shooting affrays 
occurred at Tybo during its palmy days, resulting 
fatally; but the victims and the slayers were desper- 
adoes, and little attention was paid to the matter. 

The reduction mill is now working about twenty- 
five tons per day, which average about twenty-five 
dollars per ton. The formation of the district is 
limestone and porphj-ry, running east and west, the 
veins running with the formation, and dipping nearly 
perpendicularly. The ores are base, containing lead, 
iron and zinc, and seven-eighths silver and one-eighth 
gold. The principal mines are the Lafayette, Casket 
and Two tr. The latter is the most thoroughly 
developed, having a shaft 450 feet in depth. The 
vein is very regular and dips slightly to the north- 
east. The ore is principally gray and yellow car- 
bonates and argentiferous galena. The tunnel is 
3,000 feet in length, extending through the three 
principal mines. The mill is supplied with water 
from the mines. It contains twenty stamps and a 
White roaster. The records of the district are kept 
by George Turin. Total number of locations, 100. 



CHAPTER LL 
HISTORY OF ORMSBY COUNTY. 

Emigrants ami Early .Settlura — Organization of Drmsby County 
— Appointinunta and Elections — Topograiihy of County — 
E;irly .Settlers — .Samuel A. Nevers — Aaron D. Treadway— 
Warren Wasson — AVilliam I). Torreysou — Advent of .\bram 
Curry — Resources— Mines and Mining--(Juartz Mills — .Saw 
mills — Toll-ro.ids — Court House — County Divideil into 
Townships — (iame — State I'ri.son — Carson City — Hon. Chas. 
]•'. Hioknell — Hon. Trenmor ColKn--Mouroe A. Drieahadi — 
H. H. Hence— \V. M. Cary— M. D. Hatch— .1. H. Marshall 
— Duncan McKae — Mathias Kinckel — Harrison Slirieves — 
tieorge C. Thaxter. 

The historj' of Ormsbj- blends with, and has its 
source in the earliest history of western Nevada, 
when the region formed part of Carson County of 
the Territory of Utah. The Carson Hiver flows 
northeasterly through the county, and along its valley 
came the trappei-s, explorers and emigrants in the 
dim period of the past, in their search for game, for 
new transcontinental routes and mountain passes, 
and for new homos on the shores of the Pacific. Of 



528 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



the early trappers and explorers. Kit Carson has 
left his name applied to the beautiful river that first 
greets the thirsty traveler from the East and points 
the way to the crossing of the Sierra, and of the 
early settlers, Ormsby leaves his name to the county. 
For many years the white strangers came and went, 
leaving but their tracks to tell of their passage. 
Some had tarried a few months, and a few localities 
in the valley were said to have been " settled," but 
the great emigration of 1849 — of preceding and 
later years was for California, and the beautiful 
valley of the Carson was still a wilderness. 

In November, 1851, a party of men from the 
placer mines of California, seeking gold on the east- 
ern slope, were attracted by the advantages offered 
for agriculture and trading purposes and located 
upon ground where now stands the city of Carson. 
These were Joseph and Frank Barnard, George Fol- 
lensbee, A. J. Rollins, Frank and W. L. Hall. Kill- 
ing an eagle on the spot, and preserving the stuffed 
skin as a trophy, which was used as a sign for their 
station, the place bec.ime known as Engle Valley. 
This was the first settlement of the region under 
review. Xo government yet threw its protecting 
segis over the county. The whole region was a part 
of Utah. 

On the seventeenth of Januarj-, 1852, the county 
of Carson was formed by Act of the Territory, 
including all the inhabited portion of the west. This 
early historj-, with the transition from Utah to 
Nevada, belongs more particularly to that of the 
State in which it is fully treated, leaving it necessary 
in this place to refer only to the period since its polit- 
ical organize tion as a county. 

ORGANIZATION OF OR.MSBY OOUNTV. 

Ormsbj' County was created by the Act of the 
Territorial Legislature, approved November 25, 1861, 
with boundai'ies defined as follows: — 

Beginning at the northeastern corner of Douglas 
County, and running easterly along the northern 
boundary thereof to a point where it crosses Kl 
Dorado Cafion; thence down the center of said 
cafion to a point thereon due east of Brown & Com- 
pany's dam. on Carson Kiver; thence in a westerly 
direction, crossing Carson River at said dam; thence 
to the Half-way House, between Carson and Silver 
City; thence northwesterly to the summit of the 
mountains east of Washoe l^ake; thence in a westerly 
course along said summit to the tops of the Sierras; 
thence due west to the California line; thence south 
along sai<l line to the place of beginning. 

The name of Ormsby was given in honor of Maj. 
William M. Ormsby, one of its ])ioneer and most 
prominent citizens, who had recently been slain in 
battle with the Indians, 

Geographically it is bounded on the north by 
Washoe and Lyon Counties, east by Lyon, south by 
Douglas and west by Placer County, in California. 

The Legislature having ]>assed the Act creating 
the county, met in Joint session on the twenty-third 
of November, two days before the approval of the 



bill, and chose three County Commissioners — H. F. 
Rice, J. S, Albro and F, A. Tritle being the Com- 
missioners then chosen for Ormsby County. 

By an Act approved November 28, 18G1, a special 
election was ordered throughout the Territory for 
county, township and Territorial officers, to be held 
on the second Tuesday in January, 1802, and pro- 
viding that the officers then chosen should enter 
upon their duties on the first Monday of February 
ensuing. 

By Act of the same Legislature, approved Novem- 
ber 29, 1801, the rounty seat of Ormsby was located 
at Carson City. 

We have now the new countj', with its bounda- 
ries, county seat, commissioners, officers and stat- 
utes providing for the complete organization of its 
srovcrnment. The Commissioners held their first 
meeting on the twenty-fourth of December, 1861, 
and Mr, H. F, Rice was chosen Chairman, Under 
the general statates of the Territory they were re- 
quired to organize election precincts and establish 
polls, providing for the election to be held on the 
ensuing fourteenth of January, The county was 
declared to be one precinct, with polls established at 
the following places: — 

Polls No. 1 Carson City at Ormsby House 

" " 2 Empire City at Kinney's Hotel 

" " 3 Clear Creek., .at Haskell's Saw-mill 

" " 4 at Half-way House 

The following-named gentlemen were appointed 
to act as Judges of the Election: — 

Polls No, 1 — W. G. Bingham, W. D. Torreyson and 
Seymour Pixley. 

Polls No. 2 — H, Kinney, Abe Jones and D. C. 
Clark 

Polls No. 3— H, G. Haskell, R. Walton and Chas. 
Jones. 

Polls No. 4— W, F. Bryant, H. Howell and Geo. 
Pringle. 

APPOINTMENTS AND ELECTIONS, 

The following is a complete record of the officers 
of Ormsby Countj-, elected and appointed since the 
organization in IStil, The first election was on the 
fourteenth of January, 1862, specially ordered by 
the Territorial Legislature. At this election the fol- 
foUowing-namcd persons were candidates: Clerk, 
Parker II. Pierce, and Charles W. Curry; Recorder, 
S. D. King; Sheritl', William L. Marloy, D. J. 
Gasherie, and Thomas J, Bradford; Assessor, O, H. 
Pearson, (ieorge Chandler, A, H. Greenhalgh, and H. 
H. llerrick; Collector, D, L. Huntsman, J. H. Cor- 
mack, L. D, Strong, and S. G. Lane; Treasurer, W. 
D. Torreyson, Charles C. Conger, and Samuel Doak; 
Surveyor, James S. Lawson; Superintendent of 
Schools, Rev. A. F. White: County Commissioners, 
George L. Gibson, H. Smith, George W. Chedic, A. 
Treadway, James Sanderson, W. S. Goodridgo, and 
eight others receiving from 1 to 17(> votes; Justices 
of the Peace and Constables were also elected at the 
same time, there being fourteen candidates for the 



HISTORY OF ORMSBY COUNTY. 



529 



latter position. The Cleric was ex officio County \ 
Auditor. Tlie liigliest vote was 998, for A. F. White, , 
who had no opponent for Superintendent of Schools. 

SENATORS. 

Gavin D. Hall and J. C. liewis, elected Septem- 
ber 3, 1862, the total vote was 1,080; Abram Curry, 
elected September 2, 18G3, total vote 779; E. li. Cox, 
elected September 7, 1864, total vote 1,240. The gen- 
tlemen elected to the Senate and Assembly wore 
chosen under the Territorial organization, and as the 
State Constitution was adopted at this time, none of 
them could serve under it in the capacity for which 
they were chosen. This necessitated another elec- 
tion to fill these otHces on the following eighth of 
November. Jonas Seely and A. J. Loekwood, elected 
November 8. 1864, total vote 1,273. Seely resigned 
June 13, 18G6. Theo. D. Edwards and B. H. Meder, 
elected November 6, 1866, total vote 743. Edwards 
was elected for the long term, and B. 11. Meder for 
the short term. D. R. Brown, elected November 3, 
1868, total vote 919; Israel Crawford, elected Novem- 
ber 8, 1870, total vote 866; A. J Loekwood, elected 
November 5, 1872, total vote 930; T. D. Edwards, 
elected November 3, 1874, total vote 1,156; W. O. H. 
Martin, elected November 7, 1876, total vote 1,346; 
B. H. Meder, elected November 5. 1878, total vote, 
1,056; John D. Hammond, elected November 2, 1880, 
total vote 1,102. 

ASSEMBLYMEN. 

A. Curry, A. D. Treadway and W. 11. Brumtield, 
elected September 3, 1862; \V. H. Brumfield and 
Wellington Stewart, elected September 2, 1863; S. 
D. King, J. E. W. Casey and S. C. Denson, elected 
September 7, 1864. The gentlemen elected to the 
Assembly were chosen under the Territorial organ- 
ization and as the State Constitution was adopted at 
this time, none of them could serve under it in the 
capacity for which they were chosen. This necessi- 
tated another election to till these offices on the fol- 
lowing eighth of November. S. C. Denson, L. C. 
McKeeby and J. E. W. Casey, elected November 8, 
1864; Orion Clemens, T. D. Edwards and George 
Munckton elected November 7, 1865; Horace H. 
Bence, George Munckton and U. A. Horton, elected 
November 6, 1866; S. C. Wright, Wm. H. Corbitt 
and John Hansen, elected November 3, 1868; A. J. 
Loekwood, J. A. Burlingame and J. R. Cowen, elected 
November 8, 1870; Jacob Tobriner, W. D. Keyser 
and I). B. Lj'man, elected November 5, 1872; J. W. 
Haynie, Alfred Helm and S. E. Jones, elected Novem- 
ber 3, 1874; H. R. Mighels, H. G. Parker and W. 
P. Mcintosh,' elected November 7, 1876. Mighels 
resigned Noveinhcr 7, 1878. E. F. Gibson, T. W. W. 
Davies and II. II. Howe, elected November 5, 1878; 
Trenmor CotHn, Eugene May and William Havener, 
elected November 2, 1880. 

COUNTY COMMISSIONERS. 

H. F. Rice, J. S. Albro and F. A. Trille were 
appointed by a joint session of the Legislaturdt 
November 23, 1861, when three Commissioners were 



named for each county. George L. Gibson, H. 
Smith and Geo. W. Chedic, elected January 14, 1862. 
July 8, 1862, (leo. W. Hopkins was chosen to fill the 
position of County Commissioner in place of Smith, 
who had removed from the county; Hopkins had 
been appointed by the (rovernoroii the thirty-first of 
the previous May. Abraham Jones, J. Sanderson and 
Adolphus Waitz, elected September 3, 1862. The 
Commissioners drew terms of office — Waitz three 
years, Jones two years and Sanderson one year; 
Jones removed from the State, and John Tarbell was 
appointed .January 8, 1863; E. C. Dixon was ap- 
pointed July 6, 1863. A. M. Elsworth and L. D. 
Strong, elected September 2, 1863. Elsworth resigned 
December 10, 1863, and Samuel Ripley was appointed. 
Ripley did not serve, and Hazard Webster was ap- 
pointed January 2, 1864. Webster did not qualify, 
and E. W. Whitman was appointed March 24, 1864. 
Whitman resigned, and S. E. Jones was appointed 
July 1, 1864; J. R.- Mason and H. F. Rice were 
appointed March 24, 1864. U. F. Rice, S. Bucking- 
ham and S. E. Jones, elected September 7, 1864; 
H. F. Rice, S. Eugene Jones and John Bunker, 
elected November 6, 1866. Bunker resigned March 
31, 1868; A. B. Driesbach, appointed April 15, 1868. 
H. F. Rice, A. B. Driesbach and S. E. Jones, elected 
November 3, 1868; J. E. Cheney and A. B. Saben, 
elected November 8, 1870. Cheney resigned July 7, 
1873, M. C. (lardner, appointed. B. H. Meder and 
James Morris, elected November 5, 1872; George 
Gillson and James Morris, elected November 3, 1874; 
O. P. Willis and James Morris, elected November 7, 
1876; John E. Cheney and M. Hogan, elected 
November 5, 1878; S. E. Jones and Israel Crawford, 
elected November 2, 1880. 

PROBATE JUDGES. 

E. C. Dixon was appointed by the Executive 
December 14, 1861, resigned July 13, 1863, and S. H. 
Wright appointed to the vacancy; S. H. Wright was 
elected September 2, 1863. The office ceased with 
the organization of the State Government in 1864. 

DISTRICT ATTORNEYS. 

Dighton ('arson was appointed by the Executive 
December 18, 1861. The district, according to the 
apportionment made by Governor Nye July 17, 1861, 
included all of Nevada west of the one hundred and 
eighteenth meridian west from Greenwich. S. D. 
H^ng,/" elected Prosecuting Attorney September 2, 
f863, resigned; T, D. Edwards api)ointed October 2, 
1sb». Edwards resigned February 10, 18(i4, Thos. 
ESJJaydon appointed. R. M. Clark, elected Septem- 
ber 7, 1864; Samuel C. Denson, elected November 6, 
1866, re-elected November 3, 1868, resigned Decem- 
ber 7; 1868, Thomas Wells appointed, April 6, 1870. 
Wells ^*.as succeeded by Wm. Patterson. Patterson 
was elected November 8, 1S70, reelected November 
5, 1872, and November 3, 1874; Trenmor Coffin, 
elected November 7, 1876; M. A. Driesbach, elected 
November 5, 1878; Horace F. Bartine, elected No- 
vember 2, 1880. 



y 



530 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



COUNTi' SHERIFFS. 

Win. L. Marley was appointed by the Executive 
December 9, 1861; D. J. Gasherie elected January 
14, 1862, re-elected September 3, 18G2; T. G. Smith, 
elected September 7, 1S(J-1, re-elected November G, 
1866; killed in the discharge of his duty December 17, 

1867, A. W. Nightintjill appointed December 19, 1867, 
resigned September 7, 1808, and T. J. Edvvards was 
appointed. S. T. Swift, elected November 3, 1868, 
re-elected November 8, 1870, November 5, 1872, 
November 3, 1874, and November 7, 1876; Lloyd 
Hill, elected November 5, 1878; S. T. Swift, elected 
November 2, 1880. 

COUNTV CLERKS. 

Parker H. Pierce, appointed by the Executive 
December 21, 1861, elected, January 14, 1862; Chas. 
W. Curry, elected September 3, 1862. Samuel H. 
Wright, appointed May 4, 1863, in ])lace of Curry, 
deceased. Wright resigned July 2, 1863, to become 
Probate Judge, and Silas Caulkins was appointed, 
and elected Se])tember 2, 1863, resigned Jul}' 4, 1864, 
and B. F. Small appointed. H. B. Pomroy, elected 
September 7, 1864; M. J. Ashmore, elected Novem- 
ber 6, 1866, resigned November 10, 1S6S, and O. 11. 
Parker appointed; T. J. Edwards, elected November 
3, 1868, re-elected November 8, 1870, re-elected No- 
vember 5, 1872, re-elected November 3, 1874, re- 
elected November 7, 1876, resigned March 3, 1877, 
and Alfred Helm appointed; J. II. Marshall, elected 
November 5, 1878; M. D. Hatch, elected November 

2, 1880. 

COUNTY TREASUUEllS. 

Phillip Stoner, appointed bj- the Executive Decem- 
ber 14, 1861; W. D. Torreyson, elected January 14, 

1862, re-elected September 3, 1862; John Wagner, 
elected September 7, 1864; Horatio S. Mason, elected 
November 6, 1866, re-elected November 3, 1868, No- 
vember 8, 1870, and November 5, 1872; II. J. Peters, 
elected November 3, 1874, re-elected November 7, 
1876, resigned August 27, 1877, and James Fraser 
appointed; M. L. Yager, elected November 5, 1878; 
James Fraser, elected November 2, 1880. 

COUNTY ASSESSORS. 

O, H. Pearson, elected January 14, 1862, re-elected 
November 3, 18(!2, resigned April 17, 18()3, and H. H. 
Bence appointed. Bence was elected September 2, 

1863, re-elected September 7, 1S64; Geo. W. Chedic, 
elected November 6, 1866, re-elected November 3, 

1868, re-elected November 8, 1870; J. P. Winnie, 
elected November 5, 1872, re-elected November 3, 
1874; E. B. Pixley. elected November 7, 1876; H. 11. 
Bence, elected November 5, 1878; Jno. I). Kersey, 
elected November 2, 1880. 

COUNTY RECORDERS. 

S. D. King, elected Januarj' 14, 1S(;2, re-elected 
September 3, 1862; S. D. King, Sr., elected Septem- 
ber 7, 1864, re-elected November 6, 1866, November 

3, 1868, and November 8, 187(1. Samuel D. King, Jr., 
ap])ointed virvH. D. Fiing, deceased, Novcmbei- ■< IH72. 
F. D. Turner, elected November 3, 1874, n ccted 



November 7, 1876, November 5, 1878, and November 

2, 1880. 

COUNTY SUPERINTENDENTS OF SCHOOLS. 

Rev. A. F. White, elected January 14, 1862, re- 
elected September 3, 1862, resigned June 5, 1863, 
and was succeeded by A. C. Knox. Knox resigned 
and Chas. L. Anderson was appointed. Anderson 
was elected Se))tember 2, 1863; W.B. Lawler, elected 
Sejjtembcr 7, 1864; B. F. Bivins, elected November 
6, 1866; Chas. Martin, elected November 3, 1868, 
resigned August 16, 1869, and E. R. Parkinson ap- 
pointed. L. S. Greenlaw, elected November 8, 1870, 
re-elected November 5, 1872, re-elected November 

3, 1874; E. A. Moody, elected November 7, 1876; L. 
S. Greenlaw, elected November 5, 1878, re-elected 
November 2, 1880. 

COUNTY SURVEYORS. 

James S. Lawson, appointed by the Executive 
December 11, 1861, elected January 14, 1862; Porter 
C. Rector, elected September 3, 1862; J. M. Ackley, 
elected September 7, 1864, resigned December 4, 

1865, Butler Ives was appointed. Ives did not qualify 
and Richard A. Chase was appointed February 5, 

1866, and again June 5, 1866. Abram Curry, elected 
November 6, 1866; R. A. Chase, elected November 
3, 1868; did not qualify, and H. J. Barker was 
appointed December 6, 1869. R. A. Chase, elected 
Novembers, 1870; succeeded June 3, 1871, by Hugo 
Hochholzcr; Hoehholzer was elected November 5, 
1872. Office vacated for non-residence June 1, 1874, 
and Alexander Mitchell appointed. C. L. Anderson, 
elected November 3, 1874, failed to qualify, and H. H. 
Bence was appointed January 11, 1875. V. Hoyt, 
elected November 7, 1876—1878 none elected, 1880 
ditto. 

PUBLIC ADMINISTRATORS. 

Gregory A. Sears, elected November 6, 1866, 
resigned, H. H. Bence appointed September 2, 1867; 
II. H. Bence, elected November 3, 1868, re-elected 
November 8, 1870. Office vacated for failure to file 
additional bond January 2, 1872, and George G. Lj'on 
appointed Febniiuy 17, 1872. J. O. Pierce, elected 
November 5, 1872, failed to qualify, and John P. 
Mcder appointed December 13, 1873; J. P. Meder, 
elected November 3, 1874, re-elected November 7, 
1876. Office vacated May 7, 1877, for failure to file 
additional bond and J. D. Kersey appointed June 4, 
1877; B. l'\ Foster, elected November 5, 1878; Mar- 
shall Robinson, elected November 2, 1880. 

THE TOPOGRAPHY OF THE COUNTY. 

The Act defining the boundaries had given the 
county an area of 172 sipiurc miles, including lake, 
mountain and valley, being the smallest county of 
the Territory. The area of water was its portion of 
Lake Talioc, comprising twenty-seven square miles, 
the mountainous portion embraces near 100 square 
miles, the remainder being valley. The form of the 
county is ])eculiar; being of very irregular shape, its 
greater length being along its southern border, a nar- 
row arm of about six miles in width reaching out to 



HISTORY OF ORMSBY COUNTY. 



531 



the lake on the west, while the body spreads out in 
the vallej' of the Carson River. 

The mountains of the west are the Sierra Nevada, 
and east of the Carson Kiver is the Pine Xut range. 
The first rise to an altitude of between 7,(100 and 
8,000 feet above the level of the sea and are covered 
with a grand forest of jnne and other coniferous 
trees, from which lumber, firewood and charcoal are 
obtained in large quantities. Thisluniber and other 
))ro<Uu'ts of the forest arc brought to market by rail- 
road and flumes, which are fully treated upon else- 
where in this work under their ap])ropriate headings. 
The Pino Xut Mountains of the eastern portion of 
the county were so named from being clothed with 
that species of tree, but the demands of the minor 
and the quartz mills long since demanded their 
denudation, leaving them bleak and barren. 

The valley of the Carson River widens, after enter- 
ing Ormsbj- County, a bi-oad arm of it reaching sev- 
eral miles westward to the base of the Sierra, and 
bears the local appellation of Eagle Valley. This has 
an area of about twenty-five square miles, is fertile 
in soil, abounding in water, and is exceediiiglj- pic- 
turesque in scenery. The pine-clad spurs of the 
Sierra Nevada rise abruptly in the west, a spur from 
it and outlying bills border it on the east and south, 
and in the north the gold and silver- bearing hills 
that inclose the great Comstock Lode limit the vis- 
ion. In the northeast, following the course of the 
river, the valley of the Carson opens a distant hori- 
zon. The altitude of the valley at Carson City is 
4,015 feet above the sea, and of the river as it leaves 
the county, 3,850 feet. The height of the mountain 
ridge bordering Lake Tahoe is 7,312 feet, and of the 
lake 6,137. The Pine Nut range within the county 
attains an altitude of about (i.OOO feet. 

The principal river is the Carson, running north- 
erly, with a sinuous course of about eighteen miles 
within the county. This is a stream of variable vol- 
ume, flooded with the rains and melting snows of 
winter and spring, and dwindling to a stream of ten 
yards in width, and less than a foot in depth in the 
summer and fall. 

Clear Creek is a mountain torrent in the season of 
floods, having a short course from its source in the 
Sierra Nevada to its junction with the Carson. 

Mill Creek is a small but rapid stream flowing from 
the Sierra and entering Eagle Valley near Carson 
City, its rapid fall making it valuable for propelling 
machinerj-, hence its name. 

El Dorado Cafion, which borders the county on 
the east, sometimes bears a stream of water in its 
bed, and these with a few rivulets in the Sierra Ne- 
vada constitute the water courses of Ormsby. 

Eagle Valley embraces the greatest area of arable 
land. A small portion of it was originally covered 
with natural grasses, but the greater portion was 
covered by sage-brush. Hy means of cultivation and 
irrigation it has been made ])roductivc. producing 
the best of grain and vegetables. Trees have boon 



planted which flourish luxuriantly, and with farms 
made, roads and ditches constructed, the natural 
appearance of the country is greatlj- changed. In 
the vallej- arc the principal towns and settlements of 
the county, the most important being Carson City, 
Empire CAty and Warm S)irings. 

For a full statement of the products of the county 
from 18G7 to 1880, the number of acres under culti- 
vation, the stock and grain raised, and the fruit trees 
and vines growing, the reader is referred to pages 
135, 136, 139, 140 and 141, of the general history. 
For the bullion ]iroduct of the county see table else- 
where in this work. 

EARLY SETTLERS. 

We have already given the names of Joseph and 
Frank J3arnard, George Foliensbee, A. J. Rollins, 
Frank and W. L. Hall, as the locators of Eagle 
Ranch, in November, 1851. These men opened a 
trading-post, cultivated a garden and made hay, 
enjoying a profitable business until 1854, when they 
sold it for the sum of 82,000 to Messrs. Reese and 
Barnard, who had previously been established at 
Mormontown, or Genoa, as it was subsequently 
called. In 1855, Reese it Barnard sold the ranch to 
some Mormons, several families of whom had settled 
in the valky. This route had now become the 
favorite one tor trains of emigrants and droves of 
stock passing between the Eastern States, Salt Lake 
and California, until bj- 1857 the grass was entirely 
eaten out " root and branch." Then the tide of 
travel passed by other routes, and trade declined. 

In 1852 the Legislature of California appropriated 
825,00(1 for the relief of destitute emigrants on their 
way overland, and a party was sent out to meet those 
needj^ people. .Vmong the party was Mr. J. T. 
(irifiitb, who camped in Eagle Vallej', explored it 
thoroughly and subaoiiuently returned, and is now a 
resident of Carson City, Of the old settlers it is 
inenlioiicd that Dr. B. L. King, after whom King's 
Canon is named, came to the valley in 1852, and at 
one time kept a place of public resort at tho old 
brewery, west of the present city of Carson. Accom- 
panying him were his daughters, Sarah and Mrs. M. 
Little. A married daughter of Dr. King still resides 
in the neighborhood. Hiehard Rose was the next 
comer, giving his name to Hose Cafion, and Jacob 
II. Ro.se, now living near Battle Mountain, Charles 
Wolfe, James Menifee, and .Mr. Miller, are names 
recorded in the annals of the pioneer settlers. Tho 
year 1857 is given as the advent of Maj. William M. 
Ormsby, Mr. S. A. Nevers, Mrs. Harmon, her sons, 
John and Jamos, and her daughters, Sarah, Eliza, 
ami Josephine. Charles Stei)biiis was there, tho 
]>roprietor of a store in that eventful year of 1867. 
Mr. S. A. Nevors is credited with building tho first 
dwelling in the vallej', beingthe same in which he now 
rosidesnearCarson. Mr. Homy Fulstone,from whom 
these facts arc obtained, arrived in the vallej- in 
1858 with his fainilj-, consisting of himself and wife, 
and sons, Ilenrj-, Robert. William, John, and Joseph, 



5^2 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



In company with him came also John Bath and wife. 
In 1857 the Mormons were summoned by Brigham 
Young to Salt Lake, which unreasonable and tyran- 
nical behest the deluded and superstitious devotees 
of the Church obe^-ed, and their settlements in 
western Utah were abandoned or disposed of to any 
person offering any price. The same scenes and 
sacrifices enacted here were repeated wherever the 
Mormon Church had a " stake," in Utah, California 
or elsewhere. Those of Eagle Valley went with the 
others, and the region was left with a new element. 
At this time a new man enters upon the scene. 
The following sketch of this person was published 
in the Carson Dally Index of March 20, 1881: — 

Soon after those days a few Mormon families had 
ranches in Eagle Valley. As those people were 
about to remove hence and return to Salt Lake, a 
man named John Mankin, whom the early settlers 
designate as an old pirate, mountaineer and frontiers- 
man, purchased for a mere trifle the possessory right 
and became the owner or claimant of all the valley 
land lying between Nevers' Lane, extending to the 
hills north and south, and the now Prison Hot 
Springs. This man was a widower with four chil- 
dren, one a daughter named Mace, about twelve 
years old. With him lived also an Ute Indian boy 
named " Cap." They resided in a cabin then a 
little northwest of the present town site. 

Mankin was a rough, passionate, illiterate fellow; 
given to quarreling with his neighbors. He was a 
splendid marksman with his rifle, which was his con- 
stant companion, and in his hands a dangerous 
weapon. His unpopularity caused some of the 
" boj's " to plan a scare for him one night. Among 
the part}' were Jim Menifee and Charles Wolfe. 
They might as well, as thej- discovered to their own 
fright, have attempted to catch a weasel asleep. 
Thejf disappeared behind a log-fenced corral not an 
instant too soon to escape a bullet. Mankin was a 
broad-shouldered man of fifty-four years, so active, 
that in sport he would run a race with any one in 
the country, and there were some extraordinarily 
active men here in those days. The distance of 
fifty j'ards would be measured, and Mankin would 
lie flat U|)on his face, and at the word would rise 
and distance all his com])etitors. 

Mankin took a ])arty to the Walker River country 
on the pretense of showing them rich mining pros- 
pects. Once there, he gave them the slip and re- 
turned home. Vov weeks thereafter he ke])t his 
gra}' stallion saddled night and da}-, ready to escajie, 
fearing the return and attack by the men ho had 
deceived, lie also rented some ground to a man 
named Obar, where Mr. Folsom's dwelling and the 
Nj-c stone mansion now stand. There was a dis- 
pute about the area under cultivation, and, as usual 
in those da3-s, the matter was left to referees; in 
this case Theodore Winters and Dr. King being 
chosen to view the ground and report. An im- 
])romptu court was held at Obar's house just north- 
oast of Nevers' present residence, at which John ( 'arj' 
(since dead), an elder brother of our |>resent Police 
Magistrate, W. .M.Car}-, presided. Ex-County Com- 
missioner S. A. Nevers, who resides here, was clerk 
of the Court. During the consideration of the case, 
Mankin stood one side of the f)))en doorwaj- and Dr. 
King the othei- side. .Mankin was balancing himself 
on one foot and looked as though he might at any 
moment kick King under the chin, which he was 



physically capable of doing with ease, while a man 
nicknamed •■ Pike, " who lived with King, reclined 
upon an old table with his hand upon a revolver. 
Behind the last-named individual stood a son of 
.Mankin with a knife up his sleeve. All this was 
plainly seen by the clerk. ]5ut no violence was 
attem])ted. Obar won the suit. His house, where 
the court was held, was built by the Mormons. 
The same cabin was afterwards removed and is now 
a part of the dwelling of our esteemed townsman, 
Farmer Treadway, who purchased the same some 
j-ears later. 

ADVENT OF ABRA.M CURRY. 

For a short period it appears that Mankin and his 
family were the only occupants of the region. But 
a more energetic class, with more civilizing influ- 
ences, was soon to make its appearance. Early in 
1858, there came to western Utah a man of enter- 
prise, ability and energy, whose course was to have 
a decided influence on the future of the Territorj' 
and State. This was Mr. Abram Currj'. His com- 
ing is told in the Nevada Tribune of July 17, 1876: — 

A traveler, weary with riding over the Sierra from 
California, arrived at the ancient village of Mor- 
montown (Genoa), where a town site had been laid 
ofl", the owners expecting to make a great specula- 
tion in the sale of lots therein. Curry was in pur- 
suit of an eligible location to build a store for general • 
merchandising. He examined the town site, and 
soon selected a corner lot to build upon. The price, 
$1,(100, and no less, must be paid. One of the partners 
plead for reduction, the other was unflinching in his 
demands for the sum, or no sale. His stubbornness was 
excelled only by his iiiability to estimate the strength 
and determination of his man, in consequence of 
which the trade was never consummated. The 
stranger mounted his horse, asked for the last time 
for a reduction of terms. The cold, unrelenting 
answer was returned as. before. Our hero replied, 
" Well, then, I will build a city of mj- own," and, 
suiting the action to the word, pressed his spurs to 
the flanks of his alreadj^ restive steed, and, before 
the sun had settled into the laj) of the west, Abram 
Curry was in Kagle \ alloy foi- the purpose of redeem- 
ing his promise of tlio mnrning. Here he was joined 
by B. F. Green, Frank M. Proctor and J. I. ^lusser, 
his companions, who had crossed the mountains with 
him. A Mr. .Mankin was at this time in possession 
of Kaglo Ruich, its eastei-n limits, the Warm Springs 
and State Prison grounds, thence west to a point 
near .Minnesota Street. The party viewed the jn-om- 
ises, and concluded to buy the ranch. Jlr. Mankin 
was asked what was his price, and he answered, 
'•SI, Goo." The purchase was made, the pa)-ment 
being 8500 coin and some mustangs. 

The storj- of Mankin is concluded as follows: -'To 
avoid his creditors he took to the Sierra Nevada 
Mountains between two days, mounted upon his 
gray stallion, and the children and the Indian boy 
on the recently purchased animals. He went to 
Santa (.!ruz,got into a shooting scrape there, and went 
thence south, leaving his daughter, who married in 
Santa Cruz." Upon leaving Fagic \'alley he swore 
eternal vengeance against the Pah-Utes, claiming 
that he had killed fifty of them. 

In September, 1858, .Mr. Curry proposed to lay 
out a town site, which was done, from which date 



k 




G.W HUrrAKER. 




JOHN TWADDLE. 

cec (_■ 





^^^^^^2-^^ 



/a^ 



yU^^ 





UTM.a^TTO/i* mlr 



HISTORY OF ORMSBY COUNTY. 



538 



the locality and the actors pass into the history of 
Carson Cily. 

At this period the population was excecdinpl}' 
gcarec. it being represented that bj- coUcetinji all the 
people in Carson, Washoe and Eagle Vallej-s, enough 
would be present to have three sets in a dance. 
These gatherings usually took ]>lace at Dr. King's 
brewery, which was made a place of public resort. 
The settlers of Eagle Valley regarded the Fiagle 
Ranch as the central point, and it was long before 
any other localitj- bore its specific name. A station 
was established on the overland road where it 
touched the river, three and a half miles from Eagle 
Ranch, which siibsequentlj- bore the name of '• Dutch 
Nicks," the usual name for Nicholas Ambrosia, the 
first settler, but afterwards changed to Empire City. 
Families also located at Clear Creek. Mill Creek, and 
other localities prior to the discovery of the Com- 
stock Lode and the rush of people to Nevada. 

SAMUEL A. NEVERS, 

Son of Ebenezer and Sarah C. (Andrews) Nevers, 
was born in the city of Boston, Massachusetts, 
March 1, 1824. His ancestors as far back as Mr. 
Nevers can recollect were New England people. 
His parents were both natives of Massachusetts, 
his father being born at Lexington, and mother 
at Boston. Young Nevers, was educated in 
the common and high schools of his native 
city; during his minority following the calling of 
book-keeper. On the first day of March, 1849, he 
bid adieu to the scenes of his childhood, and started 
in pursuit of fortune in the golden State of California, 
coming by way of Cape Horn, in the ship Svoeden. 
On the third day of August of the same year he 
landed in San Francisco, and without delay proceeded 
to the mines on Big Bar, at Mokelumne, San Joa- 
(juin County. After one month's trial in search of 
the golden nuggets, he i-eturned to San Francisco 
and spent the winter. In June of the year 1850, he 
went to the mines on American River and worked at 
Rattlesnake Bar, until the fall of 1857, at which 
time he crossed the mountains to Nevada and located 
in Eagle Valley, arriving there October 14. During 
his many years' residence in the sage-brush country, 
he has witnessed the transformation of a desolate wil- 
derness into a thriving and beautiful city. Asa far- 
mer, Mr. Nevers has been successful, through his 
untiring energy and strict attention to business, and 
has sold his crops some seasons at fabulous prices. 
Hay, 8500 per ton and potatoes as high as 8100 per 
to!i. lie was married October 10, 1S59, to May 
Eliza Harman, daughter of J. and Mary (Smilhson) 
llarman, and two children live to bless their union. 
The following are their names and date of birth: — 
Sarah II. horn, August 5, 1860 and John \V. born, 
Januarj' 18, 1869. In politics Mr. Nevers is a Re- 
publican but has held no office except that of County 
Commissioner. His portrait will be found on another 
page. Mrs. Nevers is a native of Monroe County, 
Mississippi, born April 29, 1830. 
67 



AARON D. TREADWAY, 

One of the pioneers of the State and the subject of 
the following sketch, is a native of the Slate of 
Connecticut, born in the town of Middletown, .March 
1, 1815. At the age of sixteen years he was appren- 
ticed to a brick mason, and mastered that trade dur- 
ing the succeeding four J'ears, when he went to Ma- 
con, Georgia, in 1835, and worked at his trade during 
the winter. In the spring of 1S;^() he went to Illi- 
nois, where ho continued the business until 1847, at 
which time he went as First Lieutenant of Com- 
])any I, Fifth Illinois Regiment, to the Mexican War. 
The regiment was commanded by Colonel Newby. 
Lieutenant Treadwaj- won man}' laurels as an officer, 
and was discharged at Alton, Illinois, in the fall of 
1848. In the Spring of 1849 he came to California, 
arriving at Weaverville, Trinitj' Countj', in the month 
of July. Alter a short stay at the last-named place 
he went to Sutter's Mill, in El Dorado County, 
and from there to Sacramento Citj', where he re- 
mained until he came to what is now Washoe, in 
Nevada, in 1859. Mr. Tread way has done much to 
build up the country in which he has resided dur- 
ing the past twenty-two j-ears, always an active, 
enterprising business man, recognized as authority 
on anything pertaining to the cultivation of the soil, 
and is known throughout the State as '• Farmer 
Tread way." In 186(! he bought the land known as 
Trcadway Park, and hy diligent labor has produced 
for the pleasure of the people a park second to none 
in the State. It is situated on \Vashington Avenue, 
of easy access from Carson City, and the thousands 
who visit the place during the summer months speak 
volumes in favor of it as a summer resort. A view 
of the park is to be found in this work. 

COL. WARREN WASSON 

Is a gentleman with whom the readers of this history 
are already familiar, he being one of the earliest of 
the pioneers, and prominent in the Indian wars of 
Nevada. Colonel VVasson was born at Harpersville, 
Broome County, Now York, December 25, 1833, a 
"Merry Christmas " gift. When but three years of 
age, his parents moved with him to Illinois, and of 
the Prairie State are his earliest recollections. In 
1849 ho crossed the j)lain8 in company with his 
father and Judge John II. McKune, now of Sacra- 
mento, California. In 1851 he returned to the East 
by water, and again made the journey overland the 
following year. In 1S57 he came to the eastern slope, 
then a part of the Territoi-}- of Utah. 

About the first of December, 1858, he located Big 
Hot Springs, about five miles from Beckwourth's 
Pass, claiming, by location, two miles of Long Valley, 
being one mile each waj- from the spring. In the 
following January he occujiied his new ranch with 
100 head of cattle and twenty horses, having with 
him one hired man named William Harley. Hero 
he met and made friends with Xiimaga, also men- 
tioned in the Indian history, and on the twentieth of 



534 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 




February, 1859, bargained with him for all the rights 
the Pah-L'tc8 had to the valley for a distance of nine 
miles of its length. In the following month, Deer 
Dick, chief of the Washoe tribe of Indians, came and 
demanded pay for the land, denying the Pah-Uto 
Jurisdiction and his right to cede the land of the 
Washoes. Another purchase was therefore made, 
and peaceful occupation followed. 

On the twentieth of June, 1859, James Morgan, 
with three others, moved into the valley and settled 
fifteen miles below Hot Springs, thus making six 
settlers, and these were the first inhabitants of Long 
Valley. On the twent3--fifth of the same month, 
Wasson was elected a delegate to the Genoa Con- 
vention, which met on the eighteenth of July to 
organize a provisional government, (see chapter X. 
of this book). In August, 1859, he sold his Long 
Valley properly to J. Hood, and moved to Genoa. 
The following September, Wasson received the 
appointment of Deputy United States Marshal from 
Judge Cradlebaugh. 

In the winter of 1859 and spring of 1860 he visited 
Mono, Walker and Pyramid Lakes, making the 
acquaintance of the Pah-Ute Indians and becoming 
familiar with the country, which knowledge was 
afterwards of great service to him in the Indian 
difficulties which followed. He also purchased a 
ranch near Genoa which he held vi el arinis, as else- 
where related. 

Colonel Wasson has hold several public positions, j 
beginning with that of Deputy Marshal above ; 
referred to, followed bj' Acting Indian Agent for a 
long period, although others held the commission. 
-March 6, 1862, he was appointed United States Mar- 



shal of Nevada Territory by Abraham Lincoln, which 
position he resigned December 25, 1864, being suc- 
ceded by Edward Irwin. August 29, 1862, he was 
appointed and confirmed Assessor of Internal Reve- 
nue for Nevada, thus holding two important posi- 
tions at the same time. He continued as Assessor 
until June 1, 1869, being succeeded by Warren F. 
Myers. He has also held three military commissions, 
twice as Lieutenant Colonel on the Staff of Governor 
Blaisdel, and once the same rank as aid to Governor 
Bradley. 

Colonel Wasson was, married Ma}' 29, 1867, to Miss 
Grace A. Treadway, of Carson, a lady of superior 
beaut}-, intellect and refinement, and a family of 
seven daughters and one son bless the union. 

After a residence of twenty-four years in Nevada, 
the Colonel declares his intention of moving to Ore- 
gon and there making his future home. 

RESOURCES. 

The wealth and prosperity of Ormsby County are 
evidences that it possesses resources of an important 
character. Situated centrally in the most thickly 
peopled belt of the " Eastern Slope." it derives great 
profit from the trade and travel its favorable position 
demands. Trade with passing emigrants incited the 
first settlers, who had the additional incentive of 
seeking gold in the soil of the valley or ravines enter- 
ing it. The pastoral and agricultural resources 
seemed the most reliable to the early settlers, and 
these were most cultivated. 

Eagle Vallej^ contains the greater part of the ara- 
ble land of the count}'. This contains about 16,000 
acres, the greater part of which is susceptible of cul- 
tivation. The soil is fertile, and produces the best 
of grain and vegetables. The Surveyor General of 
Nevada in his report for 1880, says that " about 5,000 
acres of this valley are inclosed with good fences, a 
large part of which is in a fine state of cultivation." 
Along the Carson River and in some of the cafionsof 
the Sierra, are small tracts of arable land. The Car- 
son River opens a channel of trade with the heavily 
timbered mountain region about its source, and im- 
mense ([uantities of lumber, firewood, etc.. are floated 
down the stream, the greater part of which is taken 
from the water in this county. 

A largo area, comprising more than 40,000 acres, 
extending into the Sierra Nevada, was originally 
heavily timbered, and, although much has been 
taken, this forest still constitutes an important 
resource. In connection with this interest are the 
various small mountain streams, which afford power 
for manufacturing the forest trees into lumber. 
These are Clear Creek, Mill Creek and King's Canon 
and small streams flowing into Lake Tahoe. The 
Carson also affords a groat water-power, and nu- 
merous quartz and saw-mills are propelled by its 
force. Those streams furnish a perpetual power for 
manufacturing purposes. 

The mineral resources have not been developed, 
but at different periods have attracted considerable 



I 



HISTORY OF ORMSBY COUNTY. 



535 



attention. The Nut Pine Mountains bear many 
ledges of gold and silver-bearing quartz, as well as 
gold in placers. Iron and copper ores are also found 
in the same range, and !i bed of lignite, once mined 
for coal, exists in El Dorado Cafion. The dearth 
of Tvater in this region is a serious obstacle to its 
development. The placer mines have given evidence 
of the mineral wealth. "For a few weeks," says 
Kelly's Director)- of Nevada for 1862, " while the 
water lasted, some twenty men made half an ounce 
a day each, working surface diggings at Onion Val- 
ley, in Sullivan District. There are other points 
where equally good prospects can be had, but there 
is no water." 

In the foot-hills of the Sierra Nevada are numerous 
quartz veins which have been sufficiently prospected 
as to demonstrate the existence of gold and silver in 
their stony embrace. The abundance of wood and 
water, so essential to successful mining and milling 
operations, in this section of the county is an advan- 
tage it possesses seldom obtained in the mining re- 
gions of Nevada. Extending from Clear Creek along 
the base of the mountains across the entire county, 
a distance of eight or ten miles, a series of quartz 
ledges may be traced, all more or less impregnated 
with the precious metals. These mines have been 
worked with spasmodic vigor at various limes, and 
considerable gold and silver has been produced. 

Building stone of several varieties and of most ex- 
cellent quality- is abundant. A quarry of sandstone 
one and a half miles east of the town of Carson is 
especially adapted for architectural purposesand has 
been largel}- used in building the Slate Prison, United 
States Mint, Capitol and other important struct- 
ures. The State Mineralogist reports this species of 
rock as existing in the foot-hills of the Sierra in great 
masses. It is a sedimentary formation, somewhat 
stratified and varying in compactness, easily 
wrought and wearing well. Granite is in great 
abundance in the Sierra Nevada; clay suitable for 
making brick is found in profusion, and marble 
suitable for ornamental as well as other purposes is 
obtained from a bed of that stone five miles northeast 
of Carson City. 

The streams of Ormsby, notably the Carson, bear- 
ing their freight of lumber, mine timbers and fire- 
wood constitute a living and lasting source of wealth. 
Besides being carriers of the forest products, they 
afford irrigation for the arid soil, without which 
there would be no agriculture, no beautiful gardens 
or shady trees about its dwellings, and more than 
all, do they afford the power which drives the manj- 
quartz and saw-mills which furnish remunerative 
employment for so largo a proportion of the popu- 
lation. Added to these are the railroads centering at 
the capital city, the Carson and Colorado reaching to 
the mining regions of the southeast, and the Virginia 
and Truckee extending, in one direction to the mines 
of the Comstock, and in the other to lieno and 
the Pacific Railroad. Willi these improvements and 



natural resources the county presents the condition 
of continued and substantial prosperity. 




/Ui^T^^, <{/^^^-^vJ^^ '^-^ 



William D. Torreyson, the subject of this sketch, 
is a native of the State of Virginia, having been 
born in Unison, Loudoun County. September 5, 
1821. When he was thirteen years of age his 
parents removed to Brooke County, West Virginia, 
where he lived with them until the year 1S55. 
r)uring his stay in Brooke County he learned the 
blacksmith trade, and afterward engaged in the 
manufacture of glass, owning the first glass-works 
built west of the Alleghany Mountains. In 1835 he 
came to the Pacific Coast, and located at Downie- 
ville, Sierra County, California, where he followed 
blacksmithing and mining until 18G0, when he came 
to Carson City, Ormsby Count)-, Nevada, where he 
has since resided. Being one of the early arrivals 
in this place, ho has seen the town grow up around 
him, and has ver)- materiallj- aided the progress of 
several branches of industry, being engaged in 
blacksmithing, milling and mining. He is at pres- 
ent the projiriotor of an extensive wagon manufac- 
tory in connection with a general blacksmithing 
business. .Mr. Torreyson is a man well known 
throughout the county — and respected bj- all — a 
quiet, well-informed gentleman, and an honor to 
the town in which he lives. Ho was married to 
Miss S. C. Brown, of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, De- 
comber 6, 184!t, and has an interesting family of five 
children. 



536 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



HON. H. H. BENCB 

Was born in Jefferson County, New York, February 
16, 1827. His parents were both natives of that 
State. After receiving an ordinarj' common school 
education he learned a trade, which he followed 
until he started for California in 1852, by way of the 
Straits of Magellan, in the steamer Pioneer, arriving 
in San Francisco on the twentieth of August that 
same year. Immcdiatelj' after his arrival he went 
to Calaveras County, and engaged in mining .with 
the usual ups and downs of the miners of those days. 




y^/^; <^ ^ 



In 1858 he contracted the Krazer [liver fever, and 
went with the throng to that region, arriving in the 
month of Jul}-. I'iiiding that ''things are not always 
what the}- seem." be returned to San Francisco in 
the fall an invalid, and soon after went to San Mateo 
and engaged in farniing until he came to Carson 
City, Ormsby County, Nevada, in 1860, where he 
has since remained. In 18(i3, .Mr. Bence was elected 
County Assessor, and held that office until 1866, 
when he was elected to the Assembly. He was 
Public Administrator during the years 1868-69-70, 
and received the appointment as County Surveyor in 
1874, and again elected Assessor in 1878. He was 
also for two years l)e])uty United States Itevenue 
Assessor, and the l)e])uty I'nited Slates Mineral 
Surveyor. Mr. Bence has held otlice longer, as prin- 
cipal and deputy, than any other man in the county. 
As an officer he has faithfully served his county, a 
jiractical man, he became familiar with the laws of 
his country, and was at one time admitted to the 
Bar, but preferring the profession of civil engineer. 



he soon became proficient in the business, and to-day 
stands at the head of Lis class in that line. As a 
mathematician he has few equals. In politics he is 
a Eepublican, having fought on that line since the 
organization of the party. 

-MINES AND MINING. 

The mines of Ormsby, even if they have not en- 
riched their owners or added their millions of treas- 
ure to the wealth of the world, still constitute an 
important feature in the natural resources of the 
county, and their discovery, the excitement attend- 
ing their earliest development, the high hopes of 
their owners, the struggles with adversity, the manj' 
abandonments and resuscitations of mining enterprises 
and their present condition form an interesting chap- 
ter in its history. 

The excitement following the discovery of silver 
in the Comstock Vein caused a great "rush '' of peo- 
ple from California to the " Eastern Slope," very few 
of whom had ever seen silver ore, and knew nothing 
of its appearance or how it occurred in its native 
State. Gold mining was the great interest of Cali- 
fornia, either from the placers where it occurred a 
native and pure metal and was obtained by simply 
washing the earth containing it, or by crushing the 
quartz, the original matrix of the metal. In both 
cases the ])rocess was simple, the pure metal was 
])laiii to the view and no scientific skill was required 
to extract it. The miners had learned nothing of 
ores. These were a mystery. Silver, cojiper, iron, zinc 
and other metals were known to come from ores, and 
that was sibout all of the science of metallurgy that 
they did know. This mj'stery gave zest to the excite- 
ment. The dark ore concealed the rich metal. Veins 
of quartz contained the ore. Everj-where through- 
out the mountains were veins of quartz. That which 
appeared at the surface, whether in Mount Davidson, 
the Sierra Nevada or Pine Nut range, was to the 
inexperienced eye all the same. Claims could be 
located, and if the locator had not the capital or 
inclination to develop his mine he could sell to spec- 
ulative parties, or at least hoped to. 

With these views, the people entering the Terri- 
tory spread over the country in the vicinity of the 
oldest settlements. Carson City became the bead- 
quarters of an army of jjrospectors, who, in 1859 
and '60, centered here and explored the surround- 
ing region for " croppings " of quartz and " indica- 
tions " of metals. There were then no mining 
bureaus, no cabinets of minerals, no treatise on vein 
formations, or descriptions of ores, by which the pros- 
pector could familiarize himself with the appear- 
ance and occurrence of ores, and as a natural conse- 
quence he wont blindly to his work. All was ex- 
citement and enthusiasm. Peo])le rushed hither and 
thither. Wherever a j)iece of (piartz was observed 
it was " located." A claim was made, using the set 
phrase, so many " feet on the ledge, with all its dips, 
spurs and angles," few knowing or caring what it 
all meant. Under such conditions districts were 



HISTORY OF ORMSBY COUNTY. 



537 



formed which, in the aggregate, covered ihc entire 
country, lapping and covering each other. 

In the outlying hill;*, forming the base of the 
Sierra, bordering Eagle Valley on the west, wore dis- 
covered many veins of quartz, which were speedily 
located, and Eagle District was organized in the fall 
of 1859. The following year a number of these 
lodes were prospected quite extensivel}-, but not 
showing the wealth the high hopes of the owners 
had pictured for them, were abandoned. At differ- 
ent periods since, renewals of work have been made, 
long tunnels have been run, and deep sdiafls sunk, 
and nearly as ol'ten have all despaired of success. 

The various Commissioners appointed to gather 
mining statistics of the United States, the State 
Mineralogist, and the Surveyor General have for 
many years neglected to place Ormsby County in 
the list of mining counties. The mines, however, 
still exist. In 1876 work was energetically carried 
on in the North Carson Mine, two and a half miles 
north of Carson Citj', and, says the M'miay Jieciew 
of July, 1876: "The hoisting works of the North 
Carson has reeentlv blown the first steam mining 
whistle ever sounded in Ormsbj' County." 

For some years this mine took a prominent posi- 
tion in the public mind and on the stock board of 
San Francisco. Says the Tribune, of Carson City, 
July 22, 1874:— 

North Carson takes a jump this morning, and now 
the hearts of the holders may rejoice. From twenty- 
five to seventy-five is no small leap, and doubtless 
the stock will continue to advance, from the fact that 
mining experts have pronounced the mine a merito- 
rious one, and also because it is now a recognized fact 
that valuable mines exist in the hills surrounding 
Eagle Valley. 

The Mining Review of 1876, says: — 

Assays of the rock have been made at the branch 
mint at Carson, which range from S5 to 82,132.17 
per ton. The company have 500 tons of milling ore 
on the dump. The new hoisting works, which have 
been put up at a cost of 815,000, will develop the 
mine to a depth of 1,500 feet. The company own 
forty acres of land adjoining their claim upon which 
are located their offices and other buildings, making 
quite a little village. 

Clear Creek District was organized in 185!l, also 
in the spurs of the Sierra Nevada, west of Carson 
City. J. Ross Browne, United States Commissioner 
ol Mining Statistics in 1868, saj-s: " The Clear 
Creek District in 1859 and 1860 was the scene of 
much excitement and activity. Extensive mining 
grounds were taken u|(, and prospecting operations 
initiated. llere a number of long tunnels were 
afterwards driven, and deep shafts sunk, but none of 
them availed to reach ore deposits of a remunerative 
kind, and the district, under an absence of population 
and an entire cessation of labor for several years, is 
considered as practically abandoned." Mr. 11. H. 
Bence, Assessor of the county, in his report for 1866 
says:— 



Near the base of the mountains, three miles west 
of Carson City, is located the Athens Mine, the rock 
of which prospects very well in gold and silver. 
There ai'e other veins of quartz rock in the same 
vicinity, which, it is said, jjrospect well, but at iires- 
cnt there is no work being done upon them. 

Commissioner Browne, in 1868, and State Mineral- 
ogist Whitehill, in 1872, say: — 

In 1860 a fiti'ul interest was awakened in regard to 
supposed valuable discoveries made in the bald hills 
southwest of Carson, which, having led to the loca- 
ting of many claims in that neighborhood, even- 
tuated, soon after, in their total abandonment, since 
which time nothing further has been done either 
towards locating or working mines in the district. 

The abandonment of the mines of Ormsby appears 
to have been complete for a number of j'ears; but in 
1874, says the State Mineralogist's report for that 
year, " Mines of gold and silver have also been dis- 
covered, which are being worked with vigor at pres- 
ent, and which bid fair to soon become paying prop- 
erties." He then mentions the North Carson, the 
Eagle, the Clear Creek Mine and the Niagara, all 
showing extensive work and good prospects. Fol- 
lowing this comes the report of H. H. Bence, 
County Assessor of Ormsby, dated November 30, 
1880, saying:— 

This count}' cannot, like many other counties, 
boast of its extensive mines, and bullion product, 
but, nevertheless, we have some prospective mines. 
The Voltaire Mine, belonging to the Voltaire Mining 
Company, is situated about five miles southwest of 
Carson C'itj- in a spur of the Sierra Nevada Mount- 
ains, bearing easterlj- from the main range, and is a 
property that gives fair promise of success. The ore 
vein of this mine has an average width of from three 
to five feet, with fine clay seams next the hanging 
and foot-walls, the formation of the foot-wall being 
granite, and that of the hanging-wall, gneiss. The 
course of the vein is nearl)' northeast and southwest, 
magnetic meridian, and has a di]) to the southeast 
of about fortj'-tive degrees from the horizon. The 
ore is somewhat base, containing a small ])ercentage 
of copper and lead, but readily yields to the roasting 
process. Some small lots of the ore worked have 
yielded as high at 6200 per ton. The owners have 
lately 8hii)ped a number of tons of this ore to San 
Francisco for reduction or sale. The company have 
built a house over their shaft, and hoist the ore bj' 
horse-power, and have the mine well opened for 
working, and are constantlj- taking out ore, as well 
as making further developments on their vein. 

Sullivan District was the result of the excitement 
of 1859-60. This district lies in the Pine Nut 
Mountains east of the Carson River, and was organ- 
ized in the early ])art of 1 860. The croppings showed 
the existence of free gold, and this most pleased the 
inexperienced miners from California. 

The first locations in this district had been made 
quite early in the winter, and large talcs of their 
richness were told in Carson, when the snow cov- 
ered them and they were deemed inaccessible. As 
an evidence of the excitement and means used for 
speculating upon it this incident is related: At that 
time Mr. Eugene Angel then a resident of Carson, 



538 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



had in his possession a beautiful minoralogical spec- 
imen from the copper mines of Lake Superior, This 
specimen contained quartz, native copper and native 
silver. For this and the claims he held he was of- 
fered a large sum in cash and a guarantee of 850,000. 
to be paid upon reaching San Francisco, if he would 
represent the specimen as coming from his mines 
in Sullivan District. He resented the proposition and 
the specimen was exhibited freely under its true 
character. 

The Indian War in May, and the great panic fol- 
lowing the defeat of ifajor Ormsby's party near 
Pyramid Lake, put a stop to all mining operations, 
as is shown by the following, published in the Terri- 
lonal Enterprise of Carson City, May 19, 1860: — 

.MEETING IN SULLIVAN DISTRICT. 

At a meeting held by the miners of Sullivan Dis- 
trict, on the fourteenth day of May, 1860, the fol- 
lowing resolutions were unanimously adopted: — 

Where.\s, Reliable information has been received 
from Mr. J. J. Webster of the existence of Indian 
hostilities in this vicinity, and the miners of this dis- 
trict being entirely destitute of arms for their de- 
fense; therefore be it 

Resoh-eil, That labor may be suspended on all claims 
in the district for two months from this date, or until 
said hostilities cease, and that no forfeiture of claims 
shall take place in consequence of said cessation of 
labor. 

Resolcud, That the proceedings of this meeting be 
published in the Territorial Enterprise. 

John D.\y, President. 

J. M. Jones, Secretary. 

After the subsidence of the panic which the mer- 
ciless character of the massacre had caused, and 
which had extended throughout all the mining region 
of the Territor}-, and cast a pall over the people of 
California, then unaccustomed to tales of fierce war 
and the loss of friends in battle, work was resumed 
in this district as elsewhere. J. Wells Kelly, in his 
first Directory of Xevada, in 1862, says: — 

In Sullivan District, a great number of ledges were 
located, and considerable work done in the summer 
and fall of 1860, but not turning out as well as was 
expected, the whole, with the exception of some half- 
dozen claims, was subsequentl}' abandoned. Work 
is still being done on the Bullion, Hatfield, Phccnix, 
and one or two others, from which some good gold- 
bearing rock has been obtained. At the period men- 
tioned over loo men were at work in this district, at 
present there are not more than eight or ten. I'lacer 
mines also exist in that section, which would pay 
fair wages with water for working them, but this 
being almost whol!}- wanting, little can bo done. 
For a few weeks, while the water lasted, some 
twenty men made half an ounce a day, each work- 
ing surface diggings at Onion Valley, in this district. 
There are other j)oints where eriually good prospects 
can be had, but there is no water. 

The Countj- Assessor, Mr. H. H. Bonco, in his 
report for 1866, says of this district: — 

Lately, copper ore was discovered on the east side 
of Carson Kivor, about six miles from Carson City, 
which, I have been informed, assays from forty to 
sixty per cent, of copper; but, as yet, there ha" been 
nothing done to indicate the extent of the lodge. 



There is also in the same vicinity a gold and silver- 
bearing ledge, known as the ■' Wood Chopper 
Ledge," which prospects extremely well and is 
about twelve I'eet wide, but, like all others, remains 
undeveloped for want of capital. 

The Surve^-or General, K. H. Stretch, in his report 
for 1866, in referring to this district, saj's: — 

Iron and copper ores are abundant. About two 
years ago there was considerable excitement about 
reported discoveries of coal in El Dorado Canon. 
Considerable work was done on the Newcastle Com- 
pany's location, and a depot established in Virginia 
for the sale of the coal, which was of a dull, black 
color, and shaly in its appearance, being an inferior 
lignite, probably of the Triassic age; but work has 
been suspended for many months. The deposit is 
not likelj- to be of permanent value. An attempt is 
now being made to utilize the copper ores of this 
section in the manufacture of sulphate of copper, an 
article of great importance in the milling operations 
of our State. The absence of any large percentage 
of iron in the copper ores of some of the deposits 
near Carson Elver makes them suitable for this 
purpose. 

The State Mineralogist, Eev. A. F. White, in bis 
report for 1868, says: — 

There are no mines worked in this countj'. In 
El Dorado Canon a bed of lignite was worked for a 
time for coal, but has been abandoned. In tbo 
northern part of the mountains near the line of the 
county, copper and iron ores have been found in 
large ([uantities. These mountains present a variety 
of geological formations, among the most prominent 
of which are basalt, trachyte, and transition slate, 

J, Ross Browne, in his report to Congress in 1868 
upon the mineral resources, says of this district: — 

Another drawback upon the success of these mines 
was at that time experienced in the absence of mills 
for working the ores, which were, therefore, unavail- 
able, compelling claim-holders who were without 
means to suspend work, leaving the problem as to 
the character and value of these lodes still unsolved. 

The same language is used by Mr. Henry R. 
Whitehill, State Mineralogist, in his re|)ort for 1872, 
showing that the same state of things as previously 
reported continued to exist. 

Aruentine District was located in the summer of 

1859, lying in the range of mountains to the east of 
Washoe Valley, and west of Virginia, and immedi- 
ately north of Eagle Valley, in which Carson City is 
situated. Like all other mining localities at that 
early day this had its enthusiastic prospectors and 
ponderous companies, A record of one of these is 
furnished by the Territorial Enterprise of May 19, 

1860, from w^Jiich is taken the following list of 
incorporators: — 

A. F. Chapman. M. Bankhoad, William N. Bank- 
head, R. F. Cahill, R. C. McKenzie, J. Drake, R. 
Neasham, S. I. Hill, A. J. Rutledge, J, P, Sharp, D. 
Lowrie. M, W, Lusk, J, S, Coftee, S. E. Lewis, R. K. 
Steele, J, P, Pettigrew, M, II. Spencer. William C. 
Taylor, Henry Jones, John T. Ward, D. Marshall, J. 
Williams. 



HISTORY OF ORMSBY COUNTY. 



539 



Mr. R. H. Stretch, State Mineralogist in 1866, 
gives the farewell to the mines of Argentine Dis- 
trict. iTesays: — 

The}- lie chieriy in the granite, the gangue being a 
glassj' quartz, in (some instances carrying iron pjTitea, 
and stained Mack with other comj)Oiin(ls of iron, 
assaj'ing small quantities of gold. The mines are 
not likely to prove of much value. 

QUARTZ .MILLS. 

The development of the mines discovered in 
1859-()(l required at once the construction of mills 
for the reduction of the ores. The tirst ore extracted 
was from the Mexican and Ophir claims at Virginia 
City, and this was packed on mules over the Sierra 
Nevada to California, some to Grass Vallej', and 
.some to San Francisco for reduction, a small jiortion 
being reduced in arastras near the mines. This ore 
being very rich, one mule carrying 82,000 worth, it 
was a good enough way of transporting the bullion 
to market. But there was other ore in the mines not 
so near pure silver, and this required reducing 
nearer home. For this purpose the first thought was 
power, and the Carson River seemed to oft'er it in 
abundance. This stream was about fifteen miles 
distant, and there at once the enterprising owners of 
the mines directed their energies. 

A small mill was first constructed near Empire 
City in the spring of 1860, which was subsequently 
enlarged as the Mexican Mill, or the Silver State 
Reduction Works. The building of mills once 
entered upon, the business increased with wonderful 
rapidity. 

In 1861 a mill was built in Clear Creek District and 
run by water-power from Clear Creek. In the same 
year a man named Ashe built a mill in Gregory's 
Canon, which afterwards took the name of Ashe's 
Canon. This mill was destroyed by a flood in the 
winter of 1861-62 which was so powerful that it re- 
duced the level of the cafion fourteen feet. .Shortly 
afterwards the mill of Childs & Hunt was built on 
Mill Creek five miles north of Carson City, driven 
by water from the Creek. This had ten stamps and 
crushed irom eight to ten tons per day, according 
to the quality of the work. The mill was running 
in 1863. The Silver State Mill, which is the common 
appellation for the Silver State Reduction Works, was 
built in 1861. one-half mile south of Empire City on 
the cast bank of the Carson. The motive power 
was water brought from the river through a ditch 
four and a half miles in length, ten feet wide on top. 
four feet on the bottom and four and one-half feet 
deep, having a capacity to supply 4,000 cubic feet per 
minute. In 1861. this mill had twelve stamps and 
was capable of reducing twelve tons o^ore per day of 
twent}--four hours, cost, including ditch. 825,000. ,1. 
M. Davis was then Superintendent. This was greatly 
enlarged in 1862, at which lime lh<' following descrip- 
tion is given of it, and of the method of reducing ore, 
in" Kelly's Directory of Nevada Territory for 18()3." 

The mill is driven by water acting on a breast wheel 
twenty-eight feet in diameter, and an outside breadth 



of twenty-six feet, being the largest water wheel on 
the Pacific Coast, furnishing about two-hundred- 
horse power. The fall of water is twenty-two feet. 
There are now forty-four stamps working, running 
with an average speed of seventy-five blows j)er min- 
ute, and the amount of rock crushed averages from 
seventy to seventy-five tons daily — this being more 
than double the amount crushed bj- any other mill in 
the Territory-. Twentj'-eight of these stamps are 
employed constantly on ore from the .Mexican Mine, 
Virginia City, from which jilace the ore is freighted 
in sacks. The remainder on custom work. 

The plan adopted in working the ore dift'ers from 
what is elsewhere in use, inasmuch as it is a combina- 
tion of two distinct processes — that of simple amal- 
gamation, and the Barrel Process. The ore is crushed 
wet, and flows through ''Brevoort Grinders," to con- 
vert it into as fine a state of division as possible, 
and thence through a series of twelve Mitchell's 
Amalgamators, in which the pulp, by means of cop- 
per screws, is forced through a mass of quicksilver, 
for a total length of one hundred and forty-four feet. 
From the lust amalgamator the pulp flows into agi- 
tators, in which are gathered all particles of quick- 
silver or amalgam that maj- have escaped from the 
amalgamators with the pulp. From the agitators 
the pulp then flows into vats, where it is allowed to 
settle, in order that as little as possible of the sul- 
phurets of silver may escape. 

The ore has now been deprived of all its gold and 
free silver, and there remain but the sulphurets of 
silver, with sulphurets of copper and other base 
metals. The ore is then taken from the vats, spread 
out upon a dr3-ing floor, deprived of its moisture, 
carried thence b}' machiner}' to a grinder, where all 
the lumps that may have been formed are destroyed. 

The salt that is necessary for the roasting is ground 
at the same time with the ore. thus causing it to be 
intimatelj- mixed, and in this state it is elevated and 
carried to hoppers above the furnaces, without the 
intervention of manual labor. When the furnace 
(a reverberator}') is readj' for a charge, an aperture in 
the top is uncovered and the ore shoveled in and 
spread out equally upon the bed or hearth of the 
furnace, and then roasted and stirred for such a length 
of time as the nature and quality of the ore demand. 

As soon as the sulphurets of silver are converted 
into chlorides (the result of the action of salt upon 
heated sul|)hurets) the ore is drawn from the furnaces, 
cooled, and then carried by means of a belt and ele- 
vator to the dust chamber, immediately above the 
barrels. 

The furnace shed is 187 feet long by 40 feet broad, 
and is intended for six furnaces, four of which are 
now in use. The draught necessary for the fires is 
created bj^ a large chimney 12x12 feet at the base, 
and tapering to a height of eight}- feet. The chim- 
ney is connected with the flues of the furnaces by 
means of a main flue passing underground, along the 
entire length of the shed. The flues of the retorting 
and smelting furnaces are also connected with the 
main flue, and thus the possibility of an accidental 
fire is entirely avoided. Near the base of the chim- 
ney are condensing chambers, in which are caught 
such particles of silver as may be carried oft" from the 
furnaces iiy vohitiiization or otherwise. 

The ore having been deposited in the dust-room, is 
now ready for the i)arrels. This portion of the mill is 
58x40 feet, and thirty-one feet high, and divided into 
three stories,viz.: the basement, barrel and dust-room. 
In the dust-room the ore is bolted. ])reparalor}- to be- 
ing charged in the barrels. The barrel-room is fitted 



540 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA 



up for twenty barrels, each capable of working from 
two to two and a half tons per daj-; oiilj- fifteen of 
these are now in use. The barrel is charged with a 
quantity of ore, watei", iron and fiuicksilver, and 
then made to revolve until, bj' a test, it is ascer- 
tained that all the silver has been extracted. The 
amali;am and quicksilver are now drawn off, and 
then the ore washed out of the barrels into a series 
of atcitators, in which all escaping particles of amal- 
gam are caught. In the basement, the salt and ore 
are ground up together, and space reserved for ex- 
perimental researches. 

The above description refers chieflj- to the mode 
of working the ore from the Mexican Mine. In the 
custom department the ore is treated differentlJ^ 
Here a series of twelve Hepburn's pans are em- 
ployed, and the pulp flows into them directl}' from 
the battery. No one system is adopti^d for all ores; 
but each kind is first thoroughly tested and then 
treateil according to its contents. 

The crushing and amalgamating part of the mill 
(comprising the stamjis, j)ans, amalgamators, etc.,) 
is contained in a building lS(i feet long bj- 90 feet 
broad. The total length of the entire mill is 450 
feet. The line shaft is driven by two pinions, which 
gear directly with spur-wheels fitted in segments 
upon each outer shrouding of the water-wheel. So 
true are these segments placed (each spur-wheel 
consisting of twcntj--seven) that not the slightest 
jar is perceptible. All of the machinerj- is of the 
most solid descri])tion. 

The mill has been running for Tiine months, and 
not a single stop has occurred bj' reason of breakage. 
The millwright is Mr. Isaac Railey. The wood 
which is consumed at this mill is cut on a wood 
ranch owned by the company, and situated at the 
head of the ditch, down which it is floated to the 
mill. 

Another feature of this mill is the completeness of 
the assay office. This is a fire-proof, brick building, 
20x40 feet, erected between the barrel build- 
ing and the furnace shed. The assay office oc- 
cupies the entire basement of this building. All 
the bullion produced by the mill is here smelted and 
stumped ready for market. Daily assays are made 
to ascertain the working of the mill in its various 
departments. A chemical laboratory is also con- 
nected with the assay oflice. Quite an extensive 
assaying bu.siness is carried on here independent of 
:hat of the mill. In the upper story of the same 
building is the oflice of the mill. The windows and 
doors of this oflice open directlj' upon the various 
departments of the mill, and thus a constant super- 
vision is exercised. Mr. E. B. Dorsey is Superin- 
tendent. 

This is locally known as the Mexican Mill, hav- 
ing at latest dates forty-four stamps, twenty pans, 
ten settlers, and a capacitj' for reducing ll!0 tons of 
ore per day. The power is now given by a Turbine 
wheel. 

Mead's Mill was constructed in 1801, about the 
same time as the Silver Slate, and was run by 
water from the same ditch. It was located at 
Empire City, had sixteen stamps, ten stone ]ians in 
the amalgamating department, employed twelve 
men and reduced twenty tons of ore per day. The 
mill building was 4l).\5l) feet in dimensions on the 
ground and cost, including bringing in the water, 
825.000. 



Two miles below Empire City was built, in 1861-62, 
the Merrimac .Mill, by Messrs. Bryant, Ellsworth & 
Co., at a cost of 850.000. In 1H63 it was owned by 
Messrs. A. M. & S. R. Ellsworth, and run under the 
superintendence of the latter. The machinery was 
pro]iullud by water brought from the Carson in a 
ditch 2,100 feet in length, fourteen feet in width and 
four feet in depth, the dam at the head being 
regarded at that time as one of the most substan- 
tial on the river. The head of water at the mill 
was twenty feet, acting on a center discharge wheel, 
and creating eighty-horse power. The building was 
100 feet in length by seventy in width, containing 
sixteen stamps, of 750 pounds each, and, running day 
and night, crushed thirty tons of ore ever}' twenty- 
four hours. The '• Hatch |)rocess " was used, which 
was regarded with great favor. The machinery was 
made at the foundrj' of H. J. Booth & Co., of Mar^-s- 
ville. California. The locality of this mill is now 
designated as Merrimac Station, on the Virginia and 
Truckee Railroad. It has increased its power by 
improved machinery', and is able to crush fifty tons 
of ore per day. 

One mile further down the river was, in 1802, the 
Copper Canon Mill, owned by Van Vleet, Tucker, 
Moor, Kendriek and Clark, owners of the " Yellow 
Jacket Claim on the (iold Hill Ledge," as the writers 
of those days express it, crushing rock from that 
mine, and superintended by Mr. Henry Shadel. The 
Copper Canon Mill was run by water brought from 
the Carson in a ditch, 600 feet in length, operating 
on a center discharge wheel, six and a half feet in 
diameter, giving motion to ten stamps, crushing fif- 
teen tons of ore per day. The mill cost 815,000, the 
building being sixty feet in length by forty in width. 
The Vivian iMill, owned bj' Sperry it Co., in 1862, 
was a short distance below the Copper Cafion, con- 
tained sixteen stamps, emploj'ed twelve men and 
crushed twenty-five Ions of ore per day. The power 
was water brought from the Carson River through 
a ditch and flume 1,100 feet long and twelve and one- 
half feet head, operating a central discharge Turbine 
wheel seven and one-half feet in diameter. The 
dam at the head of the flume was constructed of 
stone, very substantial, ariid the water supply was 
sufticient for double the stumps used. In 1SG3 this 
mill was owned b}- E. Kuhling & Co., and was super- 
intended by Mr. C. B. Barstow. Subsequently a 
IjcIIV'I Turbine wheel of fil'ly-six inches diameter was 
placed in the mill, att'Drding ninety-horse power and 
capable of reducing forty tons per day. 

One-(|uarter of a mile below the last mentioned, in 
1S()2, Messrs. ,\Vm. .M.Stewart, John llenning, Jas. 
Morgan and C. 1'. Wood built a mill containing 
twelve stamps, with which thirty tons of ore wore 
crushed every twenty-four hours. The |)ower was 
water brought from the Carson in a canal fifteen feet 
wide and half a mile in length, operating under a 
pressure of twenty-one feet head a Turbine wheel 
seven feet in diameter and weighing 7,000 pounds. 



HISTORY OF ORMSBY COUNTY. 



541 



then the largest in the Territory, and estimated to be 
capable of running 150 stamps. The mill edifice was 
a fine solid stnic-ture. 160 feet long and sixty feet 
wide. A substantial stone building, 30x40 feet, 
served for oflSces and for the use of mill hands. This 
was one of the most complete and best constructed 
in the country in 1802, costing about 850,000. The 
company owning it were the owners of thirty-three 
and one-third foot of the best of the (lold Hill ground, 
and crushed the ores from that mine. In 18(i8 this 
mill was known as the Zephj-r Flat Mill, anil owned 
by Messrs. H. H. Raymond and Wm. Thompson, Jr., 
with Mr. Wm. S. liowo as Superintendent. 

Baldwin iV Go's. Mill was at Kmpire City in 1863. 
This combined steam and water-power, using the 
first to drive its battery of sixteen stamps, and the 
twenty amalgamating pans were run by water re- 
ceived from the Carson. Fourteen men were em- 
ployed under the superintendency of Joseph Bald- 
win, Jr. 

These mills have experienced many vicissi+udes of 
fortune since their construction in 1800-61-62-63, and 
have undergone alterations and changes unnecessary ' 
to trace. Survej-or General 8. II. Marlette, in 1866, 
reports six mills in the count}', viz.: Mexican, forty- 
four stamps; Yellow Jacket, forty stamps; Bruns- 
wick, eight stamps; Merrimac, twenty stamps; Viv- 
ian, sixteen stamps, and Santiago, twenty-four 
stamps. In 1874 Mr. Henry R. Whitehill, State Min- 
eralogist, reports five mills, viz.: Mexican, fortj'-four 
stamps, with capacity of crushing 120 tons per day; 
Morgan, forty stamps, and seventy-five tons capacity; 
Brunswick, fift^'-six stamps and 155 tons capacity; 
Merrimac, twenty stamps and forty tons capacity, 
and Santiago, thirty-four stamps and eighty tons ca- 
pacity; and such is their present condition, receiving 
their ore from the Comstock, brought to them by the 
cars of the Virginia and Truckec Railroad. 

SAW- MILLS. 

The grand forests of the Sierra Nevada wore a 
great attraction to the early settlers of the " eastern 
slope," offering them facilities for obtaining lumber 
of which they quickly availed themselves. The first 
saw-mill erected in the region afterwards embraced 
in Ormsby County, was built by Mr. Gregory in the fall 
of 1859, on Mill Creek, three miles west of Carson. 
This was a steam-power mill, and was the first steam 
mill of any kind erected in what is now the State of 
Nevada. The transportation of heav}- machinery 
over the Sierra at that date was a very expensive 
undertaking, and this was regarded as an enterprise 
quite extraordinary. The mill was capable of cut- 
ting 15,000 feet ])er day, and for many months was 
run to its full capacity, so great was the demand for 
lumber. Orders were taken weeks in advance of 
the possibility of filling them, and customers con- 
tended greedily for their turn. 

Shortly after this Mr. Alexander Ashe built a saw- 
mill on Mill Creek near the former, running it by 
water from the creek. One mile north ol Gregory's, 
68 



Meeers. Thompson & 'JVeadwell erected a powerful 
steam mill capable of cutting 15,000 feet of lumber 
per day, also containing a shingle and planing 
machine, which prepared for market large ([uantilies 
of material for building purposes. In 1861 these 
three mills were employing upwards of 100 men, and 
had cost in their construction 860,000. 

Mills now multiplied rapid!}-, there being in 1862 
three on Clear Creek at a distance of from nIx to 
eight miles southwest of Carson ('ity. The first was 
the Coyote Mill, owned by Mr. George VV. Chedic and 
Mr. D. B. Milne, afterwards by Mr. Samuel B. Mar- 
tin. This was propelled by water, and was of large 
capacity. Haskell & Co.'s Mill, built in 1861, was 
also propelled by water, and the Clear Creek Mill, 
owned by Mr. C. Jones and Mr. Denton, was driven 
by steam. To one of the mills was attached a shin- 
gle machine, there being a great demand for the lat- 
ter article, of which large numbers were also made 
by hand, there being much timber in the neighbor- 
hood suitable for that purpose. These mills had 
been erected at an aggregate cost of 833,000. In 
1862 they employed 100 men, and were capable of 
cutting 50,000 feet per day. Several changes, im- 
provements and additions were made this year and 
in 1863. Howe, Gray I't f -o. Ifad succeeded to Has- 
kell & Co., and Elliott's Mill, driven by steam had 
been added to the group in Clear Creek Cafion, each 
turning out from 15,000 to 30,000 feet daily. Two 
shingle machines had also been added, and were con- 
stantly employed, so great was the demand. At the 
point where Clear Creek debouches ujion the plains, 
a substantial structure was erected in 18()2for a sash 
and door factory, driven by •» large overshot wheel 
of thirty-horse power, but the design was altered and 
the factory was converted into a ((uartz mill. 

The Lake Bigler Lumber Company, C. R. Barrett, 
A. W. Pray, andN. 1). Winters, jiroprietors, wenl into 
operation in 1862 in the region, as the name implies, 
of Lake Bigler, or Tahoe, where was an abundance of 
large trees affording a superior quality of clear 
lumber, compensating for its distance from, and at 
that time difficult access to market. The mill of 
the company was propelled by water conducted 
through a flume and ditch upwards of half a mile 
in length, giving abundant power. In 1862 this 
mill contained a set of double circular saws, a 
muller, edger and shingle saws, employed twelve 
men and turned out 20,000 feet of lumber daily, 
besides a largo quantity of shingles. The company 
secured by location and purchase several quarter 
sections of land in the vicinity of their mill. 
Shortly after the construction of this mill the 
King's Cafion toll-road was made, giving it oppor- 
tunity to send its products to the markets of Car- 
son City and the mines of the Comstock. The 
Monitor Mill was erected in King's Ciifion in 1863, 
doing a largo business, and, says the chronicler of 
the times, " were there half a dozen olhei-s in that 
neighborhood, they could hardly supply the ex- 



542 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



traordinary want of lumber for mining, milling and 
building purposes." 

In 1862, Messrs. Hobbs, Russell & Co., built a large 
saw-mill one-quarter of a mile below Empire City, 
expending thereon about 820,000. This was enlarged 
in 1863, and many improvements have been added 
since, making it one of the best and largest saw- 
mills in the State. This mill was built in conjunction 
with a company organized for the improvement of 
the Carson Eiver to make it available at all times for 
the purpose of rafting logs from its head-waters in the 
Sierra Nevada. For this purpose the Legislature of 
Nevada in 1863 granted the company an exclusive 
franchise extending five years, to use the river for 
the purpose of rafting logs, fire-wood and lumber, in 
consideration of the improvements to its channel. 
The timber sawed at this mill is cut in Alpine 
County, California, on the east fork of the Carson, a 
distance by the river of upwards of eighty miles, 
and driven down the stream in bodies, usually con- 
suming forty days in a drive. About 5,000,000 feet 
of lumber ie made annually. 

From the earliest date of settlement, particularly 
in 1862-63-64, when the building excitement was at 
its height, there was much wanton destruction of 
timber. The shingle and shake makers were en- 
couraged by the great demand for the product of their 
labor, and these destroyed great numbers of the most 
valuable trees, being the most wasteful of all classes of 
lumbermen. The forests being on public land there 
was little care for economy, and all energies were 
exercised for immediate gain regardless of what de- 
struction resulted. As a consequence the forest 
rapidly disappeared before the legitimate enterprise 
of the mill owner and the ruthless destruction by the 
shingle and shake maker, until the greater part has 
entirely disappeared. [For later reports see chapter 
on V flumes.] 

TOLL-ROADS. 

The settlement of the countj' came with a grand 
rush, attracted by the discovery of the silver mines, 
and at that time the avenues of travel were about as 
the first emigrants had found and left them. For 
the ordinary travel of passing from one bend of the 
river to another, or crossing the valleys, or even pen- 
etrating the cafions and foot-hills, they were pas- 
sible, but were entirely inadequate when the great 
mass of travel poured into the country, bringing its 
mammoth " prairie schooners " with merchandise, 
its heavy machincrj', and dashing stage coaches. 
The necessity for good roads was great, and the 
opportunity for individual enterprise in making them 
was very bright. A few, loading to Nevada, up the 
western slope of the Sierra, had enriched the build- 
ers, and one, leading down the eastern slope, built by 
Kingsbury & McDonald, in 1859-60, annuallj' re- 
turned double its cost. Then followed a fierce con- 
test for toll-road franchises, wherever there was a 
prospect of a passing team. 

There was an effort on the part of the public to 



improve the natural roads, and, on the twenty-fifth 
of February, 1862, the county was declared by the 
Commissioners to be one Road District, and Timothy 
G. Smith was appointed Road Supervisor. But offi- 
cial duty did not carry the power or enterprise to 
construct new roads. This was left to the enterprise 
of individuals. 

The road leading across Eagle Valley to Virginia 
City was over sandy and marshy land, which, at 
times, rendered passage difficult. To avoid this, 
Messrs. Mark L. McDonald and Thomas Bedford, in 
1862, constructed a road from Carson Citj- to the 
Half-way House, six miles, skirting the foot-hills on 
the west of Empire City. This was a very profitable 
road, was well built, and traveled daily bj' hundreds 
of the heaviest teams. On July 11, 1862, the toll on 
this road was fixed by the County Commissioners as 
follows: — 

Loaded wagon, two animals 50 cts. 

Each two additional animals 25 

Buggy, two horses 50 

Buggy, one horse 37i 

Horseman 12i 

Pack animal 5 

Loose animals (each) 3 

Empty wagons half rates. 

At the same time a license tax was fixed at three 
per cent, of the gross receipts on all toll-roads. 

The same j'ear Levi Fisk & Co, owned a toll-road 
leading over the divide between Eagle and Washoe 
Vallcj's, the tolls on which were: — 

Loaded teams o*" ' 70 animals. . . . 25cts. 

" " four " 50 

Empty wagons and buggies free. 

David B. Milne owned a toll-road on Clear Creek, 

running northerly from the Coj'ote Saw-mill to 
Jack's Valley, on which the Commissioners, July 11, 
1862, fixed the toll as follows:— 

Loaded wagon, two animals 25 cts. 

Each two additional animals 12 J 

Pack animal 5 

Loose stock (each) 3 

Empty wagons free. 

Rufus Walton at the same time owned a toll-road 
leading from the Coyote Mill down Clear Creek to 
the Jack's Valley Road, on which tolls were fixed 
July 11, 1862, as follows:— 

Loaded wagon, two animals 25 cts. 

Each two additional animals 12i 

Buggy 25' 

Pack animal 5 

Loose stock (each) 3 

Empty wagons half rate. 

The Lake Bigler Road from Small & Burke's 
C' Friday's") Station, on the southern shore of the 
lake to Carson City, running along the eastern 
shore, and entering Eagle Valley via King's Cafion, 
was completed in lSt!3, and was a very important 
improvement to the county. The length was twenty- 
one and a half miles, and the heaviest grade was 
eight feet in 100. This crossed the summit of the 



HISTORY OF ORMSBY COUNTY. 



543 



Sierra 200 feet lower than that of Kingsbury <fe Mc- 
Donald's, and Baved, on the road from Carson to the 
junction with the Placervillo Road, three and a half 
miles. This was a broad and well-constructed road, 
and, during the dry season, was kept sprinkled as a 
protection against the wear of its surface and for 
the greater comfort of those passing over it. This, 
however, was the custom on all first-class toll-roads. 
The rates were fixed by the County Commission- 
ers, July 9, 1863, as follows: — 

Wagon with two animals $2 00 

Each additional animal 25 

Empty wagons, half rate 

Buggy and two horses 1 50 

Buggy and one horse 1 00 

Horseman 50 

Pack animal 25 

Loose animals, (each) 12* 

The Trustees of this company were Messrs. H. F. 
Rice, Alfred Helm and Thomas E. Haydon; Butler 
Ives was Superintendent. 

Hartshorn's Ferry, on the Carson IJiver, was 
licensed July 8, 1863, and tolls fixed as follows: — 

Loaded wagon, two animals 50 cts 

Each additional animal . 6i 

Buggy and two horses 50 

Buggy and one horse 37 J 

Man and horse 25 

Footman 12} 

Pack animal 5 

Loose stock, (each) 3 

By Act of Legislature approved December 19, 
1862, J. M. Forsythe and his associates were em- 
powered to construct a plank and turnpike road 
between Carson City and Empire City. 

December 20, 1862, the Legislature granted to A. 
J. Van Winkle and associates the right to construct 
a toll-road from Como, in Lyon CountJ^ to Kmpire 
City, in Ormsby County, and to bridge the river as 
part of their road; and the same rights were granted, 
February 20, 1864, to D. E. Hunter and associates. 
The Legislature of the same year, February 9, 
granted to A. Curry and associates the right to build 
a macadamized road from Carson Citj- to Empire 
City. 

By an Act approved January 27, 1869, the County 
Commissioners of Ormsbj- County were authorized 
to issue $200,000 bonds in aid of the Virginia and 
Truckee Railroad. 

This Act was considered by some as unconstitu- 
tional and the payment of taxes to meet the interest 
was contested. On the tenth of November, 1869, 
the Board of Commissioners ordered: — 

That the taxpayers of Ormsby County be per- 
mitted to pay all taxes assessed against them under 
protest, pending the case now in the Supremo Court 
testing the legality of the issuance of certain railroad 
bonds, and the tax of one per cent, for the payment 
of the interest thereon, and in the event of a decision 
against the collection of said railroad tax. the same 
shall bo refunded to each person paying the same 
without suit. 



At a special mooting of the Board of County Com- 
missioners, held December 9, 1869, for the purpose, it 
was ordered that the 8200,000 bonds authorized by 
the Act of Januarj- 27, 1869, be issued to the Vir- 
ginia and Truckee Railroad in denominations of 
81,000, dated December 10, 1869, and that the 
interest be payable on the first day of June and 
December of each year. 

Those bonds were delivered to Mr. W'm. Sharon on 
the twentieth of December, 1809, also the coupons 
due June 1, 1870, were paid, the road discounting 
8350. This road, to which so much aid was given, 
soon after its completion claimed to be the best pay- 
ing road in the world, running over thirty heavily 
freighted trains daily. 

COURT HOUSE. 

The countj' being created in 1861, it became 
necessary to possess a Court House, and before build- 
ing or purchasing one the first step was to rent 
rooms for tom|)orary purposes. For this, on the 
fifteenth of February, 1862, the Countj* Commis- 
sioners rented the lower story of the building owned 
by C. Adams, at the rate of 8140 per month. The 
Board of County Commissioners, May 5th, advertised 
for proposals for grounds on which to erect a Court 
House, and also plans for the building, and the firet 
of July, 1862, was set for the opening of bids and 
plans. On the fourteenth of October following, the 
county purchased of Abram Curry the stone build 
ing known as the " Great Basin Hotel," corner of 
Carson and Musser Streets, for the purposes of a Court 
House. The price agreed upon was 842,500, of 
which 85,000 was paid in cash and bonds issued for 
the remainder bearing interest at the rate of ten per 
centum per annum. The bonds were issued as fol- 
lows: 810,000 due January, 1, 1864; 810,000, due 
January 1, 1805; 810,000, due January 1, 1866; and 
§7,500 duo January 1, 1867. A jail was added at a 
cost of 85,954.35, and a further sum of 84,493.65 was 
expended in alterations and additions to render the 
building suitable for the purposes designed. 

The Court House stands in 1881 nearly as it did 
when first converted to its present use. not conspicu- 
ous as a public building nor particularly ornamental. 

On the twenty-fourth of June, 1870, the building 
met with disaster, being partially destroyed by fire. 
Being insured, the damage was estimated at 83,000, 
which amount was paid to the Board of County Com- 
missioners on the sixteenth of August ensuing by the 
Pacific Insurance (,'ompany. The repairs made cost 
about 85,000, including a new tin roof 

The building is of two stories, in the upper of which 
are the court rooms and below are the offices of the 
county officers. 

The jail is thus referred to in the Nevada Tribune 
of Carson City, July 24, 1874: " It is bad enough to 
be confined in jail; it is bad enough to be a 
criminal; it is bad enough to be sentenced to be 
hung by the neck: but nothing is so bad as to 
be confined in that damnable hole called the County 



■544 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



Jail of Ormsby County. The Sheriff and hie subordi- 
nates do all in their power to keep it clean, but ail 
their labor is ill-bestowed, for it is the worst hole we 
ever read of, the Black Hole of Calcutta excepted. 
The stench emanating from the cells is intolerable, 
and we pronounce it a disgrace to incarcerate pris- 
oners of any kind therein." 

The severity of this denunciation maj- lead to 
exaggerated opinions of the condition of the jail; 
the editor undoubtedly delighting in senfiation, not 
thinking his opinion might ever be incorporated in 
history. 

The Court House is at times used for other than 
court purposes. The large hall of the court room is 
available for ])arties, dance?, fairs, etc. In 1862 a 
verj' successful fair was held in it, the first in Xevada, 
by the Territorial Agricultural, Mining and Mechan- 
ics Society, continuing three days. 





Monroe A. Driesbach, son of Peter and Hannah 
(Zerfars) Driesbach, is a native of New York State, 
born in the town of Sparta, Livingston County, 
April 18, 1843. His parents were of German descent, 
but the date of the arrival of his ancestors in 
Amorica takes us back before the days of the 
American Itevolution. 

His grandfather, Henry Driesbach, emigrated from 
Pennsylvania in 1804, and settled in the wilds of New 
York, in what in now called (ieneseo Valley, pur- 
chasing a large tract of land, some of which still 
remains in the possession of his descendants. Both the 
father and grandfather of the subject of this sketch. 



fought in the defense of their country, one, in the 
Revolution, for American Independence, and the 
other, in the war of 1812. and was in the memora- 
ble battle of Lundj-'s Lane. Monroe, our present 
subject, was brought up on a farm, as the "best 
man,'' his mother being a widow for many years. 
After reaching his majority, he, to satisfy his am- 
bition for learning entered Alliance College, after- 
ward transferred to Mount Vernon College in Ohio, 
from which he graduated. He then entered the 
Albany Law School, and graduated with high honors. 
He was married September 23, 1874, to Helen A. 
McXair, at Danville, New York. Mr. Driesbach 
was in the employ of Messrs. A. W. Cooles & Co., 
Alliance, Ohio, manufacturers of farming implements, 
as book-keeper, until his departure for Nevada in 
the spring of 1877. He was elected District Attorney 
of Ormsby County, Nevada, in 1878. Mr. Driesbach 
is a resident of Carson City, and is a man much 
respected by his fellow-townsmen. 




Hon. Trenmor Coffin, was born in Hendricks 
County, Indiana, a. d. 1848. 

His father was a farmer, and the subject of this 
sketch was brought up on a farm, and accustome dto 
hard work, he working with his father in clearing 
away the native forest which covered the farm in 
early days. Up to the age of twenty years he 
acted as plow-boy during the summer, and attended 
a small country school during the winter, where he 
acquired the rudiments of a common-school educa- 
tion. Ho entered the National Normal School, at 
Lebanon, Ohio, when twenty years of age, and by 
strict economy maintained himself for three years. 
His pluck, in connection with the disadvantage under 



HISTORY OF ORMSBY COUNTY. 



54.-) 



which he labored to gain his education has been a 
characteristic feature with him all through his life. 
One of his modes for reducing the expense of his 
tuition, was acting as steward for a club of fifty 
students, receiving for his services his board and a 
very small sum of money from each student. Alter 
graduating from this school, he came west, and 
reached Carson City, ^s'evada, in the month of 
August, 1871. Having no banl< account at that time, 
and not finding a situation suitable to his position in 
the world, he went to work with a pick and shovel, 
helping to build a mountain road, and, for some four 
years thereafter, he was engaged in various employ- 
ments, such as driving a team, and for a time worked 
under the lion. W'm. Westerfield, running a truck in 
the freight depot, at Steamboat Springs, that being 
the terminus of the Virginia and Truckee Railroad, 
at that time. Mr. Collin is a living example of what 
can be done with courage and a persistent self-will, 
intermingled with an ambitious nature. He finally 
succeeded in obtaining a situation as teacher in the 
grammar department of the public schools of Carson 
City, where he acquitted himself creditably, and was 
soon after placed in charge of the Nevada State 
Library, and for one j-ear acted as Librarian. During 
the time of his teaching and acting in the capacity 
of librarian, he devoted his spare time to the study 
of law, and such progress as he made is seldom 
recorded, for in the month of October, 1874, he 
was admitted to practice in the Supreme Courts of 
Nevada. In connection with Hon. C. N. Harris, he 
opened a law office for the practice of his profession 
in the State. In 1876, Mr. Coflin was elected Dis- 
trict Attorney, of Ormsby County, and, in ISSO, he 
was placed upon the Republican ticket as a candidate 
for the Assembly. This nomination was not sought 
b}- him. but was tendered to him bj' his part}' from 
pure principle. It is needless to add that he was 
handsomelj' elected, and his constituents have had 
no cause for complaint in regard to his actions as 
their representative. He is ostensibly a self-made 
man, and, by dilligence and energy, has built up a 
lucrative practice, and has also built a reputation 
among his fellow-men that will be remembered long 
after he ceases to exist in human form. 

COUNTY DIVIDED INTO TOWNSHIPS. 

The creation of the county by the Territorial 
Legislature in November, 18(11, its organization by 
the appointment of officers, and their meeting in 
December following, have been fully related. At the 
first meeting of the Commissioners, December 24, 
18(il, the county was made one voting precinct, with 
polls established at Carson City, Empire City, Has- 
kell's saw-mill on Clear Creek, and the Half-way 
Hou.se; four in all. July 11, 1802, the county was 
divided into two townships, by a line running north 
and south from the southern boundary of the county 
to the northern boundary on a direct lino of the 
eastern boundary of the race-track east of Carson 
City. All that portion lying west of that line to 



be called Carson Township, and all east to bo called 
Empire Township. 

The dividing line between the two townships was 
changed on the fourteenth of August following, so as 
to run along the eastern edge of Eagle Valley. 
This division, as the names imply, made Carson Citj- 
the nucleus of one township, including Eagle Valley 
and the mountain region of the Sierra Nevada; and 
the other with Empire City as central point, taking 
in the busy milling and lumbering population along 
the Carson River and the miners and woodchoppera 
of the Pine Nut range east of the river. 

Carson Township, on the ninth of November, 
18G3, was divided into two townships; that portion 
north of the line of Spear Street and its extension in 
Carson City, to be called Carson Township Number 
One; and all south to be called Carson Township 
Number Two. 

These divisions remained in force until Sep- 
tember 4, 1865, when the county was divided 
into two townships by a line running from the 
mouth of Clear Creek, northerly, with the sum- 
mit of the mountains running west of Carson 
River, and east of Eagle Valley, to a point east 
of the State Prison, where the countj- road between 
the Warm Springs Hotel and Empire City crosses the 
reservoir or dam of the Mexican Mill Company, 
thence due north to the county line. All west of 
said line to be Carson Township, and all east to be 
Empire Township. 

The limits of the city of Carson were defined in 
February, 1873, as comprising an area of one and 
a quarter sections of land according to United 
States surveys, being parts of sections seven and 
eight, and seventeen and eighteen of township num- 
ber fifteen north, range number twenty east, ot 
Mount Diablo base and meridian. 

STATE PRISON. 

With criminals abundant and crime prevailing it 
was the evident duty of the first Territorial Legisla- 
ture to provide the usual means for preserving law 
and order. In December, 1861, the Legislature 
created a Board of State Prison Commission(frs, con- 
sisting of the Secretary of the Territory, the Auditor 
and Treasurer, and clothed them with power to lease 
suitable buildings and grounds for the use of the Ter- 
ritory as a Territorial Prison from the first of Janu- 
ary, 1862. Abram Curry, one of the most public- 
spirited citizens of Nevada, had furnished a ])lace of 
meeting for the Legislature, and now proposed to do 
the same for the criminals, and the lease was made of 
Currj-'s propertj- at Warm Springs for the future 
prison. The property included a stone quarry where 
the prisoners could be put at work and liy their own 
labor add to the buildings already existitig such as 
would be needed for workshops, cells, dwellings, 
walls, etc. The location was in the suburbs of the 
city of Carson, and in every way seemed the ir.ost 
suitable place that could bo selected, 

January 1, 1862, the Governor appointed Abram 



546 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



Curry, Warden, completing the stops to the organiza- 
tion of the prison. This was but a beginning, and 
for a year or more the Territorial Prison was but a 
place of detention, with Warden Curry as contractor 
in charge. The Territorial Legislature at the suc- 
ceeding session passed an Act, which was approved 
December 2, 18G2, empowering the Board of Prison 
Commissioners to renew the lease of the property 
made the previous year, from January 1, 1863, to 
March 1, 1864, and for the keeping of all the prisoners 
for said fourteen months, the expense not to exceed 
810,000. Section two of the Act said: " It shall be 
the duty of said Commissioners to report to the next 
Legislative Assembly at its next session what kind 
of property, if any, it is advisable to purchase for a 
Territorial Prison." Accordingly the Board recom- 
mended the purchase of the property already leased. 

February 20, 1864, an Act was approved to pro- 
vide for a Territorial Prison. The Act saying: "The 
Board of Prison Commissioners, consisting of the Sec- 
retaiy of the Territory, Territorial Auditor and Ter- 
ritorial Treasurer, shall, on or before the first day of 
March, 1864, contract with Abram Curr}- for the pur- 
chase of the building now occupied for a Territorial 
Prison, together with twenty acres of land including 
the stone iiuarr3', with all improvements, implements, 
arms and mechanic's tools belonging to or now used 
for the labor and security of the prisoners. The' said 
Curry shall make a deed of conveyance of the said 
premises to the people of Nevada Territor3-, with full 
particulars of boundarj-, description of property, 
inventory, source of title, etc., and upon the proper 
execution thereof the Territorial Auditor shall, by 
order of the Board of Commissioners, issue bonds to 
said Curry to the amount of 880,000 bearing interest 
at the rate often per centum per annum for the pur- 
chase of said property." 

The buildings then purchased were destroyed b}' 
fire on the first of May, 1867, together with the 
records of the prison. Of these structures, ijieuten- 
ant Governor James S. Slingerland, e.e officio Warden, 
writes in his report to the Legislature in 1868: — 

The " old kitchen " which stood as a landmark, 
to which, it is presumable, the main buildings, com- 
posing the prison were afterwards built, was nothing 
but a tinder box built of rock, with here and there 
a patch of mortar, full of seams and openings, 
through which the wind had full sweep; covered 
with an old, weather-worn shingle roof, through 
which the rain poured in winter; lined inside with 
canvas, that hung in tatters on the walls, and 
connected with the main building by an opening in 
which no door had ever been built. The dining- 
room was lined in Iho same manner, and also the 
two front rooms ailjoining, with the addition of here 
and there a patch of wall j>aper, making ii still more 
infiammablo. Ottice and guard were in the same con- 
dition; wood- work old and decayed, and with all 
the rest sadly in need of new material. The roof of 
the main building, 40x100 feet, was shingled, rival- 
ing in antiquity the roof of the kitchen — open and 
leaky in winter, and in summer ventilatiiiic the 
whole building with a hurricane of wind and und — 



and throughout the whole of this 100 feet, but 
three flues, to which the stove-pipes led from the 
different parts of the building, some of which reached 
for a distance of thirty feet, smoking and leaking 
with every storm of wind and rain; putting all 
together, you have a fair picture of the condition of 
the buildings as 1 found them on the seventh of 
January, 1867, and for which, with the rock pile 
adjoining, the Territory paid 880,000. 

After the purchase of the property in 1864, Kob- 
ert M. Howland was made Warden. The records 
having been destroyed, no official particulars are 
attainable. As a reminiscence of prison discipline of 
early days the Eureka Sentinel, of a recent date, 
relates the following as occurring during Howland's 
incumbency: — 

Bob had then the same reputation for levity that 
he now enjoys, and when he became Warden the 
prisoners thought they would have an easy time of 
it, but were disappointed, as Bob looked well after 
the discipline of the • prison, and not a prisoner 
escaped during his term of office. George Kirk, a 
notorious character, was sentenced in 1864 to impris- 
onment for. highway robberj*. The first morning of 
his stay in the penitentiary he refused to come out of 
his cell and ''fall in line" with the other prisoners. 
This is how llowland subdued Kirk: The AVarden 
quietly ordered his cell door closed, and the other 
prisoners wore marched '' left hand on next man's 
shoulder " to breakfast. Kirk, in the meantime, 
was raving, and loudly cursing, and defying the 

Warden or any other to even try to 

make him come out, until he felt disposed to. The 
Warden ijuietly went to the blacksmith shop, pro- 
cured a bar of steel about twelve feet long, and had 
it heated for about four feet on one end to a red heat, 
and as quietly came back with it to cell No. 5. He 
again ordered Kirk to come out and '• fall in," and 
was met with the former refusal and violent abuse. 
The Warden closed the grated door of the cell, and 
shoved the bar of steel, hot end foremost (which ho 
had now cooled to a dull color), through the bars. 
Kirk sprang for and grasped it with both hands with 
a close grip to wrench it from the Warden. With a 
howl of pain, as it soared the flesh, he dropped it and 
retreated, cursing with fierce rage. The Warden, 
without speaking, swayed the hot bar back and forth 
in the narrow cell, at times wedging Kirk in a corner, 
searing his limbs with every touch. Kirk howled 
with mingled rage and torture, now bounding over 
it, and again under it. striking his head against the 
top of the cell and falling back upon the bar, j-elling 
and screeching like a pandemonium turned loose. 
At last he realized the helplessness of his position 
and begged for mercy. 

After this discipline. Kirk became very submissive, 
but his good behavior did not seem to be of long con- 
tinuance, as it is related that he took part in an 
imeute in the winter of 1864-65, when Alexander 
Hunter, Assistant Warden, was shot, and made his 
escape, A reward of 81, 000 was offered for his arrest, 
which was accomplished bj' Sheritt" Sexton, of Placer 
County, California, and he was returned to the prison. 
The tragic end of this noted criminal occurred in 
1871, when, refusing to obey the order of the mjstic 
" 601 " in Virginia City, to leave that place, his body 
was found hanging to the Sierra Nevada hoisting- 



HISTORY OF ORMSBY COUNTY. 



547 



works, with a card, labeled " 601," pinned to his 
breast. 

Ol' the Territorial prisonera there were but two 
remaining in 18(j7, at which time there were I'orty- 
one convicts in the prison, of whom five were under' 
going life sentences. All the prisoners, even China- 
men, of which race there were two, were able to read 
and write. Of the fortj'-onc prisoners, Iwentj'-three 
were of foreign birth, and eighteen natives of the 
United States. 

The Constitution adopted in ISfU, ])rovided for a 
State Prison, which " shall be maintained as provided 
by law." The Governor, Secretaiy of State and 
Attorney (leneral were constituted the Hoard of 
Prison Commissioners — tlie Governor being President 
of the Board, and the Secretary of State, Secretary. 
The Constitution, following the example of California, 
provided that the Lieutenant Governor should be 
ex officio Warden. The first Legislature meeting 
under the State Constitution, passed an Act to pro- 
vide for the government of the State Prison, which 
was approved March 4, 1865. This authorized the 
Board of State Prison Commissioners to take pos- 
session of the Territorial Prison. One of the provi- 
sions of the Act was the prohibition of any barbar- 
ous or unusual punishment; and another that ordered 
the Warden to furnish each convict with a Bible and 
such other books and papers as the Commissioners 
may direct. The Lieutenant Governor was John S. 
Crosman, and he became Warden of the prison, con- 
tinuing in the position until Januarj- 7, ISliT, when 
he was succeeded by Lieut. Gov. James S. Slinger- 
land. Governor Crosman had many things to con- 
tend with during his wardenship arising from the 
meager appropriations allowed, and the inadequacy 
of the prison buildings, grounds and resources to 
make the labor of the convicts remunerative. Gov- 
ernor Slingerland, in his report to the Legislature, 
says: — 

The improvements made by Mr. Crosman were 
eminently fit and proper, and doubtless would have 
been continued on a larger scale had there been 
funds sufficient to have carried out the j)lans as orig- 
inally projected. 

As previously stated, the principal buildings were 
burned on the first of May, 1867. Of this fire the 
report further says: — 

The timelj- urrival of the Fire Department, of Car- 
son C'itj-, with their engines, was all that saved to 
the Slate the " Territorial Addition," in which the 
prisoners were confined when the fire broke out. 
Their superhuman eftbrts saved this ])<)rtion of the 
prison property, which was not damaged to the 
amount of 81,IMI(), as on the third daj- following the 
prisoners were all safel}' housed in their same (piar- 
ters once more, and ready for work as usual, owing 
solely to the good and effective work of a Fire 
Dopiirtment which any city might well be proud to 
claim as its own. 

The fire was undoubtedly the work of an incen- 
diary. During the tire the prisoners were taken to 
and kept in the Ormsby County Jail until the fourth 



of May, when they were returned to the prison and to 
work. The ruins were cleared away, and the Board 
of State Prison Commissioners authorized the 
Warden to take immediate steps to rebuild the 
prison in conformity with the plan submitted by the 
Board. Sealed proposals for furnishing material for 
the building were called for and the prison rebuilt, 
having a total capacitj' for 112 prisoners. Of the 
treatment of prisoners, Governor Slingerland re- 
ports: — 

In the system adopted, I have not ]>roposed to 
consume precious time in trying to make an unmiti- 
gated rascal an honest man. I have no "trusties," 
they all stand on a equal footing, one with another; 
yet among them there are good men, who, if re- 
stored to libertj-, would make good citizens and bo- 
come worth}- members of society. 

They are all cleanlj- clothed and well fed, each one 
is dressed in prison uniform, made of woolen cloth 
with stripes black and white. They all labor faith- 
fully each day in the prison yard, and at meals get 
for 

BREAKFAST, 

Beefsteak, potatoes, bread, hot or cold. 

DINNER, 

Eoast beef or stew. Baked beans on Monda3-s, 
Wednesdays and Saturdays. Mush and molasses, o r 
pudding, on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. Soup 
on Tuesdays. Bread and potatoes each day. 

SIPPER, 

Cold meat, hash, potatoes and bread, stewed peaches 
or apples everj' other day. To which may be added 
vegetables, when in market. 

It is a fact worthj* of notice that during the 
past two j-ears there have been but two occasions 
for punishment, those being for insubordination. 
Prisoners have been orderly and well behaved, and 
with a few exceptions have all been credited with 
the five days, commutation allowed by law for good 
behavior, thus materially shortening their terms 
of imprisonment. A " Conduct Poll " is kept, and 
posted at the end of each month, in which the five 
days is credited, if deserved, and if not, in lieu 
thereof, a black mark is set opposite the name of the 
prisoner incurring, by misconduct, the forfeiture. 

It seems to be the general desire of all to gain 
this commutation, and, as the record shows, but few 
have failed to gain it for each month of the two 
years. 

The expenses of the two years covered by the re- 
port aggregated §72,070.04, made extraordinary by 
the cost of rebuilding, and for the two years to follow 
the Warden asked an appropriation of 8tiO,00(l. to 
cover care of prisoners and to make further neces- 
sary improvements. 

By the election of 1S(!S Frank Denver was chosen 
Lieutenant (iovernor, and by virtue of his office 
succeeded Lieutenant Governor Slingerland as War 
den, in Janiiarv, 1860. During his Wardenship 
stone was (piarried for the Slate Capitol and other 
buildings. 

The Carson Appfitl of December 2, 1870, gives 
the following account of an outbreak at the State 
Prison : — 

Theodore Hawkins, one of the guards, unlocked 



548 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



the outer grated door to let out the kitchen hands. 
McClner was one of these and came out first, he 
struck Hawkins a blow in the neck, knocking him 
clear ofi' the door. McCluer was followed bj- William 
Shea, Thomas Hetfron and Michael Loon. These 
four made a rush at Jake Whipple, Captain of the 
Guard. McCluer attacked him with a butcher knife, 
cutting him in the palm of the hand and drove the 
knife through the rim of his hat, clothing, etc. Other 
members of the guard hearing the scuffle came to the 
scene of conflict. HeftVon grabbed Biggs and pre- 
vented him from using a gun. Then Bowen turned 
loose with his pistol shooting McCluer through the 
head and again through the breast killing him 
instantly. Bowen then shot Heffron just below the 
right shoulder-blade. Shea dealt Bowen a terrible 
blow with a slung-shot made out of a piece of lead 
pipe in a woolen stocking. Bowen turned and shot 
Shea in the abdomen. Loon during the melee ran 
out the front door and hid in the cellar. In the 
meantime Captain Dingman, the inside guard, had a 
perilous time of it. One of the prisoners supposing 
him unarmed seized him and attempted to drag liim 
awaj', when the Captain drew a derringer and shot 
him in the abdomen, he then got outside and rushed 
to the armory and got a gun, mounted the roof just 
in time to prevent Pat Hurley and other prisoners 
from escaping through the skylight. 

The most serious emeute occurred on the seven- 
teenth of September, 1871, during which Gover- 
nor Denver and four of the guards were badly 
wounded, and F. M. Isaacs, a guard, and Matthew 
Pixley, a prominent citizen of Carson, who had 
volunteered to assist in the suppression of the revolt, 
were killed. Twenty-nine of the most desperate 
characters escaped, many of whom were hunted and 
killed in various parts of the State and California, 
and some returned to prison and were tried and 
executed. Great consternation and excitement pre- 
vailed in Carson. All able-bodied men rallied to the 
assistance of the officers, and the militia were called 
out as an addition guard. 

By the election of 1872, P. C. Ilj-man became ea- 
officio Warden, but did not easily obtain possession of 
the prison. The Carson Apjiecd of March 13, 1873, 
relates the following: — 

THE STATE PRISON WAK. 

Owing to a conflicting construction of a new law, 
Frank Denver, Wai-den of the Penitentiary, refuses 
to surrender the prison to his successor, P. C. Hj'- 
man. He even refuses to admit (iovernor Bradley, 
Attorney (ieneral liuckner and Secretar}- of State 
Minor — who constitute the Board of Prison (Commis- 
sioners — into the prison. Thereupon the Governor 
orders Major General Van Bokkelcn to assemble an 
armed force of sixtj- men. On the fourteenth the 
sixty men, and a jjieceof artillery arrived at Carson, 
they consisting of thirty men of the National (hiard. 
Virginia Citj'; ten men and a corporal from the Em- 
met Guard, Virginia City; ten men from the Sars- 
field Guards and ten men from the Montgomerj- 
Guards. (leneral Van Bokkelcn is then ordered to 
])lace Hyman in possession of the ])rison, even at 
cost of life. After receiving a summons. Denver sur- 
renders the "Bastile," saying: " Under military ne- 
cessit}', and from the fact that you liave a su])erior 
'orce in numbers, and that if I should stand by mj- 
I iL^hts by meeting force with force, innocent blood 



might be shed, and the convicts escape, I hereby 
surrender to )-ou as commander of the military 
force." The capitulation then took place. 

The position of Warden, at no time a bod of roses, 
was a particularly trying one during the incumbency 
of Mr. Hj-man. To make the prison a source of rev- 
enue a boot and shoe factory was added which, 
though at first badly managed, aided largely in pay- 
ing the expenses of the institution. For a short 
period Hyman was suspended anil Milton R. Elstner 
was made temporary Warden. At the close of the 
term, ending December 31, 1876, there were 128 
convicts. The earnings of the prison aggregated 
874,417.71, and the actual cost of maintaining the 
prisoners 844,887.11. 

March 17, 1877, Gen. C. C. Batterman succeeded 
to the Wardenship. In his report he relates the fol- 
lowing: — 

On the twenty-ninth of October, 1877, there was an 
uprising among the ])risoner8 with a view to escape, 
in the suppression of which prisoner Ole Johnson 
was killed and prisoner Daniel Matheny wounded. 
Xone succeeding in escaping. In suppressing the 
outbreak Deputy Warden Mathewson and Captain 
of Guard Gounond were wounded. To these officers, 
and to allot the officers and guards on duty at the time, 
great ])raise is due for tneir cool judgment and 
prompt action. 

Of this revolt the Carson Apjieal of October 29, 
1877, says: — 

At 3 o'clock p. .M., the convicts at the State Prison 
made an outbreak. Captain Mathewson, Deputj' 
Warden, on entering the shoe shoj) was siezed b}' 
ilatheny and Kellj- (prisoners for life), Crawford 
(seven years), Ole Johnson (twenty five years), 
Estrada (twenty-five years) and Allen (six years). 
(lOunond, Captain of the Guard, was seized bj- Bada- 
racco (life). Belcher (twenty-one yeai-s) and Burton 
(three years). All these convicts were armed with 
knives. Gounond received a dangerous cut in the 
groin. Mathewson. on being pushed outside, ordered 
three times for the guards to fire. .Mathewson was 
shot through the right arm. The convict Johnson 
received twenty-seven slugs and shot through the 
back and shoulders, and died at 5 p. m. These shots 
quelled the revolt. 

At the close of General Batterman's incumbency 
there were 140 prij^oners, of which two had received 
a university education, and llti are rejjorted as able 
to I'ead and write, and the same number were un- 
married; thirty five were temperate, and the re- 
mainder addicted to the use of intoxicating drinks; 
sixty seven were of foreign birth, and eighty-two 
native born; throe were convicted of murder in the 
first degree, twenty-seven in the second degree, and 
eight for manslaughter. 

The appropriation for the support of the prison 
for the years 1877-78 was 8175,000. Receipts from 
the sale of boots and shoes, 8(i!1,066.54; sale of stone 
from the quarry, 83,8!)2.12, and for stone charged to 
building account. 83.084. 

General liatterman continued as Warden until 
January 1, 1881, saying in his report of that date: — 



■•# 













^-> 








J 



HISTORY OF ORMSBY COUNTY. 



549 



Good order and discipline among the prisoners 
have generally prevailed. While those amonir them 
disposed to infraction of the rules have been closely 
watched and kept in check, the treatment of all has 
been just and impartial. In August, 1879, an 
attempt was made to fire the prison; no other 
serious attempt at an outbreak has been made. 

The number of prisoners was 151. The appro- 
priation for the years 1879-80 was 8175,000, of 
which §17,744.68 remained unexpended. The pro- 
ceeds of the labor of the convicts amounted to 
$56,756.48. The present Warden is William Garrard. 

The Legislature, in March, 1873, passed an Act to 
provide for the purchase of ground and construction 
of a State Prison, sufficient to accommodate 300 
prisoners, and appropriated 8100,000 for the same. 
The site was selected at Ueno, and work begun, but 
whether it will be finished as designed, is a question 
of doubt. 

Of this new State Prison we give the following 
histoiy: — 

The State Prison at Carson City being regarded as 
unable to accommodate the number of prisonei's that 
would, at the usual rate of increase, soon become 
inmates of it, a bill passed the Legislature, and was 
approved March 7, 1873, " to provide for the erection 
of a Slate Prison." By this Act the Board of Slate 
Prison Commissioners, consisting of the Governor, 
Secretary of State and Attorney General, as provided 
b}' the Constitution, were authorized to purchase 
the necessary lands and erect thereon a Slate Prison 
with a capacity to accommodate 300 prisoners, 
enough of the building to be at once completed to 
hold 125 prisoners. The Board were authorized to 
use prison labor, and $100,000 were appropriated for 
the purchase of lands and the erection of buildings. 

Not until the summer of 1874 did the Commis- 
sioners select the site and make active preparations 
to carry out the will of the Legislature. At that lime 
they purchased 206 acres of land on the bank of the 
Truckee River, a little more than a mile east of 
Reno, chosen on account of its healthful location, 
splendid water-power and contiguity to the overland 
railroad. Plans for a building 450x500 feet were 
adopted, S. F. Iloole was placed in charge, and the 
work was commenced August 29, 1874. At first but 
few men were employed, then the number was 
gradually increased _to 160, and about the last of 
December work ceased entirely. 

The Legislature of 1875 appointed a joint commit- 
tee, consisting of C. S. Varian and W. L. Boss, of the 
Senate, and J. P. Smith, A. Spencer and L. Morrill, 
of the Assembly, to investigate the matter. The 
committee reported in favor of the location ; that the 
land had cost 83,318.35, that a foundation wall nini; 
feet high, seven feet thick, and 1,904 feet long, inclos- 
ing five and one-half acres of ground, had been con- 
structed of granite, concrete and rubble stone, at a 
cost of 829.520.35; that other work had been done, 
and materials purchased to the amount of $50,711.87; 
that 835,000 properly expended would have accom- 
69 



plished the same work; that 8100,000 more would bo 
sufficient to complete the wall and enough of the 
cells to enable the prisoners to move thither and 
engage in the completion of the work; that estimates 
by two architects of the cost of completing the works 
were 8345,143.67 and 8304,352.95. A minority 
report was presented by W. L. Ross, dissenting from 
the report of the majority that the work could have 
been done for 835,000, and accompanying it with an 
estimate bj- G. Hai8t,one of the architects who made 
the above estimates, showing that the value of the 
work done was §50,771.10. 

Final Report of S. F. Hoole, architect of the Reno 
State Prison, July 17, 1876, sa}'s the contract is 
completed, and the walls in following condition: — 

"The walls are finished to their connection with 
the southeast corner of the cell-house, and the west 
wall of the Warden's house, leaving an open space 
for the Warden's and cell-house of 377 feet. If this 
wall was built twenty-four feet high to its connec- 
tions at each end. in accordance with the plans, the 
iron doors and gratings inserted in their proper places, 
all the prisoners now in the Carson State Prison, 
with the colls and other material, could he moved to 
the Reno Prison, and the whole work could be com- 
pleted by prison labor under the direction of the 
Warden. The cost of placing the walls in perfect 
security to receive the prisoners will not exceed 
§15,000, including all the iron work required." 

Wm. Thompson, contractor for State Prison walls 
at Reno, sclllod with Board December 16, 1876, 
having 82,328.04 due him, which he authorized the 
Board to pay ;-»ro rata on certain debts contracted by 
him in {irosecuting the work, amounting to $2,687.42. 

GAME. 

The word " game " does not, in Nevada, always 
apply to the animals running wild in forest and field, 
nor to the untamed birds ot the air, neither to the 
fish of its lakes and streams, although " seeing the 
elephant " is commonly mentioned, and "hunting the 
tiger in his jungle " appears to be an every-daj", and 
nightlj% sport. A writer of the region says "A man 
can find there any game he wants, whether played 
with a pack of cards or pistol; whether it comes in 
the shape of a big knife, or a straight from the 
shoulder, or in courtesj- and kindness, from the 
heart." Hunting game, in this acceptation of the 
term, has often brought "a man for breakfast." But 
" game " in cities and mining hamlets, and " game " in 
the open country, in the plains and hills of the broad 
State, are widclj- dift'erent things. 

The extended area of barren plains, sparsely cov- 
ered by shrubbj", dull-colored sage-brush, often vast 
expanses of salt and alkaline plains, and hills bearing 
but few trees to conceal their baldness, or furnish a 
refuge, seemed to forbid the idea of the presence of 
wild animals. While large game was never abun- 
dant, there were frequently found bands of antelope, 
and deer, and occasionally a few mountain sheep. 
Coyotes were quite numerous, and foxes, wolves. 



550 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



lynx, bear, and California lions, were sometimes 
met. In some sections were badgers in great num- 
bers. The trappers of the early period sought the 
streams for beaver and muskrats, of which some are 
still found in the wild regions of the 8tate. Rabbits, 
hares and sage-hens were the most plentiful of all 
game worthily so-called, but the degraded savages 
of the Great Basin sought for mice, rats, ground 
squirrels, snakes, lizards, horned frogs, and the like, 
which were numerous and afforded him food. The 
sage-brush and other shrubby bushes of similar char- 
acter appeared to furnish the desired food for rabbits 
and hares, for where they grow, and the coyote 
driven off or exterminated, there these little jvnimals 
increase exceedingly, so much so as to become a pest 
to the fiirmers and ranchers. 

Of Eagle Valley, Mr. Henry Fulstone writes in 
his diarj', January 1, 1850: " We are much troubled 
with rats. This place abounds with mice, rats, 
ground squirrels, horned frogs, lizards of several 
kinds, night owls and night hawks of several kinds, 
coyotes, magpies, rabbits, hares, sage-hens, grouse 
and ducks." 

CARSON CITY. 

Every city dates its rise from some obscure or 
accidental beginning, but all must have a cause for 
business, prosperilj-, and, consequently, existence. 
Lines of travel, arable land, facilities for manufac- 
ture, rich mines, resort for health, grand scenery, 
one or more of which must exist to fix the site of 
a town or city, which will grow in proportion as its 
natural advantages are utilized and improved by the 
necessities and enterprise of its inhabitants. 

Nestling at the eastern base of the Sierra Nevada 
is a little valley, nearly circular in form, of about 
twenty-five square miles of area, separated from 
the Carson Valley and River, on the south and east, 
by a low, projecting spur of the Sierra, opening to 
the river in the northeast, and fronting the hills of 
the W'ashoe Mountains in the north. 

This valley was crossed bj- one of the roads 
traveled by the early emigrants to California, and 
near its western border, about three miles from the 
river, appeared an eligible site for a ranch and trad- 
ing-post. The locality was" well watered, with a 
fertile soil, having an elevation of 4,615 feet above 
the sea, and with a saluiirious, healthy climate. The 
great travel, many thousands of emigrants with 
long trains of wagons and herds of cattle passing 
continually, affording a most favorable opportunity 
for trade, a fertile soil with natural grass, neighbor- 
ing mountains clothed with luxuriant forest, and 
springs and mountain streams supplying abundant 
water of purest quality, were the attractions, cen- 
tering to a point on the western side of the valley, 
that directed the location of the settlement. 

Here, in November, 1851, as told in the history of 
Ormsbj' County, Frank and W. L. Hall, A. J. and 
Frank Barnard, and George Follensbeo settled and 
established a trading-post, using an eagle, killed 



upon the spot, as a sign and trophy over their house. 
From this circumstance the station became known 
as Eagle Ranch, and the valley became Eagle Valley 
unto this day — and this was the beginning of Car- 
son City. We have traced the history of the settle- 
ment until the purchase of the Eagle Ranch by 
Curry, Proctor. Green and Musser, in July, 1858, 
and the laying out of a town site in September of 
that year. To that date the history is that of 
Ormsbj' County. 

The laying out of the plat of Carson City is told 
in the Nevada Tribune of July 22, 1876, as follr-vg: — 

In September, 1858, Mr. Curr3'- proposed to his 
partners to survey a town site. After due reflection 
they consented, and Mr. Green went to Chinatown 
(now Dayton) to secure the services of Jerry Long 
(J. F. Long, formerlj^ of Plaeerville, California,) to 
survey and lay out the town. When the Surveyor 
examined the premises he doubted very much the 
propriety and feasibilitj^ of the enterprise, and 
urged its abandonment. Currj^ had not forgotten 
his pledge to the speculators of Mormontown, to 
build a city of his own, and no argument could 
deter him from his seeming rash enterprise, and 
in the face of natural objection, and notwithstand- 
ing all the reasonings urged bj- the less sanguine, 
who looked upon the plan as a foolish one, the 
survey of the site progressed to completion, 
and for the first time Carson City, that being the 
name given it, figured as a cil}- on paper onl3-. 
The streets were made wide for the reason that 
by pursuing that plan the plot would be larger, 
which, of course, would give it raorc prominence. 

The survey must be paid for, and Mr. Curry of- 
fered to give the Surveyor that block of land east 
of the plaza, on which is located ^Ir. E. B. Rail's 
hardware establishment, J. M. Benton's liver}- stable 
and a number of other business places. But .Ferry 
Long could not see the point, refused to take it, and 
said he would rather have him (Curry) owe him 
than to take such stuff as compensation for his 
skill and labor. On the other hand, so great was 
the faith of .Mr. Currj- in the success of this new 
enterprise that when surveying the plaza he repeat- 
edly said that the (Japitol of the State would, ere 
many j'oars, bo built on that square. 

The reader will remember that the tcrritoiy now 
comprising the State of Nevada was at that time a 
part of Utah Territoiy, and known as Carson 
1 Count}'. Mr. Curry at this verj- early daj- looked 
I forward to some time in the near future when Utah 
Territory would be divided, the western ])ortion be 
given to a now Territory, which in a short time 
would assume the proportions of a Slate of the 
Union. The plaza, or (/apilol Square, was full}- de- 
signed by Mr. Curry to be the site for the Capitol 
building of the new State, the hope of which his 
own mind alone seemed to grasp. Our readers can 
now see the wisdom of his predictions and their 
fulfillment. 

The four men purchasing the ranch of its previ- 
ous owner, Mr. John Mankin, were Abram Curr}-, 
F. -M. Proctor, B. F. Green and J. J. Musser, and 
were now the owners of a city — on paper. Their 
names, and those of other residents of the vicinity 
at the time of the survey, wore given to streets, 
perpetuating their memory. Shortly after the sur- 



HISTORY OF ORMSBY COUNTY. 



531 



vey, in the same month, an equal division of the 
town lots was made between the four proprietors. 
These gentlemen were alive to their interests, were 
energetic, able and enterprising, and each took an 
active part in the future development and political 
history of the Territory and State. 

Says the historian of Eagle Valley, publi.'^Led in 
the Nevada Tribune July 24, 1876:— 

About the time the proprietors divided the town 
lots between themselves, Curry was engaged in mak- 
ing adobes in a yard situated near P. H. Clayton's 
residence in the southwest part of town. The first 
house was built by Mr. Green, and is a part of the 
present residence of Mr. \V. D, Torreyson; the sec- 
ond was built by Mr, Proctor, and is a part of the 
present residence of Mr. A. Waitz; the third was built 
bj' J. J. Musser, and is now the property of Mrs. 
Sheyer, and the fourth was an adobe store on the 
northeast corner of the county building block, into 
which Miijor Orrasby moved in the latter part of the 
year, and in which he did a general merchandising 
and hotel business on a limited scale. He had pre- 
viously engaged in business in Genoa, his first loca- 
tion. 

Lots were freely given away to parties who would 
agree to build upon them, and some wore traded off 
for almost anything that was necessary and obtain- 
able. For instance, the Methodist Church block 
and the next one south were sold for twenty-five 
dollars and a pair of boots. The property convej-ed 
in this transaction is now (1876) worth ai)out 87,000 
or 88,000. A fourth interest in the Warm Springs 
(unimproved) was sold to Mr. Curr}' for a pony, 
which was afterwards traded bj' its new owner for 
twenty-five pounds of butter, which goes to prove 
that Mr. Green appreciated butter more than he did 
hot water; whilst Messrs. Proctor and Musser made 
a gift of their two-fourths interest in the springs, and 
in this way Mr, Curry became sole owner of the 
Warm Springs, 

By this time quite a community had gathered in 
the little valley and the new village, there being sev- 
eral families, as has been previously related under 
the heading of " Old Settlers." All the people of 
those dates have left a record of respectabilitj' and 
obedience to law, and among them are names, seem- 
ingly the great majority, which are still held in 
remembrance of the warmest regard and highest 
respect. In such a community of pioneers is foujid 
the pioneer preacher of the church of the pioneers, 
the Methodist, always in the van of civilization. The 
Rev, Mr, Bateman (or Jesse L, Bennett), of the 
Methodist Church, represented that denomination in 
the little hamlet of Carson City in the fall of 1858, 
He was devoted to his work, and without doubt 
exercised a restraining influence over the community 
where he dwelt, as well as affording an unspeakable 
comfort to those who wore religiously inclined. 
This pioneer minister also solemnized the first Chris- 
tian marriage in the valley, A marriage bj- civil 
contract had taken place in the valley of the Carson 
on the fourth of July, 1854, the history of which is 
elsewhere given, the celebration of which with a 
wedding festival party took place at the Eagle Ranch, 

The winter of 1858-59, says the chronicler before 



quoted, was very severe, which worked great hard- 
ship on the people, uncomfortably housed as they 
must have been and were. Stock died because of 
scarcitj- of food and shelter, and, altogether, this 
people had to endure privations that none of us can 
now realize. These great mountains, covered in 
winter by excessive snows, separating them from 
communiciition with California, it could not be other 
than uncomfortable; but the hope of something bet- 
ter in the future — a hope to which we are all in- 
debted — sustained them. The next place of business 
erected was the Gem Saloon, and occupied by Mr, 
F. Perkins for that purpose, and is the building now 
occupied by Mr, O, P. Willis for his apothecary 
business. 

During this period Mr. Harry Fulstone one of the 
pioneers of Carson City kept a private journal, from 
which the following extracts are taken, distinctly 
bringing to view the scenes and actors of those prim- 
itive days. 

November 7, 1858. Flour is now selling at twelve 
dollars per hundred pounds; potatoes, five cents per 
pound; beef and pork, twelve and one-half cents per 
pound; milk, twelve and one-half cents per quart; 
cow, if you want to sell her, forty dollars, if you 
want to buy, seventy-five dollars. 

November 15. You have a deal of trouble here 
to get your pay after it has been due for months. 
They are a pack of speculators, robbing one to jjay 
the other. They pay what they please after making 
agreements, and have it all their own way, and it is 
of no use to remonstrate. 

November 17. Stebbins wanted my team to-day 
to fetch lumber. 

November 19, Fall of rain and snow; water came 
through the roof and wet the room. My son William 
collected a debt to-daj- in potatoes and squashes, 

November 28, Got some meat to-daj'. Quite a 
treat. Meat is scarce. We are sick of rabbits. 

November 20. Had a hare to-daj'. It was quite 
fat. They are still (|nite fiit at this time of the year, 
I would rather have an English tame rabbit than one 
of these American dainties. 

December 4. Wo have had a great deal of snow 
latelj'. Money rather scarce. 

December 23, The grass on the ground is dry 
and buried in the snow. The cattle begin to want 
feed. The winds are tremendous. 

December 24. Abe ('urry gave me a bottle of 
whisky to celebrate Christmas with. 

January 1, 1859. A dance in Curr^-'s new build- 
ing at night. We are very much troubled with 
rats, etc. 

Januarj- 11. Times very hard. Not much trad- 
ing, and things very high. Poor men working 
simply for their food. Flour fifteen dollars per 100 
pounds; vegetables seven to eight dollars per 100 
])Ounds. 

January 12. Turned tailor to-day, and cut out for 
Joseph a pair of buckskin pants. The mines in 
the cafions at Walker River cannot be worked by 
reason of heavy frosts and want of water. Times 
seem dull, but there are jjloiity of dances; the 
charge per couple is five dollars. Feed for cattle 
is getting plenty again, 

January 30. Planted trees for Stebbins. [The 
first planted in Carson City. t)ne is still standing 
on Main Street.] 

February 2. First horse race of Car-son. Fifty 
persons present. Nearly every one drunk. 



552 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



February 15. Bad weather, wind and snow. 
Cattle and horses suffering. 

February 19. Finished Josepli's buckskin pants. 

February 21. Twenty-eight feet of snow on the 
summit of the mountains. Snowing almost daily. 

Alarch 9. A boy at Genoa shot a man 3'esterday 
about a bridle. [Killing of E. Knott by John 
Herring, aged nineteen )-ear8.] 

March IS. Went to another horse race. It was 
about the same kind of an ailair as the other. 

March 25. Another horse race. 

March 27. Horse race. Thej' have found good 
diggings at Gold Canon. Some men have made 
from §175 to S300 in three days. [Gold Hill stands 
at the head of Gold Canon.] 

March 30. Went down to a dance at Jacob's, at 
Johntown, in Gold Canon. Walked. Stage over- 
took me. Saliie King urged me to get on the stage, 
and I did so. We had a gay time. I came back in 
Major Ormsby's wagon. It broke down three times, 
and we had to tie it up with ropes. 

April 1. Flour hard to get. Paid twenty-eight 
dollars per 100 for it to-daj-. 

April 22. We sow wheat. 

April 29. Bill Sides murdered a man named 
"Pike," (Jessup) at Gold Cafion. Stabbed him 
twice. Row over cards. 

April 30. Sides brought to Eagle Valley. 

June 2. Sides liberated on bail after a week's 
mock trial. He paid Musscr $700 to clear him. 
Trial put oft' till fall. Got bondsmen in S2,500. 
[Finally acquitted, as is told elsewhere.] 

July 4. Celebration. Cannon burst near Green's 
house. Man severely hurt. 

July 17. Made Robert a pair of buckskin pants. 

July 18. Great excitement at (ioid Canon. Only 
seven dollars an ounce paid for gold-dust at Genoa, 
[Genoa being the chief commercial ))oint] and twelve 
dollars fifty cents allowed at Gold Cafion. 

That society was progressing at this early period, 
and that the dwellers of the neighboring vallej's 
and hamlets enjoj'ed themselves, is shown from the 
following from a communication to the Territorial 
Enterjrrise of January 29, 1859, published at Genoa, 
then the chief town of western Utah: — 

Some of us sought these valleys when they be- 
longed to nature's solitudes, assured that their nat- 
ural advantages would soon gathor society about us. 
In this we have not been disappointed. The influx 
of actual settlers has of late been very considerable, 
and our late holiday frolics should convince an an- 
chorite that society in Carson Valley is a fixed fact. 
Youth, oeauty, intelligence and grace arc all here in 
their freshness and potency, and the spirit of concord 
seems to preside over our pastimes. 

Our New Year's ball at Eagle Valley was a perfect 
jam. The house, though large, was quite too small. 
Wo crowded ourselves out ! H" any cold-blooded 
mysogamist doubted the fact that man is gregarious, 
our New Year's ball would have cured him. All 
seemed to saj' in the language of the poet: 

"On with the dance, let joy be unconfined." 

The people of Carson seemed determined to have 
a hap])y time, notwithstanding their many discom- 
forts arising from badly constructed dwellings, the 
high price of comestibles and the severity of the 
weather. 

The rigors of winter abated about the first of Feb- 



ruary, giving great relief to stock and their owners, 
but the deep snow on the Sierra Nevada rendered 
communication with California exceedinglj- difficult. 
With the opening of spring additions were made to 
the population which had been constantly increasing 
since the exodus of the Mormons. There is now 
here the nucleus of a city. The surrounding valley is 
" claimed " in ranches and occupied by the claimants, 
herdsmen and station keepers. South is the greater 
valley of the Carson, with Genoa as its capital, and 
northeast are Johntown, Gold Canon and the settle- 
ments along the Carson River. A few white men 
and Chinamen have been washing, or mining, for 
gold at Johntown and in the canon at intervals for 
several years, and now, in the spring of 1859, are 
meeting with greater success than before. Astonish- 
ing developments are made in the mines, and soon 
their fame spreads abroad. Population flows in, and 
Carson Ci'y has soon grown so large that it would 
be difficult to keep the record of its individual citi- 
zens, although at this date all are pioneers. As soon 
as the mountains were passable in the spring, the 
proprietors of the town site, Messrs. Curry, Proctor, 
Green and Musser. brought their wives and children 
to join them, and comfortable dwellings were erected. 
City lots, before the rich mining devolopments were 
made, were usually sold at fiftj" dollars each, and 
many were given awaj' to those who would build 
upon them. 

A great excitement followed the discovery of the 
rich gold deposits in the upper part of Gold Cafion, 
changing entirely the condition of affairs and trans- 
forming the inhabitants from a simple pastoral and 
trading people to a busy mining, manufacturing and 
speculating communitj*. With the quality, instinc- 
tive to all Americans, of self-government, obedience 
to law and the observance of legal forms, courts 
were organized in the absence of anj- regularly con- 
stituted authorities. This was soon found to be 
necessary. 

The organization of a Lynch Court, under the ex- 
citement of some recent outrage when passion 
sways justice, is verj' repugnant to all law-abiding 
citizens, although in cases of necessity they are 
compelled to take such a course. To avoid this 
exigency a People's Court was organized, and J. 
L. Cary was made Judge. In the diary of Mr. 
Fulstone, from which extracts have been made, 
the killing of Jessup by William Sides, is men- 
tioned, and that the murderer was brought to 
Carson City for examination. Sides and Jessup, 
miners in Gold Canon, hud quarreled over a game 
of cards, resulting in the death of the latter as is 
elsewhere related. 

The examination of Sides, which partook of the 
form of a trial for the murder of Jessup, was 
before the People's Court. Mark Slebbins and 
Samuel Tj-ler managed the prosecution, and J. J. 
Musser and F. M. Proctor were attorneys for the 
defense. A.G. Hammack was appointed Judge in place 



HISTORY OF ORMSBY COUNTY. 



553 



of J. L. Gary, absent. These were the jurors selected: 
J. Mott, Geo. Hill, Thomas Boyd, J. Adams, P. Brown, 
Thomas Yancy, J. Gatewood, W. Sturdovant, W. 
H. Boj-d, II. Mott, J. Rose, and Joiin Cesser. The 
trial was reported by P. H. Lovell, then telegraph 
operator at Genoa, to the Semi- Weekly Observer, at 
Plaeervillo, and published in the issue of June 4, 
1859. The above is the report of the first day, 
concluding as follows: — 

Several witnesses were examined yesterday, and 
the case rested by both counsels. The evidence 
goes to show conclusively that Jessup made the 
first assault. 

June 7th he telegraphs: — 

The People's Court met pursuant to adjourn- 
ment. W. il. Ormsby was chosen Chief Judge; H. 
F. Pierce and G. "Whippcrly, Associates; and J. K. 
Trumbo, Clerk. A resolution was passed that 
Sides be held to bail in the sum of 82,500 till 
Wednesday, the first of September next. A reso- 
lution was also passed requesting the press not to 
publish the evidence in the case. The case was 
then withdrawn. 

On the sixth of June an important meeting was ' 
held in Carson City, for the purpose of taking 
initiatory steps to organize a Territorial govern- 
ment. At this meeting A. J. Haramack was ap- 
pointed Chairman, and J. K. Trumbo, Clerk. The 
following resolutions were adopted: — 

Resoloed, That a convention of the people of the 
Territory of Nevada be called to assemble in 
Genoa on the eighteenth of July ensuing, to consider 
the public safety. 

Kesohed, That an election for delegates to said 
convention be held throughout the Territory on the 
second of July ensuing. 

The convention was held as ordered, the proceed- 
ings of which are published elsewhere in this History. 

The thirteenth of June was celebrated in Carson 
by a well-attended ball, as the birthday of Mr. 
Charley Stebbins, one of the pioneer settlers of the 
valley and a very popular member of socictj'. 

Among the pioneers first to obey the impulse of 
the mining excitement was Dr. O. H. Pierson, then 
of Marj'sville, California, who, ten j'cars before, had 
felt the same thrill of adventure while practicing 
his profosMion in Peoria, Illinois, and joined the 
throng that went seeking the golden placers of the 
Pacific Coast. Ho writes, twenty-one years after: — 

In June 1 came here; with pioneer wagon drove 
through Washoe Valley seeking a new home, and 
after visiting the then houseless and lonely rough 
spot now known as Virginia City came to Kagle 
Valley, alius Carson, and found a valley of beautiful 
pasture, but only three buildings, one owned by the 
well remembered Major Ormsby, one by the noble 
Abram Carry, who assisted so much afterwards in 
im])roving Carson, and one owned by Mr. Stebbins. 
[Dr. Pierson's letter does not agree with older 
records, which mention Green's, Proctor's, and .Mus- 
ser's residences, Ormsby's, Stebbins' and Curry's 
business houses and the Gem Saloon, besides sev- 
eral cabins and dwellings either in the town limits 
or in the immediate neighborhood.] I erected the 



fourth building, the old St. Nicholas Hotel, on the 
corner of Carson and First Streets, and after that 
built twelve other houses of various sizes and differ- 
ent forms of construction, in different i>art8 of the 
city. As by magic buildings were erected all along 
the main, or Carson Street, and on the cross^streets. 

Less than a year has jtassed since the survey of 
the town plot, and in the fortunes and prospectB 
of the pioneers changes have been made as vividly 
romantic and interesting as ever conceived in the 
brain of the novelist. The discovery of mines has 
been made whose wealth startled the world, and 
brought to this quiet eastern slope a rushing, ex- 
cited mass of humanity. Carson City becomes a 
city in reality. Hotels, saloons, stores, a brewery 
and other places of business are opened. The en- 
terprising firm of Wells, Fargo & Co. establish an 
express, and by this means letters are quickly and 
regularly sent to California at twentj'-fivo cents 
each. Stages were run tri-weekly between Genoa 
and Gold Canon, via Carson, Messrs. Lewis & Wylie 
being the proprietors. 

So far had progress been made that on the fourth 
of July, 1859, a grand celebration of the Nation's 
birthday was held. An oration, prayers, and the 
reading of the Declaration of Independence, with 
procession, the firing of cannon, feasting, and dancing 
in the evening were the features of the day. An 
accident, resulting from the bursting of the cannon 
used in firing the salute, severelj' injuring one of the 
cannoneers, marred the happiness of the occasion. 

Acts of violence were quite common in the town 
and surrounding country, some quarrelsome people 
disregarding settlements by arbitration, and defying 
the People's Court in the absence of courts and oflS- 
cers authorized by regularly constituted govern- 
ments. A correspondent of the Plaeervillo Observer, 
writing from Carson City under date of June 2G, 
1859, says: — 

Such things as cutting and shooting are of too 
frequent occurrence here, and a stop should be ])Ut 
to them. Offenders ought to be placed in confine- 
ment until we shall have courts legally organized. 
It is true some time may elapse before we are blessed 
with such institutions, but criminals are the j)ersons 
who should suffer for this delay. Thej- ought to be 
kept even for forty years, and if they survive the 
present generation of men and still no courts are 
organizoil, wo should hand them down prisoners to 
posterity. 

August 13th, the telegraph wires were stretched to 
Carson and an office opened. This was an institution 
at that time (|uito uncommon on the Pacific Coast, and 
the erection of a single line of wire to any town was 
regarded as an important event. An extract from 
the Terrilorial Enterprise of September 17, 1859, says 
of Carson City: — 

All is life, bustle and activity at this growing 
place. Major Ormsby is building an ailobe house 
45x50 feet, and two stories high. Ho intends it for 
a residence and [)laco of business. There is a hotel 
in progress of construction by Sears & Co., 100x50 
feet. Rice & Co., have a large saloon adjoining their 



554 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



hotel nearly completed. Mr. f'nrry has commenced 
a building also intended for a saloon. There are 
also many other buildintrs in course of construction 
intended tor stores and ])rivate dwellings. The scarc- 
ity of lumber is a great drawback to our prosperity; 
J. K. Trumbo disposes of his lumber weeks in ad- 
vance. Thomas Knott is building a saw mill in 
Jack's Valley. A company from Forest City, Cali- 
fornia, is about building a mill in Eagle Valley and 
ere long all demands for lumber will be supplied." 

On the twenty-eighth of September, five teams 
from the new mines of Virginia Citj' passed through 
Carson en route to California, loaded with silver ore. 
This was a palpable evidence of the wealth of the 
mines; offering a future resource of business in trans- 
portation, from which Carson City would greatly 
profit. As a consequence, it created a sensation. 
The rich and mysterious ore would all be sent to 
San Francisco, and probably Europe, for reduction, 
as it was not generally believed that skill and means 
for beneficiating them could be had in that wild 
region. Now it was first becoming known that the 
mines were really valuable for silver ore, and this is 
the first mention made of anj- quantity of that 
metal being found. Now everybodj- began looking 
for silver. 

On the fifth of October, Messrs. E. Dearborne, II. 
E. Bond and John A. Talbott arrived at Carson from 
the mines in the vicinity of Mono Lake, and re- 
ported finding rich silver veins on the east side of 
the Carson River, and man}- went out to locate 
claims, thus originating Sullivan's District. From 
this date silver predominates in the reports. 

November 5th, is an important day in the history of 
Carson City, as on that day the Territorial Enierprise 
was transferred there from Genoa, indicating the 
growth of the new town, and giving it precedence 
as the place of first importance in the Territory. 

Numerous stage and express lines are now appear- 
ing. George McCarter established a transmountain 
express September Ist. John A. Thomjison ct Co. es- 
tablished a tri-weekly stage and express from Car- 
son City to Placerville, commencing Novetnber 2, 
having purchased the line of Brady & Sunderland, 
who had failed in their contract of carrying the 
overland mail. Saunders k Co. established an ex- 
press, commencing on the ninth of the same month. 

The nineteenth of November is darkened b}' the 
tradegy of John L. Blackburn, Deputy Marshal of 
western Utah, and engaged b}' the citizens of Car- 
son as watchman, killing James N. Stevenson. For 
this Blackburn was arrested and tried for murder. 
The Territorial En'er/rrine of December 3d, reported 
bis acquittal, it having been proven that he acted in 
self-defense, and that Stevenson was a malicious and 
desperate man. Tragical events of this character 
resulted greatly to the prejudice of the young com- 
munity on the eastern 8lo])e, and have been much 
commented on and exaggerated, but order was gen- 
erally bettor maintained than is usual in ui organ- 
ized society on the frontiers. Blackburn h; c| pre- 



viously been a resident of Dutch Fiat, in (California, 
where he held the reputation of a quiet and peace- 
able citizen, and in his new home was honored with 
high otfice; but he was subsequently regarded as a 
desperate and fighting man. and at last fell by the 
hand of an assassin, being murdered by Wm. .May- 
field, in November. ISCl. for whose arrest a reward 
of 81,000 was offered by the State. 

A second winter was then approaching, finding the 
people poorly prepared to meet it. There had been 
a great increase of population, many arriving late 
in the season, both from the east and the west, and 
many thousand head of stock were scattered in the 
valleys. Eoads had been constructed over the Sierra 
with the expectation that they would be traversable 
continuously, and no apprehensions of want were 
entertained. Quoting further from Dr. Pierson's 
reminiscences; he says: — 

Who does not remember the winter of 1859, when 
the snow fell on the night of the seventh of Novem- 
ber two feet on a level, and remained until the ensu- 
ing March, and the inhabitants living on the scanty 
supplies that were then in the vallej', for it was 
impossible to get provisions from over the mountains. 
I paid twenty-five dollars to a man to go with three 
j^oke of oxen up to the first mountain to bring in 
half a cord of wood, and on one occasion went on 
horseback to Jack's Vallej', cleared oft' the snow and 
dug up two sacks of onions and three sacks of cab- 
bages, paid an enormous price, had them hauled up 
and used them for the guests of the St. Nicholas, 
showing how scarce vegetables were. Barley was 
one dollar a pound, hay two hundred dollars a ton, 
charges for keeping a horse,'to stabling, haj- and grain 
seven dollars a night, day board, two meals a day, 
eighteen dollars a week. And now, 1880, how 
changed. On nearlj- every street through which I 
pass I find new buildings, I see trees in everj- j-ard, 
the first ones of the kind I having set out in that 
same summer of '59. 

At intervals during the winter, the roads crossing 
the mountains were opened, and trains of pack- 
mules carried over 8U])plies, but it was late in the 
spring before business was fully resumed. 

During this winter, Mr. John A. Thompson, who 
had previously established a stage line, rendered 
great service by carrying the mail across the 
mountains, going over the deep enow on snow-shoes, 
by which act he gained much credit and notoriety, 
earning the sobriquet of " Snow-shoe Thompson." 
A sketch of him. and of his perilous feats are given 
elsewhere. 

The Enterprise had repeatedly called upon scien- 
tists of metallurgical experience, to establish an 
assay office in Carson, pointing out its opportunity 
for business and the necessity to minors. Early in 
the spring of 1860 this requirement was filled by 
Prof Louis Lanszwcert, which gave an impetus to 
prospecting, and many of the since celebrated mines 
first had their value told at this office. 

Among other enterprises called for was that of an 
accurately surveyed race-course near town, and this 
was accomplished in April, 1860, over which many 



HISTORY OF ORMSBY COUNTY. 



555 



trials of speed have been made, and over which some 
prominent politicians have presided. 

The Cai-pon City Water Company, for the purpose 
of supplying the citizens with water for domestic 
and other purposes, was organized on the twenty- 
ninth of February. ISfiO, and the following officers 
were elected: Wellington Stewart, President; Thos. 
J. Moore, Superintendent; John Leach, Secretary; 
and Wm. DeKa^-, Treasurer. 

The past year had been one of continued prosper- 
ity, notwithstanding the severity of the winter. 
Carson City was now the acknowledged center of 
business, and most important town in western Utah. 
Here people gathered, and built, and speculated in 
city lots, thinking its eligible site, its abundance of 
pure water, its fertile soil, so favorable for gardens 
and comfortable homes, and its many other advan- 
tages so perceptible to the eye, would secure to it a 
permanent precedence. The barren and wind-driven 
mountain-slope, where the silver mines were found, 
was regarded as so inhospitable as to forbid its selec- 
tion for homes or places of business to any great 
extent, and it was at tliis time neglected for the 
pleasanter valley. But it was soon found that busi- 
ness centered close to where the miners delved, 
whether in deep canon or on a rocky peak, and the 
fair Carson was surpassed in the race. 

In May a temporary pause was given to progress, 
a most disastrous Indian war occurring, in which 
several of the most prominent and enterprising citi- 
zens of Carson lost their lives, and causing a panic 
that sent many families to safer quarter,^ in Califor- 
nia. This was the war with the Pah-Utcs, resulting in 
the battles near Pyramid Lake, to which a chapter 
is devoted in this history. 

At this date the following were among the princi- 
pal business men and professionals of Carson City 
as shown by their advertisements in the Terriforiaf 
.^jt^er/jrtse, published bj- Col. Jonathan Williams and 
Wm. L. Jornegan, Attorneys-at-law, J. J. Musser, 
Frank M. Proctor, William S. Spear, 1{. M.Anderson, 
W. F. Anderson, John C. James, Charles H. Bryan, 
W. Stewart. D B. Milne, Gavin 1) Hall and Kirkpat- 
rick & Baldwin. Dr. Anton W. Tjader, and Dr. 
Moore were resident physicians and Dr. S. F. Child 
practiced dentistry. P. C. Rector, John Day and 
S. H. Marlette were surveyors and engineers. Thomas 
Knott was Justice of the Peace by commission of 
Governor Cummings, of Utah. Parker II. Pierce 
sold shingles and shakes. Mrs. C. C. Williamson 
advertised machine sewing. P. II. Lovoll was tele- 
graph operator and agent for the Pony Express 
which advertised to take letters t'rom San Francisco 
to New York in twelve da5-s. and to transmit tele- 
graphic dispatehesin eight (lays. Loiters wore carried 
through for five dollars every half ounce, and tele- 
gra])hic matters from Carson (Jity to St. Joseph, Mis- 
souri, at two dollars an<i forty-five cents for each ilis- 
patcb, adding the telegraphic charges. Lewis & Rico 
cried" Ho! For the Diggings," as thoy sent oft' their 



•'Pioneer " stages with six horses each twice a day to 
Virginia City. Wells. Fargo & Co., and S. W. Lang- 
ton, advertised their express business. AdolphuB 
Waitz kept the Carson City Hotel. Siege's Hotel and 
Restaurant was under the proprietorship of Richard 
Siege. L. Arpin, V. Bick & Co., conducted the St. 
Charles Hotel, (leorge Lewis was proprietor of the 
Magnolia Saloon. J. & W. Pearson made beer, ginger 
wine, bitters, syrups, etc., at the Pioneer Brewery, on 
Carson Street, and J. Barenkamp & Co., on King 
Street sold all kinds of liquors, wines, etc. A Lin- 
dauer& Co., advertised new store and new goods. 0_ 
II. P. White & Co., in connection with Landeckor, 
were merchants and forwarders. John C. Falli 
William P. Harrington, Jr., and S Buckingham had a 
general merchandise store and also a banking busi- 
ness. Col. J. B. Starr, late of Sacramento, and Van 
Winkle & Co., were auctioneers, and Louis Lans- 
zweert was assayer. Gen. Thomas H. Williams 
and W. II. Clow, advertised that they owned a one- 
half section of land north of Nicholas Ambrosia's 
ranch, known as " Dutch Nick's," and warned people 
off from it. Much of the advertising in the papers 
of that period are from Placerville and other points. 
Some of these advertisers are still residents of Car- 
son, some living in various parts of the world, and 
others have closed their life's history. The list does 
not comprise all who were engaged in business at 
that time, only those who handed their names down 
in the pioneer newspaper of the city and Territory. 
Major W. M. Ormsby, up to the time of his death at 
Pyramid Lake, was engaged largely in business; 
Henry Meredith, a young lawyer recently from Cal- 
ifornia, the same; Kugene Angel, a lawyer bj' pro- 
fession, but then surveying and dealing in real 
estate at Carson, also a victim of the war; Dr. Munck- 
ton, druggist; H. S. Phillips, groceries and real es- 
tate; O. H. Pierson, hotel, succeeded by Scott & 
Vantine; II. Remington, carpenter; H. Muller kept 
a restaurant ami .1. Muller was barber. .Fohn Wag- 
nerstarlcd the first brewery. Others of the pioneers 
have been mentioned in different parts of this 
history. Among those who claim pioneership not 
prcviouslj- mentioned are J. (,|. Moore, who built the 
first theater in 1861; George and Daniel Kitsmeyer, 
saddler and harness makers and furniture dealers; 
.1. II. Kinkead, merchant, now Governor of the. Stale; 
A. B. Driosbach, merchant; Jacob Klein, merchant; 
John Kosser, butcher, now ]iroprielor of the Ormsby 
House; .lames Dufl'^-, acid works; Thomas Millard, 
tailor; J. M. Benton, livery stable; Wm. Littlefield, 
merchant; Geo. T. Davis, groceries; Chas. Mann and 
Jos. Plat, clothing; George Tuffl}-, hotel, now banker; 
,1. (i. Torrej'son, carriage maker; Joseph and George 
Cowan, painting; Augustus Lewis, carpenter; Ed. 
Sweeney, water-works; Alfred Helm. Parker & 
Moore, saloon and theater; Ilenr^- Martin, teaming; 
U. S. Mason, grocer; Kaiser A KIrod, hay yard; 
Samuel Wright, undertaker; A. D. Troadway, M. 
W. Little, .Mr. Phillips, .Mr. Woods and Mr. Winny 



556 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



farmers; Col. A. C. Ellis, lawyer; Win. Pierson, mer- 
chant; 0. P. Willis, druggist; Matt. Riiikel, butcher, 
H. F. Rice, Wells, Fargo & Co"8. agent. 

For several month.s following the massacre of Pyr- 
amid Lake the fright continued, and little advance 
was made, but thelndians having been subdued, and 
the people becoming convinced of the fact, resumed 
their business and general prosperity ensued. Dur- 
ing this period looal politics considerably agitated the 
people of Carson, who were restive under the rule of 
Mormon laws, and were desirous of self-government. 
They had previously sent on one of their promi- 
nent citizens. Hon. John J. Musser, as Delegate to 
Congress, asking the creation of a Territor}'. but 
he had been unable to accomplish the object. 

In the spring of 1800, Judge Cradlcbaugh. one of 
the United States District Judges for the Territory 
of Utah, arrived and organized a court. This im- 
proved matters slightly, but as all civil cases required 
to be adjudicated according to the statutes of Utah, 
little business was done. In August an election for 
town officers was held, but the laws being Mormon, 
great dissatisfaction continued. The formation of a 
new Territory was constantly urged, some advocat 
ing the name of Washoe, and others the name of 
Nevada. (ircat was the rejoicing when it was 
learned that on the twentieth of March, 1861, Presi- 
dent Buchanan had approved the bill organizing 
the Territory of Nevada. Shoi-tly afterwards James 
VV. Nye was appointed Governor by President Lin- 
coln, and in July, in company with most of the Fed 
eral appointees, arrived in the Territory, and on the 
eleventh issued his proclamation of the organization of 
the government, selecting Carson City as the capital. 
A census of the people having been made as required 
in the Organic Act, an election ibr choosing a Dele- 
gate to Congress and members of tlie Legislature 
was ordered to be held on August 31st. The mem- 
bers of the Legislature chosen at this election, met at 
Carson City October 1, 1861. Wm. M. Stewart 
represented Carson City in the Senate, and John p. 
Winters in the Assembly. This event was celebrated 
by a ball given at the house of John D. Winters, 
which was one of the most notable affairs of the 
kind occurring in the young city. Governors Nye, 
Roop, and numerous other distinguished gentlemen 
were among the guests. 

Carson City has now become the cajMlal of the 
Territory, an honor to which she had aspired, and to 
which her founders had looked forward when survey- 
ing Eagle Ranch into town lots and squares. The first 
Legislature met at the Warm S|)rings Hotel, a large 
building recently erected and belonging lo Abram 
Curry. 

Among the firststatutcs was one apjiroved Novem- 
ber 28, ISdl. giving to John J. Musser. Jonathan 
Wild, Sarah A. Blackburn, and John G. Kelly, and 
their associates the right to lay water pi))es to sup- 
• ply the town of Carson City. 

November 29th an Act was approved creating the 



Carson City Gas Company, granting the franchise to 
John J. Musser. George Lewis and associates. 

The Act creating the County of Ormsby had been 
approved on the twenty-fifth, and on the twenty- 
ninth, Carson City was made the county seat. This 
is another step of importance in the historj' of the 
town, it now being countj' seat and capital, and on 
the high road to prosperity. 

The principal events in the history of Carson are 
epitomized in the following: — 

February 12, 1865. The Nevada Historical and 
Scientific Society incorporated. President, A. F. 
White; Vice President, W. F. B. Lynch; Recording 
Si'cretiuy, C. L. Anderson; Corresponding Secretary, 
Thomas Wells; Treasurer, W. B. Lawlor. 

August 2, 1865. At 3 a. .m. a fire broke out at the 
rear of " Squire's Bowling Allej''," corner Fourth 
and Carson Streets, spread to adjoining buildings and 
destroyed, including merchandise, about §60,000 
worth of property. James Sanderson, Samuel Cohn, 
and S. Foulk were the heaviest losers. 

August IB, 1865. At 3:30 a. m. a fire broke out in 
an unoccupied building known as the People's Mar- 
ket, on Cai'son Street, between Fourth and Fifth, 
directly opposite the scene of the conflagration of 
the second instant. The surrounding buildings were 
light frames, and the whole block was swept awaj-. 
Ijoss, 825,000, which was well divided up among 
man}' citizens. This fire was the work of an 
incendiarj'. 

December 26, 1865. Five prisoners escaped from 
the penitentiary just before the breakfast hour. 
They had dug a hole through the wall of the dining 
room. Careless guarding was the cause. Their 
names were Dade, Sharner, Donnelly, Coolej^ and 
George. The latter was recaptured in the afternoon. 

December 27, 1865. The Secretary of the Treas- 
ury at Washington a]ipointed Abram (^urry, Ilenrj' 
F. Rico and .lohn H. Mills, as Commissioners to es- 
tablish a Mint at Carson. 

February it, 1866. B. F. Small, Postmaster at Car- 
son, received notice from the Postmaster General 
that Carson had been designated as a mone3--or(ler 
office. 

April 18, 1866. The Warren Hose Company of 
Car.son receive a S500 hose carriage purchased from 
the Libertj' Hose Company of San Francisco. 

July 17, 1866. From (^arson Appeal : " A glorious 
day for ("arson! The arrival of the Mint papers! 
Joj' and gunpowder ! At an earl}^ hwur yesterday 
morning our citizens were startled from their beds 
by the booming of cannon and the riTigiiig of bells, 
which demonstrations were m;ulc in honor of the 
arrival of a bigjiackage ofpa])crs by express marked 
'A. Curry. Sn|)crintendeni of ( 'onstruclion, Carson 
Mint." And. glorious to contemplate, that package 
contained the long-looked-lbr plans and specifications 
tor the Branch Mint at Carson." A handsome in- 
stallment of the appropriation for the ilint was at 
that date in San Francisco, subject to the check of 
the Disbursing Agent. 

July IS, 1866. On this date at 8 A. m., ground was 
broken for the mint. ,Iohn H. Mills threw the first 
shovelful; II. V. Rice the next; Col. Abe Currj- the 
third, and 11. H. Mighels of the Ap/>ea/ the fourth. 
The lino of the front porch was selected for the cere- 
mony. An ani|)le force of laborers then went to 
work. 

August 11, 1866. At 12:30 a. m., a lire broke out 
at the rear of the premises of Jacob Beam, on Carson 



I 



fl/-^- Lira's 




RESIDENCES »' Miiii^ Cha'S F. B I CK N E LL >"• GeO C.ThAXTER, 

CARSON, NEV. 



HISTORY OF ORMSBY COUNTY. 



557 



Street. Less, buildings, tools, etc., 84,630. An in- 
cendiary' fire. 

September 24, 1866. To-daj' the Masons laid tbe 
corner-stone of the mint. Fine day, brass band, 
sinfiing, a big crowd. Senators Nye and Stewart, 
and the Judges of the Supreme Court present. J. 
C. Carrie, G. M. of the Grand Lodge of I^evada, laid 
the stone. Col. Robert Taj'lor, and Nj'e and Stewart 
spoke. Ceremonies closed by the singing of " Old 
Hundred." 

The following is a brief description of the 

CARSON .MINT. 

Granite from the prison stone quarry. Pict style 
of architecture. Portico, Ionic. Hall, twelve feel in 
width; main hall 12x40; on the right of the entrance. 
Paying Teller's office, 13x16 feet. Coining room, 
19x19. Spiral staircase conducts above. Whitening 
room. 10xl4J, with a vault in solid masonry 5x6. 
Annealing furnace and rolling room, 17x24. Gold 
and silver melting room, 10x24. Melters and re- 
finers' office, 12.k19 feet. Deposit molting room, 
14ixl9. Deposit weighing room, 10x10, with a 
strong vault 6JxlOJ feet. Treasurer's office, 13x16, 
with a vault five feet square. Engine room, 16Jx53 
feet. Beside which there is a cabinet, adjusting 
room, ladies' dressing room, humid assay room, 
assayer's office, assaycr's room, watchman's room, 
two store-rooms, attic, basement. As a preventive 
against fire the floors are double, with an inch of 
mortar between. The foundations are seven feet 
below the basement floor and laid in concrete. 
Building two and a half stories high. 

The machinery for the mint arrived November 22, 
1868. The mint has a front of ninety feet on t'arson 
Street. 

January 23, 1869. A bill was introduced in the 
Ijegisiature appropriating 8100,00(1 for a Capitol 
buiiiiing. The local press agitates in its favor. 

November 1, 1869. The machinery of the mint 
was put in motion in the afternoon. 

January 26, 1870. The Board of Directors of the 
Nevada Orphan's Home hold a meeting and accept 
the tract of land known as the Perley and Lander 
lot, on which to build the Home. It has a frontage 
of 940 feet on Fifth Street and 750 feet on Stewart 
Street, and contains seventeen acres. The purchase 
money was donated bj' the citizens of Carson, the 
chief movers being (ieo. L. Gibson, A. L. Treadwaj', 
A. Curry, Geo. Tufly and A. B. Driesbach. The 
law requires that the building shall be constructed 
and be ready for occupancy by October 18, 1870. 

April 14, 1870. The State Capitol Commissioners 
received proposals for the erection of the Capitol 
building. They were as follows: (ieo. H. Hancock, 
Virginia City, 896,700; John C. Metson, Gold Hill, 
$89,000; Charles Hanberger and John Hughes, San 
Francisco, 896,t)00; S. F. Hoole, Reno, 892,400; John 
A, Fiske, Carson, 8160,000; Peter Cavanagh, Carson, 
884,000. Contract awarded to Cavanagh on con- 
dition that he file a bond to tb" amount of fifty per 
cent, of the bid. The bond was filed on the fol- 
lowing da}-; Cavanagh to be paid monthly as 
the work ])rogre.ises, seventy-five per cent, of the 
amount due. He agrees to have the building read}' 
for occupancy by December, 1870, and finished by 
January 1, 1871. Mr. Gosling is appointed architect. 

April 18, 1870. Water pipes were laid across Car- 
son Street to tbe Capitol grounds, aTid a load of 
rock was hauled to the same place. 

April 21, 1870. (Jround was broken for the Capitol 
building. Firm ground was found at three and one- 
70 



half feet. Tbe foundations of the exterior walls are 
to be seven feet thick. 

April 23, 1870. The Board of Orphan's Home 
Directors receive bids for the Orphan's Home Build- 
ing as follows: B. H. Meder, Carson, 88,500; S. F. 
Hoole, Virginia City, 89.500; E. B. Hancock, Gold 
Hill, 87,800; C. H. and J. P. Jones, Carson, 89.995; 
J. E. Metson, Gold Hill, 88,350; E. Demuelle, Vir- 
ginia City, 88,500. Hancock was awarded the 
contract. 

LAYING THE CORNER-STONE OF THE CAPITOL, JUNE 
9, 1870. 

The procession consisted as follows: — 

Marshal Triile and Aids, mounted. 

BAND. 

Emmet Guard, of Virginia Citj', fift)' members. 

National Guard, of Virginia City, forty members. 

Eagle Engine Company, of Virginia City, 

and machine. 

Curry Engine Company, of Carson City, and machine. 

Federal officers in carriages. 

Officers and attaches of Mint, in carriages. 

Liberty Engine Companj-, of Gold Hill, and machine. 

BAND. 

Warren Engine Compaii}', of Carson, and machine. 

The contractor and builder of the Ca|)itol. 

Capitol workmen, fifty-six men. 

Carriages with citizens. 

Seventy-six members of Grand Lodge of Odd Fellows. 

Thirty-three Knight Templars mounted on 

black horses. 

Two hundred Masons of the Grand and Blue Lodges. 

After a march through town the Choral Society 
opened ceremonies. 

While the procession was moving, Stanton Post, 
of Grand Army of the Republic, fired salutes with a 
howitzer. 

Grand Master George Hopkins laid the corner- 
stone, and Robert M. Taylor delivered the address. 

A brass box, deposited in the corner-stone, con- 
tained a copy of the Declaration of Independence, 
Constitution of the United States, Organic Act of 
Nevada Territory, etc., etc. 

September 10, 1872. A 84 500 fire occurred. 

September 19, 1872. Supt. H. F. Rice puts down 
before the Mint building a granite sidewalk, twelve 
feet wide and 180 feet long. Gas is introduced into 
the Ca]iitol building. 

September 20, 1872. Peter's new flouring and 
barley mill starts up. 

" Carson is noted all over the State as the Forest 
City of Nevada; cotton wood, being the native to 
the manor born, does the best, but trees of all kinds 
do well." — Ajrjieol. 

November 30, 1872. F"'irst anniversary dinner of 
the St. Andrews Society of Carson. 

January 7, 1873. The (.irand Council of the Inde- 
l)ondent Order of Rod Men of Nevada was instituted 
this evening by A. Curry, V. G. I. The following 
officer.s were elected: Jonas Seolj-, G. S. ; H. J. 
Peters, S. S; C. N. Harris, J. S.; A. Waitz C. of R.; 
J. B. Fitch, K. of W.; A. Curry and E. Strother, G. 
R. Representatives from all the tribes in the State 
were present. 

March 1,1873. An unusual Washoe zephj-r. The 
highest wind ever known here. Several largo barns 
blown over and miles of fencing. 

July 1, 1873. F. D. Hotrich became Superintend- 
ent of the Mint vice H. F. Rice. 

July 31, 1873. A big fire occurred at Camp 18. 
A 825,000 mill, belonging to Bragg, Folsom & Co., 
was burned, and 830,000 worth of lumber. 



558 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



August 2, 1873. A big fire occurred at the lumber 
yard of Sharon & Yerington's flume, one and one-half 
miles west of town. About 8,000 cords of wood 
were burned, worth seven dollars per cord. Origin 
of fire not stated. Insurance, seventy per cent. 

August 17, 1873. The Aijjieal says: " The finances 
of Ormsby County are in fine condition. The 
county pays cash for everything, and has been doing 
so since the last income of taxes. 

August 2. 1874. The Glenbrook planing mill, 
owned by Davis & Tha.xter was burned at 2 a. M.this 
morning. Loss S15,000. Origin a mystery. 

August 12, 1874. At G p. m. sixteen men working on 
the new ditch at the end of the flume about two and 
a half miles west of town, uncoupled a car standing 
on a side track, and started for town. The brake 
would not work and the car came down at terrific 
speed, and finally collided with some freight cars. 
Peter McMahon was mortally injured, and died in 
one hour and a half E. L. Anderson was seriously 
injured, and all the others more or less hurt. 

"November 10, 1874. Rice & Holmes water-works 
completed, west of town. The reservoir is on Porter 
Warren's place— old Camp Nye— is capable of hold- 
ing 200,000 gallons, to be drawn from Taylor's 
springs, and other springs in the vicinity. The main 
pipe enters the city on Robinson Street. 

December 29, 1874. John Murphy hanged at Carson 
for murdering John McCuUom. 

January 20, 1875. Great snow storm at Carson. 
Two feet of snow on a level falls in thirty-six hours. 
Greatest storm since 1861-62. 

February 27, 1875. Carson Incorporation Act 
signed by the Governor. Also, bill to appropriate 
S25.000 for the improvement of Capitol Square. 

October 7, 1875. Ordinance passed creating Car- 
son fire department. 

October 30. 1875. At 5 a. m. Carbon Acid Works 
burned; incendiary fire; loss 853,000; insured for 825,- 
000. Completest establishment ofthe kind on the coast. 
Produced sulphuric acid and blue stone. Belonged 
to a stock company of which the principal men were 
Adolphus Waitz, George Gillson, and Felix Marzbach. 
These are the second acid works burned on that spot. 
December 17, 1875. At an early hour this morning 
the body of Tom Burt was found hanging to the cross 
beam of the gate of the graveyard. Pinned to his 
breast was a sheet of note paper, on which was in- 
scribed with a pencil ''601." Uo had been taken 
from the Curry Engine House during the night by a 
party of disguised men and hanged. It was well 
enough known that he had been connected with re- 
cent acts of incendiarism. Uo was a rough and va- 
grant, and had been in the habit of sleeping in the 
engine house. Had a very bad record. 

June 6. 1876. When a construction train of the 
Virginia & Truckee Road was nearing the tunnel on 
the divide between Ormsby and Storey Counties, 
loaded with Chinese laborers, it was stopped by 
thirty or forty armed white men, and compelled to 
turn back to town. The white men declared that 
they needed work for the support of their families, 
and that the Chinese should not work. 

The next day a crowd of 150 white men drove 80 
Chinamen from the wood camj) of Yerington k Co., 
and notified other employers not to keep Chinamen 
more than forty -eight hours. That evening three of 
the rioters were lodged in jail, and threats were made 
that the jail would be mobbed. Chinatown quaked 
to its foundations, and the war ended. 

August !t, 1876. Mountain fires in the Clear Creek 
gulches and cafions, at Ash Cafion, etc. No great 
damage done. Fine scene at night. 



August 19. 1876. Cobetot House burned. Loss, 
825.000. 

November2, 1877. At 7p. m., an immense wood-pile 
at the flume south of town, was discovered to be on 
fire; 9,500 cords of wood burned. Loss, 847,000. 
Origin unknown. Owned by the Flume Companj^. 

Januarj' 10. 1878. At 1 a. m., the old Frisbie Cor- 
ner (restaurant and saloon) was burned. It was the 
first frame building in Carson, although much en- 
larged and added to. Built by Ben. Green in early 
times. I>. P. Frisbie bought it in 1860. Was a bar- 
room, lodging-house and eating-house for eighteen 
years. Origin of fire unknown. 

January 19, 1878. At 1 a. m. an incendiary fire 
broke out in Chinatown, and twenty-two houses 
were burned. 

August 6, 1879. James McCarthy was tied to a 
post in the Capitol grounds, with a placard of " Wife 
Beater," adorning his person. 

November 25, 1879. In the District Court, M. C. 
Gardner vs. Yerington & Bliss. Plaintiff entered 
into a contract in the spring of 1875, to furnish logs 
to defendants, the latter to provide a man to measure 
the logs. Plaintiff claims that by false measurement 
he was cheated out of 8.000,000 cubic feet of lumber, 
worth 830,000. (Colonel Ellis and Judge Harris for 
plaintiff. Judge Whitman, of Virginia City, for de- 
fendants.) Yerington k Bliss had previously loaned 
Gardner 814.700 with which to build the railroad 
near Yanks, Lake Tahoe, and sought to cripple him 
and get the road. A hard, legal fight ensued. After 
a second trial the jury gave a verdict of 84,400 for 
Yerington k Bliss.'and an offset of 810,(100 for (Gard- 
ner for underscaling. Gardner had hard work to 
raise the 84.400 nceessarj- to save his road, but by 
great efforts succeeded, and then sold the road to a 
rival lumber company for 817,000. In various ways 
the damage in cash and business to Yerington & 
Bliss amounted to $100,000. 

In the bad days of 1861-62, there was a high- 
toned mulatto barber at Carson named Underwood. 
He was partially educated, and affected to regard 
full-blooded negroes with unbounded contempt, and 
seldom lost an opportunity to express himself on the 
subject. " Doc," a black man, entered his shop one 
evening, and a conversation between them soon 
drifted into a row. 

" You niggers ain't got the sand! " Underwood ex- 
claimed. "Doc "drew an immense knife; Under- 
wood fled out of the shop and across the street, but 
" Doc" overtook him on the plaza. 

"Aint'gotthe sand, eh? " exclaimed " Doc " re- 
peatedly, each time plunging the long blade into the 
shrieking mulatto, who soon fell dead. The murderer 
served a term in the penitentiarj' for this offense. 

HON. CHAS. F. BICKNELI., 

Was born May 22, 1840, in Bath, Sagadahoc County, 
Maine. After receiving a high school education in 
his native State, he learned the trade of carriage 
making. Not contented with the quiet life ho was 
there leading, he sought new fields for his labors, 
and came to California, by way of the Isthmus of 
Panama, in I860. Reaching San Francisco in due 
time, he remained there until May. 1863, at which 
time he came to Nevada, and worked in the mines 
fifteen months. When the excitement at White 



\ 



HISTORY OF ORMSBY COITNTY. 



559 





Pine broke out, he went with the throng to that 
locality, and waB the first Deputy County Recorder 
of that county. In 1871 he came to Ormsby 
County. He was appointed Assistant Secretary of 
the Nevada Senate in 1869, and elected Secretary 
during the sessions of 1871 and 1873. In 1874 he 
was elected Clerk of the Supreme Court; and was 
reelected to the same office in 1878. In the fall of 
1874 5Ir. Bicknell built his handsome residence on 
Elizabeth Street, Carson (^ity, a view of which will 
be found in this history. Mr. Bicknell is well known 
throughout the county in which he resides, as well 
as the eastern portion of the State. He is a court- 
eous gentleman, and universally respected by all. 
He was married to Mrs. A. G. Roberts, daughter of 
A. H. Davis, of Carson City, on the tenth of April, 
1872. 

GEORGE C. THAXTER, 

Is a native of the State of Maine, and was born in the 
city of Bangor, October 14, 1842. Ho lived in his 
native city until 1862, when, fired with patriotism for 
his threatened country, he enlisted in the Eleventh 
Regiment, Maine Yolunteor Infantry, receiving the 
appointment of hospital steward. After seeing serv- 
ice in the field as well as the hospital, ho was dis- 
charged on account of disability caused by exposure. 
On coming out of the army he returned to his native 
State and entered the drug business at Newport, 
Penobscot County, where ho remained during the 
succeeding five years. In 18<)8 he went to Moingona, 
Iowa, and for eighteen months was engaged in the 
same business and then came to the State of Nevada, 
and located at Carson City, Ormsby County, where 
for nine years ho was engaged in the lumber busi- 




ness, being a partner in the Glenbrook Mill Company. 
In 1878 he left the last-named business and returned 
to his first love, the drug business, buying the estab- 
lishment of O. P. Willis, at the northwest corner of 
Carson and King Streets, Carson City, where he 
continues to hold forth as one of the leading drug- 
gists in the State, a man thoroiighlj- conversant with 
the profession. He was married to Miss M. Davis, 
of Newport, Maine, December 11, 1864. 

HON. WM. M. GARY 

Was born at Smitbfield, Jefferson County, Ohio, Jan- 
uary :5, 1814. In 1818 the familj- moved to Stillwa- 
ter, Guernsey County, Ohio, to re-commence life on 
the frontier, their respectable fortune having been 
swept awaj- amid the general depression that resulted 
from the war of 1812. After one year at that place 
the family moved to the banks of the Sandusky 
River, where the town of Bucyrus now stands. In 
1822 the subject of this sketch was sent to his grand- 
father, in Middletown, Washington County, Pennsyl- 
vania, where ho attended a school kept by the father 
and sister of the celebrated Alexander Campbell, the 
founder of the Campbellite Church. In 1823 his 
mother died, and ho lived with his relations until 
1827, when ho was a))prenticed to a hatter, in his 
native village. In 1831 ho removed to Lima, Indi- 
ana, where he coramencod life for himself In 1834 
he left the latter ])laoe and located in Peoria, Illinois, 
whore ho lived until the spring of 1836. In Decem- 
ber, 1836, ho was married to Miss Sarah A. Kirk, at 
Bucj'rus. Ohio, and soon after moved to Angola, 
Indiana, where a commission awaited him as the first 
Sherift' of the now countj' of Steuben. lie remained 
in Angola until the fifteenth of March, 1850, when he 
started for California, and arrived at what is now 
Placon'ille on the fourth day of August the same 



560 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



year. He acquired some wealth and returned in Jan- 
nary, 1851, to Indiana for his family. Three months 
and seventeen days were occupied in his trip home, 
he taking the Nicaragua route. In March, 1852, he 
left Angola with his family for a second trip across 
the plains to California, and arrived at Placervillc. 
by a singular coincidence, on the fourth of August, 
1852, just two years from the date of his first ar- 
rival. Soon after he commenced the hotel business, 
and in the fall of the same year built the Placer 
Hotel, which was burned in April, 1856. One year 
later he built the Gary House, and remained the 




/ff^ 



/h-Jt^^, 




owner and usually the proprietor of this well-known 
bouse until 1865, when he sold the place and came 
to Carson Valley, Nevada, and built a flouring mill. 
In 1866 he was elected to the Assembly of the Ne- 
vada Legislature from Douglas Count}'. In May, 
1867, his wife died, and he removed to Virginia City 
and was Superintendent of several quartz mills. In 
1869 he removed to Washoe City and was married 
to Mrs. Eslflle M. Clark. Ho remained in this place 
until 1874, when he returned to his farm in Douglas 
County. In 1877 he moved to Carson Citj', where 
he now resides. He has been twice elected Justice 
of the Peace and City Magistrate, and at present 
holds the office. Mr. Gary has two sons, Edwin R, 
and \Vm. H. H. Cary, the result of his first marriage, 
and one son, a lad of nine years, Eugene D., by his 
second marriage. Mr. Cary has seen much of active 



life, and is a man of unusual vitality. He is of 
Quaker origin, and his family is noted for longevity, 
and he bids fair to live for many years. 

J. H. MARSHALL 

Was born July 26, a. d. 1850, in Bucyrus, Crawford 
County, Ohio. His father was born in the same 
town, while his mother was a native of Xenia, Ohio. 
During the first nine years of his life he lived in his 
native town, and then removed to St. Louis. Missouri, 
where he attended the Webster School for seven 
months. He then moved with his parents to Mat- 
toon, Illinois, where he had the benefit of one year's 



^ 




r^ 



schooling, and at the early age of eleven years, 
entered the mercantile business, as clerk, in the estab- 
lishment of Mclntyro & Ogden, afterwards that of 
J. M. Douglas, where he continued until the spring 
of 1864. The father of Mr. Marshall was Assistant 
Quartermaster of the United States Army stationed 
at Cincinnati, Ohio, whither young Marshall went. 
After a short stay at that place he went to Bucyrus, 
his native town, and six months later went to Xenia 
and commenced a five-years' course of study with 
the intention of qualitiyiiig himself for a lawyer. A 
few weeks later his father was killed, and the sub- 
ject of this sketch was compelled to relinquish his 
pet object and go to work, which he did in a mas- 
terly manner. His first move after quitting his stud- 
ies, was in obtaining a position as clerk and book- 
keeper in a store at Sulphur Springs, Ohio, where he 
remained until November, 1867; thence to Junction 
City, Kansas, where he hold the position of Assistant 
Postmaster one year, and changed to his old pro- 
fession as book-keeper in a general merchandise store 



HISTORY OF ORMSBY COUNTY, 



561 



for ono year; thence to Lawrence, Kansas, and 
entered the cmplo}' of the Kansas Pacific Railroad 
Company as Chief Clerk, Cashier and Ticket Aj^ent. 
After this he held positions on several railroads, 
until 1873. March, 1874, he accepted a position as 
book-keeper with J. G. Fox, of Carson Citj', Nevada, 
and came to the latter place. He occupied that 
position until he was elected County Clerk of Ormsby 
County, in 1876, on the Dolly Vardon ticket. Mr. 
Marshall has never married. 

J. M. BENTON, 

The subject of this sketch, is a native of the State of 
New York, being born in Tompkins County, July 
19, 1837. His parents were driven from New York 
City b}- the Tories, during the Revolutionary War, 
and settled in Yates County. Benton Center, of 
this last-named county, derived its name from this 
family. They, however, afterwards removed to 
Tompkins County. In 1856 .Mr. lienton started out 
to seek his fortune, and for about six years traveled 
through the Western States. In 1862 he entered the 
United States Army, as a surgeon, a position he 
creditably filled for nineteen months. In the spring 
of 1864 he came across the plains to Nevada, and was 
engaged in mining and milling until 1867 when he 
entered his present line of business, that of livery and 
sale stable. A view of his stable buildings accom- 
panies this sketch. They are situated on the north- 
east corner of Carson and Third Streets, the site of 
one of the first buildings in Carson City. He bought 
this property in 1867 and has built additions from 
time to time as his increasing business demanded, 
and has at present one of the finest and best arranged 
establishments in the State. For the past ten years 
he has been the proprietor of the stage line running 
between Carson City and Lake Tahoe, of which the 
celebrated " Hank Monk " has been the " whip." 
Mr. Benton was manned August 28, 1868, to Miss 
Mattie E. Meder, daughter of Senator B. H. Meder, 
of Carson City. 

M. D. HATCH, 

The subject of the following sketch, is a native of the 
Green Mountain State, being born in Williamstown, 
Orange County, Vermont, on the nineteenth of 
August, 1841. Though a native of that State, his 
recollections do not date back to the time he lived 
there, for at the early age of two years he went with 
his parents to Lake Count}', Illinois, where he 
obtained a common-school education, and passed the 
days of his youth in the garden State of the West. 
When he was a mere boy his parents moved to Cali- 
fornia, and he accompanied them on the long and 
tedious journey. This was in the year 1852. Arriv- 
ing in the land of gold they settled in Nevada County, 
where they remained until 1867. During the last- 
named year, Mr. Hatch crossed the mountains and 
located at Carson City, Ormsby County, Nevada, 
and engaged in the mercantile and lumber business, 
hwere, by strict application to his business, he 




acquired a competence, and retired from active busi- 
ness life. A man of sound judgment and sterling 
integrity, the partiality of his fellow-townsmen did 
not allow him to remain a private citizen among 
them, and he was induced to accept the nomination 
as County Clerk, to which office he was elected by a 
handsome majority in 1880, and without doubt will 
bo able to exhibit as clean a record at the expiration 
of his term of office, as his predecessors have done. 
He was married October 20, 1869, to Miss Bertie A. 
Davis, of Glenbrook, Nevada, 

MATHIAS BINCKEL (DECEASED) 

Was a native of the old world and was born in the 
year 1833. Coming when a mere babe to America, 
with his parents, his early recollections did not date 
back to his native land. His people settled in the 
city of St. Louis, Missouri, where our subject passed 
the days of childhood and early youth until ho was 
about nineteen years of age; being a man every way, 
except in years, he started out at this age to seek his 
fortune. 

In 1852 he went to California and after eight years' 
stay in there he came over the mountains to Virginia 
City, During the next three years he made the trip 
between California and Nevada several times, and 
located permanently in Carson City, Ormsby County, 
in 1863, where he carried on the meat business for 
many years, and by strict application to business 
accumulated a comfortable fortune. In 1876 he 
erected the palatial residence, corner of King and 
Curry Streets, one of the finest in the city, where his 
family now reside, Mr. Rinckol, departed this life 
October 6, 1879. Ho was well and favorably known 
throughout the State, and his death was a calamity to 



562 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



the town in which he lived. Miiny m<>nuinenU< of hi^ 
untiring energy are still visible in Carson, in the shape 
of fine buildings. He was married to Miss M. E. 
Coftej-, at Carson City, on the sixteenth of Sep- 
tember. 1865, and their union was blessed with six 
children, four girls and two boj-s, all of whom are 
living. A view of their home and one of the many 
business properties owned by them may be seen else- 
where in this work. 

DUNCAN .m'rae. 
The subject referred to in this sketch, is a native of 
Canada, and first beheld Ihe light of day in the 
Province of Ontario, on the seventeenth day oi' 
March, 1840. His education was obtained on Cana- 
dian soil, and for some years after arriving at man- 
hood's estate, was employed as foreman of a large 
lumber 3'ard in his native town. In 1870 he emi- 
grated to Nevada, and located at ('arson Cit^-. 
Ormsby County. His old business still clung to 
him. and soon after his arrival ir\ the land of silver, 
we find him an extensive contractor for the cutting 
of large amounts of wood for different companies. 
His early training combined with a clear well-bal- 
anced head, soon placed him in advance of his com- 
petitors, and he has, beyond a doubt, handled more 
wood during the past few years than any man in the 
State of Nevada. Mr. .McKao now ompioj-s a large 
force of men, numbering about 125, and over 100 
horses and mules, in the delivery of 400 cords of wood 
daily at Lakeview. The wood is cut in the Sierra 
Nevada Mountains and placed in a V flume and thus 
transported bj' water to a point nine miles below. 
The wood is owned by the Sierra Nevada Wood 
and Lumber Company, and is used principally by 
the Bonanza Firm in working their mines on the 
Comstock. A view of McRae's wood-camp and por- 
trait of himself may be seen amongst the illustra- 
tions of this work. 

HARRISON SHRIEVES 

Was born in Lancaster, Ohio, November 16, 184G, 
where he spent his boyhood, i-oceiving such advan- 
tages in education as wore afforded by the schools of 
his native town. Fired bj^ the prevailing patriotic 
feeling he left school when ho was sixteen and 
enlisted in the three-months service under Captain 
Henley, and went to Camp Chaso, Columbus, Ohio, 
in the latter part of 1862. At the expiration of his 
three-months' term ho re-cnlistod in the Tenth Ohio 
Cavalry. On the reorganization of his company he 
was made Sergeant, and was afterward promoted to 
First or Orderly Sergeant. 

Ho partici])atod in all the active service of that 
Regiment, down to the time of the famous march 
through Georgia, whore in a charge on the enem}- 
at a place called Bear Creek ho received a wound 
which necessitated his being carried in an ambulance 
the rest of the way to thc.'<ea. Tho charge was con- 
sidered a brilliant affair, and ho received the approba- 
tion of his officers for the daring displayed in le iding 
tho way and enthusing his company with his own 



spirit. VVp can hardly conceive a more disagreeable 
position than to hear the thunder of the guns and 
see the triumphs of the Union cause in that 
famous '• march to the sea," without being able to 
participate in the brilliant achievements. On his 
arrival at Savannah he received a furlough, and 
visited his home in Ohio, where he remained until 
able to report for dut}', when he rejoined his regiment 
in 1865, which was, however, soon disbanded. His 
career, short as it was, was long enough to stamp his 
character with the soldierly qualities of bravery and 
endurance. 

In 1866 he went to St. Joseph, Missouri, where he 
engaged in merchandising. While there he was ap- 
pointed Cashier for the Union Pacific Railroad, which 
position he was obliged to resign on account of his 
failing health, which had been much impaired In- the 
necessarj' hardships to be endured, as well as the se- 
vere wounds ho received. He turned his steps towards 
California, the land supposed, above all others, to be 
best fitted to restore impaired health. Soon after 
reaching California he was appointed conductor on 
one of the trains of the Central Pacific Railroad. 
He was married to Miss Lou C. Tufly, February 21, 
1871. Their dreams of domestic happiness were, 
however, rudely broken by his untimely death, which 
occured March 11, 1874. The hardships of camp 
life on his boyish frame, together with the severe 
wound, cut short a promising career and swelled by 
a unit the number of victims of the great Rebellion 
and the price of establishing a free government. 

The widow of the subject of this sketch resides in 
what is called the Governor's house, or the Nye Man- 
sion, which was occupied bj- that famous man during 
the Territorial existence of Nevada. It ])assed into 
her possession June 15, 1880. A sketch of it will be 
found on another page. 

EMPIRE CITY. 

Throe and a half miles north of Eagle Ranch, 
now Carson City, tho overland emigrant and stage 
road struck the bank of the Carson River, and there 
Nicholas Ambrosia located a ranch and kept a 
station, his claim being recorded March 24, 1855. 
This station became known as " Dutch Nick's," 
which name it bore long after the locality had been 
8urvej-ed into lots and streets, and was officially 
known as Empire City. Tho town site was laid out 
in March, 1860, by Eugene Angel and other survey- 
ors, and tho name it now boars given it. 

Tho fine water-power hero afforded by tho river, 
and its convenient access to the mines of the Com- 
stock Lodge, were tho inducements for making a 
town. Several largo quartz mills were built, as has 
been mentioned in the historj- of Ormsby County, 
and tho town has always been busy and prosperous. 
Within tho town aro the Mexican and Morgan Mills, 
and others in the vicinity. Two miles below is tho 
Brunswick Mill which, when in operation, employs 
200 mon. 

At Empire is tho depot of the wood business of 



HISTORY OF ROOP COUNTY. 



.563 



the Carson River; the many thousand cords of fire- 
wood, mining timber and other classes of lumber 
floated down that stream are here caiicht in booms, 
landed and transferred to the oars of the Virginia 
and Truckee Railroad which passes through the 
place, and borne to their destination. Fifty thou- 
sand cords of wood were thus brought to market in 
1880. 

Among the places of business are four saloons and 
one large store. The present population is 150. 



CHAPTER LII. 
HISTORY OF ROOP COUNTY. 

Creation aud Boundaries — Appointmen's and Hections^ At- 
tempted Organization — Topographical Features — The Prin- 
cipal Valleys. 

One of the errors fallen into when the Territory- 
of Xevada was organized, in consequence of the un- 
certainty of the eastern boundary line of the State 
of California, was the assumption that the fertile and 
well populated region of Honey Lake Valley lay- 
within the limits of the Territory. It had always 
taken a jirominent part in the affairs of western 
Utah, was the home of Hon. Isaac Roop, Governor 
under the preliminary Territorial organization of 1859 
and 18(50, and when Governor Nye called an election 
for members of the first Legislature it was made the 
Ninth Council District, and apportioned one Council- 
man and one Representative. The election was held 
August 31, 1801, and resulted in the choice of Isaac 
Roop for the Council and John C. Wright for the 
House of Representatives. 

The Legislature divided the Territorj- into nine 
counties, November 25. 18G1, among which was the 
county of Lake, embracing this region, with bounda- 
ries as follows: — 

Beginnning at the northwest corner of Washoe 
Count}-, and running easterl}- along the northern 
boundarj- of said county to the mouth of Truckee 
River; thence due east to the summit of the first 
range of mountains east of said river; thence in a 
northerly direction along said range, and the main 
granite range of mountains, to the Oregon line; 
thence west along said line to the summit of the 
Sierra: thence south along said summit to the place 
of beginning. 

Bj- the Act of November 29,1861, the county seat 
was declared to be at such a point as should be de- 
cided by the vote of a majority of the voters of said 
county, at the first election to be held therein. By 
the same Act Storey, Washoe and Fjake Counties 
were erected into the First Judicial District, to which 
Hon. Gordon N. Mott, of the Supreme Court, was 
assigned as Judge. 

APPOINTJIENTS AND ELECTIONS. 

At a Joint session of the Legislature, hold Novem- 
ber 27, 1801, for the purpose of selecting Commis- 
sioners to organize the various counties, and super- 



vise the election to be held January 14, 1862, 
William Wetherlow, William H, Naileigh and Daniel 
Murraj- were chosen for Lake Count}-. These gen- 
tlemen did not provide for the election as intended, 
and the county was not organized until a year later. 
A county election was held September 8, 1862, at 
which the following county officers were chosen: — 

Re])resentative, C.Adams; Sheriff. W. H. Naileigh; 
Clerk, H. J. Borette; Recorder, Z. N. Spaulding; 
Treasurer, Frank Drake; Assessor, E. A.Townsend; 
Collector, Henry E. Arnold; Surveyor, E. R. Nichols; 
School Superintendent, A. A. Holmes; Commission- 
ers, Franklin Strong, S. J. Hill, J. C. Wimple. 

Adams did not take his seat. Hon. Isaac Roop 
sat in the Council in the session of 1862, holding over 
from the Ninth District. He was the last member 
from this region to sit in the Legislature. 

Bc}ond tlie election of officers the county still 
remamed unorganized until after the Legislature 
assembled. Honey Lake Valley, in which the wealth 
and population of the county existed, was claimed 
by Plumas County, California, as being within its 
limits, and this had retarded the organization of 
Lake County. When the Legislature met it was 
determined to fully organize the county, and main- 
tain the jurisdiction of Nevada over the disputed 
section. Accordingly, the Legislature changed the 
name from Lake to Roop, by Act of December 2, 
1862. The Governor, on the fourteenth and fifteenth 
of the same month, appointed and issued commis- 
sions to all the county officers that had been elected 
in September, also a commission to John S. Ward to 
act as Probate Judge. By Act of December 19, 
1862, the Legislature ordered a special term of the 
First District Court to be held in Roop County the 
third Monday in January, 1863. 

ATTEMPTED OROANIZATION. 

The county was promptly organized by the newly- 
appointed officers, and trouble at once commenced 
with the authorities of Plumas County. This diffi- 
culty, and the manner of its settlement, are fully 
related in another portion of this volume, and it is 
only necessary to say that the disputed territory was 
decided to be in California, thus leaving Roop County 
shorn of all that contributed to make it a county, the 
portion remaining being a vast tract of barren and 
uninhabited land. 

At the election held September 2, 1863, the follow- 
ing gentlemen were chosen to represent Roop 
County: William V. Kingsbury, in the Council; 
John C. Partridge, in the House of Re])resentative8; 
II. L. Partridge, in the Constitutional Convention. 

When the Legislature met on the twelfth of Janu- 
ary, 1864, the boundary ruiestion had been settled, 
and as Honey Lake Valley, the residence of these 
gentlemen and the section they represented, had 
ceased to be considered a portion of the Territory of 
Nevada, they were not jjermitted to take scats in that 
body. 

February 18, 18(i4, the Legislature passed an Act 



564 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



attaching Roop County to Washoe, for judicial and 
revenue purposes, and in the State Constitution, 
framed the following summer, and adopted in Sep- 
tember, the same provision was inserted, thus ending 
the separate existence of Roop County, and making 
it, what it has since continued to be, simply a portion 
of Washoe County. 

TOPOGRAPHICAL FEATDKES. 

Roop County, as it exists to-day, is but a long strip 
of barren and unoccupied land, there being not over 
100 white people within its limits. Its topographical 
features consist of low ranges of hills, between 
which, running north and south, lie two chains of 
valleys. The western boundarj' line runs along the 
summit of a range that shuts out from this county 
the fertile and well-populated regions of Honey 
Lake and Surprise Valleys, the most prosperous and 
only well-settled districts in this portion of the 
Nevada basin. 

Of the valleys in the county there are about a 
dozen of considerable size, and with soil capable of 
producing a rich growth of vegetation if supplied 
with water, the scarcity of which is the great obsta- 
cle in the way of their advancement. Mineral and 
hot springs abound, and extensive salt marshes are 
found, some of which are being rendered produc- 
tive. Placer mines have been worked to some 
extent, and quartz ledges have been found, the 
mineral deposits, however, being greater in that por- 
tion now belonging to California. One large and arid 
desert and several mud lakes, once large bodies of 
water, but now simply sheets of mud in the wet 
season, and drj' ground at other times, are also to be 
found. 

The celebrated Pyramid Lake, discovered by Lieut. 
John C. Fremont on the tenth of Januarj-, 1844, lies 
in the southern extremitj^ of the county. His ac- 
count of the discovery is interesting: — 

Beyond, a defile between the mountains descended 
rapidlj' about 2,000 feet, and tilling tii) all 'the lower 
space was a sheet of green water some twenty miles 
broad. It broke ui)Oii our eyes like the ocean. The 
neighboring peaks rose high above us, and we 
ascended one of them to obtain a better view. The 
waves were curling in the breeze, and their dark 
green color showed it to bo a body of deep water. 
For a long time we sat enjoying the view, for we 
had become fatigued with mountains, and the free 
ex])anse of moving waves was verj* grateful. It was 
set like a gem in the mountains, which, from our 
position, seemed to inclose it almost entirely. Its 
position at first inclined us to believe it Mary's Lake, 
f Humboldt), but the rugged mountains were so 
entirely discordant with descriptions of its low rush}- 
shores and o|)cn countrj-, that we concluded it 
some unknown body of water, which it afterwards 
proved to be, 

Fremont's party camped on the lake shore the 
next day and passed down its western shore to the 
mouth of the Truckee J{iver, which point they 
reached on the fifteenth, and found a large Indian 
village. In regard to the name he says: — 



We encamped on the shore opposite a very remark- 
able rock in the lake, which had attracted our atten- 
tion for many miles. It rose, according to our 
estimate, (500 feet above the water, and, from the 
point we viewed it, presented a pretty exact outline 
of the great p3-ramid of Cheops. This striking 
feature suggested a name for the lake, and I called it 
Pj'ramid Lake; and though it may be deemed by 
some a fanciful resemblance, I can undertake to say 
that the future travelers will find much more striking 
resemblance between this rock and the pyramids of 
Egypt, than there is between them and the object 
from which they take their name. 

THE PU1NCII'.\L VALLEYS. 

The most considerable vallej^ in the county is the 
one commencing some distance above the southern 
line and extending north forty miles, with an average 
width of five miles. It is known as Long Valley, 
and lies near the California line. A number of 
springs, little streams and small, shallow lakes are 
found here, and maintain the vegetation of sage- 
brush and bunch-grass. The vallej- is simply a cattle 
range, and is by far the largest in the count}'. One 
band of 11,000 is owned by W. B. Todhunter, and 
several others have smaller bands. With irrigation 
this large valley could be made extremelj- productive, 
as no doubt it some day will be. 

Birectlj' north of Long Vallcj', and over a low 
range of hills, lies Coleman's Valley. One family 
lives here and there have been three or four claims 
taken up. A little gardening is done where water is 
readily obtained, but the valley is chiefly used for a 
range for the 2,000 cattle kept there. The soil here 
is also fertile and with irrigation would soon produce 
grain and hay in abundance. 

West of these two valleys and over the California 
line lies Surprise Vallej', and below this the well 
settled and fertile Hone}- Ijake Valley. 

Twelve miles east of Coleman's Valley is Antelope 
Valley. This is small and contains large numbers of 
the animals from which its name is derived. There 
are no claims taken up hero, and it is used as a 
stock range in winter. 

Guana Valley Irtes six miles further east, and is a 
largo and fertile valley. It is about thirty miles 
long, only five of which lie in this State, the balance 
being in Oregon. It is used simply for a stock range 
and is the best one in the county. 

South of this is a small tract called Badger's Flat. 
It is well watered by springs, and is used tor a range 
for the 1,<I00 head of cattle kept there. 

Still farther south is Massacre Vallo}', a fine tract 
of land six by twelve miles in extent. Two thousand 
head of cattle are kept here, and there is a small 
tract of meadow land. 

South of Massacre Valley is High Hock Canon, 
running diagonally across three townships. Some 
land has been taken up, and a creek runs through it. 
Along the creek the land has been surveyed. 

Lying to the oast of the above, and on the edge of 
the desert is Deep Hole. Here about eight hundred 
head of cattle and horses are kept. 



HISTORY OF ROOP COUNTY. 



66S 



Going back to Long Valley and then continuing 
south, a fertile spot known as Duck Flat is found. 
It is on the stage road to Surprise Vallej-, and there 
are throe claims taken up, on which from two to 
three hundred tons of hay are annually cut. Some 
gai'dening is also done, and 1,000 head of cattle 
are kept here. 

Passing to the south, across a number of small 
barren valleys, Buffalo Canon is reached, a narrow 
tract eighteen miles long. Buffalo Station in this 
place is on the stage road. A few cattle are kept 
here and some ha}- cut. 

South of this is Murphy's iSalt Marsh, where B. F. 
Murphy has been preparing salt for the market for 
the past ten years. His salt works are located at 
Reno. 

Eight miles south of Murphy's is Sheep Head, a 
station in the desert on the stage road. A spring of 
water is found here, the only good water in the des- 
ert. This stretch of inho.^pitablo land is in some 
places forty miles wide, and is surrounded by a scant 
growth of sage-brush and grease wood, while for 
miles there is no vegetation whatever. Alkali, salt, 
borax and gypsum are the leading components of the 
soil, rendering a trip across its arid waste extremely 
unpleasant. Six miles south of Sheep Head is a 
spring called Buck, or Bull, Spring, and six miles 
farther south is Rotten Egg Spring, a name pecu- 
liarlj- appropriate, so extremely disagreeable is the 
water both to the smell and taste. Round Hole, or 
Deep Hole, Spring lies six miles more to the south, 
and the water, although not very pleasant is used for 
drinking purposes. It is on the above route that 
the stage road runs, and sixteen miles southeast of 
Round Hole is P^-ramid Lake, on the road now fol- 
lowed by the stage, passing through Pyramid City, 
and Jonesville, which lie on the line between AVashoe 
and Roop Counties. 

Following in a southerly direction from Round 
Hole, along the old stage road, Fish Springs is 
reached, at a distance of eighteen miles. Here 



William Anderson has a largo ranch. Two hundred 
and fifty tons of hay and fifty tons of alfalfa are cut 
here, and 'considerable small fruit is raised. A num- 
ber of fruit trees, not yet bearing, have been set out. 
Ho has about 600 cattle and horses. 

Eight miles southeasterly of Fish Springs, on the 
old stage road, is Dry Lake, where Newcomb has 
about GOO hoi'ses and cattle, cuts some haj- and has 
a nice vegetable garden and a small patch of grain. 
X little lake that becomes dry in the summer gives 
the name to the locality. 

Just six miles to the south is Dry Valley, a small 
tract watered by springs. There are two ranch 
claims here, on which a little grain, hay and vegeta- 
bles are raised. 

Six miles southeast of Newcomb's, and directly 
east of Dry Vallej', on the old stage road, is Little 
Winnemucca Valley. It was formerly a milk and 
butter ranch, and has now sever?! claims taken up, 
where considerable grain is raised and a quantity of 
stock kept. 

South of this lies Winnemucca Valley proper, 
about ten miles long and extending to the end of 
the county. Two large ranches in the valle}- are 
owned by Dickinson and Hepperly, who raise con- 
siderable barle}' and some oats and wheat. A quan- 
tity' of hay is cut, and some hor.ses and cattle are 
kept. The valley is watered by small streams fed 
by a number of springs. 

Four miles east of Hepperly's is Pah-Ute Cafion, in 
which is one ranch on which hay and vegetables are 
raised, and about 500 head of cattle kept. 

It is thus seen that Roop County contains many 
thousand acres of land that need but the presence 
of water to render them fertile and productive. 
What the future of the countj' will be is difficult to tell, 
but that irrigation from some source of water su]i])Iy 
will render them productive and inviting to settlers 
can scarcely be doubted, though years will probably 
pass away before people will have settled here in 
any considerable numbers. 



71 



566 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 




PMOTO BY TABtR. SAN fRAHClSCO 



IV. H. Smith. 



HISTORY OF STOREY COITNTY. 



567 



CHAPTER LI 1 1. 
HISTORY OF STOREY COUNTY. 

Commingling of All Classes — Discovery of the Comstock Lode — 
Supplies from California — Teamsters Association — Itoad 
Agents — Organization of the County — Capt. Kihvartl F. 
Storey — James F. lAnvis— Mark Strouse — -M. N. Stone — 
Scenery of Virginia City — First Buildings in (iold Hill — 
First Kvents Recounted — Early Legislative Acts — The Char- 
ter Amended — Philipp Deideslieimer — Pliilo Knapp— William 
(iarhart — Chas. Williamson — Charter of Virginia City — 
Kveuts of the year 18G3 — Rival and Amliitious Towns — 
Col. 1{. H. Taylor— Joseph E. McDonald— Political Excite- 
ment — Private and Public Extravagance — Thos. Moses — 
Charles Forman — Amusements in Early Days — How an 
Arastra is Made — Richard Rising — Henry Rolfe — Beneficent 
Institutions — First Quartz Mills — Col. A. M. Edgington — 
W. E. F. Deal — Greater Prosperity Indicated — I. E. James 
— Virginia City when Five Years Old — Military Companies 
— Leading Industrial Enterprises — The Fire Department — 
The Newspaper Department — (!old Hill in tlie Year 18(1,3 — 
The Bonanza Period — The Sutro Tunnel — James C. Fair — 
John W. Mackay — The Virginia & Truckee Railroad — .lames 

C. Flood— William C. Ralston— William Sharon— .lohn P. 
Jones — Depression of Mining — Ralston to the Front — Oppo- 
sition to Sutro Tunnel — The New King of the Comstock — 
(Ireat Panic of lS7o — What the Mines have Accomplislied — 

D. Crosby — R. \' . Dey — Finances During the Bonanza Period 
— Taxing the Virginia and Truckee Railroad — Principal 
Fires in Virgania City — Fires at Cold Hill — Virginia City 
Fire Department — The Water Supply — Sulistantial Im- 
provements — The Foundries of Virginia City — lolin Mc- 
Cone — The Manufacture of Ice — TlieCeneral Outlook Hope- 
ful — L. T. Fox — Joseph B. Mallon — William Woodburn — 
Finance and Resources — Appointments and Elections — W . 
N. Mercer (Hey — John F. Egan — F- H. Packer — Method of 
Working tlie Mines — Compressor Drills — Temperature of 
the Mines — J. Minor Taylor— W. H. Patton— Some of the 
Leading Mines — The Comstock Croup of Mines — Statistics 
of Proceeds— List of Bonanzas — The Utah Mine — Sierra 
Nevada — Union Consolidated — The Mexican Mine — The 
Californiu — Consolidated Virginia — Best & lielcher — (Jould 
& Curry — The Savage Mine — The Hale & Norcro.ss — The 
C hollar-NorcrossSavage Shafts — Chollar-Potosi — Bullion 
Mine — The Exehetjuer — The Alpha Mine — Consolidated Im- 
perial — (iold Hill (iroup — The Challenge — Contidencv — The 
Yellow .Jacket — Kentuck — Crown Point and Belcher — ."segre- 
gated Belcher — Overman — Caledonia — American Flat Croup 
— Outside Mines — Mining Boom — Fluctuation of Stocks — 
\Vm. Mooney — Accidents in the Mines — The Yellow Jacket 
Disaster— Charles Zeigler — "Sandy" Bowers. 

The bistory of this county is, to some extent, the 
history of the whole State. It was here that the 
mines were discovered; here they developed into the 
wonderful proportions that revolutionized all pre- 
vious values, and sent trade and manufactures 
into new channels, built new cities, and sent new 
millionaires into the world. Thoui^h apparentl}' 
insignificant and unknown men became fabulously 
rich and noted, we shall see as our history pro- 
gresses, that energy and judgment, hero as else- 
where, soon asserted their superior values, and gave 
to their fortunate possessors the control of the great 
bonanzas. Here, as in all countries and in all times, 
the presence of great wealth drew together, not 
only the energetic men of business, but also the 
criminal and abandoned classes, those who fasten 
themselves on society, and gather a large share of 
the products of the industrious. Gamblers, thieves, 
swindlers, bummers and prostitutes — all claimed a 
share of the silver mountain, and, though such people 
hardly ever retain for any length of time their ill- 
gotten gains, they manage, somehow, to handle a 
great share of the money. 

DISCOVERY OF THE COMSTOCK LODE. 

The lode was found in 1859, and a small portion 



of the community were soon aware of the fact that 
an important discovery had been made. The few 
sacks of ores that were shipped to San Francisco 
wore like the few samples of gold that found their 
way East, which only indicated the vast possibilities 
of the country. Sili^er ore, that would assay forty to 
eighty per cent, in the shape of blue clay, had been 
trodden under foot, washed awaj', sluiced out, and 
gotten rid of in the easiest way possible. It was 
said there were mountains of it. Previous to this 
California had had many excitements. Gold Lake, 
Gold Bhitl', Ivcrn River, Frazer River, \Vhite Mount- 
ain, and others had all drawn away their thousands, 
and sent them back disappointed; but in those 
instances gold, that was only found in small quan- 
tities, was the object sought. The new discoveries 
were silver ores. Some who visited the new mines 
reported, on their return, that more millions were in 
sight at Gold Hill and Virginia than California had 
yet produced. All the stories of the fabulous wealth 
that Spain drew from South America and Mexico 
came to mind; of Spanish galleons sunk with the 
weight of silver on board; of the solid altars and 
crucitixes of silver; of the hundreds of vessels with 
rich cargoes captured by the buccaneers; of cities 
plundered of their vast wealth; of the burial of the 
|)ilo8 of money in many places along the Atlantic and 
Pacific Coasts, and on lonely islands. The awkward 
coinage of the Mexican and South American money 
bore evidence of the rude age, when half-savage 
miners boiled their /rj/ofes in silver kettles. A new 
Mexico, a new Peru, was found just over the Sierra 
Nevada, and the whole country was aroused. As 
soon as the melting of the snow permitted, and oven 
before, a great multitude set out for the silver land, 
some on foot, and some with jjack-mules. 

The snow still covered the country, and little could 
he done to discover new mines, or even develop the 
old ones. Some run tunnels to intersect the veins 
discovered, and some, who had good locations, sunk 
on the leads. The winter passed away however, 
and the scramble commenced. Indications were 
found high up on the mountains to the west (Mount 
Davidson), and east of the Comstock location, 
towards Carson River, as well as north and south of 
the site of the first discovery, and soon every one 
had any quantity of feet. Numerous disputes about 
claims occurred in consequence of the uncertain 
terms of occupation. Those who have had any ox- 
jierienco in making possessory claims, well know on 
what slight circumstances the right to a claim 
depends. In most cases, however, possession was- 
the only title, and even that was not always good, 
unless a show of force was made to give it respecta- 
bility. In some instances men fortified their ground 
and held it by military possession. 

Along with the miners came those of whom it has 
been written; — 

" True patriots wo, for be it understood 
Wo left our country for our country's good." 



568 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



SUPPLIES FROM CALIFORNIA. 

The whole of western Utah, or Nevada as it was 
afterwards called, did not produce provisions enough 
to Bupplj' the new population a week; but California 
had now become an exporter, and in a short time 
the roads leading to "Washoe" were thronged with 
teams carrj-ing everything over the mountains, from 
quartz machinery down to strawberries, that could 
be desired. 

Ten j'ears of cultivation had developed the agricul- 
tural resources of Califoi'nia, and the miners of the 
new Territory could make themselves far more com- 
fortable than did the gold miners in the da3's of '49. 
A passable wagon route across the mountains, used 
by the tirst emigration, enabled the farmers of El 
Dorado and the adjoining counties to carry in pro- 
visions, but soon costlj' roads were established, with 
easj- grades, which were kept sprinkled, and equal 
to the walks of a city. 

TE.iMSTERS' ASSOCIATION. 

Thousands rushed into teaming, but it was by no 
means a sinecure, though there was enough profit to 
induce hundreds of men to engage in it. Freight at 
first was enormously high, twenty-five cents a pound 
not being deemed too much for hauling over the rough 
roads. Finely graded roads enabled the teamsters 
to make money at two cents a pound, or fjrty dol- 
lars a ton, and the competition became so sharp that 
a "Teamsters' Association " was established, which 
fixed the uniform rate at sixty dollars per ton from 
Folsom, the terminus of the Sacramento Talley Rail- 
road. An agent was appointed who resided there, 
shipping all goods by members of the association, 
who waited their turn, sometimes for days, before get- 
ting a load. It was of course a voluntarj' associa- 
tion, but it became well understood that goods ship- 
ped through other agencies were liable to be injured 
while in transit. vSometimos the wagon containing 
them would unaccountably roll over the grades in a 
dark night, while the owners were camped but a few 
feet away. Again, nuts from the wheels would be 
missing; harness would be cut, and a man known to 
be " cutting under " was annoyed in various ways. 
These regulations did not apply, however, to those who 
were engaged in hauling their own jiroduco. Like 
all combinations of this kind, it worked its own cure, 
by lessening the amount of freight and increasing 
the applications for loads, until the teamsters them- 
Bolves were willing to see the society disorganized. 

RO.\r> AdENTS, 

As highwaymen designated themselves, drove a 
thriving trade during the early days of the Washoe 
excitement. Provided they escaped the first wrath 
of the victims the robbers were generally^safe enough, 
for few persons had any time to track up a thief, or 
prosecute the case in court. As no one thought of 
traveling without money, almost everyone, even the 
man trudging along on foot, would have fifteen or 
twenty dollars, and a few days of successful foraging 



in this way would make quite a " stake " for a gamb- 
ler or broken prospector. The vacant ground 
between Virginia Citj' and Gold Hill, as also down 
the road towards Dayton, was a favorite ground for 
robbing footmen. Many a man has been halted in a 
dark evening and compelled to give up his loose 
change, and many a man who resisted has been shot 
and unceremoniously tumbled into some of the numer- 
ous abandoned shafts which dotted that part of the 
country. Others, bolder in their oj)erations, would 
attack the stage and capture the bullion which was 
sent over the mountains in bars. 

The following extracts taken at random from the 
newspapers, will give an idea of the manner of 
these road affairs: — 

August 28, 1865. Jack Harris, A. AVatcrman, 

Mose Haynes, Pitcher, and Love, were put 

on trial for highway robberj'. Haynes turned States' 
evidence. Harris was acquitted, and Waterman was 
sentenced to thirteen years' imprisonment. 

October 31, 186U. The stage was stopped on the 
Geiger Grade, and the safe, containing S5,150, was 
taken and blown open. The passengers also lost 
several thousand. Wells, Fargo & Company offered 
89,000 for the apprehension of the robbers. 

November 14, 186G. A partj' entered the toll 
house at American City, and compelled the toll col- 
lector to open the safe, which contained about S550. 

October 7, 1865. The stage was robbed in Six- 
mile Cafion of about 82,300. 

June 10, 1868. The overland stage was met bj' 
three men with double-barreled shot guns, and the 
passengers — four gentlemen and two ladies — ordered 
out. The ladies were not molested, although one of 
them had 8900 on her person, but the men were 
relieved of about 84,000. 

October 26, 1872. Lieut. Col. M. N. Stone, 
Democratic stump speaker, was stopped near Spring 
Valley by two road agents and robbed of a valuable 
watch and fifty-five dollars. He was out making 
speeches. 

ORGANIZATION OF THE COUNTY. 

This was accomplished at the first session of the 
Territorial Legislature. By the Act approved No- 
vember 25, 1861, the boundaries were established as 
follows: — 

Beginning at the northwestern corner of Lyon 
Count}' and running thence in an easterly direction 
along the northern boundary of Lyon County to the 
northeastern corner thereof (which was one mile east 
and three miles north of Heed's Station on the Carson 
Jliver), thence north in a straight line to the road 
leading from the lower crossing of the Truckee to the 
sink of the Humboldt; thence westerly along said 
road to the Truckee River; thence up the middle of 
said river to the eastern line of Washoe County; 
thence southerly along said line to the place of 
beginning. 

It would seem that the geography of the country 
was little understood by the memborsof the Legisla- 
ture. In the Act organizing Lyon County the north- 
ern line was fixed so as to include in the territory the 
Devil's Gate Mining District, it being the intention 
to give Lyon County a share of the promising ground. 
The first officers, excepting County Commissioners 



HISTORY OF STOREY COUNTY. 



569 



who were made by the Legislature, were appointed 
by the Territorial Governor Nye. 

In August, ISGO, the census showed the following 
facts: Virginia, total i)opul:ition. 2,300. Females, 
118. Dwellings, 868. Gold Hill, total population, 
638. Females, 14. Dwellings, 179. 

Silver City, which for all business purposes was a 
part of the same community, was about the same in 
size as Gold Hill. These three places had something 
over half the poi)ulalion of the Territory. This 
census was taken in August, but bj- the first of Janu- 
ary- following, the population had largely increased. 
Within one year from that time Virginia had a popu- 
lation of 3,284; Gold Hill 1,294. 

C.\PT. EDWARD FAUIS STOREY, 

After whom Storey Countj' was named, was born in 
Jackson County, Georgia, July 1, 1828, his father 
being Col. John Storey, who was in command of 
a regiment of volunteers during the diflSculties 
with the Indians in the western part of Georgia 
during General Jackson's term of the Presidency, 
and afterwards acted as commander of an escort 
which conveyed them to the Indian Territory at the 
final settlement of the difficulty. Colonel Storey re- 
moved with his family to Texas in 1844. and took a 
prominent part in the events which preceded, and re- 
sulted in. theannexationof Texas to the UnitedStntos 
as well as the war which soon occurred with Mex- 
ico. Early in the Spring of 1846 Colonel Storey and 
three sons enlisted in a company of Texan Rangers, 
commanded by Capt. (now General) H. E. McCul- 
Joch. The Colonel and the son under consider- 
ation survived the war. In 1848, on the breaking 
out of border difficulties the surviving son, though 
but twenty j-ears of age, was elected Lieutenant of a 
company of Rangers under Capt. Jacob Koberts, and 
did effective service in quelling the outlaws. The 
young ranger was married in 1849 to Miss Adelia 
Calhoun Johnson, of Lockhart, Caldwell County, 
Texas, by whom he had one child, a daughter, now 
Mrs. J. W. Williams, residing in Visalia, California. 
His wife dying in 1852 Lieutenant Storey took his in- 
fant daughter and started overland to California by 
way of Mexico, reaching the Pacific Coast at Mazat- 
lan. Here he embarked on a sailing vessel which, 
meeting storms and adverse winds was blown out of 
her course, sprung a leak, and was delayed until the 
crew and passengers were stricken with famine, some 
of the party dying of their sufferings. He finally 
reached San Francisco, and soon after made his way 
to Tulare County, where ho engaged in stock-raisitig 
until the discovery of the Washoe mines, when he 
came to Nevada. After the unfortunate attack on 
the Indians which resulted in the death of Major 
Ormsby and the dispersion and destruction of the 
greater part of the attacking party, ho raised a com- 
pany of riflemen, and with others made the attack on 
the fortified camp of the I'ah-Utes Juno 2, 18(J0, which 
resulted in the defeat of the Indians. Captain Storey 



here met his death at the hands of an Indian who, 
ambushed behind a rock, shot him through the lungs, 
producing death the same evening. 

Captain Storej', though raised on the frontier and 
engaged most of his life in border afl'airs, was instinc- 
tively a gentleman, loved and respected by all. His 
native good sense atoned for the want of high cul- 
ture, and made him a man to be consulted with profit 
in every emorgencj'. He leaves many relatives to 
share his honors. A younger brother has recently 
been Lieutenant Governor of Texas. 




PHOTO BY JOHN S NOE VlHQiNlA. HtV 

James F, Lezvis. 

JuDciE Ja.mes F. Lewis is a native of Wales, and 
was born May 4, 1836. In childhood he loft his native 
land, and coming to the United States, settled with 
his parents in the city of Utica, in New York Stale. 
He received a thorough academic education at 
Whitosboro, near Utica. In 1S.')(; ho, with his parents, 
removed to Racine, Wisconsin, where he studied law, 
and was admited to the Bar in that State in the year 
1860. In 18(i2, during the great mining excitement 
in Nevada, ho removed thence and entered upon the 
practice of his profession in connection with Hon J. 
W. North. TTpon the admission of the State of Ne- 
vada into the Union, in the year 18(J4. ho was nomi- 
nated and elected by the Republicans to the Supreme 
Bench of the Slate, and became its first Chief Justice. 
The term for which he was elected ex|)iring two years 
later, he was again elected to the same position, 
which he held until the expiration of his term on the 
first of Januarj', 1873. Shortly afterward he located 
at Virginia Citj-, Storey County, and entered upon 
the practice of law, immediately obtaining a large 



570 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



and lucrative bu.Niiicss. Judge Lewis is now one of 
the firm of Lewis & Deal, Attorneys and Counselors- 
atlaw, in Virginia City, a firm well and favorably 
known throughout the State. 

MARK STROUSE 

Is a native of Germany, born in the town of Lauder- 
bach in May, 184.5. He was the youngest of a fam- 
ily of ten children. At the age of thirteen years he 
left his home and wont to Butzbock, and two years 
later came to America, bringing a sister with him, 
and settled in the city of New York, where he ob- 
tained a situation in a wholesale house, two days 



butchering business. His brother died in 1868 since 
which time the subject of this sketch has managed 
the business alone. His establishment is the largest 
in the State. His business house is four stories high 
and 121 feet long by 26 feet wide. He also has 
a fine stock ranch containing 500 acres in Honey 
Lake Vallej-, California. In 1808 Mr. Strouse was 
elected Chief of Police, and has also served two terms 
as City Treasurer of Virginia Citj'. and was for seven 
years Foreman of Company No. 1 of the Volunteer 
P^ire Department. He was married January 14, 1874, 
to Lilly B. JIdgington, and has one child, a daughter 
six j'cars of age. 




iL LEE, VIR3l^r» 



^^/^'^ 



after bis arrival. Ho stayed with this firm about 
three months, whon he came to California and loca- 
ted at Mokolurane Hill, in Calaveras County, and 
was engaged in mining, and the mercantile and 
butcher business, foi two and one-half years. While 
in that place he owned a claim that promised well, 
and refused 810,000 for it, but like many others he 
could not foresee that from his claim he would not 
realize the fruition of his fondest hopes, and in a 
short time it was abandoned. In June, 1863, he 
crossed the Sierra Nevada Mountains to Virginia 
City, Nevada, with a large band of sheep and lambs, 
numbering 5,500, camping frequently in the snow 
during his tedious journey. 

Immediately after reaching his destination he 
started in business, owning a hog ranch, lending a 
stall in a moat market, and keeping a .set of books all 
at the same time. In 1856 he formed a partnci ship 
■with his brother, Abraham Strouse, in the general 



M. N. Stone, 



Son of Francis Preston Stone, is a native of Ken- 
tucky, born in Wayne Countj-, August U, 1842. At 
tho age of eighteen years he entered the office of his 
father, who for thirtj' j-ears was a prominent lawj'er 
of Kentucky, and commenced tho study of law. On 
tho breaking out of the civil war tho subject of this 
sketch relinquished his studios and entered the Con- 
federate service as a private in the Sixth Kentucky 
Infantrj-, which became, early in 1861, attached to 
tho famous " First Kentucky Brigade," commanded 
by Gen. John C. Breckinridge. After the battle of 
Shiloh, in which he ])artici])ated, ^Ir. Stone was 
transferred to the Sixth Kentuck}' Cavalry, Duke's 
Brigade, and served in the " Raiders' Division," com- 
manded bj- the celebrated John H. ^forgaii, until tho 
close of the war, and was a member of the >let1'erson 
Davis escort until within a few hours of President 
Davis' capture in Georgia, tho escort having been 
disbanded just before that event transpired. Mr. 
Stone witnessed and participated in many of 



HISTORY OF STOREY COUNTY 



571 



the hard-fought battles. Among them were Shiloh, 
Stono River, Siege of Vicksburg, Chickamauga, Mis- 
sion Eidge and numerous other engagements, and 
rose to the rank of Captain of Cavalry in 18G4. In 
1868 he came to Nevada and entered the law office 
of Gen. Thos. II. Williams and David Bixler, in Vir- 
ginia Cit}-, ;uid subseciuently became a partner with 
those gentlemen. In 1872 he received the nomina- 
tion by the Democratic State Convention for Presi- 
dential Elector on the Greeley ticket, and stumped 
the State.for the Democratic party. His party being 
in the minoritj' in the State he was defeated. In 
1874 he received the Democratic nomination for the 
office of District Judge of the First District, em 
bracing Storey County, and again the election re- 
sulted in his defeat. Mr. Stono has taken an active 
part in politics since he became a citizen of Nevada, 
and in the Presidential election of 1880, in connec- 
tion with W. E. F. Deal and others, conducted the 
campaign in a manner creditable to his party and 
himself which resulted in carrjMng the State for 
Hancock and the election of Col. James G. Fair to 
the United States Senate. At the present time .Mr. 
Stone is engaged in the practice of his profession at 
Virginia City. 

SCENERY OP VIROINIA CITY. 

The view from Virginia to the eastward is remark- 
ably fine. The eye can sweep in a vista of 180 miles 
in some directions. To the southeast are the Pine 
Nut Mountains, about Como. The Twenty-six-milc 
Desert and the Forty-mile Desert are also plainly pcr- 
coi)tible from C Street, looking eastward. Far to 
the right of the Como Mountains are the snow- 
capped summits of the Sierra Nevada. As regards 
scenerj' Virginia City has much to boast of although 
its immediate environs are desolate in the extreme. 
It is a city built on a mountain side. 

In the winter, when this happens to be covered 
with snow, the view, though cheerless, is not with- 
out interest. The atmosphere sometimes is so clear 
that trees can be distinguished at a distance of 
thirty miles or more. Virginia City has an elevation 
above the sea of 0,205 feet, and above the Humboldt 
plains about 2,000 feet. Mount Davidson rises above 
the city 1.G22 feet, having a total height above the 
sea of 7,827 feet. Some of the Pine Nut Mountains, 
in the same range, are still higher. 

Snow falls to the depth of several feet at Virginia 
City, and still deeper further west in the Sierra 
Nevada. Snow-slides ol'ten occurred. John Yager 
was buried by one at Cedar Hill in January, 18fi0. 
The snow also buried the mouths of shafts so as to 
hide them from view. In .March, 18G0, James J. 
Kelly, while passing from Gold Hill to Virginia ("ity, 
rode into a shaft, horse and rider both being killed. 

In 1859 Virginia City had but two or three houses, 
and these were stone cabins; a year latter the place 
had (|uite a metropolitan a])pearance. The Interna- 
tional Hotel had the usual bar-room, dining-room, 
kitchen and twelve sleeping-rooms. The lumber of 



which it was built was whip-sawed in Six-mile Canon. 
The receipts of the hotel for the first day after open- 
ing were 8700. The erection of steam saw-mills 
soon after obviated the necessity of whip-sawing 
lumber. 

FIRST BUILDINOS IN GOLD HILL. 

The first building in Gold Hill was a small frame 
erected bj- Dutch Nick (Nicholas Ambrosia) on Main 
Street, opposite where the Eclipse Stable now stands. 
The next was a small boarding-house and restaurant 
run by Mrs. Cowan,'afterward8 Mrs. Sandy Uowers. 
It was built of logs, from the hills around the town. 
The third 'was a one-story frame about sixteen feet 
square, built in August bj- Soi.],\V'eihl, and used as a 
grocery store. Like the^first-mentioned building, it 
was moved from Johntown on account of the scarcity 
of lumber at Gold Hill. John Vignot also built a log 
oabin, and quite a number of rude shanties were con- 
structed, in some of which families made homes. 
Many people lived in tents, and even brush shanties. 
This was during the summer of 185!). 

FIRST EVENTS RECOUNTED. 

At the dedication of the new school building of 
the Fourth Ward, November 28, 187G, the following 
facts with regard to Virginia City were related by 
the editor of the Territorial Enterprise, for the edifi- 
cation of the children: — 

The first child born in the city of Virginia was 
a daughter of John H. and Levina S. Tilton, on the 
first day of April, ISGO. Mr. Tilton was then living 
in a house, built by himself, on the Original Opera 
House lot. The child was named Virginia in honor 
of the new mining camp. Mr. Tilton crossed the 
plains the previous summer, reaching this place 
September 1st, and lived for awhile in their wagon. 
The following March he built a house on the lot 
where the child was born. The first dollar he earned 
was bj' carrying mortar for the Ophir .Mining Com- 
pany, who were putting up an office. His wife at 
the same time earned 82.50 with her needle. 

The first school was opened by the Misses Down- 
ing who rented a house on the lot now occupied by 
Ijipman's dry good store on South C Street near Tay- 
lor, in the summer of ISGO. Miss Gregory subsequently 
opened a school on D Street. The firet public school 
was organized in 18G2. The school bouse was 
erected on the present site of the Third Ward School 
House. Captain Melville was Principal, Miss Fida 
Collins Assistant, Col. John \ Collins. Siiiierin- 
tendent. 

The first religious services and the establishing of 
the first churches are detailed in chapters XXV to 
XX.X ii\clusive, devoted to the Churches of Nevada. 

The first funeral was that of the young daugh- 
ter of Ijyman Jones who died in 1S5!) and was buried 
in a cemetery near the present Ophir works. 

The first bank was that of Wells, Fargo & Co., 
in 1859, under the charge of Captain Simmons and 
Charles Foreman. The office was at the corner of 
A Street and Sutton Avenue. 



ov: 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



The first theater was the Opera House, built 
t- in the spring of 1863 by Thomas Maguire and John 
Burns, now on the corner of 1) and Union Streets, 
afterwards owned by John Piper. 
t. The first ball was at the San Francisco Restau- 
rant, Christmas eve, 18G0. Present the following 
ladies: Mrs. Dirks, Mrs. Delanej', Mrs. Paxton, Mrs. 
Tilton, Mrs. Bryan; Miss Leonora Dirks, Mrs. Blair, 
Mrs. Flick, Mrs. Hastings, Mrs. Dill, Mrs. Howard, 
Mrs. Adams, Mrs. ]{08s, Mrs. R. J. Smith, Mrs. How- 
ard and Mrs. Charles Barstow. The proprietor of the 
livery stable, 'Mr. Whipple, built a sleigh expressly for 
the occasion, and the sound of sleigh hells mingled 
with the merry voices of the dancera. 

The first paper was the Territorial Enterprise 
more particularly referred to in the chapter on the 
press. 

E.A.RLY LEGISLATIVE ACTS. 

The Act of November 28, 1861, incorporated the 
Virginia City Gas Company, giving the franchise to 
Henrj- ('. Smith, Chas. Ransom and associates. The 
bill incorporating the Gold Hill Gas Company, with 
Seymour Ilurlburt, A. De Ijand and John Keinbleas 
associates, was passed the twenty-ninth. The same 
day the county seat was established at Virginia City. 

The Act approved December 17, 1862, incorpor- 
ated the town of (iold Hill and fixed its boundaries 
as follows: "Bounded on the north by the southern 
line of Virginia City; on the south and east by the 
boundary line between Store}' and Lj'on; on the 
west by the boundary lines between Storey and 
Washoe." This Act was amended February 20, 1864, 
excepting from the Act of incorporation the follow- 
ing tract: " Commencing at the intersection of Broad- 
way and Carson Avenues, according to the survej-ed 
map of American City made by John Ostrom and 
filed in the Recorder's oflico of Storey County, run- 
ning thence sixty degrees east, magnetic meridian, 
tweiit}- chains; thence in a direct line southeasterly 
to the intersection of the boundary line between 
Lyon and Storey Counties and American Ravine, 
runnijig through American Flat to Silver City; 
thence in a southwesterly direction along said 
boundarj' line between Lyon and Storey Counties to 
the southwest corner of Storey County; thence in a 
northerl}' direction along the boundary line between 
Storey and Washoe Counties to its intersection with 
the Ophir Grade Toll-road; thence along said Ophir 
Grade Toll-road to a point north sixty degrees west, 
magnetic meridian, from the place of beginning; 
thence to the place of beginning." The Act was 
still further amended, February 18, 1862. By this 
Act American Flat was excepted from the order of 
incorporation. It was re-incorporated December 17. 
1862, February IS, 1S64, and in March, 1865. 

Though Gold Hill did not e(|ual Virginia City, on 
account of the rival towns of American Flat and 
Silver Citj', which drew away, or, rather, absorbed 
large numbers of the incoming population, it early 
became quite an important place, with several fine 



fire-proof buildings. The Virginia City Water Com- 
pany also supplied Gold Hill. Acting under a sim- 
ilar charter to that of Virginia City, Gold Hill ef- 
fected an organization in 1863, and at the first elec- 
tion chose H. H. Flagg, W. H. Matthews, S. H. Rob- 
inson, G. Douglass and C. II. Hobbs as Trustees. The 
total vote was 503. 

Virginia City was first incorporated under the 
Territorial laws of TTtah, in Februarj-, 1861, and on 
March 11th following a set of ofticers were cho.sen for 
one year as follows: N. W. Winton, President; L C. 
Bateman, Secretarj'; George H. Shaw, Joseph Scates, 
Louis Feusier, Trustees; C. P. Robinson, Treasurer; 
D. Bailej', Marshal and Street Commissioner: Joseph 
F. Atwill, Justice of the Peace. The document 
granting this incorporation was issued by the Legis- 
lature of Utah, and will be transcribed here both as 
a curiosity and to preserve it, as it is not known to 
be in print in any work. It will be found on pages 
576-7. 

THE CHARTER A.MENDED. 

After the^organization of the Territory of Nevada, 
the charter of Virginia City was amended so as to 
conform more nearly to the habits and customs of 
the citizens. Section 8, granting powers to the 
Trustees, the words " and ]irovide for licensing bars 
at which spirituous liquors are .sold " were interlined, 
also, " The Board of Trustees shall also have power 
to levy and'provide for the collection of a license-tax on 
all billiard tables and nine or ten-pin allej-s, kept for 
public use; on all theatrical performances and exhibi- 
tions for money of ever}- kind; on all insurance com- 
panies incorporated under the laws of this Territory; 
on brokers, dealers in exchange, stocks, gold and 
silver bullion; on all persons engaged in trading, 
merchandising, or delivery in any kind of goods, 
articles or wares whatsoever; on tavern-keepers, 
saloon or bar-keepers engaged in selling wines, dis- 
tilled or fermented liquors, * * *" 

The authorities of ITtah never encourage the sale 
of liquors, never permit it if possible to prevent it. 
Of course this was an impossibility from the very 
commencement with such a po|)ulation as made up 
Virginia City. " Whisky or death" would have been 
a rallying cry to rouse the whole population. 

In August, 1862, Virginia City had a population of 
2,704 inhabitants, which was estimated to exceed 
3,000 at the beginning of winter. It had three 
churches, a Court House, and several flourishing 
schools. The Virginia City Water ("ompany had 
laid pipes through the greater part of the town, sup- 
plying it with pure water from several tunnels, which 
had penetrated Mount Davidson and other elevations 
in the vicinity. A company was also formed to sup- 
ply the place with gas, made from the Whitman coal, 
which was thought to be of good quality for that 
purpose. Good roads were early constructed, leading 
through Gold Hill to the Carson Hiver, both for the 
transportation of ores to the mills and to receive the 
neceeeary supplies of lumber and provisions. 




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\ 



HISTORY OF STOREY COUNTY. 



573 



PHIUPP DEIDESHEIMER 

Is a native of Germany, born in 1832. At the age of 
nineteen years he came to California, by way of Cape 
Horn. He remained in the hitter Slate until 18G0, 
when he came to Nevada, and has since resided on 
the Comstocli. A full description of the wonderful 
invention of this gentleman accompanies this notice, 
and a view of the same will be found in this work. 
"Dan De <^uille," in relation to the invention, sa^'s: — 
It is to Philipp Deidesheimer that the world is 
indebted for the invention of that plan of timbering 
mines, known as timbering in -'square sots." 

It is the system now in universal use on the Corn- 
stock, and that which must everywhere be used in 
mines containing bodies of ore of great width. But 
for this method of timbering, it would have been 
almost impossible to work the immense ore bodies of 
the Ophir. Gould \- Ciirry, Belcher, Crown Point, 
Yellow Jacket, California, Consolidated Virginia, and 
the other great mines of Virginia City and Gold Hill. 
The history of the invention is as follows: About 
the first of November, 1860, Mr. W. F. Babcock, of 
San Prancisco. Agent of the Pacific Mail Steamship 
Company, and a leading Director of the Ophir Min- 
ing Company, sent to Mr. Deidesheimer, who was 
then engaged in mining operations in El Dorado 
County, California, requesting him to come to San 
Francisco. When Mr. Deidesheimer arrived in San 
Francisco, Mr. Babcock asked him if he had ever 
seen or worked a quartz lode over sixty feet in 
width. Mr. Deidesheimer said he had never seen or 
heard of a vein of ore of such great width. Mr. 
Babcock then asked him if he could work such a 
mine, and Mr. Deidesheimer said he could not toll 
what he could do until he bad seen and studied such 
a vein. Mr. Babcock then said that up to that time 
all miners and mining engineers had failed to prop- 
erly work the mine, that the Ophir was a very val- 
uable mine, but unless some way of supporting the 
ground could be discovered, it would bo of but little 
value to the owners. 

Mr. Deidesheimer finally agreed to try what he 
could do with the mine, and was requested to leave 
that ver}- day for Virginia City. He arrived at the 
mine about the eighth of November, and at once 
began the investigation of the difficulties with which 
ho found the minors contending. 

He studied the situation till about the fourteenth of 
November, when he set to work upon the problem. 
After about three weeks devoted to experiments 
and studj- ho hit upon the plan of building up square 
sets of timbers, a system upon which it has since 
been found impossible to improve. 

Mr. Deidesheimer then began opening up what 
was at that time called the third gallery, a chamber 
on the vein some 215 feet below the surface. Under 
his directions the carpenters had properly framed a 
great number of timbers. The miners were not a 
little puzzled when these short pieces of timber were 
taken into the mine. They had no idea of theman- 
72 




PHOTO By NOE * LCE, VIBQINIA, NCV 





^^ 



^ 



J^^€^ 



nor in which they were to bo used Even after the 
first row of the sets had been placed in position they 
did not see what was to come next. However when 
they had erected upon this first row a few sots, and 
had built u|) sots by the side of sols as well, they 
began to got the idea and wore able to see that they 
could easily and safely go on adding set to set 
to any height or width; in iact, in any direction re- 
quired. 

By building up and extending his "square sots " 
as was required, Mr. D.!iiloshoiniorsuecossfull3- sloped 
out tho ore from wall to wall, tho vein averaging 
over sixty-five feet in width, and tho ground sup- 
ported by the wall of timber stood as firmly as did 
the undisturbed sections of tho mountains. 

In the following February, 18G1, the work had so 
far progressed that the idea could readil}' bo grasped, 
and tho whole plan at once understood bj' all who 
saw it, whether mining men or men of other pro- 
fessions. All who examined the sj-stem at once ac- 
knowledged that it was the only true way of sloping 
out and timbering up ore bodies of great width. 

In that part of the vein then being worked the 
ore was so soft that it was all dug down with 
l)icks. No blasting was required. 

Persons who have even the slightest knowledge of 
mining can see that without A[r. Deidesheimer's sj's- 
tem of timbering it would have been almost impos- 
sible to work such ground. 

At Gold Hill, previous to Mr. Deidesheimer's inven- 
tion, they had experienced great difiiculty in keep- 



574 



HISTORY 'OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



ing up the ground in which they were at work, and 
several accidents had occurred. Then they were 
using round logs. And to get as much ore as possi- 
ble out of one chamber or gallery, they made these 
about thirty feet long. We say " made " them, for 
the reason that owing to the short growth of the 
timber on the surrounding hills it was necessary to 
splice two stieks by fastening them together with 
iron bolts and bands. These posts were set up close 
together in rows, and caps some eighteen feet in 
length were then placed across the tops from row 
to row. 

It is easy to see that, owing to the great height of 
these timbers, and the great distance between the 
rows, there would be constant danger and trouble 
from their being crushed in; also, one can see at a 
glance that after such a set of timbers was in posi- 
tion, there was no way of placing another set, either 
over or under it, ami thus getting at the ore above 
and below. 

The Gold Hill people were not slow to see the 
advantages of the system of timbering practiced at 
the Ophir Mine, and at once adopted it. 

The timbers are so framed that when a post is set 
up there is a place on its top for the ends of four caps, 
and when these are in position a mortise is formed 
in which fits the end of the next post. So of all 
four of the posts. And there is always a place for 
the caps of the sets that arc to be put on any side. 
These sets form cribs of timber about five by six 
feet square, and when completed make convenient 
places in which to stow away waste rock, which 
filling in of refuse rock renders the whole almost as 
firm as was the original material. The sets are as 
compact as the cells in a honeycomb, and like these 
are by repetition capable of being extended in all 
directions to any distance that may be required. 

There is, indeed, a striking resemblance in these 
sets of timbers to the cells formed by the honey bee, 
the only difference being in the shape. 

Soon Mr. Dcidosheimcr's system of timbering was 
introduced everywhere on the Comstock. It was a 
necessity. The mines could have been worked by 
no other plan. With it the miners could safely ex- 
tract ore to any height, or any width, or any length, 
or any depth. Without it they could do nothing or 
next to nothing. 

The plan must be used everywhere in the world 
where an ore bodj' is over twentj- feet in width. 

When the officers of the Ophir Mining Company 
saw the great advantages of Mr. Doidesheimer's 
plan of timbering— which they were not slow to 
do — they gave him full charge of the mine, with the 
title of Mining Engineer. This title and honor came 
to Mr. Deideshcimor in the spring of 18G1. In 1862 
they had reached what was called the sixth gal- 
lery, some 560 feet perpendicular below the surface. 
All of this ground, 200 feet in length, G5 feet 
in width and 560 feet in depth, had been stopod 
out and supported by means of Mr. Deidesheimer's 



square sets, built up as shown in our illustration. 
This great space was afterwards filled with waste 
rock from the surface, which rendered it as strong as 
a mass of solid rock. 

Never has there been loss of life or property any- 
where on the Comstock through any defect in this 
system of timbering. English and German mining 
engineers who crossed the ocean to examine the plan 
of timbering, complimented Mr. Deidesheimer very 
highly upon the ingenuity of his invention, and 
heartily congratulated him upon the grand success 
it had proven. They said it was the only perfect 
system of supporting large areas of grouml by 
means of timbers that had ever been invented, and 
was no more capable of improvement than were the 
cells of the honey bee. Xo matter how hard the 
rock may be, or how soft, the " square sets " arc 
equally efficacious. 

When -Mr. Deidesheimer hit u])on this invention 
he had an immense fortune within his grasp. He 
had but to close his hands upon it to make himself 
a millionaire. Unfortunately for himself, but most 
fortunately ffor the mining world, he neglected to 
patent his invention, which he could have done with 
out the slightest trouble or dissenting voice from any 
part of the world. At that time his only thought 
was to solve the great problem and earn the ap- 
proval of his employers. Also great cares and respon- 
sibilities claimed ever}' moment of his waking hours. 
He had no time in which to look further than to see 
that his " square sets " were doing all that was re- 
quired of them. He had not leisure in which to 
study out the full scope and value of his invention, 
or to think how indispensable it was to all engaged 
in mining large bodies of ore. Had he taken to 
himself a single day, and made use of it in taking 
the steps necessary to secure a patent, he might from 
that daj- to this have folded his hands and given no 
thought to anything further than the collection of 
the royalty that would have been paid him bj' every 
leading mining company on the Comstock. As it is 
ho still has his fortune to make. 

(Signed) W. Wright. 

Ifom lie plume, Dan De Quille. 

The above written history on mj' plan and system 
of timbering large bodies of ores by "square sets" 
is true and correct. ruiLiPP Deideshelmeb. 

Virginia, May 18, 1881. 

PUILO KNAPP, 

The subject of this sketch, is a native of the State of 
Maine, but came to California in the year 1856, 
where he remained seven years and came to Nevada 
in 1863, locating at Virginia City, Storey County. 
Being born in a cold country, he naturally entered a 
cold business, and in 1864 started the ice trade in 
that city, furnishing all the ice used in the mines on 
the Comstock until 1877. Previous to the great fire 
that swept through Virginia City in 1875, he was 
extensively engaged in the ice, soda, also wood and 
coal business on D Street, occupying eight buildings 



HISTORY OF STOREY COUNTY. 



575 



situated on the site now occupied by the Virginia 
and Truckee R-iilroad freight buildings, all of which 
were consumed, also six other buildings belonging 
to him in other parts of the city. Notwithstanding 
his great loss he set immediately to work and erected 
the fine buildings on E Street, opposite the Ophir 
Works, during the next year and has since carried on 
the Pioneer Soda business. An illustration of his 
works will be found on another page of this book. 



other callings, he was saccessfui, and at the present 
time rejoices in the part ownership of one of the 
finest establishments in the State, and has done a 
prosperous business. " Curly Bill " was a popular 
driver, a gonial, whole-souled man, and a general 
favorite with the travelinir public, and it is said that 
a passenger who was fortunate enough to occupy the 
box seat with him, when he held the reins, considered 
it a streak of good luck. 




PHOTO BY JOHN S HOE, VlROlNIA, NEV 

PVm. Garhart. 

Or " Curly Bill," as he was called in early days, is a 
native of Pennsylvania, and was born at Reading, 
April 3, 1834. His youthful days were passed in 
Cincinnati, Ohio, until, at the ago of sixteen years, 
he came to California, arriving in San Francisco, 
April 3, 1850. After a stay of six weeks in the city 
he sought his fortune in the mines, and for one year 
worked in French Gulch, in Shasta County. He 
then turned his attention to the stage, and for the 
succeeding eighteen years followed the business for 
a livelihood, not, however, as Booth or Forrest, but on 
a Concord coach, as one of the finest rcinsmen on 
the Pacific Coast. His first route was from Sacra- 
mento to Nevada City, where he drove for five years. 
Ho then drove from Folsom to Nevada City, by way 
of Auburn, until 1858. In 185!l he drove from Forest 
City to Marysvillo and Downievillo. In 18H3 ho 
commenced driving from Donner Lake to Virginia 
City, Nevada, where he continued until 18(59. He 
then formed a partnership with C. Derby, at Vir- 
ginia City, and opened a livery stable. In this, asin 



PHOTO BY NOE 4 LCE. VIRQINIA, NEV 




CHA'i^Syf^'l^^ 



Charles Williamson, the present Sheriff of Storey 
County, Nevada, was born August 23, a. u. 1831, 
on the Islo of Unst, ono of the Shetland Isles of 
Scotland. In the year 1852, upon reaching his 
majority, ho left his Highland homo and came to the 
United States, locating in Pennsylvania, where he 
at once engaged in mining, following the business 
for four years in that State. He then removed to 
Belleville, St. Clair County, Illinois, where for two 
years ho followed the same occupation. About the 
year 185!» he went to Fulton, Missouri, and engaged in 
farming, remaining at that place until 1SG2, at which 
time he came to the Pacific Coast, locating at Vir- 
ginia City, Nevada, where he has since made his 
homo. Ho once more engaged in his old occupation, 
and was a miner until 1878, when he was elected 
Sheriff of Storey County, which office he holds and 
creditably fills at the present time. Mr. Williamson 
was married in 1872, to Asenath G. Gay, who is a 
native of Cornwall, England. 



576 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



CHARTER OF VIRGINIA CITT. 

Be it enacted hy the Governor and Legislative Assembly 
of Utah. 

Section. 1. That the citizens of Virginia City shall 
be a body politic and corporate under t^ie name and 
style Virginia Citj% and by that name shall have suc- 
cession, maj' complain and defend in all courts, and 
in all actions and proceedings, purchase, receive and 
hold ])roperty, and sell or otherwise dispose of the 
same for their common benefit. 

Sec. 2. The area of Virginia City shall be two miles 
square, and shall be bounded and described as fol- 
lows: Commencing at a point one mile south of the 
quartz mill of the Mexican Silver Mining Company; 
thence east one mile; thence north two miles; thence 
west two miles; thence south two miles; thence east 
one mile. 

Sec. 3. The corporate powers and duties of Vir- 
ginia City shall be vested in a Board of Trustees, to 
consist of five members, who shall be elected by the 
qualified voters of Virginia City on the first Mondaj^ 
of March of each year, and shall hold their office for 
one j^ear, and until their successors are elected and 
qualified. 

Sec. 4. The Board of Trustees shall assemble 
within five daj's after their election and choose a 
President and Clerk from their number. They shall, 
by ordinance, fix the times and places of holding 
their stated meetings, and may be convened by the 
President at any lime. 

Sec. 5. At all meetings of the Board a majority 
of the Board of Trustees shall constitute a quorum to 
do business, and a smaller number may adjourn from 
time to time, and may compel the attendance of 
absent members in such manner, and under such 
penalties, as the Board previously, by ordinance, may 
have prescribed. 

Sec. C. The Board of Trustees shall be the judges 
of the election returns and qualifications of their own 
members, and determine contested elections of all 
city officers. The}- maj' establish rules for their own 
proceedings, punish any member or other per.son 
for disorderly behavior in their own presence, and 
with the vote of four of the Trustees expel anj- 
member of the Board. The}' shall keep a journal of 
their proceedings, and at the desire of any member 
shall cause the j-cas and nays to be taken on anj' 
question, and entered in the journals, and their pro- 
ceedings shall be published. 

Sec. 7. In case of a vacancy in the Board of 
Trustees by resignation or otherwise, the remaining 
Trustees shall have power and bo required to fill 
such vacant-}- at their next regular meeting. 

Sec. 8. The Board of Trustees shall have power 
to make such ordinances (not inconsistent with the 
Constitution of the United States) and the laws 
of tlio Territor}' as the}- may deem necessary to pro- 
hibit disorderly conduct ; construct pumps, aqueducts 
reservoirs or other works necessarj- for su|)pljMng 
the city daily with water; to keep in repair public 
wells; to lay out, alter, keep open and repair public 
streets and alleys of the city; to provide such means 
as they may deem necessary to protect the city from 
injury by fire; to levy and collect annually a tax on 
all property in the city not exceeding one per cent, 
on the assessed value thereof, except the mines which 
shall not bo subject to taxation; to levy and collect 
a poll-tax of not exceeding one dollar per annum on 
every male inhabitant of twenty-one years of age 
and under fifty; and to pass such other ordinances 



for the regulation and police of said city as they may 
deem necessary. 

Sec. 9. The Board of Trustees may cause to bo 
erected at Virginia City a city jail, and the Recorder 
may impose penalties of fines and imprisonment in 
the city jail for such times as he shall prescribe for 
the breach of and not inconsistent with the ordinances 
of said city. All fines collected in pursuance of this 
Act shall by the executive officer collecting the same 
be paid over to the treasury of the city. 

Sec. 10. The Justice of the Peace of the precinct 
in which Virtjinia City is located shall be ex officio 
Recorder of Virginia City and shall have jurisdic- 
tion of all offences against the ordinances of said 
city. The fees of tho Justice of the Peace of said 
city shall be such as shall be established by the 
Board of Trustees. The Board of Trustees shall 
have power to create such other offices as they may 
deem necessary and to fill the same by ajipointmcnt; 
to ])rovide their duties and fix their compensation; 
to fix bonds for the faithful performances of their 
duties and to remove them from office at pleasure. 

Sec. 11. The Justiceof the J'eace of Virginia City 
shall have power to sentence anj' person convicted of 
offences under the statutes of the Territory of Utah, 
to imprisonment in the city jail as provided for by law 
for imprisonment in the county jail, and all fines for 
offences within the jurisdiction of said Justice im- 
posed by the statutes of Utah shall, when collected, 
be paid into the City Treasury. 

Sec. 12. The Board of Trustees shall have power 
to make such laws for the assessment and collection 
of taxes as they may deem expedient, and may pro- 
vide that the property of all delinquent tax-payers 
be sold for taxes at such time and in such manner as 
the Board of Trustees by ordinance shall direct, and 
such tax deed made under a sale in pursuance of an 
ordinance of said Board of Trustees, shall be prima 
facie evidence of title to real property, and in a sale 
of personal property the delivery of possession by 
the proper officer shall pass title to tho purchaser. 

Sec. 13. All officers of tho cit}', before entering 
upon the duties of their office, shall take tho oath of 
office and give bonds to the inhabitants of Virginia 
City. 

Sec. 14. The President of the Board of Trustees 
shall, on the first day of March and September of 
each year, make out a full and correct statement 
of all moneys received and expended daring the next 
six months preceding, and shall cause such statement 
within ten days thereafter, to be jmblished in some 
newspaper published in tho city, or posted in three 
public places in tho cit}'. For any neglect of duty 
or to comply with this section, ho shall forfeit tho 
sum of ?100, to bo recovered with costs in any court 
of competent jurisdiction to tho use of the city. 

Sec. 15. The Board of Trustees shall cause to bo 
)iublished in some newspaper |)ublislied in Carson 
County all ordinances of the city at least two weeks 
before said oniinances shall be carried into effect. 

Sec. 10. Should any of the Trustees, or any other 
city officer remove from the city, or absent himself 
therefrom more than thirty days without leave of 
the Board, or neglect to qualify within ten days after 
receiving notice of his election, or, if bond is ro- 
([uired of him, neglect for the said time to give said 
bond, his office shall thereby be vacated. 

Sec. 17. Charles L. Strong. John Ricketon, John 
A. Collins, T. J. Andrews and A. E. Bead, or any 
three of them, are authorizeil and required to give 
not less than four days' notice of an election on the 
second Monday of March, one thousand eight hun- 




p. Knapp & Co. 

OtPOT VIRGINIA ICE CO. -"' PIONEER SODA WORKS. 



< •'^ 



1L. 











;-A "M'Pr'pjl^Tt"" 



RESIDENCEo' B. F. LEETE, 
RCNO, WASHOE C NEV. 



HISTORY OF STOREY COUNTY. 



577 



dred and sixty-one, or as soon thereafter as may be, 
for the election of city officers provided for in this 
Act; they shall also appoint the Judge to act at said 
election. The said Judi^es shall nive certificates of 
election to the five persons having the highest num- 
ber of votes for Trustees. 

Sec. 18. The Board of Trustees of Virginia City 
shall not contract any liabilities, either by borrow- 
ing money, loaning the credit of the city, or contract- 
ing debts which, singly or in the aggregate, shall 
exceed the sum of 88,000, and the Trustees shall 
issue scrip not exceeding this amount when they 
shall deem necessary for the construction of a city 
jail or for current expenses of the city government. 

Sec. 19. Any person shall be qualified to vote 
and hold an office in Virginia City who is a citizen of 
the United States, and is and has been a resident of 
said city for thirty days. 

Daniel II. Wells, 
President of the Council. 
John Taylor, 
Speaker of the House of Representatives. 
Approved January 18, 18C1. 

A. Cdmmino, 
Governor of Utah Territory. 

I, Francis Wootton, Secretary of the Territory of 

Utah, do hereby certify that the foregoing is a true 
copy of an Act to Incorporate Virginia City, the 
original of which is now on file in this office. In 
testimony whereof I hereunto set my hand and affix 
the seal of the Territory of Utah. Done at Great 
Salt Lake Citj% Utah Territory, on the second of 
February, a. d. one thousand eight hundred and six- 
ty-one. Francis H. Wootton, 
[seal.] Secretary of Utah Territory. 

EVENTS OF THE YEAR 1863. 

The county and town governments had gone into 
operation. The proper courts had been established 
and peace and prosperity seemed well assured. The 
towns of Virginia City, Gold Hill and American Flat 
were lively places whetein all kinds of industry as 
well as vice flourished. 

The Washoe Stock and Exchange Board was 
organized March G, 18G3, with A. C. Wightman, Presi- 
dent; Jackson McKinstry, Vice-President; John Mc- 
Carthy, Secretary; W. R. Scribner, Treasurer. 

After the organization was completed the Board 
adjourned to have a champagne supper, Mark Twain 
happened to be in town and reports the baptismal 
ceremonies as follows: — 

By a sort of instinct we happened in at Almack's 
just at the moment that the corks were about to pop, 
and discovering that wo had intruded we were 
retreating when Daggett, the soulless, insisted upon 

our getting with the Board of Brokers, and we 

very naturally did so. The President had already 
been toasted, the Vice-President had likewise been 
complimented in the same manner. Mr. Mitchel 
had delivered an address through his unsolicited 
mouth-piece, Mr. Daggett, whom he likened unto 
Baalam's ass — and very a])tly loo — and the press had 
been toasted, and he had attempted to respond and 
got overcome by something — feelings jjerhaps — when 
that everlasting, omnipresent, irrepressible, "Unre- 
liable" crowded himself into the festive apartment, 
where ho shed a gloom upon the Board of Brokers, 



and emptied their glasses while they made speeches. 
The imperturbable impudence of that iceberg sur- 
passes anj-thing we ever saw. By a concerted move- 
ment the young man was partially put down at length, 
however, and the Board launched out into speech- 
making again, but finally somebody put u])five feet 
of " Texas," which changed hands at eight dollars a 
foot, and from that they branched otl' into a whole- 
sale bartering of •' wildcat" — for their natures were 
aroused by the first smell of blood of course — and we 
adjourned to make this report. The Board will 
begin its regular meetings Monday next. 

We find about this time an obscure entrj- in the 
police records that Jack Perry, the City Marshal, 
corraled the Stock Board of Virginia. Whether 
the entry refers to the orgies of this evening the 
editor is unable to say, and must again leave the 
reader to judge the necessity of corraling them, as 
well as of the fact. 

Some laughable accounts of the humorous man- 
ner in which Sherifl' iloward occasionally' discharged 
his official duties gained him great notoriety in the 
county. The following are related of him for facts: — 

He once summoned a jury of squint-eyed men, and 
the lawyers were nearly crazed in trying to get the 
attention of the jurors. The next time be summoned 
the fattest men in the county, and the jury-box was 
running over with oleaginous matter for the whole 
week. The next the thinnest men were in the jury- 
box that could be found. It is said the Sheritl' had 
also planned to summons the ugliest men for another 
session; also the handsomest, which raised such 
curiosity that the court had to interfere, as the 
crowds coming to see the show would seriously inter- 
rupt business. Sheriff Howard summoned the fol- 
lowing tall men: — 

HEIGHT. 
NAME. PEF.T. INCUE3. 

H. G. Blaisdel G 5 

O. P. McCalmont 6 4i 

J. B. Chinn 6 4* 

John N. Crans G 2} 

L. Eawlings t> 2 J 

Samuel Doake G Ij 

Samuel A. Chapin . . G 1| 

J. M. .Merrill G U 

D. Bailey 6 1 

Joe Clark G } 

Thomas Taj-lor G \ 

William McCoy 5 11} 

S. B. Bloomfield 5 llj 

WilliamWelch 5 Hi 

Cornelius Finley 5 11 

H. M. Vessoy 5 10 

Those who ascribe greatness of soul to those who 
have large bodies will find an argument in the liberal 
character of this jury, for they donated the scrip to 
which they were entitled to the Ladies' Relief Society 
of Gold Hill and Virginia City. The first of the list 
was afterwards Governor of Nevada, and many of 
the others achieved distinction. The long jury is 
still remembered by many of the citizens of Storey 
County. 

Virginia City was lighted with gas for the first 



578 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



time November 12, 1863, and the principal stores and 
hotels were illuminated. 

In this year, too. the citizens of the whole State 
were made glad bj- the arrival of a through over- 
land mail. Those who now are accustomed to read 
the news from the Eastern States at the hour at 
which it transpires, can form little idea of the 
pleasure with which the gold and silver hunters of 
those days read the news of twenty days previous, 
or how they began to feel themselves coming once 
more into the light of civilization. 

The Fire Department of Virginia City was or- 
ganized and quite early put on an efficient basis. 
The system had not gradual!}- grown into existence 
as in some of the older eastern towns which in the 
course of a century of experience had arrived at an 
efficient working condition. Many of the members 
had been members of fire companies and had a full 
knowledge of the value of decision and energy requi- 
site to conquer a fire where the combustible nature 
of the materials and the fierce winds rendered a fire 
nearly uncontrollable when once under waj'. 

The Fire Department was organized as early as 
March 4, 18G1. In 18()2, the officers were: John 
V. B. Perry, President; Samuel E. Wetherell, Vice- 
President; \V. H. Barstow, Treasurer; Peter Lar- 
kin, Chief Engineer; John Cullen, Fir.«t Assistant; 
M. R. Williams, Second Assistant. 

There were two engine and one hook and ladder 
companies with nearly two hundred members, most of 
whom were property holders and, as such, personally 
interested in the efficiency of their respective com- 
panies. 

The Masons, Odd Fellows and Sons of Temper- 
ance as well as the C'hurches were early organized 
and acted an efficient part in controlling the turbu- 
lent elements in society and introducing the ameni- 
ties of civilized life. 

In 18G2 the Masons had two working Lodges, the 
Odd I'^ellows two, and the Sons of Temperance one, 
in Virginia City. In other portions of the county 
they also had strong working organizations. It is 
impossible to estimate the value of these societies in 
assisting to bring such an energetic, restless and, to 
some extent, reckless population under social and 
political restraint. The man who joins any eocietj- 
acting under regular rules and learns to listen with 
deference to opinions differing from his own is un- 
consciously becoming a better citizen. 

Education was not forgotten. The presence of a 
child almost called forth a donation for a school. 
No matter how devoted to business or how depraved 
a man may be, the innocent face of childhood will 
call up memories of youthful years, and bring with 
it a desire to benefit the little one and, j)erhap8, save 
it from the scathing, self-consuming fire of a life sim- 
ilar to his own. A school was established in Gold 
Hill in 1862, and continued through the months of 
May, Juno, and July, Mrs. Mary L. Gaston bein;; the 
teacher, at a salary of $100 per month. The i. um- 



ber of pupils was fourteen. The Trustees were C 
H. Hobbs, C. H. Deland, and E. R. Barnes. Judge 
S. A. Kellogg acted as examiner. The following 
3-ear Jlrs. Sue H. Summers taught eight months with 
a salarj- of SI 25. per month. A school was also 
opened at American Flat by Miss Ida Tuttle. From 
this time forward schools were on a firm basis. For 
History of Schools see Chapter XXXI. 

The year 1863 may safely be put down as a 3-ear of 
marked progress in Storey County. During that 
year new buildings, of a substantial character, were 
erected; the prices of goods, in consequence of 
increased freighting facilities, were more reasonable; 
the promising condition of the mines created a good 
demand for labor; stage and fast freight lines were 
established in all directions, and everything gave evi- 
dence of increasing prosperity. The countj- debt 
was less than 825,000, and the ])opulation rapidly 
increasing. The approach of winter now, did not, 
as formerlj', herald destitution and suffering. The 
shipments of bullion, from (iold Hill alone, 
amounted to $1,156,121. The Water Company's 
receipts for the last half of the year were 847,386. 
Expenditures, 81."), (Hd. 

Though there was much of the southern element 
in the State, the Union feeling predominated. A 
tall staft', with a flag thirty feet long, was erected on 
Mount Davidson, with appropriate ceremonies. 
Some of the speakers pledged Nevada to raise bullion 
enough to pay lor putting down the Rebellion. 

RIVAL AND AMBITIOUS TOWNS. 

Whether because the principles of secession or con- 
solidation, disintegration or union were frequently 
discussed, or whether any natural and constitutional 
causes, such as a radical difference in race or in civil- 
ization aroused unconquerable antipathies, or whether 
some political aspirants who Vere out of office wanted 
offices created for them, or whether some ambitious 
persons who held office wanted to swell their per- 
quisites a little more, there was a serious disturbance 
about the county and municipal lines, " about this 
time," as the almanac makers say. 

The ball was opened bj- the introduction of a bill 
into the Legislature to consolidate into one munici- 
pal government all the towns of the county. As Vir- 
ginia City was practically the county it would virtu- 
ally have the effect of being ruled by that city. To 
this Gold [lill seriously objected. It was enough to 
support the county officers; to see them serenely 
enjoying the use of the money drawn from them by 
county iaxes, but to be obliged to pay for Virginia 
sidewalks, Virginia gas-lights, Virginia sewers, and 
for Virginia debts and Virginia rascalities generally, 
they would not, could not agree to, and the opposi- 
tion became so fierce that the bill was dropped in 
compliance with an almost universal protest of the 
Gold Hillers. 

Having felt their power in a fight, the citizens of 
Gold Hill now resolved to establish a municipal gov- 
ernment of their own, and a bill was introduced to 



1 



HISTORY OF STOREY COUNTY. 



gr9 



incorporate that burgh into a city and create a set of 
municipal officers. But American t'lal now inter- 
posed. Were they to be made to support in lazy 
dignity the tTold Hill swells; so Gold Hill was incor- 
porated with American Flat left out, leaving a great 
want of harmony in the lines of the new city. 

Having tasted the pleasure of authority, the Gold 
Ilillers now proposed to cut loose from Virginia 
Citj- cntirel}- and have a county of their own, and 
had a bill introduced into the Legislature of 1804-65 
to that effect. This was " carrying the war into 
Africa," and Virginia City was put on the defense, the 
Territorial Enterprise taking up the cudgels with a 
terrible vim. Storej- County, shorn of Gold Hill and 

American Flat, would not be worth a forotHcers. 

Gold Hill retorted that the Virginia sports and 
gamblers governed the countj- and were |)luiiging 
everything in ruin; piling up a huge debt for ttold 
Hill to paj-. The project failed, and county affairs 
went on in the old way. 

Among the many changes proposed by the people 
of Virginia Citj', who seemed to have some of the 
ambitious character of their namesake, the mother of 
Presidents, was a plan to remove the Capital to Sto- 
rey Countj\ In this matter they were generous, 
and were willing it should be located at American 
Flat, 850,000 being subscribed for erecting suitable 
buildings. They urged the matter with much zeal, 
and created considerable alarm in other parts of the 
State by their efforts, but Lyon County putting in a 
claim, and the Ormsby County authorities becoming 
more reasonable in their demands for rent, the pro- 
ject was abandoned. 

COL. R. II. TAYLOR 

Was born in the city of New York, August 17, 1822. 
After finishing his studies in the schools he entered 
the law office of his father and read law until 1840, 
when he came to California. In 1850 he located in 
Marysville, Yuba County, and started the ^lar^-sville 
llerall, the first newspaper published in that town. 
The date of the first issue was August (i, 1S50. The 
history of Yuba County, published in 1879, in speak- 
ing of this paper says: " It presented an extremely 
neat ap])earance. Its editorials were spicy and 
showed ability. The impossibility of procuring a 
sufficient quantity of white paper compelled the pub- 
lisher to rrcf|uentl\- print the issue upon brown paper, 
or as the editor remarked, 'do it up brown.'" In 
1853 he sold his paper and business and went to 
Downieville, where in 1850 he was elected District 
Judge of the Seventeenth Judicial District, composed 
of Sierra and Plumas Counties. In .June. 18(')2, he 
resigned the office and resumed the ])ructice of law. 
which profe.ision he has since followed. He came to 
Virginia City, Nevada, in March, 1863, and in 1868, 
was the Democratic candidate for Supreme Judge. 
Until 1872 he had al\va3-s been a Democrat, but the 
nomination of Horace Greeley was something he 
could not indorse and he came out for Grant. Be 




PHOTO BY JOHN 8. NOE. VIRGINIA. NCV. 




coming at that time convinced of the truth and jus- 
tice of Republican principles he has done good work 
for that party at every election since then. Ho was 
on the Republican electoral ticket in 1880. lie has 
been twice elected President of the Pacific Coast 
Pioneers of Nevada, and was the first Noble Grand 
of the first lodge of Independent Order of Odd Fel- 
lows on this coast, in which office he was installed 
September 0, 1840, which was one year to a day 
before the admission of the State of California into 
the Union. He was married to .Miss Emily M. Kav- 
anah, in New York City in 1842, who died in San 
Francisco, California, in September, 1849. In 1854 
he was married, in Downieville California, to MisB 
Mary J. Leahigh. 

.JOSEPH E. m'D0N.\LD 

Is a native of Canada, born in the town of Hillier, 
April 28, 1846. His boj'hood days were passed on 
Canadian soil. His education was principally re- 
ceived at the town of Pictou, where he continued his 
studies until he reached his seventeenth year. His 
facilities for obtaining an education in the higher 
brunches wore not of the best, but during; his school 
days he improved " the shining hours." and accumu- 
lated more useful knowledge than many who re- 
mained in school years after he was obliged to relin- 
quish his studies. As youth ripened into manhood 
he sought wider fields wherein to search for the fort 



580 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA, 



1 







PHOTO ev JOHN S not. VIRQINIA. NCV 



f^^^^W^-^^ 



t^-r^ 




uno ho fully believed laid in store for him, and in 
18G3 came to ^Nevada, and located in Yirsrinia City 
where he engaged in mining, and soon after forsook 
that occupation and entered the wood and coal busi- 
ness. In this he was successful, and not forgetting 
tis parents, living away back in the land where he 
"first beheld the light," ho returned to them in 1875, 
and from his accumulated wealth bought a home and 
placed them therein, that their declining years might 
be passed in peace and quiet. For this act Mr. Mc- 
Donald deserves the res])ect and esteem of his fellow- 
men. It is an example that might be followed by 
thousands of our young men, had thej' the ambition 
and filial atlection reposed in the subject of this 
sketch. He returned to Nevada during the same 
year, and in 1878 was nominated and elected to the 
responsible position of County Clerk of Storey 
County, by the licpublican part}-, an office he filled 
to the entire satisfaction of his constituents and the 
people generally. In 1880 ho was nominated for the 
same office and without doubt would have gained an 
easy victory, but for reasons best known to himself 
withdrew his name, declining to run for the office 
again. His principles are not altered in the least, 
and he is to-day asHtauiich a Republican as ever, and 
will cast bis vote with that party as long as he is sat- 
isfied that it is in the right. 

lie was married in 1875 to Miss Lizzie Virginia 
Crosby, of San Jose, California. 



POLITICAL EXCITEMENT. 

In Gold Hill the election of Trustees, under the 
late Act of incorporation, occurred June 6, 1864, and 
resulted in the success of the Citizens' Ticket by 186 
majority. C. S. Coover, S. H. Eobinson, H. C. 
Blaiichard, Moses Korn, and G. W. Aylsworth were 
the successful candidates. Great excitement pro- 
vailed. Twenty-one double votes, found in the bal- 
lot-box. were rejcclod. One side charged fraud, 
while the other claimed the result as the " triumjjh of 
law and order." 

The whole political struggle culminated in the 
November election. The pride of being one of the 
galaxy of States, of having a voice in the selection 
of a President, brought out a full vote. The Repub- 
licans buried their dissensions to unite against the 
common enemy. The Democrats, encouraged by 
their partial successof September 7th, were confident 
and noisy. As might have been expected, hard 
words were succeeded by hard blows and, in 
instances, by the use of fire-arms and knives, with- 
out any fatal results in the county however, and, 
when the decision was rendered, all bowed in submis- 
sion to the popular verdict. The average majority 
of the Republican Ticket in the county was some- 
thing over 800. 

Some amusing wagers were made which served to 
dull the edge of the strife, and help to renew good 
feeling after the election was over. L. D. Noyes 
agi'eed to saw a cord of mountain mahogany wood, 
in a public hall, if McClellan was elected President, 
provided, J. C. Benson would do the same if Lincoln 
was elected. A committee from Virginia City, Gold 
Hill, DajHon, Silver City and Carson were to see 
that " all things were done decently and in order." 
The wood when sawed was to be sold for the benefit 
of the Sanitary Fund. 

The ladies of Gold Hill gave an entertainment, 
during the election season, for the benefit of the 
Sanitary Fund, which resulled in raising S3. 080. 
The donations added to the fund, during the thirty 
daj-s succeeding the election, raised the amount, so 
that the whole fund was e(|ual to $10.30 for each 
voter in the place. 

PRIVATE AND PUBLIC EXTRAVAOANCE. 

" Every man for himself and th^ Devil take the 
hindmost" seemed to have been the general motto 
up to the year 18()5, and if there was any reform in 
subsequent j-cars it was not rapid enough to shock 
the ordinaiy mind. Those of our readers who are 
familiar with the early history of San Francisco, 
Sacramento, Piacervillo, ^lokehimne Hill or Sonora 
will recogni7,e the jiicture as one common to all new 
mining towns, and the accumulation of sudden wealth 
by those who have been ])oor. (iold intoxicates, not 
like whisky, but like nothing else. It is said that 
some of those who discovered the enormous de- 
jiosits in Hallarat, in Australia, had their horses shod 
with shoes made of gold. Though this form of ex- 



HISTORY OF STOREY COUNTY. 



581 



travagancc did not prevail in CuiiCoi'nia or Nevada, 
Eomo other equally as absurd did. Man is much tbo 
same animal everywhere, whether in the oil regions 
of Pennsylvania, the mines of Colorado, thcbonanzas 
of Nevada or the placers of California. 

The reports of the finances of the municipal gov- 
ernment in future years will be no less astonishing 
than the bonanzas. The following is vouched for by 
the editor of the Gold Hill News, Alf. Doten, who 
was a " part of the history " and the statements may 
be relied upon as substantiallj' correct: — 

The debt of Virginia City in 1SG5 was as follows: 

Scrip bearing interest at 

5 and 6 per cent, per month $29,467 34 

3 and 3A percent, per month 15,582 62 

4 per cent, per month 8,050 00 

2 ))er cent, per month ) 

12 per cent, per annum ) 78 294 28 

K.inds 48.000 00 

Accumulated interest 45,462 86 

As this estimate was made after the 
annual paj-nients had been made and 
showing the .•■maliest amount of debt at 
anv ]iortion of the vear we may add pay- 

mJnt of .- 20.980 68 

Making the sum total for the earlier 

part of the year as §254,837 78 

The 12 per cent, bonds were worth in the market 
forty-five cents on the dollar; the scrip twenty to 
forty five cents. 

Tliccount}- finances were not less astounding. 

The county debt in 1863 was 8 10.897 43 

The county debt in 1864 was 194 099 51 

The county debt in 1865 was 280,579 76 

If we add to the l.'ist amount the 

warrants redeemed for 1865 46,495 36 

The amount of the debt the earlier 

part of the j'car would be 8327,075 12 

What this debt was for can hardly bo imagined as 
there were no county buildings except, perhaps, a 
hospital. 

The indebtedness December 1st was as follows: — 

First class indebtedness $100,069 28 

Second class indebtedness 174,510 48 

Total 8280,579 76 

The firstsum was contracted prior to July 25, 1864. 

TH0.M.\S MOSES 

Was born in Wolcottville, Connecticut, June 2, 1834. 
When two j-ears old ho removed with his parents to 
Auburn, New York; thence to Litchfield, Ohio, in 
1842; thence to Wisconsin in 1851; one year later he 
removed to Illinois. In 1853, ho emigrated to Ore- 
gon, crossing the plains. The next year found bim 
in (California; and in 1855 ho returned to the I'^asl, 
and followed farming in Wisconsin until 1858. In 
the spring of 1859 he went, as wagon master for a 
government train, to Fort Yuma. Cilifmnia. Ho 
returned to Wisconsin the same year, and in 1800 ho 
went to Denver, Colorado, and settled in Clear Creek 
County. In 1861 he went as ])ack-masler for W. H. 
Kussell, for the i)urposo of looking out a stage-road 
from Denver, Colorado, to Salt Lake City, Utah. 
73 




PHOTO BY JOHN S NOE. VIRGINIA, NEV 




In 1861, in the full, he was elected Sheriff of Clear 
Creek County, Colorado, under the Territorial organ- 
ization. The War of the Rebellion being well under 
way at this time, he joined the army, receiving a 
Lieutenant's commission, and was recruiting oflicer 
for the Third Colorado Infantry. In 1863 he was 
promoted to a Captaincj-, and served with distinc- 
tion in the Department of Missouri. After serving 
four years Captain Moses was mustered out of ser%-- 
ice with his regiment. In the fall of the year, 1865, 
ho became a member of tho firm of J. W. Bloom- 
field it Co., at St. Louis, Missouri, ami went to Santa 
Fe, Now Mexico, in tho interest of the firm; he also 
made trips in other directions for tho firm, until in 
the spring of 1867 ho went to Kansas, and was 
appointed sutler at Fort Wallac. In 1869 we find 
him a contractor in Colorado, on tho Kansas Pacific 
IJailroad. In 1871 ho again crossed the ])lains to tho 
Pacific Coast, and located in Seattle, Washington 
Territory, where he kept a hotel. In 1872 ho was 
one of tho surveyors for the Northern Pacific Rail- 
road Contpuny. Ver^' few men have traveled as 
much as tho subject of this sketch; and alter an 
eventful life ho settled in Virginia City, Storey 
Count}-, Nevada, in 1873, where he has sinco resided. 
In 1S7(! ho was elected as Justice of tho Peoco, and 
ro-olected in 1878. 



582 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 




^ 



PHOTO BY NOC A LEE, VIRQiNIA. NEV 




'gp'z-*^^ 




■^ 



-<. Cl/^^ 



Charles Forman, one of the olfiost and most prac- 
tical raining Huperintendents on the Comstocif, and 
the subject of this sketch, was born in Tioga County, 
New York, in January, ISri"). His education was 
received at Owego. At the cixvXy ago of eighteen 
years he left his home and emigrated to California, 
reaching Sacramento in 1853, where for four years he 
was box clerk and cashier of the post-oflico at that 
place. Subsequently he received the appointment as 
Deput}- Sccrctar}' of State. During 18G0 Mr. For- 
man came to Virginia City to examine the mining 
interests of that place, and was offered, and accepted 
a position in the express office of Wells, Fargo & Co., 
with whom he remained about one year. After 
which date he devoted his time wholly to mining at 
Gold Hill, having the superintendcncy of the Kdipse 
Mill and Mining (Jompanj-, which position ho filled 
until 18()7. During this time, however, he superin- 
tended the Bacon .Mill and Mining Companj", Piute 
Mill and Mining Company, and the Confidence Min- 
ing (/Onipanj', also the Vivian Mill. In 1S70 he 
went to Piocho, Lincoln County, as General Sujierin- 
tendent of the Meadow Valley Mining Company, 
where ho romaiaed o&ly about ton months. The fol- 



lowing three years he spent partly in San Francisco, 
and the remainder in Salt Lake City, Utah, being a 
member of the firm of B. F. Sherwood & Company, 
brokci's. In Salt Lake City he was engaged in the 
lumber business. Upon bis return to San Francisco 
he conceived the idea of a trip through the northern 
Territories, to examine the coal mines said to exist 
there. His trip was an extensive one, taking him 
through Oregon, Washington Territory and British 
Columbia. Ho returned to Virginia City in 1874, 
and at once assumed the position as Superintendent 
of the Overman Mine, at Gold Hill, and soon after 
that of the Caledonia Mine, both of which he super- 
intends at the present time. He resides in Virginia 
City, having one of the finest residences in the city. 

AMUSEMENTS IN EARLY DAYS. 

These partook of the character of the jieoplo; 
something strong for miners; no milk and water ex- 
hibitions. If it had been po.^sible to hang men and 
afterwards resuscitate them or blow them from can- 
nons and afterwards gather the scattered fragments 
together it would have drawn finely. Tom Maguire 
of California notoriety built an opera house as early 
as 18G3. It was afterwards known as Piper's Opera 
House and became famous as a place for all kinds 
of public meetings, political and social as well as 
theatrical. It fronted fifty-four feet on D Street and 
was one hundred feet deep. 

Prize fights were not uncommon. Onlj- a few of 
the exhibitions of this kind can be noticed. In con- 
sequence of being prohibited bj' law they were gen- 
erally held in out-of-the-way places. They com- 
menced as early as 1863. In October of that year 

Bradlej- and Pat Fogg arranged a fist fight for 

money. Gallagher and Brooks also made 

an exhibition of their prowess according to the rules 
of the ring, the latter coming off second best. 

January 8, 1864. Two Hibernians, " jist to honor 
Jinoral Jackson" arranged a fist fight to come oft' on 
a vacant lot on B Street, but the police interfered 
with the amusement, to the disgust of many of tho 
spectators. 

March 1 0th of the same j'ear, Patsey Fogg and 

Bradley met again, this time in Six-raile Canon. 
We are unable to say who came off best. 

June 4th, Bill Davis and Patsej' Daylej- fought at 
American Flat for SI. 000 a side. Three thousand 
spectators witnessed tho exhibition at 82 50 a head. 
The grounds were inclosed in a tight board fence. 
The manner in which this was got up, " regardless 
of expense" showed tho esteem in which such exhi- 
bitions wore held. 

August 8th, same year, Patsej' Fogg again ap- 
jieared on the jiugilistic arena, this time against 
William Blackwood. The place of meeting was at 
Spring Valloy. Aftortwonty-four rounds the victory 
was awarded to Fogg. 

January 17, LSC'i. Patsey Fogg fought Harry 
Cooper one hour and twenty-two minutes. At the 
close of tho sixty-third round Fogg was declared 



HISTORY OF STOREY COUNTY. 



583 



winner. In consequence of the porsietence of the 
combatants it was, according to the papers, a pro- 
longed and brutal affair. 

April 4, 18()5. Patse}- Fogg whipped John Kelle- 
her at the end of one hour and seventeen minutes, 
after thirty-nine rounds. The stakes were 81. '"lO. 
The place of meeting was on the border of Storey 
County. 

October 1, 1865. A bear and dogfight came off at 
the Opera House, in which the bear made short work 
of whiiipiiig the dog. After the dog was whipped 
the police arrested the managers. 

The last of these exhibitions of any note occurred 

May 4, 1872, between White, an Irishman, and 

Williams, a Cornishman, who fought on the old 

race course for 8250 a side. Williams won. 

HOW AN .\R.ASTRA (S .MADE. 

Dig a circular hole five to eight feet across and two 
feet deep. In the center of this set down a i)ost of 
four or five inches in diameter, to the depth of three 
or four feet. Pave the bottom of the hole smoothly 
with the hardest rock you can get, fitting the pieces, 
which should weigh fifty to one hundred pounds each, 
rather closely but not too closely together, using a 
stiff clay to cement the joints. The ])orphyry rocks 
generally found in the vicinity of mineral lodes, 
make a good pavement for the arastra. At a dis- 
tance of three to five feet from the center of the 
hole, make a rim of curbstones rising eight or ten 
inches above the floor; this should also bo made 
water-tight with stiff" day. If the work has been 
well done it will hold water. A sweep should be 
attached to the central part with an arm reaching 
out three or four feet to hitch a mule or horse to, or 
if the arastra is large enough to justify, the sweep 
may be extended from the center in both directions, 
so as to have two horses or even two pair attached 
to it. To this sweep are attached the stones by 
ropes or chains, which do the grinding by being 
dragged slowly around in the circle, bringing every 
particle of quartz to a condition of ])a8to. The 
charge is from 300 or 400 pounds up to a ton, 
according to the size of the concern. Enough water 
should be used to make a rather paste-like hasty 
pudding or meal mush, which it much resembles 
when it is done or ground fine enough. Too much 
water would wash the fine particles of the ores out, 
and too little would prevent them from settling to 
the bottom or into the clay seams, where, if the 
process is well done the gold and silver is found 
mixed with the quicksilver at the end of the process. 
In the opinion of many persons this is the cheapest 
way of reducing ores, especially at a distance from 
a town where machinery is manufactured. 

In 18G5 the Gold Hill mines worked 724 men 
regularly, and produced 9(>0 tons of ore daily. 
The Virginia City mines employed 6C2 men and 
produced 475 tons daily. The gross yield of the 
Comstock for three-quarters of the year was 257,728 
tons, which produced 89,328,188 in bullion. 




PHOTO. BY JOHN g. HOC. VIROINtA, NEV. 




Judge Richard Rising, the subject of this sketch, 
is a native of Pennsylvania, and was born in the city 
of Philadelphia in 1837. His boyhood was spent in 
the city of New York, until in January, 1853, when 
with his mother and other members of the family, he 
joined bis father in California. He entered the oflico 
of Geo. Foote and commenced reading law, where ho 
staj'cd but a short time, and afterward finished his 
studies with Gen. J. A. McDougall, and was admitted 
to the Bar at the age of twenty -one years. 

Ho was married in 1859, and removed to Downie- 
ville. Sierra County, California, and entered upon the 
duties of his profession. Being a man of more than 
ordinar}' intellect, and possessing the qualifications 
necessary for success, ho soon gained a largo and 
lucrative practice. In 18G1, the discovery of the 
mines on the Comstock led him to Nevada, and in 
partnership with W. M. Stewart, afterwards United 
Slates Senator, and Mr. .M. Kirkpatrick, was engaged 
in nearly all the important litigation of those days. 
When the Territory of Nevada was converted into a 
State, ho was elected one of the District Judges, 
being then only twenty-six years of age. At the 
expiration of two yeai's the throe offices of District 
Judge were merged into one, and Judge Rising was 
re-elected to that high position, which he has held 
until the present time, having boon re-elected four 
times. Ho is a man of great argumentative powers, 
an able lawyer, and enjoys to-day the respect and 
good-will of his follow-mon. 



98* 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 




PHOTO BY JOHN S HOC, VIRQrNIA, NCV 

^1 




Henry Rolfe is a native of Maine, and was born in 
Farmington, July 30, 1844. His boyhood daj-s wore 
passed in the city of Boston, Massachusetts, where 
he attended school and finally graduated at Harvard 
Universitj'. Soon after graduating ho came to the 
Pacific Coast and located in San Francisco, California, 
where he remained until the year 1872 when he 
crossed to Nevada, and has since been a resident of 
Virginia City. His first occupation in the latter city 
was with the well-known Geo. T. Marye, stock- 
broker, in whose employ he remained until 1875, at 
which time he became a member of the firm of \V. 
n. Clark & Co., in the same line of business. In 
1878 he severed his connection with that firm and 
was tendered and accepted the office of Deputy 
County Clerk, which position ho creditably fills at 
the present time. Mr. Rtjlfo is thoroughly convcr- 
eani with the duties pertaining to his office. In poli- 
tics lie is a strong Republican, but a consistent one, 
and in social life is a popular gentleman, the possessor 
of the esteem and respect of the people generally. 

HENEKICENT INSTITUTIONS. 

It must not bo supposed tliat Gold Hill and Vir- 
ginia City were altogether made up of pi'izo fighters, 
gamblers and their victims. Ono di-unken man in a 
town will make more noise than twenty respectable 
citizens, and a Joaquin Muriclta has made more 
history tlian hundreds of good men would make. 



Along with the rest came those who not only main- 
tained self-respect and integrity but became active 
in ])romoting the reforms necessary and establishing 
beneficiary societies. 

The German Turn-vereins established an order at 
Gold Hill as early as October. 18C3, with the follow- 
ing officers: C. Fliender, President; George Perry, 
Secretarj'i J. G. Meyer, Treasurer; C. Haul, Second 
Treasurer; Fred. Ulil, leader of gymnastic exercises. 

The Gold Hill Band was organized December, 
18C3. 

The Odd Follows Hall at Virginia was dedicated 
December 7, 18G4. The Library was established in 
the winter of 1865 with GOO volumes. 

May 21, 18GG, the Good Templars was organized 
at Gold Hill with about thirty members bj- E. S. 
Loomis of Champion Lodge, Virginia CilJ^ When 
the Champion Lodge was organized we are not 
informed. These institutions exerted a positive 
influence in building up societj' and neutralizing the 
virus of the criminal element. 

FIRST QUARTZ MILLS. 

At this date many forms of mills were experimental. 
The weight of the character (whether rotating or 
fixed) of tappit-shape of cams and other things, 
were something to be determined by experience. 
The number of mills in the county was tliirly- 
six; aggregate number of stamps, G23, with an 
aggregate of 1,510-horsc power, and a crushing 
capacitj- of 850 tons each twentj'-four hours. Thirty- 
four wore classed as wet crushing, and two as dry 
crushing, using the Freiburg process of reduction. 
There were also five arastra mills in the county, with 
a capacity of crushing from a half ton to one ton 
per day each. The arastra is a Mexican or Spanish 
institution, and though a very slow affair, has many 
valuable qualities, such as cheapnessand availability. 
It furthermore has the reputation of being more 
thorough in its work, working nearer to an assay 
than any other process. It is, from the ease with 
which it is set up and the absence of iron, adapted 
to the use of the prospector in places remote from 
machine shops. 

COLONEL A. M. EDGINOTON 

Was born in East Springfield, Ohio, in the year 1828. 
At the comparatively earl}' ago of twenty-four he 
turned from the quiet haunts of his youth to seek in 
the distant West an adventurous path to possible 
fortune. Reaching California in 1852, he was soon 
in the midst of the stirring scenes around him. For 
eight years he shared the ])erils, excitements and 
privations of frontier life in all its phases. Locating 
in Placer County, he became in turn merchant, 
miner, teamster and lumberman. His nature was 
too generous and proiJigal, however, for large finan- 
cial accumulations. He was ton ready to assist the 
unfortunate and share with needy friends to enroll 
his name among the great money makers of the day. 
In 18G0 he crossed the line into Nevada, and alter 



HISTORY OF STOREY COUNTY. 



585 



various vieisiludes became Deputy Sheriff of Storey 
County. In 1865 he was appointed Deputj' Internal 
Revenue Assessor, which position heresittned during 
the followinjj year, by reason of political complica- 
tions. At this time, and until the day of his death, 
ho was an uncompromising Republican. In 18G7 ho 
became accountant at the Morgan Mill, in Ormsby 
County, and in the following j^ear was appointed 
Superintendent of the Union Mill and Mining Com- 
pany- at Virginia City. In 1870 he received the com- 
mission of Major on the Staff of Brigadier General 




j4 ^h- wcA^^ 



COT^ 



Batterman. During all these years his health had 
been slowly yielding to the dread destroyer, con- 
sumption, and he was finally compelled to resign his 
position, and entirely abandon the active pursuits of 
life. On the fifteenth of October, 1875, ho died at 
Sacramento, calm and conscious to the last. His 
remains were interred, a few days afterwards, at 
Virginia City, with civic, military and Masonic 
honors. Never before did the population of that 
mining metropolis betray' such unanimous respect and 
sorrow in memory of a departed citizen. His benevo- 
lence, honesty and noble sense of duty had com- 
mended him to all classes, and exacted their esteem 
and love. Behind him he left an unblemished record. 
He was not a scholar in the collegiate sense, but a 
finely gifted brain and persistent self-culture had 
mude him the peer of anj' with whom he camo in 
contact. In ever3--day life he was a practical expo- 
nentof Christianity, and concerning bis religious pro- 
fession Bishop Whillaker wrote of hini, after his 
death, as follows: " He was one of the vestrymen 



of vSt. Paul's Church, in this city, and for years had 
been one of the church's warmest friends and sup- 
porters. He was always ready with voice and hand 
and purse to aid in anything that would promote 
the church's welfare. By his death I feel that 1 
have lost not only a warm personal friend, but that 
the church has also lost a zealous advocate." The 
universally popular homage paid to the memory of 
Colonel Edgington is not that which wealth or politi- 
cal station command but such as mankind reserve 
for examples of the purest and noblest manhood. 




Cr^ 



PHOTO ev MORSe SAN FRANCISCO 




C^/i^ 



W. E. F. Deal, son of Dr. Wni. Grove Deal, was 
born in Calvert County, Maryland, March 8, 1840. 
In 1845 he moved with his parents to Baltimore, 
where he attended school, and in September, 1855, 
entered Dickinson College, at Carlisle, Pennsylvania, 
from where he graduated, after pursuing a full col- 
lege course, in July, 18.')9, with degree of A. B., and 
afterward received the degree of A. M. from his 
Alma Mater. Dr. Deal, father of the present subject, 
was one of the first who left Baltimore for California 
upon the discovery of gold, reaching the latter place 
in the spring of '49, and was closely identified with 
the early history of the State. Mr. Deal left for 
California soon after graduating, where ho arrived 
September 12, 1859. His first occupation was as a 
teacher in a school in Oakland, Alameda County, 
where he staj'ed until March, 1800, and moved to 
Colusa, Colusa County, California, and had charge of 
a school from March until July, 1860; thence to 



586 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 




Nevada City, California, whore ho opened a private 
school, over which he presided until May, 1863, at 
which time he came to Nevada, and has since been 
a resident of Virginia City. Daring that year he 
entered the law office of I). W. Perley and Chaa. E. 
DcLoncr, and studied law while uctinsjf as their clerk, 
and in 18G5 was admitted to the Bar of the Supreme 
Court of Nevada. In 1800 he formed a partnership 
with Curtis J. Hillj-er and W. S. Wood, which con- 
tinued until 1871. In 1870 Mr. Deal was nominated 
by the Democrats for the office of District Judge, of 
the Fourth Judicial District, but was defeated by 
Judge Rising, by only ninety-six majority. In 1873 
the jiartnership of Lewis & Deal was formed, which 
still exists, and is cxtonsivelj- engaged in the practice 
of law in the courts of Nevada and California. In 
1878 Mr. Deal was nominated for Congress, but was 
defeated by R. M. Daggett. In 1880 he was chair- 
man of the Democratic State Central Committee, for 
the campaign of that )-ear. which resulted in the 
election of Democratic nominees for Presidential 
electors — of which Mr. Deal was one — Member of 
Congress, Justice of the Sui)rcmc Court, and a Dem- 
ocratic Legislature, insuring the election of a Demo- 
cratic United States Senator from Nevada. He 
was married in 1875. and has three children. 

ORE.\TER PROSPERITY INDICATED. 

Great energy had been displaj^ed in building up 
the Slate. Churches, schools and benevolent insti- 
tutions seemed to succeed as niitiirally as though to 
the " manor born." Many projects were inaugurated 
that afterwards exerted a great influence on the 
trade, mining and social character of the new com- 
munity. 

" Wild cat " schemes are pressed to the front. This 
term has been ;ised for half a century or more to de- 
note baseless projects. Forty years since the West- 
ern States were overrun with wild cat banks, and 
happy the business man who did not get bitten by 
them more than once in a daj'. Wild cats of this 
description flourish best in a land of great possibili- 
ties, where fortunes are quickly made by a brilliant 
stroke, or lost much sooner by one false move. The 
silver mines of Nevada had more wild cats to the 
square mile than any other land ever discovered. 
There were greater varieties, more colors, they ap- 
peared in more places, and under more varied cir- 
cumstances than were ever known before. If men 
in other places were bitten by them, here men were 
devoured, lost, so that not a vestige was left; or, to 
descend from the figurative style of talking, there 
were more swindling projects than were ever con- 
ceived before. 

When the Comstock Lode was discovered the 
croppings oast and west, more particularly the for- 
mer, looked nearly as well as those which afterwards 
])roved to be so immensely rich. There was much 
mineral in the surface, in fact many of them had 
considerable quantities of milling ore, but they gen- 



erally "petered out" at no great depth, but they 
formed splendid material to organize stock compa- 
nies on and draw out assessments. Most of those 
interested in these concerns had very little knowl- 
edge of mines, theoretical or practical, and were 
easily imposed upon, even the men who organized the 
companies were themselves often deceived. When 
such a field presented itself to rascals they were not 
slow to avail themselves of it. Mines were incor- 
porated on ground that did not have a particle of 
mineral, this being supplied from other mines 
Gold-dust was shot into the ground, silver was 
melted into the rock or plugged in, in such a way as 
to resemble natural ores, so that a person not an ex- 
pert would see silver all around in a worthless 
mine. In one instance the pure silver specimens 
taken out of the rock had the impression of an 
American Eagle including the j)luri bugler on them 
the work of salting not having been well done. A 
sample of this salt can be seen in the Mining Bureau 
of California, at San Francisco. But jirofcssional 
swindlers generally succeeded in deceiving the public, 
or rather individuals of that extensive family. Even 
some of the Comstock mines were assi'sscd to tho 
extent of millions without ever making dividends. 

Some amusing things in this connection occurred in 
an early day. A party from Sun Francisco who had 
been visiting tho mines, returning with a sack of 
ores stopped all night at a hotel in Amador County 
with a notorious wag by the name of Iloslcy. After 
listening to their talk awhile he planned a surprise 
for them, and, aflcr they had retired, judiciously ex- 
changed their worthless specimens for similar look- 
ing ones, which he knew to bo good. Tho unsus- 
pecting travelers continued on their waj- to the city 
whore they put their find in the hands of an assayer. 
The results exceeded their most sanguine hopes. 
Companies were formed and money raised to carry 
on the work, but tho clouds, though bright, had no 
silver lining. 

Men who had good mines did not know how to 
manipulate them but were to some extent at the 
mercy of any pretender to the art of mining or valu- 
able methods of reducing refractory ores. Valuable 
mills which should save half of the expense of reduc- 
tion were sold in great numbers to the unsophisti- 
cated miners. 

The result, however, of so many experiments and 
mistakes was the adoption of tho best system of min- 
ing tho world ever saw. While the world was plan- 
ning how deep mining could be carried on, the miners 
of Nevada had solved it with air compressor drills, 
diamond augers and powerful hoisting machinery. 
When Sutro, backed by European cajutal, started to 
tunnel the mines at a depth of 1,000 foot, according 
to the best methods of mining known to them, the 
miners with their modern machinery beat him in tho 
race, getting below the range of the tunnel long 
before he made the connection. 



HISTORY OF STOREY COUNTY. 



587 




PHOTO By NOE A. LCE. VlflOINIA, NCV 

/. E. James 

Is a native of Ohio, and was born in Marion t'ounty, 
January 6, 1830. The first twenty years of his life 
were passed in his native Slate. lie received a 
thorough education at Granville College, and studied 
civil engineering, a profession in which he has gained 
a name throughout the Pacific Coast, ilis first 
situation as an engineer was with the Bellefontaine 
and Indiana Kailroad Company, where ho was 
employed two years. In 1833 he came to California 
by the Nicaragua route, reaching San Francisco in 
the month of January-, and settled in Downieviile, 
Sierra County,* where he followed his profession and 
was elected County Surveyor of Sierra County. In 
May, IStjO, Mr. James crossed the mountains to 
Nevada, settling at Virginia Cit^-, making the Corn- 
stock his headijuarters, as a mining surveyor, until 
1878. Duringthis time he was chosen Chief Kngineer 
of the Virginia and Truckee Jlailroad, which road 
was built under his supervision in 1870. He also 
located the boundary line between Utah and Xevada, 
from the Idaho line to the C!olorado River. In 1S73 
he made an exploration from Blue River Station, on 
the Colorado Desert, to the (Julf of California, encoun- 
tering numerous dangers and didiculties, abouiKiing 
in that comparatively unknown region. Mr. James 
filled the responsible position as Superintendent of 
the Yellow Jacket Mine for one year, and was then 
chosen to the same position at the Sierra Nevada 
Mine, where he is at present engaged. He is also 
Consulting Engineer of the Carson and Colorado 
Railroad, now under course of construction. 



VIRGINIA CITY WHEN FIVE YEARS OLD. 

Mining towns violate all the ordinary laws of 
growth and decay. To-day there is no sign of life; 
the Indian squaw gathers grasshoppers and seeds, 
and all is serene and sleepy as though generations 
had come and gone, and might do so to the end of 
time. The minor finds ore, and all is changed. 
The ground swarms with humiinity; the earth is 
piled with goods for sale; lumber is made of the 
adjoining forests; buildings go upof brick and stone; 
water is brought into the new city through pipes; 
the streets are lighted with gas, and ere a summer's 
sun is gone the city blooms out with st^Me and com- 
fort, and crime also, such as our fathers never 
thought of. 

At the end of five j'ears Virginia City was lull 
grown, rejoicing in life. She assessed taxes to the 
amount of ^OOiSs,*^.""), and spent a great deal more in 
the shape of bonds and scrip; had a City Police, 
and a population which gave them ample work to do. 

The churches were numerous and the schools 
ranked high as has been previously stated. 

The public cemetery' was purchased by the city 
and contained twenty -seven acres. 

Mount St. Mary's Cemetery was owned by the 
Catholics and was connected with the churches. It 
was the first to im]irove and decorate the grounds. 

The Eureka Society (Hebrew) ;il30 had a cemetery 
which was considerablj' improved. 

The Count}- Hospital was located in Virginia City. 
The building was three stories high, divided into 
two departments. The male department being 
40x60 feet and ca])able of accommodating sixt)- 
patients. The female department had accommoda- 
tions for fourteen persons. Dr. Thomas H. Pinker- 
ton was the visiting physician. 

The City Hospital, a fine large building, was not 
in use at this date, lS(!,i, for some whim of the city 
government. 

There were two Masonic Lodges, two of Odd Fel- 
lows, one Sons of Temperance, one Fenian Brother- 
hood, Eureka Society, Typographical Societ\-. all of 
which are more particularly described under the 
head of societies. 

MILITARY COMPANIES. 

The patriotic spirit of the citizens of Storey County 
has been referred to before. At a time when a word 
might rouse the flame of rebellion the surest way of 
keeping it down was to be i)ropared fur its suj)- 
])rossion. Several comjianies were early organized. 

The Virginia (^'ily (tuards were organized in 1863. 
and had seventy-three members. The otticers were 
Captain, Thomas ('ahill; First Lieutenant, John 
Cahill; Second Lieutenant. .Alexander Mort; Brevet 
Lieutenant, James Holan. 

Washoe Guards, sixty-seven members, organized 
September, lS!ii:!. Captain. Thomas (i. Murphy ; First 
Lieutenant, M. Ila.ssett; Second Lieutenant. James 
Bronn; Brevet Lioutonant, Charles Rotto. 

National Guards, eighty-six morabors, organized 



58ft 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



November, 1863. Captain, C. C. Warner; First Lieu- 
tenant, A. B. Elliott; Second Lieutenant, W. A. 
Bourne; Brevet Lieutenant, C. \V. Meizner. 

Emmet Guard, seventy-one members, organized 
May 15, 18C4. Captain, Peter X. Ryan; First Lieu- 
tenant, P. ^['Auliffe; Second Lieutenant, J. M'Kenna 
Dolan; Brevet Lieutenant, J. H. Hassett. It was said 
that this last body organized with especial reference 
to being useful in the expected difficulty between 
England and Ireland. 

LEADING INDUSTRIAL ENTERPRISES. 

The gas works were established in November, 1863. 
In 1865, 1,200 feet of main had been laid down and 
the works enlarged so as to manufacture 5,000 feet 
per day. President, C. H. Simpkins; Secretary, W. 
B. Tbornburgh. 

The Virginia and Gold Hill Water Company was 
the nucleus of the company which afterwards merged 
in the present Company. In 1865 the Trustees 
were John Skuc, C. G. Funk, J. W. Gashwiler, M. M. 
G. Ross. Officers: N. A. H. Mason, President; John 
Skae, Vice-President; C. G. Funk, Secretary and 
Treasurer: J. W. Gashwiler, Superintendent. 

The California Stage Company ran a daily line 
connecting with the approaching Central Pacific Rail- 
road at Auburn, and also running to Marysville, 
Grass Valley, Nevada, and other places, also connect- 
ing with their line to Portland, 710 miles distant. 

Pioneer Stage Company ran a daily line to Sacra- 
mento via Gold Hill, Silver City, Carson Cit}-, Genoa 
and Placerville, carrying Wells, Fargo & Co.'s 
express and the United States mail. 

Pacific Express and Stage Company ran a daily 
line to Sacramento through the Henness Pass, con- 
necting with the steamers at Sacramento, or connect- 
ing at Newcastle with the Central Pacific Railroad. 

The Overland Stage Company left daily, westward 
for Sacramento, and eastward for the Missouri River, 
passing through Austin and Salt Lake. 

Besides these stage lines there were several stage 
and express companies connecting with ihc towns in 
the adjoining counties. Also a Fast Freight line run- 
ning to Sacramento, carrying freight from Virginia 
City to San Francisco in three days. This was the 
bonanza period for stages. They ran full at high 
rates and consequently could afford to stock their 
roads with the best of horses. 

The Fulton Foundry was started in 1863, and in 
1865 were ready to make castings or machinery of 
anj' size. 

The Gould & Curry Foundry did their own work 
exclusively. 

The Mechanic's Mills were engaged in manufactur- 
ing sash, doors and other articles incident to the 
extensive building. 

The Virginia Planing Mill was established in 1863, 
and also did all kinds of work connected with build- 
ing. 

Beer was not forgotten, and five breweries could 



scarce supply the people with beer, for Nevada has 
a dry climate! 

There were three assaj- offices, one brick yard, one 
pottery, besides other places where repair and manu- 
facturing was carried on. 

THE FIRE DEPARTMENT. 

Cities built up rapidly' are, from the nature of the 
materials used, peculiarly subject to destruction by 
fire. This liability was vastly increased by the high 
winds which came pouring over the Sierra Nevada 
nearly every day. The citizens early recognized the 
necessity of providing against this source of destruc- 
tion. The department, up to this time, was entirely 
voluntary, and, perhaps for that reason, was a most 
efficient organization. 

The Virginia Engine Compan}^, No. 1, was organ- 
ized in March, 1861. It had one of the most power- 
ful engines on the coast, with nine and one-fourth 
inch cylinders, seven and one-half inch stroke, and 
twenty-four feet brakes, with 600 feet of hose. The 
company was composed of sixty-five men. 

Nevada Hook and Ladder Company, No. 1, was 
organized out of the members of the first engine 
company, who felt the necessitj' of such an organiza- 
tion to supplement the operations of the engine com- 
panj', and generally' acted with and under the same 
management as that companj'. It was organized in 
March, 1861, and had sixtj--five members. 

The Young America Engine Company, No. 2, was 
organized March 17, 1862. The spirit of rivalry with 
the first organization, induced them to purchase an 
engine a little better than that of Company No. 1, if 
possible, at a cost of S6,000. It had ten inch cylin- 
ders with nine and one-half inch stroke, and was 
manned by eighty members. It had GOO feet of hose, 
and was so arranged as to throw five streams if nee- ■ 
essary. 

Eagle Engine Companj-, No. 3, was organized in 
August, 1863. The engine was of the Jeffrey make, 
and cost 83,700; had 600 feet of hose, ifnd was manned 
b}' eighty members. 

Washoe Engine Company, No. 4, was organized in 
August, 1863. The engine was similar in size to that 
of No. 1, and was built to order at a cost of 82,800 in 
Now York. They were supplied with 600 foot of 
hose. As with the other companies, there was much 
of corjis da esprit. 

Though these large and efficient companies were 
organized with especial reference to the dangers of 
fire, yet it is evident that the superabundant energy, 
which must be worked off somehow, was a largo ele- 
ment in the life of the organizations. That class of 
men who were made to move the world, delight in 
the excitement and exertion incident to the service 
in a fire com|iany. Transferred to other field> they 
become leading stock-brokers, merehants and specu- 
lators. No town of its size ever had moro of that 
element than Virginia City. 



HISTORY OF STOREY COUNTY. 



589 



THE NEWSPAPER DEPABTMEKT. 

The pioneers of Nevada were eminently a reading 
people. Thej- might plead guilty to charges of 
extravagance, excitability and recklessness, but no 
one ever suspected them of a want of general intel- 
ligence. The newspaper followed closely the saloon, 
and when the matutinal drink was taken the morn- 
ing paper was read as a matter of course. The press 
of Storey County has been noted for vigorous edito- 
rials since the mines became famous. One of the 
/ first as well as most noted was the Territorial Enter- 
prise, the pioneer paper of the Territory, having been 
first published in Genoa, then in Carson City, from 
which place it was removed to Virginia in Novem- 
ber, 18(50. Under the management of Goodman & 
McCarthy, it became a first-class paper. Mark 
I Twain and Dan Do Quille enriched the paper with 
^ their humorous productions. 

The Daily Union was established November 4, 1862, 
by John Church ct C'o. It claimed the largest circu- 
lation, and was the newspaper of the place. 

The Daily Old Piute was started in 18C5 by Lovejoy 
& Co., and was issued as an evening paper. 

The Nevada Pioneer was published by J. F. 
Ilahnlen for the German population. It was recog- 
nized as one of the ablest German papers on the 
coast. It will be seen that Virginia City was 
second only to San Francisco for the number and 
ability of its papers. The circumstances under 
which the city had its birth and growth, the class 
of readers unusually intelligent and energetic, with 
the large admixture of the reckless and even crim- 
inal element in the population, called for editorial 
ability of the highest class. Firmness, mingled 
with discretion, honestj' without bigotry, and the 
ability to treat with vigor all the current ques- 
tions of the day, were absolute essentials without 
which a paper would not survive a week. 

These papers have been more particularly noticed 
in the general article on papers, and have been 
noticed here as showing the peculiar!}- intellectual 
and moral condition of the community during the 
period of time under consideration. 

OOLD HILL IN THE YEAR 1865. 

Gold Hill early organized as a town under the 
Utah laws, and after the admission of the State 
into the Union reorganized under State law. The 
number of votes cast at the first election was 
somewhat over 1,000. A Town Hall was erected 
costing 815,000. They had various fine buildings, 
such as Jfaj-nard i^ Flood's fire-proof block, the 
Odd Fellows Building, and many elegant resi- 
dences, which were sources of pride to the citizens. 

The churches were well represented, though the 
members were not numerous. 

The Calvary Presbyterian (new school) organized 
November 1, 18G3, with one Elder, Rev. William 
Wirt Macomber, and seven members. Two years 
later the number had increased to thirteen. 
74 



St. John's Episcopal Chiirch met in the Odd Fel- 
lows Hall, Hev. O. W. Whitaker, Rector. This 
church had a Sabbath-school under the charge of N. 
A. H. Ball, numbering seventy-five scholars. 

The Roman Catholics were under the care of the 
Rev. Father O'Riley, formerly of Marysville. They 
had not at this date erected a church, though the 
matter was under consideration. 

The public schools were divided into two depart- 
ments; the intermediate, with forty pupils, under 
the charge of Miss L. H. Crocker, and the primary 
with fifty pupils. Miss S. D. Meacham, teacher. The 
building had improved school furniture. 

Silver Star Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons 
had twenty-four members, and was in a flourishing 
condition. 

Wildey Lodge, No. 1, Independent Order of Odd 
Fellows, numbered ninety members, and. as before 
mentioned, had a beautiful hall. It was organized 
April 1, 1862. 

Pioneer Division, No. 1, Sons of Temperance, 
had an organization numbering one hundred and 
fifteen members. They met in the Odd Follows Hall. 

Gold Hill was well connected with the outside 
world, with stages; the Overland Stage to the States, 
the Pioneer Stage to California, Langton's Line to 
Dayton, Russel's Fast Freight Line, and all others 
coming to Virginia City by way of Carson Valley, 
coming through the place. 

Maynard & Flood, and Almarin B. Paul & Co., 
carried on the business of banking, and supplied all 
the exchange wanted by the citizens, for the Eastern 
States or Europe. 

The Pioneer Foundry' and Machine Shop was the 
first in the Territory. The first building having 
been destroj-ed by fire, a new one, 126x30 feet, with 
wing 40x50, built of brick with tin roof, was erected 
shortly after, and supplied with all the necessary 
machinery for doing first-class work. 

The Empire Foundry and Machine Shop was also 
recentl}' put in operation, with improved machinerj' 
of all kinds. A third foundry was being erected by 
McCondy & Co. 

The Gol<l Hill Neios (evening paper) was supposed 
to be the best paying newspaper in the State. It 
was remarkably well edited, and strong in advocat- 
ing the union of the States. 

The Daily Aforninij Message was but recently 
started, but had brilliant prospects, the publishers 
being men of experience and ability. 

A large list of quartz mills and mines, also a long 
list of business firms, showed that Gold Hill, if not 
a brilliant, elegant, and aristocratic place, had a 
solid foundation for prosperity in its legitimate busi- 
ness operations. 

THE BONANZA PERIOD. 

If the discover}- of the silver mines had startled 
the commercial world, the bonanzas had the effect 
to astonish and move it to an incredible activity. 
As it became known that greater deposits below the. 



590 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



surface had been found than were ever known be- 
fore, when millions on millions began to roll into 
the banks and mints, it had much the effect on trade 
and commerce of the first knowledge of the abun- 
dance of gold in California. Where would the new ad- 
justment of values cease? Whatever else might be- 
tide, a dollar would remain a dollar, though it might 
not purchase as much food, clothing, houses or lands 
as in former times it would still paj- a dollar of in- 
debtedness. Up to 1SG5 the yield of the Comstock 
Lode had been about 845,000,000. 

Virginia City had a population estimated at 15,000. 
The estimated value of property outside of the mines 
was 811,000,000. The value of bullion raised annu- 
ally was estimated at S800 for each person. The 
uncertain values of the mines, the fluctuations from 
week to week and month to month, as favorable or 
unfavorable rumors were put in circulation, showed 
the morbid sensitiveness of capital to the possibilities 
involved in Washoe. We must go back several hun- 
dred years in history to the time that unknown con- 
tinents and rich silver mines were coming into the 
vista of awakening Europe to find a parallel to the 
almost superhuman energy displayed by the citizens 
of Storey County. 

This section of time, although named the Bonanza 
Period, opened with a few gigantic financial opera- 
tions, each of which in any other part of the world 
or at any other time, would have boon considered as 
brilliant, daring or reckless, as risky or safe princi- 
ples dominated the observer. Among the most prom- 
inent measures inaugurated and under way about 
this time may be mentioned the Sutro Tunnel; the 
works for bringing water to the Comstock from the 
Sierra Nevada, and the Virginia and Truckeo Eail- 
road. Each of these became, in the hands of the 
projectors, a great factor in the tremendous drama 
which the money gods of the Pacific Coast acted 
during the years of the discovery of the bonanzas, 
ll will be the task of the historian to give an intel- 
ligent view of the operations, and show how they, 
one after another, came upon the stage, now elevat- 
ing and now crushing some of the actors, until, met- 
aphorically speaking, the stage was strewn with the 
blood and brains, the limbs and bodies of the finan- 
cial kings. The stock boards of San Francisco, the 
California and Nevada Banks, though non-residents, 
are active members in this huge contest, and will be 
referred to as they make their influence felt in the 
game. 

THE SUTRO TUNNEL, 

More particularly described in the history of Lyon 
County, was a project to tap the mines at an average 
depth of 1,6(10 feel below the surface. This project, 
though favored at first by all the mining companies, 
came to be regarded finally, in consequence of local 
interests which itatt'ect«d, as the bclenuir,thii death's 
head and cross-bones of every vested interest in the 
. county. The projector, Adolph Sutro, however, 
proved himself no mean competitor with any who 



I entered the drama, fighting his way inch by inch, 
and stubbornly holding every coigne of vantage, 
whether among the miners of the Comstock, in the 
Legislature of Nevada, in the Halls of Congress, or 
among the capitalists of Europe. 

JA.MES U. FAIR 

Was born in Clougher, Tyrone County, Ireland, in 

\ December, 1831. He came to this country in 1843, 

attended school at (Geneva, Illinois, where some of 

his family still live. He was an orignial '49er. In 

I that year he was at work on Long's Bar, Feather 

! River, California. He did not find it profitable, so 

he turned his attention to quartz mining. His first 

assay was at Angels, Calaveras County. He soon 

ranked high as a good judge of mines and as an 

operator. In 1855 he became Superintendent of the 

j Ophir Mine, and in 1857 the Hale & Norcross Mine 

came under his direction. It was the latter which 

gave Fair his start in the world. Soon after he 

made a lucky guess. He surmised that certain 

ground might contain a great deal of rich ore. With 

the help of Flood he secured the claim, since grown 

so famous throughout the world as the Consolidated 

Virginia and California Mines. 

The particulars of the discovery are more fully 
described in the chapter on mines and mining booms. 

.JOHN W. MACKAY, 

The j-oungcst of the Bonanza Firm was born in Dub- 
lin, in 1835. Coming to California in 1852 he 
engaged in mining in Sierra County with moderate 
success, and left for Nevada on the discovery of the 
silver mines. He secured a location on the Com- 
stock, but having exhausted bis means before strik- 
ing ore he worked in the Mexican Mine at four dol- 
lars per day. It is related of him that he had set 
•• his pile " at 825,000, a sum in the opinion of his 
companions which denoted an unreasonable ambi- 
tion. In 1809 he became connected with Flood & 
O'Brien in their operation on the Halo & Norcross, 
from the development of which he formed his opin- 
ion of the value of the ground on which the Big 
Bonanza was afterwards discovered. Ho owes his 
success in life to several qualities: good judgment, 
close attention to business, or in this instance we 
might say a close study of the nature of mines, a 
tenacity of purpose that was proof against ordinary 
adversities, and a good share of luck. Sandy 
Bowers, Comstock, Penrod, and Finney, had luck, 
but they did not have the other qualities, and they 
were soon lost to view. 



n 



THE VIRGINIA AND THUCKEE RAILROAD 

Was also a daring enterprise. The country to be 
supplied by it was of limited extent, the route which 
it was to traverse, a mountain region of precipitous 
cliffs and deep gorges over which it was deemed a 
triumph of engineering to carry a wagon road. In 
any country and by any other people the project 
would have been deemed chimerical, but it was car- 
ricd through, and became a powerful operator in the 
period under consideration. 



HISTORY OF STOREY COUNTY. 



691 



It is not always easy to account for the motive 
power that impels men to dure the dangers of the 
frozen regions, the arid deserts of the tropical 
countries, the trackless wilds of the malarious for- 
ests, the dark depths of deep mines, or the terrors 
of the hattle-field. Although money generally enters 
into all these operations as a factor, a sine qtui non 
it is not, as some mercenary and narrow-minded per- 
sons would have us think, the only inducement to 
action. Wo have seen the Jesuit missionary leave 
the lu.xuries of his native city, and go barefooted, 
poor and sick among the rude Indians of the Pacific 
Coast and bury himself from the world. Some 
other motive than money must be sought as the 
source of action. The man who rushes into battle 
and throws awaj' his life in the almost certain fatal 
charge has more inducement than the pittance paid 
him as wages. The men who explored the Colorado 
Canon, the wilds of Africa, the wy regions of the 
North Pole could have had no hope of reward in the 
shape of coin. In some, the motive is the love of 
knowledge, which may also include a love of the 
marvelous. Such men were De Solo, JJaleigh. Cabot, 
Livingstone, Franklin and Kane. Frances Xavier, 
Ignatius Loyola and Father Junipero Serra did not 
seek gold. The love of power, of self-assertion, of 
individuality, seems to be the strongest motive with 
the men who move the world, whether in the halls of 
legislation, the cloisters of Rome, the fields of battle, 
the brokers' boards of the commercial cities, or the 
silver mines of Nevada. Though our bonanza kings 
strained ever3- nerve to overthrow each other, to 
grab the biggest pile, j-et when the object was 
attained, the money seemed to flow away from their 
possession as the rain-drops on the sandy soil. The 
superhuman struggle once over, the adversary over- 
thrown, and the results attained, the victory was 
soon forgotten in some now struggle for supremac}'. 
Shakespeare, who seemed to have looked farther into 
the human heart and seen more of the motives of 
humanity than any other writer, makes one of his 
heroes say of Ciesar: — 

Now in the name of all the gods at once 
Upon what meat Joth this our Ciesar feed 
That he is grown so great V 

In this connection some knowledge of the personal 

character of the men who figured so extensivelj- in 

these years will be desired by our readers. 

JAMES C. FLOOD 

Was born in the city of New York in 1820, coming 
to California in 18-19. His early years in California 
were spent in a retail liquor busincs."*, where in con- 
nection with W. S. O'Brien he accumulated the funds 
which afterwards enabled him at the opportune 
moment to purchase the grounds or portions of it on 
which the famous mine was developed. Uo has 
been successful in every movo in his life, and his 
judgment and executive ability seem equal to any 
emergency. His operations in the Ilale & Norcross 
and other mines evinced a high order of talent, and 



when the great discovery threw 830,000,000 into his 
hands he proved himself a first-class financier, 
eventually overthrowing all his competitors, involv- 
ing in ruin some of the strongest financial institu- 
tions on the coast. This looks like a heartless war- 
fare, but it is the rule among financiers and not the 
exception. 

WILLIAM C. RALSTON 

Came to California in 1854, and engaged in such 
banking as there was in California, as one of the 
firm of Garrison, Fritz & Ralston; afterwards engag- 
ing in banking with Donohoe & Kelly. On the 
organization of the Bank of California he was made 
cashier. Besides the numerous projects in Nevada, 
he was also instrumental in building n\^ the Dry 
Dock at Hunter's Point, Mission Woolen Mills, Bay 
Sugar Refinery, West Coast Furniture Factory, 
Kimball's Carriage Factory, Cornell Watch Factory, 
California Theater, Grand and Palace Hotels, Rec- 
lamation of Sherman Island, besides others. 

WILLIAM SHARON 

Is a native of Ohio, but spent the early years of his 
manhood in Illinois as an attorney-at-law, coming to 
California in 1849, where he soon commenced specu- 
lating in real estate in the city of San Francisco, 
fully aware of the fact that a great city would 
spring up on the hills around the harbor, and when 
the discovery of silver began to set millions ot dol- 
lars in motion he came to Nevada as confidential 
agent of the Bank of California, which was con- 
ducted by William C. Ralston. Like all the other 
operators his career shows a combination of energy, 
tenacity of purpose and close-tistedness, whifih will 
will if it is possible. 

HON. JOHN p. JONES. 

Few, if any, of the mining men or politicians of 
Nevada have made a more world-wide reputation 
than ho whoso name heads this parugrajih. John P. 
Jones was born in Hereford County, England, near 
the border of Wales, in 1828. His father, a man of 
considerable force of character, moved to America 
when his son was but an infant, and settled in 
Cleveland, Ohio, where he carried on the business of 
a marble cutter until his death about ten years ago. 
John P. received the ordinary education of American 
youth in the common schools of Cleveland. In com- 
pany with his brother, he sailed for California in 
1849 and arrived on the golden shore early in 1850. 
His early experience in California was that which 
usually attended j'oung men of those days, seeking 
their fortunes in the mines, rushing from place to 
place, making a fortune one season and exhausting 
it in some great enterprise the next, constantly re- 
Imildiiig and never discouraged, with faith, honor, 
and ambition as their anchor and their star, in their 
mature years thoy are the stalwarts of the land. 
Jones' first experience was in 185(1 in the mines of 
Poorman's Creek, in the Feather River region, then 
in the southern mines, in Tuolumne and Calaveras 



592 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



Counties; in 1852 he was in the far northwest on the 
Trinity, in 1853 back again in Tuolumne, and back 
to Trinitj' again in 1855, where he remained for sev- 
eral j-ears, being Sheriff of Trinity County, volunteer 
in an Indian war, miner, debater. State Senator for 
Trinity in 1861, and candidate for Lieutenant Gover- 
nor of California in 1867, on the ticket with George 
C. Gorham. At that time " Jones of Trinity " was a 
power in the Republican party and the most popular 
man in the State, but the ticket was not popular and 
was deieated. 

Jones then turned his attention to the Comstock, 
and was made Superintendent of the Kentuck and 
Crown Point Mines, taking up his residence at Gold 
Hill, where he has since maintained his home. His 
career in Nevada has been both successful and hon- 
orable to an eminent degree, and the reward has been 
fortune and fame unsurpassed by the most brilliant 
tales of romance. Soon after taking charge of the 
Kentuck and Crown Point a dii'astrous fire occurred 
in the Yellow Jacket, an adjoining mine, which 
wrought death and destruction in his own mines. In 
rescuing and caring for the miners injured and his 
kindnes^s to the families of those who perished, ho 
attached himself to the people bj' ties which can 
never be sundered. With great intelligence and 
characteristic courage ho devoted his energies to 
retrieve the property intrusted to his care, and in 
December, 1870, came upon a bodj' of rich ore in the 
Crown Point Mine 1,100 feet below the surface, then 
the deepest workings on the Comstock Lode. 

Disaster and oft-repeated assessments had depreci- 
ated the shares of the company from SlOO in June, 
1868, to two dollars in November, 1870, with an 
assessment of 83.50 per share, due in December. At 
this low rate Jones invested all his earnings and all 
he could borrow, and induced his friends to take 
shares. One wealthy friend he called upon and told 
of his discovery with all the happiness of a miner and 
the glowing enthusiasm of his nature, but the friend 
was unmoved, replying, "Jones I will loan you the 
money to buy with, but as for me, I have seen the time 
when I reached through the holes in my pants and 
scratched a poor man's hide, and I don't mean to 
ever take any risks that will make me do it again." 
Jones got the money on his promise to pay; the stock 
in May, 1872, was $1,825 a share, and the determined 
miner was enjoying an income of 81,000,000 a year. 
This was the largest and richest bonanza found up 
to that date, extending into the Belcher Mineon the 
south, and yielded about 860,000,000, of which nearly 
half was paid to stockholders in dividends. 

Jones again entered the ])olitical field. The cam- 
])aign of 1872 was believed to be vital to the Repub- 
lican party, and extraordinary efforts would be 
required to carry Nevada to insure a Republican 
Senator. The stalwarts of the State looked to Jones 
for a standard-bearer, and the monopolists were all 
opposed to him from his known opposition to their 
selfish schemes and tyrannical conduct, consequently 



he bore the burden of the campaign. For this the 
party by a unanimous vote rewarded him with Sena- 
torial honors, while the monopolists, even those pro- 
fessing to be Republicans, conspired to achieve his 
ruin, to destroy his power and counteract his influ- 
ence. Fortunately he triumphed over all, and in 
j 1879 was re-elected to the high position he now 
holds. 

The Senator can claim the honor of making the 
first campaign of anti-monopoly against monopoly; 
although the real issue was carefullj' kept in the 
background. The open contest is to come. In accept- 
ing the position of Senator in January, 1873, ho thus 
addressed the Legislature: — 

As a Senator of the nation, I will not vote for the 
appropriation of a dollar out of the public treasury 
except for the maintenance of the public faith and 
credit, and for purely governmental jiurposesand the 
attainment of the objects for which this government 
was created. I will not vote for a subsidy of land, 
money, bonds or credit, to cither individuals or cor- 
porations. I will not vote for any hot-bed scheme 
for "the development of our resources," because I 
believe their development to be more healthy when 
made solely by private enterprise, under the all- 
sufficient stimulus of private interest, and I further 
believe that such propositions are not generally 
made for the public good, but in thcinterest of public 
plunderers. 

Such sentiments aroused the ire of the "public 
plunderers," and their pursuit of him has been con- 
tinuous and merciless. As a guardian of the people's 
interests he has been faithful, and as an advocate of 
questions of great national importance he has won a 
fame that places him among the first students of 
political economy, the most conservative and just of 
statesmen and the most brilliant of orators of our 
country; winning the title of "The Great Com- 
moner." 

Senator Jones has been twice married, first to the 
daughter of Judge Thomas Conger of Sacramento, 
who died in a few years after marriage, leaving one 
son; and again was married to a daughter of Hon. 
Eugene L. Sullivan, Collector of the Port of San 
Francisco. 

The Senator is still in the prime of life, of fair 
countenance and massive brow, a robust, command- 
ing form, and dignified carriage, looking well worthy 
the honors he bears. Rut the austere Senator is 
not always unbending, being rather distinguished 
for his social qualities and the enjoyment of fun. 
Numerous stories are told of his early mining, as 
1 well as of his political career. The pioneers of Cali- 
fornia were a spirited set in their day, and Jones 
was one of them. Ho was mining in the vicinity of 
Sonora, Tuolumne County, in 1850. His early opera- 
tions were not extensive enough to indicate the 
business talents he afterwards disj)la3*ed; but his 
energj- and love of strife exhibited itself in camp 
fun, which promised much in that line. It is not 
recorded of him that he organized any bull and bear 
fights, but he was the projector of a fight that set 



HISTORY OF STOREY COUNTY. 



693 



the camp into a laughter, that propagated itself 
until the name of Jones was famous in connection 
with it across the continent. 

As the story goes, it was in 185(1 that Jones and 
his partners repaired to Sonora on a Sunday, accord- 
ing to the custom of the country, to lay in supplies 
for the coming week, see the sights, and spend such 
few scads in pleasures as the state of their purses 
would warraTit. While there a great outcry occurred 
in one of the corrals. A little, lean, insignificant 
looking jack, upon which a Mexican was packing 
his crowbar, bafea and frijofes, had wandered 
unobserved in the corral, and had, notwithstanding 
his burden, successively attacked and whijiped out 
all the horses in the j'ard, finishing U]) with a famous 
black stallion, whose fighting qualities were beyond 
question, he being considered not only dangerous, 
but invincible But the extraordinary development 
of jaw in the jackass, combined with a phenomenal 
courage, enabled him to make short work of the 
big stallion, that was now writhing, utterly helpless 
in the terrible mouth of the infernal little animal, 
that was as relentless as a bear trap. After some 
considerable trouble the jack was induced "to let go 
his hold, and was led out to be shot; but the Mexi- 
can pleading his povert}' and the generally peaceable 
character of the animal, the sentence was commuted 
to banishment, on condition that he should be 
instantly taken out of town. 

Jones, who had quietly witnessed the proceedings, 
was struck with an idea. In the camp where he 
was mining lived an odd character from Arkansas, 
by the name of Joggles, who owned a worthless old 
plug of a horse, which had made itself famous and 
finallj' infamous by running everything of!' the range 
in the shape of a horse. When appealed to in re- 
gard to the ill-doings of the brute the old man would 
laugh until the tears would run down his cHeeks, 
remarking that "Old Pison is some, you bet," and his 
valuation of the animal would go up with every fresh 
com]ilaint. until half the money in the camp would 
not buy him; in fact, the horse had become an in- 
tolerable nuisance, but old Joggles was on the shoot 
atid it was dangerous to molest Old Pison. In Jones' 
opinion the jack was good for him, and a bargain 
was soon struck with the Mexican, who was 
glad to get two ounces for the jack. Jones and his 
partners packed their supplies on the brute, that had 
by this time resumed his sleepy, innocent look, and 
about sundown they reached their camp with their 
purchase. As expected, old Joggles made his ap- 
pearance, and joined with the crowd in the funny 
remarks about the new animal. 

" What ur yer gonter do with thot thar critter?" 
says Joggles, referring to the jack. 

"Turn him out to grass," says Jones. 

" He, he," chuckled Joggles, " he won't be a mouth- 
ful for Old Pison; he'll chaw him inter a dish-rag 
quicker'n shucks." 



" Don't know about that," says Jones, "you can't 
tell how these jacks will fight." 

" Bet yer fifty dollars Old Pison licks him in a 
minute," says Joggles. 

Jones — " Well, old man, I don't know as I want 
your money, but if j-ou want to bet a little on it 
perhaps wo can accommodate you; but then a jack 
is a mighty ugly thing to fight; you had better not 
try it." 

The old man's blood was up. Old Pison never had 
been whipped, and his opinion was that it was im- 
possible. " I'll bet yer one hundred," says he; " I'll 
double the bet." Jones didn't care much to bet, but 
thought that the jack could whip Old Pison. Jog- 
gles continued by raising the bet to 8300, and daring 
Jones to take it. Jones reluctantly consented, pro- 
vided the jack could rest until tomorrow, which, as 
it was now nearly dark, the old man agreed to. 

Joggles dug up his oyster can containing his pile, 
and put up the dust. It was agreed that the jack 
was to be turned out on the flat back of the town, 
and that they should not be driven together, but 
left to meet each other "sorter by chance." Jones 
and his company went to work in sight of the 
expected arena. After a time Old Joggles was seen 
driving the horse over the hill from the opposite 
side, though ho kept out of view as much as possible. 
The tvPo creatures, from an inborn sense of true 
chivalry, mutually recognized each other as worthy 
foes, and gave the challenge for mortal combat, 
the horse, by laying back his ears, elevating his 
head, and giving a loud snort; the jack, by a series 
of sharp though graceful curves with his spike 
tail, and a loud blast from his war trumpet. 

The horse rushed to the onset with mouth open, 
wide enough to take in any part of the jack but his 
head. The ground on which the meeting occurred 
was a kind of rod clay, and the dust obscured the 
combatants from view for a few minutes, but when 
they did come to sight the horse was makinir for 
town for dear life, with the infernal jack hangiu'T to 
his withers. The hold broke loose, and Old Pison 
put in his best licks, getting away from the jack, 
who came after as fast as his short legs could carr3'- 
him, his tail rapidly making short circles in the air, 
and his terrible trumpet uttering the fiercest notes 
in his repertoire. Down the hill came the horse, his 
eyes standing out as if pursued by a fiend. The 
fight was all gone out of him now. In abject terror 
he rushed to his stable for securitj', but the door 
was closed, and Old Joggles was some distance 
aw!>y, following up the fight. Old Pison ])aused just 
a moment, but the jack was coming, with that terri- 
ble mouth distended, for another bite, and as there 
was no time to consider the situation, he sornnvfullv 
passed on through the town: but the road terminated 
in a deep gully over which it was impossible to 
leap, and into which it was death to jump. 

Old Pison paused a moment on the brink, but the 
enemy was upon him; over he wont, choosing death 



594 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



rather than another encounter with that terrible 
pair of jaws. When Joggles got on the ground be 
beheld his favorite just expiring, and the jack looking 
on, venting his still unsatisfied rage in furious trurapet- 
ings. 

"Dog on yer big coffin head, yer've licked Old 
Pison. Nothin' can't live that's did that;" and, 
drawing his revolver, the jack was soon lying in 
death with his defeated enemy. 

"Jones," says the old man, his revolver still in his 
hand, "you know'd how that there critturcud tight." 
Jones had need of all bis diplomacy to make the old 
man believe that he didn't know; but peace was 
made, and Old Pison never troubled the range again. 

DEPRESSION OF MINING. 

Among all the fluctuations which the Comstock 
has experienced, the depression of 1864-65 was the 
most depressing. It is true that a few mines like the 
Ophir and Gould & Curry had been paying divi- 
dends, and had gone up to fabulous prices, but the 
depression carried the estimate of the mines as much 
below the true value as the previous excitement had 
carried it above. In the opinion of many, ruin and 
general desertion of the town was apparent. Houses 
were moved away, some going to Meadow Lake and 
some even to Reese River. 

RALSTON TO THE FRONT. • 

It was at this moment that William Sharon, acting 
for the Bank of California, under the direction of 
Ralston, came to the front, loaned money on the 
mills and mines, and helped to sustain the drooping 
courage of the operators. Whether to ascribe the 
success of the experiment to good luck or sound 
judgment may be difficult. What the value of the 
securities would have been without the discoveries 
made in the Savage, Chollar-Potosi, and Hale & 
Norcro.ss it is impossible to conjecture: but it may 
also be said that loans on such prospects for fortunes 
were reasonably certain; that no more risks on an 
average were made than any business then carried 
on in California required. The loans were repaid, 
and the business became very remunerative. The 
capital of the Bank of California was nominallj* but 
85,000,000. It is said that Friedlander in California 
produced the great corner in wheat in 186.3 with less 
than 825,000, though the operation involved millions. 
Something of this kind must have been evolved by 
Sharon acting for the bank, for in a few years we 
find it virtually controlling the mines. Money had 
been advanced on nearly everything, and certificates 
of stock taken as security. The business operations of 
the bank were enormous. According to the custom of 
deposit, the holders were authorized to vote for all 
shares of stock placed in their hands for security. 
By using stocks in their possession, and judiciously 
exchanging and bu5'ing, as the case might demand, 
they managed to control nearly all the prominent 
mines. It is asserted that a few feet of H;.'e & 
Norcross wore purchased once at $16,000 perfoui to 



hold a controlling interest in the election, although 
the market value was but 82,000. By means of this 
control they were enabled to starve or feed the mills. 
It is charged that Sharon would loan money on a 
mill and then refuse to give it custom work, and that 
in a year or two the mill would fall into the posses- 
sion of the bank. At anj- rate, we find in 1875, 
the following mills owned by the Union Mill and 
Mining Company, of which William Sharon was 
President; Pacific Mills, co.sting 8130.000; Sunder- 
land, 860,000: Empire, 830,000; Express, 815,000; 
Land's, 860,000; Railroad,815,000; Winfield, 880,000; 
Nevada, 855,000; Merrimac, 8130,0(10; Santiago, 
860,000; Vivian, 845,000; Eureka, 8300,000; Franklin, 
830,000 ; Island, 820,000 ; Sacramento, 835,000 ; 
amounting to $1,200,000. The Water-works cost- 
ing 87,000,000, were virtually under their control. 
The value of these was 87,000,000, and the Virginia 
and Truckee Railroad, 83,000,000. Ralston in his 
best days had at least 825,000,000 under his control. 
It may be asked how such a contingency could hap- 
pen. Every one had confidence in his financial 
ability. Everything that he touched turned to gold. 
He seemed the favored child of fortune, and no one 
hesitated to deposit money with him. The milling 
business was almost monopolized by the Union Mill 
and Mining Company. The usual price was twelve 
dollars per ton, of which seven dollars was said to be 
clear profit. This turned more than 81,000,000 ayear 
into his hands. lie was also able to bull or bear the 
stocks by working in good or bad portions of the 
mines, making dividends or assessments at will, it 
was generally believed that the mines were worked 
in the interest of the stock speculators rather than 
the stockholders. 

The railroad commanded the timber and wood 
trade necessary for the mills and mines, and gave 
the bank a still farther hold on the community. The 
bank, during its existence, had made regular divi- 
dends of one per cent, per month toils stockholders, 
and had paid in this way 86,500,000, the earnings 
amounting, according to the books, to more than 
87,000,000. 

OPPOSITION TO THE SUTBO TUNNEL. 

When the tunnel scheme was first proposed all 
Nevada was in favor of it. Ralston gave Sutro a 
very fine letter of recommendation to the Globe 
Bank, of London, asking them to give him a hear- 
ing. The Legislature endorsed it. and unanimously 
adopted a memorial to Congress asking a loan to the 
project of 84,000,000, and Sutro was sped on his waj' 
to the capitalists of Europe by the prayers and good 
wishes (presuming that stock-dealers i)ray) of all 
Comstock. But when the threads of all the enter- 
prises began to fall into Ralston's hands; wlien, by 
actual experiment, it was found that with the aid of 
dynamite, compressor drills and powerful hoisting 
machinerj', the mines could be worked without a 
tunnel; that it was likely to injure the value of the 
railway by superseding the necessity for wood; 



HISTORY OF STOREY COUNTY. 



595 



impairinpj the value of the mills in consequence of 
the ores being brought to the mouth of the tunnel 
for reduction, building up a rival town around the 
mouth of the tunnel and dethroning him, making 
Sutro the king, he turned all his influence against it, 
making, perhaps, the greatest eft'ort of his life in try- 
ing to defeat the pi-oject. If he did not move the 
heavens and the earth he certainly came as near it as 
any man could have done. It was carried into the 
domain of politics, and became mixed up with recon- 
structions and the Fifteenth Amendment. As the 
question of tunnel or no tunnel had no possible bear- 
ing on the national questions or connection with 
any political party, the adoption of Ralston's side of 
the contest must have been a bid for popular favor 
and temporary success. It is quite true that the 
proposed system of working the mines through the 
Sutro Tunnel would involve many changes, and, 
perhaps, impair the value of the buildings at Vir- 
ginia City, the Virginia and Truckee liailroad, and 
the Water-works as well, but the damage was only 
such as would result from a cheaper transportation 
and working of the ores by another route and 
another method. Such damages occur whenever 
new lines of transportation are established, or now 
machinery for manufacturing is introduced. The 
real fact was: '• AVe will have Ealston for king, and 
not Sutro." 

Sharon was running for the United States Senate. 
Sutro announced himself as a candidate also, and 
went into the fight, with his accustomed vim and 
tenacity, but circumstances were against him, and 
he did not make much of a contest. The Republican 
Convention, of 1874, adopted the following strong 
platform against the tunnel: — 

Resolved, That in the name of the whole people 
of Storej' County we earnestly denounce the attempt 
of the Sutro Tunnel Company to destroy the pros- 
perity of this county; that in the final completion 
of the Sutro Tunnel we apprehend ruin and destruc- 
tion to the prosperity of the people. We cannot 
close our eyes to the fact that in the ultimate suc- 
cess of this iniquitous scheme all property must bo 
reduced in value, business must decline, and wages 
be reduced, entailing unmeasured misery and dis- 
tress upon this people; and we urgently call upon 
all classes of people in Storey Count}-, of whatever 
business, trade, or occupation, and aside from any 
political bias, to seriously consider the danger to 
which they are exposed — a peril which threatens at 
once their homes, their fortunes, and the means by 
which a support for themselves and families is fur- 
nished. The hopes of every man in this communitj- 
to better his fortune, hang \ipon the issue of this 
struggle l)etwecn property hDldei-s on one side, and 
on the other this adventurer, who, backed b}- foreign 
capital, is seeking by every possible means to transfer 
the earnings of years of toil by this people to his 
own private coffers. To property owners and busi- 
ness men the fact must be a])parent that A'irginia 
and Cold Hill are doomed places if Adolph Suti-o 
and his confederates are ])erniilted to carry out 
their designs; and to miners and all laboring men 
we particularly appeal, to be mindful of their own 



interests in this matter, for it has been openly 
threatened that a completion of the Sutro Tunnel 
will force a reduction of the wages of laborers to 
half the present prices. In everj' view of the mat- 
ter, except that of the projectors own personal inter- 
est, justice and right loudlj' demand that the people 
of this community should ])ress the contest against 
this common enemy until success crowns their efforts. 
That in the Republican part}- alone the ])eople of 
Storey (Jounty can bo assured that their interests 
will find protection and defense. This party, and 
all its candidates for State and county ofl[iceVs, are 
not only fully pledged, but are, in sincerity and 
honesty of purpose, determined to leave no hon- 
orable means untried until this great shadow shall 
have been dispelled, this great danger averted, and 
the promoters of this wicked scheme routed and 
defeated. 

Sharon was elected, and the United States Gov- 
ernment did not lend their aid to the tunnel, which, 
however, went on to completion, and no disastrous 
results have followed. Mining is still carried on 
through shafts as before, the miners still reside in 
Virginia and Gold Hill, air compressors are still 
required to ventilate the mines, and water, only, 
pumped from below runs through the tunnel. 

THE NEW KING OF THE C0.M8T0CK. 

In another part of this work we have given an 
account of the discovery of the bonanza and the 
rapid accumulation of wealth by the fortunate ))os- 
sessors. In former* times the proprietors patiently 
endured the domination of the California Bank until 
they could act independently. They purchased one 
mill after^ another, not in the name of the mining 
companies, but as the Union Mill and Mining Com- 
pany, and thus became a syndicate similar in its op- 
erations to the Credit Mobiiier and the other agen- 
cies of the railroad companies. In 1874 the products 
of the Consolidated Virginia amounted to 84,079,- 
200. In January, 1875, the receipts were 81,001,400; 
in February, 81,200,000; March, $1,705,600; April, 
$1,509,000; May, 81,521,000; June, 81,502, COO; July, 
81,604,000, amounting to over 815,000.000. The 
owners of this bonanza were cool and cautious, as 
well as enterprising. They had made arrangements 
to open the Nevada Bank in San Francisco, and, ac- 
cording to reports, had withdrawn their deposits, 
amounting to over 81,800,000, from the Bank of Cal- 
ifornia. It is also said they had locked up for their 
use several millions of the bonanza proceeds. 
THE liUE.\T p.\Nir OF 1875. 

This resulted in a stringency causing a panic, the 
dethronement of the old king and in setting u]i a 
new dictator. Though the nucleus of tliis was in 
California, the basis of it was the Comstock, and its 
history is necessarily a part of the history of the 
mines, more especially as the effects were mmv visi- 
ble in Virginia City than in San Francisco 

January. 1875, opened with the prices of all stocks 
on the lode at the highest rates. California was 
rated at 8780 per share, at the rate of 100,000 shares 
in the company. Consolidated Virginia being 8700. 



596 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



Others, though not as high, were as much above 
their value, and a reaction was necessary, inevitable, 
though few, even of the wisest, had an idea of the 
utter demoralization of the stock market which was 
to ensde. In February the stock of the California Min- 
ing Company was increased to 500,000 shares, which 
exhibited a monthly fluctuation of from ten to twenty- 
five dollars per share, or selling at sixty-nine dollars, 
the highest, in March and forty-six dollars, the low- 
est. The California and Consolidated Virginia, how- 
ever, being in bonanza and paying regular dividends, 
were the least fluctuating. In all speculation was 
wild. During the eight months following the open- 
ing of 1875 stock values had declined the enormous 
amount of 8100.000,000, and during the last week 
of August the shrinkage amounted to §42,000,800. 
This was equivalent to the loss of so much property, 
or at least of so much available security. Such a 
collapse could not but result in a panic. 

Common reports are not very reliable, and it 
is difficult to ascertain the real cause of the panic. 
Probably a combination of causes, among which may 
be reckoned the immense inflation consequent upon 
the discoverj- of the bonanza, the inevitable reaction, 
the withdrawal of money from this coast for supplies, 
the moving of the wheat crop which required four 
or five millions, and the locking up of money for a 
cinching of the market. The palifornia Bank was 
carrying an immense number of projects involving 
many millions. Many of the papers, the San Francisco 
Bulktin especially, had frequently called the atten- 
tion of the community to the irrcgularitj- of Ralston's 
proceedings, for he was virtually the bank', and 
perhaps had some influence in precipitating the 
inevitable downfall. As the summer advanced, 
great masses of stocks, which were traceable to the 
bank crowd, were thrown upon the constantly falling 
market, and the deluge was made greater bj- those 
who could not get money to keep their margins good. 
It was circulated through the streets that Flood & 
O'Brien were throwing the bonanza stocks on the 
market to break it, and they also sj-mpathized with 
the downfall. 

The twenty -sixth of August was the daj- of grief for 
the whole coast, the day that swept thousands who 
supposed themselves well off into povcrtj-. The 
bank closed its doors; Ralston resigned his position 
and the bank went into the hands of a committee for 
examination. The liabilities amounted to 814,000,- 
000, its assets to §7,000,000; the latter being uncertain 
from the fluctuating value of the securities. The 
previous reports of the officers had fixed the assets 
at 820,000,000, and the liabilities at §1. "5,000, 000. 
Other banks had to suspend, but the panic was 
stayed, although the stock-board, for fear of further 
depression, suspended operations for two months. 
The further history of the institution does not 
particularly concern Storey County, as from that 



time the Bonanza Firm carried things much their 
own way. The bank was a legitimate fruit of the 
sj'Stem of mining and stock s])eculations, and as such 
necessarily is a part of our histor}'. Ealston, himself, 
though a financial failure, is one of the best out- 
growths of the Comstock. He was energetic in 
action, comprehensive in his schemes, and generous 
to all who did not stand in his way. He did more 
to develop business and bring out the resources of 
the country than anj- man before or since his time. 
His greatest monuments are the works (and they 
number scores) which he projected and completed> 
and Nevada lost a true friend when Ralston died. 

WHAT THE -MINES HAVE ACCOMPLISHED. 

The first ones to put up engines thought a great 
thing had been done when they put up an engine of 
twenty-five-horse power. Five hundred feet was a 
long distance into the earth, but experience is a 
groat teacher. The class of men who opened the 
Comstock were awake to any plan of improvement, 
and in the course of a few years developed a sj-stem 
of machinerj' which for effectiveness was never 
excelled in any part of the world. When one 
stands by the C and C shaft, the Yellow Jacket, or the 
Forman shaft, he may well wonder how any addi- 
tional improvement can be made. The massive 
hoisting gear, the reels with the graduated circum- 
ference which equalizes the weight of the cable as it 
comes up making the lifting power the same, the 
compressor which sends a supply of fresh air to the 
farthest drift in the mine and drives a drill at the 
rate of 250 strokes a minute, the automatic ore skip 
which dumps itself as it comes to the surface with- 
out endangering the lives of anj' one as the old 
method of bucket landing did, are all the products of 
late j^ears. The present idea of deep mines limits it 
to 4,000 feet, but if the ore goes farther some way will 
bo contrived to get it. The old saying of chase a 
dollar to the gates of hell has been realized on the 
Comstock for mai.^- years, and still the work goes on. 

The amount of machinery now in use, and which 
has been worn out at Virginia City, has had an 
immense effect in stimulating the manufacturing 
industries of San Francisco. This machinery has 
been of a costly character, and has been mainly pur- 
chased there. Local iron works have done the 
repairing and have constructed the simpler mechan- 
isms required, but San Francisco has reaped the 
vaster benefits. In fact, Virginia City and environs, 
can almost be said to have made San Francisco what 
she is to-da}-. It is the great riflle whieh has caught 
the silver that has flowed from the Comstock. But 
for that the long linos of palatial stores, the princelj' 
residences in the suburbs, the linos of railroads and 
steamships, and the clanging machine shops would 
not have been. Yet it is the fashion to speak slight- 
ingly of Xevada as the land of sage- brush and 
deserts. 



HISTORY OF STOREY COUNTY. 



597 



D. Crosby, eldest son of eight children, born to 
Joseph and Sarah (Johnson) Crosby, natives of Dum- 
fries, Scotland, was born in Syracuse, New York, 
July 30, 1835. At the age of eight years, he, with 
his parents, emigrated to the State of Jlichigan, 
Township of Nankin, Wayne County, at that time a 
dense wilderness. His early years were spent on a 
farm, with no special opportunity for obtaining an 
education other than those afforded bj- the district 
schools, but, through the combined influences of both 
farm and school, he receiveda thorough training of 




^r(^^^ 



self-reliance, perseverance and fortitude, that were 
developed in after life to a remarkable degree. As 
youth ripened into manhood, his vigorous and ambi- 
tious nature led him to seek new fields, and, at the 
early age of eighteen years, he went to Detroit, 
Michigan, and secured a position in the dry goods 
establishment of Zach. Chandler, where he remained 
two j'ears. After leaving that position, he purchased 
a half interest in a jewelrj' and Yankee notion store, 
and for five )'ears remained there, under the firm 
name of Crosby & Lovell. In 1860, desiring a richer 
field for his labors, he set sail for California, where 
he arrived April 12lh of that year. After a short 
stay in San Francisco, he went to Sacramento and 
formed a partnership with T. H. Cook, and for the 
succeeding four years carried on a mercantile and 
teaming business, and delivered the first brick used 
in the construction of the Slate Capitol at Sacra- 
75 



mento. In 1864 ho severed his connection with the 
firm, and came over the mountains to Virginia City, 
Store}' County, Nevada, soon after as.sociating himself 
with R. J. Breed in the wood and coal business, also 
general teaming, under the name of Breed & Crosby, 
owning and using as many as 300 horses and mules 
at a time, hauling quartz from the mines to the mills. 
The firm continued successfully for nearlj' fifteen 
years, up to the fifteenth of December, 187SI, when it 
was dissolved, and he associated himself with his 
brother, John J. Crosbj-, conducting the same line of 
siness under the name of Crosby & Co. 




Richard V. Dey 



Was born in New York City, on the eleventh day of 
March, 1835, where he continued to live until he was 
twenty years of age, receiving his education in the 
great metropolis. His ancestors wore from Holland, 
and the date of their arrival in New York was as far 
back as 1(>2(;. Dey Street, in that city, derived its 
name from once being in the possession of this fam- 
ily. In 185.5 the subject of this sketch came to Cali. 
fornia, and for four years was engaged in the jewelry 
business in the city of San Francisco. In 1859 he 
became associated with Col. J. C. Fremont, and for 
one year was engaged in mining with him in Bear 
Valley, Mariposa County, California. He then came 
to Virginia Citj- and engaged in mining, and was also 
interested in a saw-mill in Carson City, following the 
business for throe years. During the year 18G4 ho 
received the appointment of Deputy United States 
Marshal, and upon the resignation of his superior 
officer was appointed United States M.'irsbal, and 
continued in that position for one year, since which 



598 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



time he has been connected with the Bonanza Firm, 
in relation to the title to their mines. In 1880 Mr. 
Doy took a trip around the world in company with 
Col. James G. Fair, occupying nearly eight months 
in viewing the wonders of the Old World and the New. 
ilr. Dey is of fine appearance and a well-bred gentle- 
man, gaining hosts of friends wherever he goes. 

FINANCES DUKINO THE BONANZA PERIOD. 

It will be remembered that at the close of our 
first period (1805) the finances were in a peculiarlj"- 
shaky condition. The Virginia City bonds and scrip, 
drawing from one to five per cent, per month, 
amounted to 825-1,837.78. 

The county debt in May, 1865, amounted to no 
less than 8327,475.12. The destruction of many of 
the records by the great fire, and the abstraction or 
mutilation of others, prevents getting a very clear 
idea as to how the county and city threw off its 
debts. From the extravagant habits of municipal 
and county officers of that date the impression 
would obtain that bankruptcy was inevitable, but 
the discovery of the different bonanzas, which com- 
menced soon after the bullion-tax income, which was 
almost enough some years to run the county, to- 
gether with wiser financial measures, carried both 
city and county out of debt, and left the finances in 
a healthy condition. The construction of a Court 
House, the water-works, and the l>onds (8300,000) 
for the building of the Virginia and Truckeo Rail- 
road, were ail canceled in the course of a few years, 
80 that almost alone in counties on the Pacific Coast, 
Storey County is practically out of debt. For the 
full statement of this question see (Jhapter XVlll. 

TAXING THE VIRGINIA AND TRUCKEE RAILROAD. 

The 8300,000 of bonds donated were receipted for 
by the company January 31, 1H70. The value of 
the portion of the track in Storey County at first 
was fixed at 812,000 per mile. October 7th it was 
reduced to 810,000 per mile, and afterwards to 
88,000, the difference 82,000 per mile for six and one- 
half miles, 813,000, being added to the rolling stock. 
October 10, 1873, the value of rolling stock was 
reduced from 840, 920 to S3! ,920. It was reduced still 
more October 4, 1875. October 4, 1879, the assessment 
was still further reduced, making the total value of 
the track 810,580 less than in 1873. The valuation 
was still further reduced in 1880. 

PRINCIPAL FIRES IN VIRGINIA CITY. 

The combustible nature of the materials of which 
the towns are built, the terrific winds which dailj' visit 
this side of the mountains, with the dry character of 
the atmosphere, and the careless habits of the 
transient population, all combined to make the 
chances of a conflagration numerous. This was 
early seen bj- the resident population, and efficient 
means were taken, as it was thought, to prevent any 
widespread disaster. So thought the cities of 
Chicago and Portland, but the fire-fiend devoured 
tbera. 



The first great fire in Virginia City broke out 
August 29, 1863, in a carpenter shop in the rear of 
Patrick Lynch 's saloon. About 8700,000 worth of 
property was destroyed. The burned district ex- 
tended from Taj-lor Street to Sutton Avenue, north 
and south, and from A Street to B, and partly down 
to C, east and west. This was then the principal 
business part of the town. This fire was the occa- 
sion for the culmination of the feud between the 
engine companies Number One and Two, more par- 
ticularly described in the account of the Fire 
Department. 

On September 29, 1865, a fire started at the Foun- 
tain Head Restaurant. It burned over an area 
extending from Union Street to below Suttcm 
Avenue, and as far as D Street east, and A Street 
west. About 8400,000 worth of propertj- was 
destroyed. 

On September 23, 1866, Music Hall was destroyed 
by a fire occasioned bj' the bursting of a lamp. 

On the nineteenth of Sejitcmber, 1S70, another 
fire broke out in Lonkey & Smith's lumber yard, 
corner of D and Smith Streets. It spread from D 
down to E Street east, and as far as A Street west, 
running close to Taylor Street on the north, and to 
the Tahoe House on the south. The total damage 
amounted to 8300,000. 

June 29, 1873, at 11 o'clock, i'. .v.. the McLaugh- 
lin & Root building, on B Street, blew up and took 
fire; 100 pounds of Hercules powder, six cases of 
nitro-glycerine, 100 pounds of giant jjowder, and 
200 pounds of common powder had been stored 
under the bed-room of Major General Xnn Bokkelen, 
by that gentleman, and exploded. He was killed, 
also J. P. Smith, W. I). Davis. Ben Mandel, Mrs. Ed. 
Dean and her little daughter, Billy Low, Chas. Knox, 
Mrs. Emily Connor and John Devine. Losses by 
fire, water, etc., 8225,000. Many persons were 
wounded. 

A portion of the building was occupied by the 
Hank of California. 

The great fire, one long to be remembered, com- 
menced at 5:30, A.M., October 26, 1875, in a low 
lodging-house on A Street, and resulted in the total 
destruction of the business part of the citj', and a 
loss of about $12,000,000. The burned district 
included all between Taylor .Street on the south, and 
Carson Street on the north, Stewart Street on the 
west, and the Chinese quarter on the east. The fire 
soon passed bc^'ond all possibility of control, driving 
the firemen and people from one block to another 
with scarcelj' any delay. As the air became heated 
the flames seemed to leap across whole blocks at a 
time. The '• fire-proof" buildings seemed to offer as 
little resistance as those of wood. The mills and 
hoisting-works were swept away as bj- a whirlwind. 
Considerable quantities of powder were stored 
around the towTi, and this exploding increased the 
horrors of the scene, and paralyzed the eflorts to 



1 



HISTORY OF STOREY COUNTY 



69f> 



quell the tire or to remove valuables, so dangerous 
was it to approach a building. 

The shafts of the mines burned down to a consid- 
erable distance, occasioning much caving in. At the 
Ophir a cage was let down and covered with dirt to 
prevent the fire from passing down, but the fasten- 
ings or springs gave way when the dirt was shoveled 
on it, and the fire went down the shaft. The Con- 
solidated Virginia saved their shaft with a bulk-head 
covered with dirt. Soon after the fire a gale com- 
menced blowing, tumbling down the tottering wails 
and filling the air with clouds of ashes and cinders. 
November 2d a snow-storm setin and made the situa- 
tion still worse. 

The business houses destroyed numbered over JiOO; 
the dwellings. 1,000. The mill of the Consolidated 
Yirginia, which cost 8500,000, was destroyed. 

The people set to work to rebuild even while the 
beds of coals were glowing with heat, and in a few 
days most of the people were under shelter. The 
railroad brought in supplies of timber and provisions. 
Fortj'-six trains passed over the road in one day ; 1 00 
cars were dropped at Reno for Virginia City in one 
day. But for the railroad the city must have been 
abandoned until spring. Let those who see no good 
in railroads make a note. 

The mines were soon in working condition. The 
Ophir shaft was repaired (retimbered) sixty feet 
deep, new and powerful hoisting works set up. and 
everytiiing in running order in thirty days, four of 
which were used in putting out the fire. Samuel 
Curtis was the Captain in this rapid work. 

FIRES AT GOLD HILL. 

The largest fire that Gold Hill ever experienced 
occurred April 20, 186-1. It broke out about three 
o'clock in the morning, in the What Cheer House, at 
the corner of Main and Crown Point Streets. The 
Virginia Engine Company, No. 1. and Eagle Com- 
pany, No. 3, came to their relief, and with the assist- 
ance of the Hook and Ladder Company of Gold Hill, 
succeeded in quelling the fire. The loss was about 
815,000. 

VIRGINIA CITY FIRE DEPART.MENT. 

The Fire Department of Virginia Citj- had its origin 
in a bucket company. In the fall of 1800 the citizens 
met at the International Hotel, then a frame house 
on 1$ Street, and organized to fight fire, their only 
equipment being a supply of buckets. This com- 
pany was disbanded carlj' in the following year, 
when the nucleus of the present department was 
formed, by the organization of Hook and Ladder 
Companj", No. 1, and Virginia Kngine Company, 
No. 1. Tom Peasley was the first foreman of the 
truck company, a position he subsequently resigned, 
to become the foreman of the first engine company, 
which he had also organized. On March lit, 18()2, 
Young America Engine Company, No. 2, was organ- 
ized, with Jacob Young, Jr., as foreman. This 
company was composed of young workingmen, gen- 
erally designated as "the boys;" while Kngine 



Company, No. 1, was made up principally of those 
who prided themselves on being the "sports" of 
the town. The Fire Dejjartnient was now organized, 
with Tom I'oasley as the first chief engineer, who, 
some years later, met with a tragic death in the 
Ormsl.y House. Carson City. On March 4, 18G3. 
Peter Larkin defeated Peasley for chief. On August 
29th, of that year, Virginia Citj- had its first great 
fire (described elsewhere). During the progress of 
the conflagration, a long-standing feud between 
Hook and Ladder Company, No. 1, and Engine 
Conipan3\ No. 1. on one side, and Engine Company. 
No. 2, on the other, culminated in a severe battle, 
with fatal consequences to one man. The fire broke 
out in a carpenter's shop, in the rear of Patrick 
Lynch's saloon. 

The fight occurred between C and D Streets. Brick- 
bats were freely used and several men received 
brui^es and contusions from these missiles. The gen- 
eral conflict had ended when John Cullen, First 
Assistant Engineer of the Dipartment, shot and 
killed one Richardson, an expelled member of Engine 
Company, No. 2. Cullen was a member of the same 
company and after the fire a crowd composed of 
Richardson's friends gathered in front of their engine 
house and threatened to demolish it. The comjiany 
had a cannon loaded with grape and canister, which 
they were prepared to discbarge against the mob in 
the event of an attack. 

Billy Warnock. a member of another company, 
stood up and made a speech warning the infuriated 
men not to attack the house, as there were inside 
forty or fifty armed men, and they would be taking 
desperate chances. The crowd thereupon took the 
hint and withdrew. Thus ended the first and only 
battle ever fought bj* the fire laddies of the Com- 
stock. 

Eagle Engine Company, No. 3, was organized on 
August 2, 18G3, and purchased the hand engine 
belonging to Vigilant Company, No. 9, of San Fran- 
cisco. Washoe Engine Comjianj-, No. 4, was organ- 
ized soon afterwards. Billy ilackintosh, now dead, 
was their first foreman. In the summer of 18G4, 
Knickerbocker Engine Company. No. 5, was organ- 
ized with Hugh Kelly as foreman. Confidence En- 
gine Companj-, No. 6, was organized October 19, 1864, 
with Frank Ilollaway as foreman. By a resolution 
of the Board of Aldermen, passed on Maj' 11, 18(10, 
Confidence Engine Company were granted leave to 
change their name to Monumental, No. 0. On Nov- 
ember 24, 18G6, a hose company called Hand-in-Hand 
Hose Company, No. 1, was organized, but disbanded 
after a brief existence. The foregoing included all 
the companies organized in the Old Volunteer Fire 
Department of Virginia City. 

In May, 18G5, the Board of Aldermen passed an 
ordinance reducing the salaries of the foremen and 
assistants. This gave great dissatisfaction to the 
members of the Fire Department, and on June Ist, all 
the companies passed resolutions not to turn out to a 



600 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



firo or in any way to act as a department or to sell 
their apparatus until the objectionable ordinance was 
rescinded. The vote on the resolutions stood 252 
yeas, 6 noes. The next day a mass meeting of citi- 
zens was held and a committee appointed to request 
the council to repeal the ordinance, which they did 
on condition that the citizens subscribe to pay the 
diflference. 

The following is a list of the Chief Engineers of 
the Virginia Volunteer Fire Department for 1862 to 
1875, in which year it was disbanded and reorganized 
as a Paid Department. 

Thomas Peasley, 1862; Peter Larkin, 1863-64; R. 
Williams, 1865; Hugh Curran, 1866; James Wellock, 
1867; Thomas Fo.x, 1868; William Pennison, 1869; 
James Malone, 1871-72; '-Kettle Bully" Brown, 1873; 
F. McNair, 1874-75. 

Of the above, Peasley, Larkin, Williams, Wellock, 
and Malone are dead. Peasley was murdered at 
Carson, and Malone was suffocated by gas in the 
Andes Mine, June 6, 1881. 

In the great fire of 1875 all the companies except 
Monumental, No. 6, and Young America, No. 2, lost 
their apparatus. Kook and Ladder Company, No. 1 ; 
Virginia Engine Company, No. 1; Young America, No. 
2; Eagle, No. 3; Knickerbocker, No. 5; and Monu- 
mental, No 6, owned their houses and apparatus. 
Some of these companies owned dwelling-houses 
from the rent of which they derived a little income. 
These were also swept away by the flames. The Fire 
Department was in fact burned out. Engine Com- 
pany, No. 1, presented their apparatus to the E.xempts 
as a relic, and the Monumentals retain theirs to this 
day, the company keeping up its organization and 
acting as au.xiliaries to the present department. 

In 1876 the Legislature passed an Act authorizing 
the organization of a paid Firo Department. The 
Volunteers thereupon disbanded. Engine Company, 
No. 2, incorporated as a building association, with 
twenty members. All the flxempts organized under 
the title of the Virginia Exempt Fire Association. 
This organization owns and occupies the house form- 
erly belonging to the Knickerbocker Engine Com- 
pany. Its property is worth 86,000. Its Presidents 
since its organization have successively been William 
Pennison, John S. Pidge, D. O. Adkinson, and Jacob 
Young, Jr. 

The reorganization of the Fire Department of Vir- 
ginia City was radical and complete. The change 
in the system of water supplj- brought about a 
change in the methods of fighting firo. The pres- 
sure at the mains was so increased as to render 
unnecessary the employment of the old hand en- 
gines, or ''man-killcrs." By increasing the number 
of hydrants, and freely distributing sections of hose 
at different points, ready for instant use, a small 
body of permanent firemen, stationed in some cen- 
tral locality', would bo ready to meet all emergencies. 
No community in the United States is better pro- 
pared than Virginia City is to-day to fight fire, and 



that, too, with only a handful of men. The amount 
of material belonging to the department is as fol- 
lows: One steam engine, one hand engine, one hook 
and ladder truck complete, five extra ladders, two 
horses and harness, two one horse hose carts, two 
one-horse hose carriages, five hand hose carts, one 
four-wheeled hand hose carriage, 8,000 feet of hose, 
with full supply of nozzles, axles, lanterns, etc. 
There are ninety-six hj-drants and twenty-one cis- 
terns distributed throughout the city, and extra lad- 
ders are also distributed at various points ready for 
immediate use. The hose depositories are over 
twenty-five in number. They resemble the little 
shelters provided for railroad switchmen, are always 
locked, the key being kept in the nearest house. 
These depositories each contain from 150 to 300 feet 
of hose, with pipes, spanners, lanterns, nozzles, etc. 
At the largest depositories the hose is reeled on 
carts. The Department consists of a Chief Engin- 
eer, Assistant Engineer, and twelve horsemen. K. 
B. Brown was the first Chief under the new riyime. 
He was succeeded by William Pennison, who was 
displaced on political grounds by John Reardon, 
after the consolidation of Virginia City and Gold 
Hill. 

THE WATER SUPPLY. 

It was not until 1873 that the inhabitants of Vir- 
ginia City and Cold Hill enjoyed an abundance of 
pure, soft water. In the early days natural springs 
afforded a sufficient supply for the few persons 
living in the two mining camps. As the popula- 
tion increased these springs wore found inadequate 
to meet the demands of the people, and various 
devices were adopted to collect and distribute the 
water flowing from several tunnels which had been 
run into the mountain west of Virginia City for 
prospecting purposes. Large wooden tanks were 
built at different points to store the precious fluid, 
but the company which had been organized to sup- 
ply the community frequently found itself embar- 
rassed in its attempts to keep filled these rude res- 
ervoirs. The tunnels running dry, a water I'amine 
would bo imminent; when new strata of rock were 
cut across and ibr a time the supply increased. 
But the tunnels at the best furnished but feeble 
streams, and these were charged with minerals. 
The next device resorted to was to dam up the 
shallow basins on the summits of the distant hills 
to hold back the water from the molting snow. 
These wore found to yield largely and for a long 
time, when tapped by a tunnel run under the basin 
or sunk at the depth of 300 or 400 feet. Yet one 
after another these hills failed. Thousands of dol- 
lars had been expended in these various experi- 
ments, but the danger of water famines constantly 
confronted the people. Finally the Virginia and 
Gold Hill Water Company determined to bring a 
suppi}' of pure water from the streams and lakes 
of the Sierra Nevada Mountains — Irom the regions 
of eternal snow. It was a bold scheme and its ac- 



HISTORY OF STOREY COUNTY. 



GOl 



complisbment one of the most remarkable engineer- 
ing triumphs of the ago. The distance from Vir- 
ginia City to the first available streams in the 
Sierra was about twenty-five miles; but between the 
Virginia range of mountains and the Sierra lay the 
deep depression known as Washoe Valley — in one 
part of which is situated Washoe Lake. 

The problem to be solved in bringing water from 
the Sierra to Virginia City was how to convey it 
across this deep valley. To succeed was to achieve 
a feat in hydraulic engineering never before at- 
tempted in any part of the world. This was to 
carry the water thi-ough an iron pipe under a per- 
pendicular pressure of 1,700 feet. This feat, how- 
ever, -Mr. II. Schussler, the engineer of the Spring 
Valley Water-works, of San Francisco, said could 
be performed, and he was prepared to undertake 
it at once. In the spring of 1872 surveys wore 
made and orders given for the manufacture of the 
pipe. The first section was laid June 11, 1873, and 
the last on the twenty-fifth of July the same year. 
The whole length of the pipe is seven miles and 
134 feet. Its interior diameter is twelve inches, and 
it is capable of delivering 2,200,000 gallons of water 
per twenty-four hours. In its passage the water 
makes a descent of 2,100 feet from the mountains 
into Washoe Valley, and, by means of an inverted 
syphon, is again raised 1,5-40 feet to flow thence on 
to the city. 

Thus is brought to bear an enormous pressure 
which forces the water rapidly through the pipe. 
The water is brought to the inlet through a large 
wooden flume, and at the outlet is delivered into a 
similar tlume, twelve miles in length, which conveys 
it to Virginia City. The pipe is of wrought iron, 
and is fastened by three rows of five-eighths inch 
rivets. At the lowest point in the ground crossed, 
the perpendicular pressure is 1,720 feet, equal to 800 
pounds to the square inch. Hero the iron is five- 
sixteenths of an inch in thickness, but as the ground 
rises to the east and west, and the pressure is re- 
duced, the thickness of the iron decreases through 
one-quarter, three-sixteenths down to one-sixteenth. 
The pipe in its course crosses thirteen deep gulches, 
making that number of undulations, as it is through- 
out its length laid at the depth of two and one-half 
feet below tlic surface of the earth. Besides these, 
there are several lateral curves round hills and points 
of rocks. 

The manufacturers of the pipe had been furnished 
with a diagram of the line on which it was laid, and 
each section was constructed to fit a certain spot, so 
there was just one place and none other for each 
section of pipe as received from the manufactory. 
The pipe contains no less than 1,150,000 pounds of 
rolled iron, is hold together by 1,000,000 rivets, and 
there were used in securing the joints 52,000 pounds 
of lead, which was melted and poured in from a port- 
able furnace that moved along the line as the work 
of laying the pipe progressed. It is related that at 



the first filling of the pipe, a stream of water about 
the thickness of a common lead pencil, escaped 
through the lead packing of a joint, at a point 
where the pressure was greatest. This struck 
against the face of a rock, and rebounding, played 
upon the upper side of the oipe. The water 
brought with it from the rock a small quantity of 
sand, or grit, ])erhaps, but at all events it soon bored 
a hole through the top of the pipe, and from this 
hole, which shortly became two or three inches in 
diameter, a jet of water ascended to the height of 200 
feet or more, spreading out in the shape of a fan 
toward the top. 

This was repaired, and the water finally flowed 
through the pipe, and reached Gold Hill and Vir- 
ginia City on the night of August 1, 1873. When 
the water reached the outlet there was great rejoic- 
ing. Cannon were fired, bands of music paraded the 
streets and fire-works were discharged all over the 
city. Many persons went out and filled bottles with 
this first water from the Sierra, and a bottle of it is 
still preserved in the cabinet of the Pacific Coast 
Pioneers. 

In 1875 the Virginia and Gold Hill Water Com- 
pany laid a second pipe alongside of the first. This 
has an inside diameter of ten inches. Instead of 
being fastened with rivets it is lap- welded, and is the 
longest pipe ever made in that way. As there are 
no rivet heads in it to produce friction, it delivers the 
same amount of water as the larger pipe, namely, 
2,200,000 gallons per twentj'-four hours. 

Up to 1875 the supply of water was chiefly drawn 
from a stream known as Hobart Creek, but in that 
year the works in the mountains were extended by 
pushing the supplj' flume through to Marlette Lake, 
within the basin of Lake Tahoe, a distance of eight 
and a half miles, and a total distance from Virginia 
City of thirty-one and a half miles. To tap Marlette 
Lake it was necessary to run in one place a tunnel 
3,000 feet in length under the ridge forming the rim 
of the Lake Tahoe basin. 

Connected with the works are several reservoirs 
that hold from 3,000,000 to 10,000,000 gallons of 
water. Marlette Lake lies at an altitude of 1,500 
feet above C Street, Virginia City, and the water is 
brought in at such a height above the town that it 
can everywhere bo carried far above the highest 
buildings, and streams from the hydrants are thrown 
with great force and eft'ect in case of fire occurring 
near them. The cost of those water- works was over 
82,000,000. The supply is now more copious, accord- 
ing to population, and of finer quality than is that of 
any other city in the Union. This flood of water, 
soft and pure as that distilled in dews, is conducted 
into every house in Virginia, Gold Hill and Silver 
City, and is praeticallj' inexhaustible. It supplies 
not only the wants of the peo])!e, but those for all 
milling, mining and mechanical purposes. It furn- 
ishes the boilers of all the hoisting works on the 
Comstock, and also those for the steam mills; and so 



602 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



I'rec li-om impuriiies is it, that those boilers never 
become coated, nor are they eaten out with chemicals 
held in solution. 

SUBSTANTIAL IMPROVEMENTS. 

Shortly after, the great fire the citizens commenced 
the substantial structures, which make Virginia City 
an honor to the Pacific Coast. Hotels, theatres, 
churches, and school houses, sprang up as if by 
magic; and, in a few years, presented a more 
advanced growth than many larger cities a hundred 
years old. The International Hotel would com- 
pare favorably with the Sherman House at Chicago, 
or any of the first-class hotels in the East. This 
was completed in 1876. It is built of brick, with 
cut-stone facings. It is 05 feet front, 108 feet deep, 
six stories in height, exclusive of basement; is 109 
feet high, and contains 160 rooms. It occupies the 
site of the International, destroyed by the great fire. 

The Court House is one of the finest structures 
in the State; and, including the fixtures and jail, 
coat $117,000. This building was completed in 1876. 
The ground on which the building stands is con- 
sidered worth 830,000. The property is estimated 
at $150,000. 

School houses were 80on erected to the value of 
$140,000. The liberality of the Comstockers in 
affairs of this kind is never questioned. The pride 
of the people extends farther than the erection of 
public edifices, and the education of the children 
was amply provided for. The annual amount of 
the school fund is §135,000. 

The City Hall is also an honor to the place. This 
is in the southern part of the city, and is con- 
veniently situated to tran^tact the business of the 
united interests of Gold Hill and Virginia City. 

Piper's Opera House, famous for the many politi- 
cal meetings held there, as well as the exhibitions 
of histrionic talent, is a large building, with audi- 
torium capable of seating 900 persons, and a stage 
fifty-four feet wide, and thirty-eight feet deep. 
The whole building covers a space 130x54 feet 
deep. It is on the site of the first opera house, 
built by Tom ^laguire, and was opened January 28, 
1878. It has dress circle, parquette and gallery. 
The flats are 12x18 feet in size. The receipts of a 
single night have often been over 81,000. 

After the big fire, theatrical representations were 
held in the Odd Fellows Hall until the erection of the 
new building. 'J'he present building with its prop- 
erties cost about 850,000. As in all towns containing 
a large number of energetic, resolute men, the theatre 
has always been liberally patronized, and consider- 
able first-class talent has at different times appeared 
on the stage. 

St. Mary's Hospital was built in 1875 and opened 
March 6, 1876. The grounds formerly known as 
Van Bokkelon's Gardens wore presented bj- Mrs. 
Mackaj-. The cost of the building, with furniture, 
was 840,000. The mining and milling men contril>ute 
one dollar per month each for the support ol the 



institution. The income from this source is about 
8500 per month. Six Sisters of Charity reside at the 
hospital. 

THE FOUNDRIES OF VIROINIA OITV. 

The mines of Storey County, with that extensive 
demand for castings and machinerj- of all kinds, led 
to an extraordinary development of the foundry 
business. The great foundries of San Francisco are 
indebted mainly for their rise and prosperitj- to the 
discovery of silver on the Comstock. At an early 
day, however, it was seen that an inviting field for 
the foundryman's industry was to be found in the 
vicinitj" of the mines. The pioneers in Nevada in 
this branch of industry were Messrs. Mead, McCone 
& Tascar. These gentlemen had for a long time con- 
ducted a flourishing little foundry in Placerville, 
California. In the fall of 1862 they moved their 
machinery over the Sierra, and established them- 
selves in Johntown, two miles below Silver City. 
They began operations with two lathes and a drill- 
press, and with facilities for running down forty 
hundred weight of castings at one melting. This 
firm struck a wave of genuine prosperitj-. So rap- 
idlj' did the orders flow in that they had to labor 
night and day to accommodate their customers. 
They fairly coined money, and, after two years' 
operations at Johntown, they again moved their 
machinery, this time to Silver City, where they 
erected a large stone building, at a cost of 8125,000. 
It was known as the Nevada Foundry, and was then 
the largest establishment of its kind in the State. 
At first the firm employed seventy-five men, which 
force was subse(iucntly increased to 100. 

In 1864 McCone bought out Tascar's interest, and, 
in 1866, his other partner. Mead, sold his interest in 
the business to him, thus making McCone the sole 
proprietor. On Maj- 15, 1872, a fire, supposed to 
have been started by an incendiarj', left nothing 
standing but the walls. The damage inflicted 
amounted to alrout 8160. (UtO, on which there was 
only 835,000 insurance. McCone, having saved his 
patterns and a few tools, then moved to Virginia 
City, and bought the Fulton Foundry, which he 
thereafter conducted. 

This establishment had its rise in a small machine 
shop started at the corner of B and Taylor Streets, 
in 1861, by Kdwards & Hughes. After working 
one year they rented the shop to a millwright 
named Thomas R. Jones. The latter's lease expir- 
ing in June, 1863, he bought some land on the 
Divide, and erected thereon the Fulton Foundry, 
by which name it has since been known. Jones 
started work with two lathes, and a little drill- 
ing machine. The following year ho enlarged his 
premises, added two more lathes, a planing and shap- 
ing machine, and made many other improvements. 
At first ho employed ten men, but when he returned 
in 1867, the force steadily at work numbered over 
forty. In the fall of that year he sold oat to A. L. 
Greeley, a lawyer by profession, who had previously 



HISTORY OF STOREY COUNTY. 



been carrying on a small foundrj' business in Gold 
Hill. In 1869 (rreeley sold the Nevada Foundry to 
the Bank of California, when the latter placed it in 
charge of Mr. Crraves. a master-mechanic on the 
Central Pacific Railroad, and .Mr. J.M. t^»tiimby. also 
a railroad man. -All the castings and finishings for 
the Virginia and Truckee Railroad were manufac- 
tured by the establishment at this time. 

On June 15, 1872, the Bank sold the foundiy to 
Mr. McCone, who rebuilt the institution, put in new 
machinerj', and extended the works generally. Mr- 
McCoiie had just finished ail iho niilroad work when 
the rich strikes in the Crown Point and Belcher 
mines led to a large increase in orders for castings 
and machinery from all the mines in process of 
development along the famous lode. At this time 
(1874) the daily average of emploj-cs in the foundry 
reached 111) men. Business continued brisk up to 
1877, when it fell off materially, and the force of 
workingmen was reduced to sixty. The dull period 
which followed the exhaustion of the "bonanza" 
mines led to a still further reduction, and at the pres- 
ent time about thirty men can do all the work re- 
quired. 

John McCone. whose skill, zeal, and marvelous 
industry built up this great interest, died in 187G, 
since which year the business has been managed by 
the executors of his estate. To illustrate the capaci- 
ties of the Fulton Foundry it is only necessary to 
add, that the largest casting in one piece ever 
turned out on the Pacific Coast was the product of 
this establishment. This was the fly-wheel center 
for the Yellow Jacket hoisting works. Its weight 
is 44,500 pounds, and it was successfully cast on 
Saturday, December 11, 1880. 

The Fulton Foundry also had the honor of con- 
structing the first engine and pump ever made in 
Nevada. This achievement was accomplished in 
June, 1864, and the work was done for the Bullion 
Mining Company. 

The wages paid to foundrymen in Virginia City 
are higher than paid anywhere else in the world to 
the same class of workmen. Machinists receive §6; 
moulders and pattern makers, 85.50; blacksmiths. 
86.50; helpers, -54; and laborers, SH,50 per daj-. 
Among the other foundries which have also flourished 
in Nevada may be mentioned the Union Foundry, 
established in 1869 by James Mead, and the Gold 
Hill Foundrj", started in 18ti4 by (Jreeley, which is 
now owned bj- George Emmott. 

The Pioneer Foundry, of (Jold Hill, was started by 
Oliver Ilj'de in 1862. lie operated it on a small 
scale until lH(i7 when he sold his tools and patterns 
to the other foundries. In 1878 the Virginia Foun- 
dry was started by l''razer \- ('ummiiigs, but the lat- 
ter soon sold out his interest and in September, 188(1, 
Andrew Frazer moved to Heno and opened a foun- 
dry in that town. In 1.S7(! John Ivenis starteil u 
small brass foundry in Virginia City and after run- 
ning it one year abandoned it for want of biisiness 




John McCone 



Was born in Countj' Armagh, Ireland, in the year 
1830. At the age of fourteen j-ears he came to 
America, and located at Newmarket, New Hamp- 
shire, where he served an apprenticeship at the 
moulder's trade. Thence to Cincinnati, Ohio, and 
worked as a journeymen in a machine shop until 
1850, when he came overland to California, and for a 
iQ'^ months was engaged in buying and selling cattle 
at Sacramento and vicinity. Thence to the city of 
San Francisco, and engaged in the house-moving and 
general teaming business, until he accumulated capital 
enough to buy an engine and other machinery neces- 
sary to start a small foundry, which he located at San 
Jose, California. This proving unprofitable he ex- 
changed it for a wind-mill factory, and this proving 
likewise he turned his attention to stock-raising, also 
in hauling lumber from the foot-hills to San Fran- 
cisco. In 1852 he forged a plow-share, probably the 
first one made in the Santa Clara V^alloy. In 1857 
he went to El Dorado County, and for a time was 
engaged in hydraulic mining at Placerville. His 
desire for his former business induced him to estab- 
lish a foundry at that place, which he conducted 
until the discovery of the Comstock minesi!) Nevada, 
at which time he, with his partner, crossed the 
mountains and started the same business at John- 
town, two miles below Silver Citj-. This was in lsi!2. 
Business was rushing, and it soon became necessary 
to have more room. From natural advantages 
existing in Silver City, he, with his partner. James 
Mead, decided to buihl a foundry that would 
accommodate their steadily increasing business nl 
that place, and accordingly had constructed a <!!,>• 



604 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



granite structure 300x100 feet, at a cost of about 
8120,000. In 1866 Mr. McCone purchased the 
interests of his partner, thereby becoming sole 
proprietor. During the White Pine excitement in 
1869, he built and shipped to that place a twenty- 
stamp mill, which was burned a short time after, 
entailing a loss to Mr. McCone oi nearly .860,000. In 
May, 1872, soon after this disaster, the fine struct- 
ure built at Silver City was also destroyed by the 
fire-fiend, causing another loss to the proprietor of 
8132,000. This was a fearful blow to him, but with 
his characteristic pluck and energy, he at once pur- 
chased a small foundry located on the Divide between 
Gold Hill and Virginia City, and as business increased 
he built additions to the building, and at the present 
time it is acknowledged to be the largest establish- 
ment of the kind in the State, known as the Fulton 
Foundrj-. During the time of building up this last 
business his health became impaired, and after an 
illness of four years he died in San Francisco, 
on July 2!). 1H76. Mr. McCone was ostensively 
a self-made man, ranking as one of the prom- 
inent business men of the State, having all 
the requisites to make him successful, viz.; good 
judgment, pluck and perseverance. He was mar- 
ried to Miss Alicia Kcllej^ in October, 1858. At 
the time of his death his family consisted of his wife 
and four children, two boys and two girls. 

THE MANCFACTURE OF ICE. 

The water company put up an ice factory in 1877. 
using Holden's Machine, that is capable of making 
fifteen tons of ice daily, which is sold for about 
twenty dollars per ton. Ice was formerly brought 
from Truckee. Groat quantities, formerly 10,000 
tons annually, are used in various ways in the 
mines; for cooling drinking water, for putting on 
the persons of the miners when in the hot drifts, 
etc. The superintendents have found that a liberal 
supply of ice is economy. The present ice works 
are found adequate to the demand. The process of 
making is interesting, but too complicated to be 
explained without drawings. The principle, how- 
ever, is that of surrounding the water to be frozen 
with a liquid capable of expansion, which, during 
the expansion, absorbs the heat, or caloric, from the 
water, reducing it to a freezing point. 

THE (iENERAL OfTLOOK HOPEFUL. 

With the failure of the Bank of California and 
the re-adjustment of titles to propertj', came a period 
of gradual depression in mining and real estate val- 
ues, with u gradual decline in the population. The 
bonanzas wore gradually worked out, and no new 
ones wore discovered. This is not supposed to be 
permanent, as the same condition obtained in 1865 
to a greater extent than at any time since. Bonanzas 
have been expected in the Sierra Nevada, and the 
adjoining mines. Stocks would go up to a fabulous 
value, but "naJa hnnanza," as a Spaniard would say, 
and the shares would sink again, lower than before. 



It is now believed that the Bonanza Firm own a 
controlling interest in all the important mines on 
the Comstock, and no one cares to risk much in- 
vestment in them, and thej- have shrunken to less 
than one-thirtieth of their value, January 1, 1875. 




PHOTO BY TABeO. SAN rRANCISCO 



Hon. L. T. Fox 

Is a native of Virginia, born in Accomack County, in 
the j'ear 1828, and was brought up on a farm, until 
at the age of eleven j'ears his attention was directed 
to the " briny deep," which occupation he followed 
until 1850, serving in every capacitj- on board a 
vessel from cabin-boy to Captain. At the early age 
of sixteen he was an oflScer under the American flag, 
which is evidence of more than ordinary abilitj'. In 
his travels by sea he visited ncarlj- every port of anj' 
consequence in the old world and the new. In 
1850 he reached the Pacific Coast, and desiring a 
change of occupation, he left the sea and engaged in 
mining in Sierra County, California, which he fol- 
lowed about one j-car, and then engaged in the stock- 
raising and butchering business in the same count}' 
until 1863, at which time he came to Nevada. From 
1SC3 to the present time he has been a resident of 
Storey Countj-, making and losing several fortunes. 
In politics he has alwaj's been an earnest and con- 
sistent Democrat, and has filled several positions of 
trust to the entire satisfaction of his constituents. 
In 1870 ho was elected to the State Senate from 
Store}' County, and reelected in 1880 for a second 
term; has been County Commissioner, President of 
the Board of Trustees for the town of Gold Hill for 
five years, and is Major General of the State Militia, 
and is withal a popular man, esteemed by all of his 
large circle of acquaintances. 



HISTORY OF STOREY COUNTY. 



605 




PHOTO BY NOC fc LEE, VIROINIA, NEV 




W/?.A^^^<j 



Hon. Joseph B. Mallon, the subject of this sketch, 
is a native of Ireland ; was born in County Tyrone 
in the year 1838. At the aijc of twelve years he 
came to the United States and settled in the city of 
New York, where he attended school five years, re- 
ceiving a sound business education. In 1855 he 
sailed away from the city where he had improved his 
knowledge, and in due time landed in San Fran- 
cisco, California. After one and one-half years ex- 
perience in the latter city, he went to Victoria, Brit- 
ish Columbia, to assist in the management of a busi- 
ness house for a San Francisco firm, remaining there 
about three )-cars. He then returned to California 
and located in Mariposa Count}-, engaged in the 
grocery and general merchandising trade, spending 
two years in that place. He then came to Virginia 
City, Nevada, and joined his brother, John Mallon, 
who was already established in the same business, 
and in a short time the subject of this sketch became 
a partner with him. This firm did a prosperous 
business, but the ruthless destroyer, fire, twice swept 
away their store, incurring a loss each time of about 
870,000; but it is credited to the firm that they paid 
all thoir liabilities, dollar for dollar, without a thought 
of compromise. John .Mallon, the senior member of 
the firm, died March 11, 1876, since which time Jo- 
seph B. has owned and controlled the business, and 
ranks to-day among the prominent business men of 
the State of Nevada. 
76 




Hon. William Woodburn, of Virginia City, was 
born in County Wicklow, Ireland, in the j^ear 1838; 
emigrated to the State of Maryland, and was for 
some time a student in St. Charles College, in that 
State, lie came to California in 1855, and subse- 
quentlj- to Nevada, where ho studied law, being 
admitted to practice in 18G5; since which time he 
has generally followed the law as a profession. He 
was J>istriet Attorney for Storey Count^-in 1871-72, 
and was elected to the Forty fourth Congress as a 
Republican, receiving 9,317 votes against 8,567 for 
bis opponent, Ellis, Democrat. 

FINANCE AND RESOURCES. 

Storey County, although a heavy loser by the 
defalcation of the Treasurer, B. H. Carrick, who was 
charged with embezzlement, tried, found guiltj' and 
sent to the State Prison for a term of years, has no 
debts of any consequence, either bonded or floating. 
The assessed valuation of her property in 1880 was 
.*5, 197, 574, and her population was 16,115. 

For a full statement of the agricultural and mis- 
cellaneous products of the county from 1865 to 1880, 
the number of acres under cultivation, the stock and 
grain raised and the fruit trees and vines cultivated, 
also the number of irrigating ditches, the reader 
is referred to pages 135, 136, 139 and 140 of the gen- 
eral history. For the products of the mines see 
general table on that subject for each county. 

APP0INT.MENTS AND ELECTIONS. 

The first County Commissioners were elected by 
the Territorial Legislature in December, 1861, and 



606 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



tho other officers of the county were appointed by 
the Executive, all holding their respective positions 
till the first election, which occurred January 14, 
1862. 

As the regular elections were established by 
law on the first Tuesday in September, the officers 
elected January 14, 1862, held only for the fraction 
of the term, or until they were succeeded by those 
elected at the regular election. A complete list of 
all the officers of the county, from its organization 
down to the present lime is herewith given, together 
with the date of appointment or election of each. 
The vacancies in office by death, resignation, or 
removal, if any, arc also noted, with the names of 
the persons selected to fill the same. Following is 
the list: — 

STATE SENATORS. 

R. M. Daggett, A. W. Baldwin, and II. H. Flagg, 
elected to Council under Territorial law, September 
2, 1863; S. A. Kellogg, N. W. Winton, C. A. Sum- 
ner, and VV. H. Claggett, elected Senators, November 
8. 1864. Kellogg's seat was declared vacant on 
account of his non-residence, and Claggett resigned 
April 16, 1865, vacancy filled by special election. F. 
A. Tritle, elected November 5, 1865; C. C. Steven- 
son, O. II. Gray, and John Nelson, elected Novem- 
ber 6, 1866; F. A. Tritle and W. N. Hall, elected 
November 3, 1868. Tritle resigned October 8, 1870. 
James Phelan, L. T. Fox, and George W. Hopkins, 
elected November 8, 1870; C. C. Stevenson and N. 
S. Hobart, elected November 5, 1872; John Piper 
and S. W. Chubback, elected November 3, 1874; W. 
Frank Stewart and E. A. Schultz, elected Novem- 
ber 7, 1876; J. P. Wheeler and W. D. C. Gibson, 
elected November 5. 1878; J. A. Brumsey and L. 
T. Fox, elected November 2, 1880. 

ASSEMBLYMEN. 

J. D. Meager, M. N. Mitchell, W. S. Minneer, J. 
Williams, W. H. Mills, E. R. Burke, J. G. Howard 
and W. H. Davenport were elected Representatives 
under Territorial law September 3, 1862; Warren 
Heaton, W.M. Gillispie, A. H. Ungar, I. L. Requa, 
A. B. Elliott, Thos. Barclay, E. R. Barnes and John 
Nelson, elected Representatives September 2, 18G3; 
Frank Tilford, W. T Andrews, A. B. Dibble, C.J. 
Russell, T. H. Williams, W. T. Barbour, W. H. 
Stone, elected Representatives September 7, 1864, 
but did not serve; W. M. Cutter, W. W. Bishop, J. 
A. Rigby, J. Bolan, E. Bond, C. W. Tozer, H. M. 
Bein, R. A. Young, E. Patten, A. L. Greeley, John 
Leavitt and J. Smith were the first elected to the 
Assembly under State Government, election held 
November 8, 1864; Edward Ingham, H. C. Mc 
Dougall. Thomas Lane, E. F. (ilover, John C. James 
J. W. Woodruff, A. B.Elliott, William M. Cutler 
Jos. F. Hall, I>. Wood, O. U. Grey and J. Vander 
water, elected November 7, 1865; J. P. Wheeler, G 
I. Lammon, Thomas Parker, A. K. I'ottcr, W. N 
Mitchell, John Welch, 1. L. Swaney, George H. Dana 



E. Strothers, A. H. Lissack, S. E. Huse and R. D. 
Ferguson, elected November 6, 1866; J. M. Han- 
ford, J. S. Burson. John Welch, George Lammon, 
Wilmer Brown, A. K. Potter, C. J. Hillyer, J. L. 
Richardson. D. 0. Atkinson, W. D. Gray, J. W. 
Anderson and J. A. Burlingame, elected November 
3, 1868. Lammon resigned April 2, 1869. Atkin- 
son resigned May 1, 1869. Burlingame resigned 
April 1, 1869. A. K. Potter, Henry Piper, E. L. 
Buckingham, Samuel Owens, C. S. Saville, G. W. 
Rogers. O. T. Barber, Robert E. Lowery, Thomas H. 
Williams, A. C. Hay, A. Lawson and R. T. Smith, 
elected November 8, 1870; Thomas Adams, J. P. 
Smith, J. W.Wilson, C. Derby, John Randall, E. L. 
Sterns, R. Arnold, Samuel Owens, G. H. Morrison, 
Jacob Fox, N. G. Andrews and W. B. Sheppard, 
elected November 5, 1872; Philip Reese, E. R.Smith, 
N. G. Andrews, Wales Averill, E. L. Buckingham, 
J. P. Smith, T. B. Atkinson, William B. Gray, John 
F. McDonnell, Simon Ogg, H. Crandall and James 
Lowery, elected November 3,1874; Wellington Stew- 
art, James G. Rule, Francis E. Mills, John H. Harris, 
George Toombs, A. T. Brann, Jasper Babcock, John 
E. Coulter, P. H. Howard, E. A. Smith, George L. 
Hawks, William H. Botsford, Joseph Beer and F]. L 
Buckingham, elected November 7, 1876; S. M. Pow- 
ell, Thomas Lane, William Prisk, Henry A. (raston, 
John E. Allen, J. C. Harlow, Dan Lyons, J. P. 
Smith, John L. Hanna, Owen Frazer, George L 
Andrews, L Fulton, J. P. Flannery and A. Lawson, 
elected November 5, 1878. Gaston resigned May 1, 
1879. H. H. Penoyer, Wal. J.Tuska, S. V. Mooney, 
P. H. Ford, D. A. Moriarty, W. E. Copeland, L. P. 
Drexler, Joseph B. Mallon, Henrj- Duffy, J. C. 
Masel, A. G. McKenzie, J. D. Waldorf, Ed. T. Plank 
and Ambrose Englis, elected November 2. 1880. 

COUNTY COMMISSIONERS. 

I. W. Knox, A. B. Paul and T^ouis Feusicr, elected 
January 14, 1862; J. W. Knox, II. H. Flagg and 
Martin White, elected September 3, 1862; Charles 
H. Knox, elected September 2, 1863, resigned Sep- 
tember 5lh, and A. K. Grimm appointed by Governor 
to fill vacancy. J. J. Denney, elected September 7, 
1864; Geo. P. Morrill, E. A. Gamble, D. W. Baleh, 
John De Wilt and H. M. Eddj-, elected November 
6, 1866. T. G. Taylor was appointed in place of 
De Witt September 5, 1867, his seat having been 
declared vacant, from non-residence, on the thirtj'- 
first of August. J. A. Rigby, W. H. Burrall and T. 
M. Hart, elected Novembers, lS(i8. Rigby resigned 
September 1, 1870, and Burrall resigned February 
10. 186!». John Piper, W. D. Gray, L. 11. Tor])e, A. 
Brisacher and Andrew Frazier, elected November 8, 
1H70; Andrew Frazier, elected November 5, 1872; 
W. B. Sheppard. .lohn B, Kundall, L. II. Torpe and 

A. Kox, elected November 3, 1874. L. T. Kox, ap- 
pointed May 7, 1878, in place of Randall, deceased. 

B. K Uazeltine, L. II. Torpe and E. Nye, elected 
November 7, 1870. Torpo died iu December, 1878. 



HISTORY OF STOREY (BOUNTY. 



607 



Thomas Giillagber. D. li. Fraser and K. Nye, elected 
November 5, 1878; William Webber, Matt Canavan 
and W. J. Sheridan, elected November 2. l)^8tl. 

PROBATE JUDGES. 

Leonard W. Ferris, appointed December 9, 1861; 
Leonard W. Ferris, elected September 2, 1863. 

DISTRICT ATTORNEYS. 

Dighton Corson, elected September 2, 18G3; W. 
W. Bishop, elected November 6, 1866; E. W. Ilillyer, 
elected November 3, 1868, resigned January 12, 1870. 
and J. A. Stephens appointed to fill vacancy. Wm. 
Woodburn, elected November 8, 1870; J. A. Stephens, 
elected November 5, 1872; Will Campbell, elected 
November 3, 1874, died January 14, 1876, and Jonas 
Seelj- appointed. Seely resigned February 23, 1876, 
and R. II. Lindsay appointed to fill vacancy. Frank 
V. Drake, elected November 7, 1876; John H. Karris, 
elected November 5, 1878; Ogden Hiles, elected 
November 2, 1880. 

COUNTY SHERIFFS. 

Wm. H. Howard, appointed December 11, 1861, 
elected January 14, 1862, re-elected September 3, 
1862; Jacob C. Clark, elected September 7, 1864; Fat. 
Mulcahey, elected November 6, 1866; W. J. Cum- 
mings, elected November 3, 1868; Thos. A. Atkinson, 
elected November 8, 1870, re-elected November 5, 
1872; Thomas E. Kelly, elected November 3, 1874, 
re-elected November 7, 1876; Chas. Williamson, 
elected November 5, 1878; W. J. Hanks, elected No- 
vember 2, 1880. 

COUNTY CLERKS. 

Nelson W. Winton, appointed December 10, 1861; 
Nelson W. Winton, elected January 14, 1862, re- 
elected September 3, 1862; Lucian Herman, elected 
September 7, 1864; J. V. A. Lansing, elected Novem- 
ber 6, 1866; Geo. H. Dana, elected Novembers, 1868, 
re-elected November 8, 1870; W. G. Thompson, 
elected November 5, 1872, re-elected November 3, 
1874; John P. McFarland, elected November 7, 1876; 
J. E. McDonald, elected November 5, 1878; John A. 
Mahanny, elected November 2, 1860. 

COUNTY TREASURERS. 

Thomas J. Taylor, appointed January 6, 1862; 
Thomas J. Taylor, elected January 14, 1862; L. Feu- 
sier, elected September 3. 1S62; F. A. Fargo, elected 
September 7, 1864, resigned April 25, 1866, and C. 
C. Thomas, appointed to fill vacancy. M. L. Dexter, 
elected November 6, 1866; John S. Kaneen, elected 
November 3, 1868; M. A. McDonald, elected Novem- 
ber 8, 1870; E. Nye, elected November 5, 1872; C. 
B. Smith, elected November 3, 1874, re-elected No- 
vember 7, 1876; B. II. Carrick, elected November 5, 
1878. The oflSco was declared vacant November 6, 
1880, and Richard Kirman appointed to fill vacancy. 
W. N. Mercer Otey, elected November 2, 1880. 

CODNTY ASSESSORS. 

Lloyd Frizcll, elected January 14, 1862, re-elected 
September 3, 1862; Thomas Cardiell. elected Septem- 



ber?, 1864; A. M. Kruttschnitt, elected November 6, 
1866; Richard Arnold, elected November 3. 1868; A. 
M. Kruttschnitt, elected November 8, 1870; Thomas 
Gracey, elected November."), 1872, re-elected Novem- 
ber 3, 1874; Anthony Fox, elected November 7, 1876; 
William Skyrme, elected November 5, 1878; P. J. 
Dunn, elected November 2, 1880. 

COUNTY RECORDERS. 

H. G. Blaisdel, appointed December 13, 1861; 
George E. Brickott, elected January 14, 1862, 
resigned April 21, 1862, and Charles H. Fish, ap- 
pointed to fill vacancy. Charles H. Fish, elected 
September 3, 1862; H. M. Vesey, elected Septem- 
ber 7, 1864; Charles H. Fish, elected November G, 
1866, re-elected November 3, 1868; Charles Raw- 
son, elected November 8, 1870, re-elected Novem- 
ber 5, 1872; A. J. McDuiiDell, elected November 3, 
1874; Fred. P. Nichols, elected November 7, 1876; 
Stephen Wilkin, elected November 5, 1878; William 
M. Brennan, elected November 2, 1880. 

COUNTY SUPERINTENDENTS OF SCHOOLS. 

C. S. Jackson, elected January 14, 1862; A. W. 
Briggs, elected September 3, 1862. May 29, 1865, 
Hon. John A. Collins was appointed by County 
Commissioners. R. M. Daggett, elected November 7, 
1865; Hon. John A. Collins, elected November 6, 
1866, resigned July 22. 1867, and J. W. Whitcher 
appointed to fill vacanc}'. J. W. Whitcher, elected 
November 3, 1868, re-elected November 8, 1870; J. 
N. Flint, elected November 5, 1872, re-elected No- 
vember 3, 1874; E. J. Passmore, elected November 
7, 1876; T. B. James, elected November 5, 1878, 
died, and C. S. Young appointed November 14, 1879, 
to fill vacancy. W. W. Booker, elected November 

2, 1880. 

COUNTY SURVEYORS. 

Senaca H. Marlette, appointed December 12, 1861; 
I. E. James, elected Januarj* 14, 1862, re-elected 
September 3, 1862; E. L. Mason, elected Septem- 
ber 7, 1864; George Hunt, elected November 6, 
1866, re-elected November 3, 1868; T. D. Parkinson, 
elected November 8, 1870; M. Winnie, elected No- 
vember 5, 1872; Ross E.Browne, elected November 

3, 1874; G. Haist, elected November 7, 1876; Charles 
F. Hoffman, elected November 5. 1878; Gott Haist^ 
elected November 2, 1880. 

PUBLIC ADMINISTRATOR!?. 

C. Gartrell, elected November 6, 1866; S. Symone, 
elected November 3, 1868, re-elected November 8, 
1870; M. Holmes, elected November 5, 1872; Wm. 
Mayer, elected November 3, 1874, died, and D. F". 
Hodges was appointed September 11, 1876, to fill 
vacancy. D. F. Hodges, elected November 7, 1876; 
R. P. Brodek, elected November 5, 1878; Dr. F. il. 
Conn, elected November 2, 1880. 

COLLECTORS. 

John Easterling, elected January 14, 1862, re- 
elected September 3, 1862; J. F. O'Farrell, elected 
September 7, 1864. 



608 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 




PHOTO BY NOE * Lt«. VIRQINIA. NEV 




William Newton Mercer Otey, son of Eight 
Rev. James H. Otey, the first Episcopal Bishop of 
the State of Tennessee, was born April 15, 1842, 
in Columbia, Maury County, Tennessee. He was 
educated at and a graduate of the Virginia Military 
Institute, under the renowned " Stonewall " Jackson. 
Mr. Otey entered the Confederate Army in 1861 as 
a private, and served during the entire war, rising 
to the position of staffoffieer; was on the staff of Lieu- 
tenant General Folk, also that of General Bedford 
Forest. After the war ended ho wont to the city of 
Memi)his, Tennessee, and entered the mercantile 
business. In 1872 the subject of this sketch came 
to the Pacific Coast and located in tbo city of San 
Francisco, California, whore for one year he filled 
the position as book-keeper and cashier of the San 
Francisco Chronicle. His next engagement was as 
bookkeeper for the firm of \Vm. T. Coleman & Co.. 
where he remained three years. In July, 1878, he 
came to Virginia City, Storey County, Nevada, and 
has since occupied the responsible position as Secre- 
tary for the Yellow Jacket Silver Mining Company. 
At the Democratic County Convention of 1880 Mr. 
Otey received the nomination for County Treasurer. 
He was married June 22, 1876, to Miss Geraldine 
Gogcr, daughter of James H. Goger, confidential 
clerk for J. C. Flood & Co., San Francisco. 



PHOTO BV JOHN B NOE. VIROIHIA, NEV 



#-. J2 




John F. Eqan is a native of County Galway, Ire- 
land, and was born June 12, a. d. 1833. His young 
days were spent in the Emerald Isle, but at the age 
of eighteen he sailed away, and landed in New York 
City, May 2, 1851. Soon after his arrival upon 
American soil he located in Delaware County, New 
Y'ork State, where he remained three 3'ear8. In 
1854 he bid adieu to his newl3--made friends and 
came to the State of California, where he at once 
engaged in the usual occupation in those days, that 
of mining, spending the first year at Auburn, Placer 
Count}', passing through the usual ups and downs 
of the camps around that place. He then went to 
Orkans Flat, where he remained until, with the 
rush of thousands, ho came over the mountains to 
Virginia City. From the latter place he went on 
a prospecting tour, through Nevada, Wj-oming, 
Colorado, and Now Mexico, and returned to Virginia 
City in 1874, where ho has since resided, engaged 
usually in mining. Mr. Egan has probabl}' visited 
more mining camps, and seen more of the difTeront 
ways invented for the saving of the precious metal, 
than any man on the Comstock. Ho at present 
fills the po.sition of Su])crintendent of the Andes 
Mine; is well skilled in his calling, an honest, upright 
man, universally esteemed by his fellow-men. He 
was married in May, 18G5, to Miss Mary E. Bride, 
at Virginia City; and they have a fine family of 
four children, two boys and two girls. 



HISTORY OF STOREY COUNTY. 



609 




PHOTO. BY JOHN 8. NOE, VIRGINIA, NEV. 

F. H. Packer, M. D., 

Is a native of Massachusetts, born in the town of 
Leyden, Franklin County. His boyhood days were 
passed on a farm, there being but little to break the 
monotony of that style of life except the obtaining 
of an education, which he accomplished to such an 
extent as to be engaged as teacher for a district 
school at the age of seventeen years. This occupa- 
tion he continued during the four succeeding winter 
terms, attending school for his own benefit during 
the spring and fall. In 1868 he removed to Brat- 
tleboro, Vermont, and commenced the study of 
medicine. In 1871 he graduated with high honors 
from the Hahnemann Medical College, of riiiludel- 
phia, Pennsylvania. Practicing his profession one 
year with his former preceptor. Dr. D. P. Dear- 
born, he was afterwards associated with Dr. II. A. 
Houghton, at Keesville, New York State, for three 
years, and then came to Nevada, locating at Vir- 
ginia City, where he has since resided. The doctor 
enjoys a good practice, and is well skilled in his 
profession. 

METHOD OF WORKING THE MINES. 

In our account of the geology of the Comstock we 
gave the situation of the mines as on the eastern 
slope of the Mount David.son range of mountains, 
with a depression varying from thirty to fiftj' 
degrees, though the true slope or dip was found 
some hundred feet below the surface, which was as 
usual bent towards the depression or valley. The 
shafts at first followed the incline of the veins 
which seemed towards Mount Davidson, but it was 
soon found that the veins dipped to the east, and 



perpendicular shafts were sunk in some instances 
3,000 feet to the east, to intersect the veins below. 
These shafts have several compartments for the 
pump and for the passage of ores, material and men 
up and down. When the ore body is reached levels 
are run as far as the claim extends, also cross-cuts to 
determine the width of the vein or ore body; for the 
term vein though in common use, is apt to convey a 
wrong impression, as the ore deposits are in every 
conceivable shape, sometimes scattered in a great 
mass of rock, sometimes in thin sheets, sometimes in 
chimneys or chutes, and again in reniform or amor- 
phous masses. 

The first essential condition of mining is security. 
The shaft and all its branches must be timbered 
until it is quite certain that the way up and down is 
sure to be unobstructed. There are several waj-s of 
securing a shaft against closing up or caving in. 
When a shaft is expected to be but 100 or 200 feet in 
depth, the timbering is slightlj- done compared loan 
opening in the Consolidated V^irginia. In the first 
instance a square of timbers of the size of the shaft 
is put in, and spiling, or lagging, usually about four 
feet long and two by six inches in its smaller dimen- 
sions, driven in behind the frame, and ready to inter- 
sect the next set of timbers which will not be more 
than three feet from the first At the corners a 
post between each set keeps the timbers of the shaft 
from collapsing endways. Everything is wedged up 
tight as the safety of the shaft or mine depends 
upon not letting the dirt or rock get a start. When 
the shaft is shallow and the pressure not great, the 
timbers may be small, but when a large shaft is to 
be constructed which has four or five compartments, 
the timbers may bo large and brought close together, 
the lagging left out. The new ChoUar-Potosi shaft 
has timbers fourteen inches square. 

Contrary to what might be supposed the most 
expensive shaft, or tunnel, oven, is in soft rock or 
claj-. Anything less firm than granite becomes 
partlj' fluidized under the tremendous pressure of 
hutidreds of feet of earth, and actually runs, crawls, 
as the miners say. A seam of a foot in thickness 
will often cause a delay of weeks by its continued 
swelling, which crush the strongest timbers, com- 
pelling a renewing every day. Mining superin- 
tendents say they have seen solid logs two feet in 
diameter crushed endways into fibres in twenty-four 
hours. Experience in mining, as in everything else, 
is a guide in such matters. 

W hen a shaft is down to the required depth then the 
levels are timbered much the same waj-, except the 
drift is now secured with perpendicular sets of tim- 
bers, say six feet high with cap-piece into which 
slight gains, or mortises, are cut for the posts, or 
uprights, the latter timbers a])proaching each a few 
inches at the top to prevent the feet, which generally 
rest on the bottom, from being thrown together by 
the thrust of the walls. The spaces between these 
sets of timbers are secured by lagging much in the 



610 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA 



same manner as in a shaft, except that no props or . 
braces are required between the sets of timbers, as | 
the pressure now is mostly downwards and not ! 
endways, as in a shaft. The levels are usually run 
every hundred feet, and are either numbered or 
named so that each one is known by all concerned, 
as five, ten, twenty, or New York, London, Paris, or 
San Francisco, as the case may be. A miniature 
cable is run by means of a screw or reduction gear- 
ing, so as to show exactly at what point in the shaft 
the tub or cage is passing, and men. timbers or other 
supplies are taken oft' accordingly. A tramway with 
car carries timbers to the end of the level, or brings 
ore or waste to the shaft to be hoisted. The sump 
is that portion of the shaft going below the works 
to catch the drainage. When these arrangements 
have been made, sloping is commenced. This is tak- 
ing out the ore. If the ore body is narrow the waste 
rock, such as will not pay for reduction, is thrown 
back, filling up the vacant spaces, saving much tim- 
bering, but in the bonanza on the Comstock, the 
longest timbers that could be got into the mines, 
would not reach across. They would splice them, 
banding them at the junction with iron rings. JJany 
accidents happened until Mr. Deidesheimer invented 
the block system of timbering, being a succession of 
frames. Since the adoption of this the miners have 
experienced little difficulty in rendering the mines 
safe. A drawing of the work is giving in another 
part of this volume. 

THE COMPRESSOR DRILLS. 

Formerly all drilling was done by hand, sometimes 
by single hand, when the same man held and struck 
the drill, and double or even triple handed, that is 
having one, two and three strikers. The latter style 
requires much more room than can usually be had in 
a tunnel or shaft. A compressor drill, of which there 
are several patents, is an air engine or cylinder with 
piston supplied with air at a high pressure, forced in 
by a machine on the surface or at the mouth of a 
tunnel. The portable or working part is light, 
weighing perhaps 200 pounds, and can be set up any- 
where that a man can go. It will strike 250 times a 
minute with perfect accuracy, never hitting the man 
who holds the drill in the face as the best of strikers 
will sometimes do. 

The air escaping from the engine serves to ventilate 
and cool the mine, thus serving a double purpose. 
Previous to the introduction of these engines the 
matter of ventilation was a serious one, involving 
much expense. 

In consequence of the use of the compressed air 
drills and nitro-glycerine compounds the work of 
running drills and shafts has been very much less- 
ened, and the economy of ))erpendicular working as 
comj)ared with adits and tunnels very much changed. 
The Yellow Jacket shaft, begun October?, 187G, was 
sunk at the rate of eighty-one and one-half feet per 
month, without extraordinary energj*. Drift are 
often run eight or nine feet in twenty-four hour.^. 



TE.MPERATURE OF THE MINES. 

Although all mines increase in temperature after 
getting below the depth aff"ected by the external 
temperature, that of the Comstock is so abnormal as 
to have caused a great deal of inquiry, varying as it 
does from 70° to 150°. There are various opinions 
concerning the cause of it. Some writers contend 
that it is a relic of subterranean heat which sent out 
the floods of propylitc and trachyte; others that it 
is due to the approach of the internal of the earth, 
others that it is chemical in its origin and owes its 
existence to the decomposition of minerals. In all 
the shafts, whenever an upcast of air is established, 
the thermometer shows a decided increase in the 
temperature. The amount of hot air coming out of 
the mines is something wonderful, amounting to 
288,630 cubic feet per minute, the 58,500 feet from the 
Savage having a temperature of 100°. Much of this 
was sent down at a temperature of 40° to 60° lower. 
The upcast was in some instances as high as 900 
feet per minute, or at the rate of ten miles per hour. 
The water pumped from the mines is also hot, scald- 
ing hot. The ground is divided into alternate dry 
and wet strata. The amount of water occasionally 
encountered is incredible. The reader is referred to 
the article on the Sutro Tunnel in the sketch of 
Lyon County for statistics on water. Suftico it to 
say here that in 1876 the miners in the Savage and 
Hale & Norcross struck a stream which flowed so 
rapidly that the miners escaped with much difficulty. 
3,000,000 tons of water were removed from the 
mines in question in the course of eight months with- 
out lowering it more that fifty feet. This immense 
quantity of water was not less wonderful for its 
quantity than for its abnormal heat. According to 
John A. Church, the heat extracted from the rocks 
by this mass of water was equivalent to the consump- 
tion of 24,546 tons of pure carbon j-early; that by 
the upcast of air as equal to 4,055 tons, altogether 
making as much heat as 28,601 tons of carbon could 
yield, or converting it into anthracite coal, the heat 
lost by the rocks of the Comstock Lode equals the con- 
sumption 0/55,47^ tons of anthracite coal yearly/ It is 
of course desirable to know from whence it proceeds. 
But three sources have as yet been suggested; the 
internal heat of the earth, the remains of the ther- 
mal period when the lavas flowed out, and chemical 
action or decomposition. To the first it is replied 
that the depth acquired by any shaft in the world 
according to the acknowledged rate, one degree for 
each fifty feet, would not reach the point seen in the 
mines, and that furthermore the heat does not cor- 
respond with the depth but varies greatly in dift'er- 
ent places at the same depths, which would not bo 
the case according to the first hj'pothesis. With 
regard to the second, Mr. Church, the authority 
before referred to, has shown that the propylites 
were cooled off" long enough to become soil and pro- 
duce a growth of trees before the outflow of the 
superincumbent trachyte, which militates against the 



HISTORY OF STOREY COUNTY. 



<^11 



second theory. According to Mr. Church, the source 
of Ihe heat is in the constant formation of the kaolin 
clay out of the volcanic rocks, the change from solid 
rock to clay causing the liberation of the latent 
heat. 





PHOTO 6Y MOnSE. SAN FRANCISCO 



^C-f.^i 




J. Minor Taylor, referred to in the following 
sketch, is a native of Connecticut, born in Now 
Preston, Litchfield County, June 10, 1843. His early 
education was received in his native town. At the 
age of nineteen years, he Joined the United States 
Army Signal Corps, and was ordered to New 
Orleans. Louisiana, where ho arrived in the month 
of April, 1862. In this branch of the service ho 
remained until 18fi4, and the next year went to New 
York Citj' and assumed the ])08ition of cashier in 
a large mercantile house, where he remained until 
1809, at which time he t-arao to California. In ,Iuno, 
1874, he came to the State of Nevada, and has since 
been in the employ of Messrs Mackay k Fair. 

W. H. I'.VTTON, 

The subject of this sketch, was born at Princeton, 
New Jersey, July 7, 1831. Ho is a grandson of 
(;ol. Robert Patton, a native of \Vest])()rl, in the 
north of Ireland, who served in the Uovolulionary 
War under General Lafayette, and at the close of 
the war was appointed Postmaster at Philadelphia, 



Pennsylvania, which position he held until his death, 
in 1814, a period of about thirty years. But of W. 
H. Patton we may say, he received a thorough 
English education at Stamford, Connecticut, and 
afterward went through a course of civil and 




PHOTO QV JOHN S HOE, VlUQINIA, NEV 

W. H. Patton. 

mechanical engineering. In 1852 he came to Cali- 
fornia, bj- way of Capo Horn, working his passage 
before the mast, in the clipper ship Tornado, Cap- 
lain Mumford, landing in San Francisco, on the 
seventh of July, that j'ear. Ho immediate!)- sought 
the mines as his tiold of labor, and from that time 
to the present has made a specialty of mining en- 
gineering, having, while in California, been con- 
nected with many important mining and milling 
enterprises, and has identified himself with numer- 
ous important improvements in that class of work. 
Mr. Patton was on the Comstock as early as 18G4, 
but afterwards wont to the eastern part of the Stale 
and California, returning to Virginia Citj- in 1874, 
where for four years ho was in the cm])loy of the 
Bonanza Firm, as their designing and constructing 
engineer. All the largo mills, hoisting and pumping 
works, at the mines controlled bj' this firm, wore of 
his designing, and built under his supervision. Mr. 
Patton also designed and erected the works and 
machinery at the Union and Yellow Jacket new 
shai'ts, which will compare favorablj- with anything 
of the kind in the world. The hoisting engines, 
designed mid ])laced in position by him at these 
shafts, are capable ol' working to a depth of 4,000 
feet. In addition to the above, some of the principal 
works designed and erected by him in Virginia City 
are the Consolidated Virginia Mill, of sixty stani]'- 



612 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



with a capacity of 300 tons of ore per day; the 
California Mill, of eighty stamps, capable of reduc- 
ing 400 tons of ore per day; also the pumping 
engines at the Belcher air shaft, Combination shaft, 
Forman shaft, Savage shaft, liould & Curry and Best 
& Belcher joint shaft; also, Hale & Norcross shaft. 
Since 1878 he has also held the position of Superin- 
tendent of the Consolidated Virginia, California, 
Ophir, Mexican, and Union Consolidated Mines. 
Mr. Patton is a thoroughly practical mining man, 
very reserved and modest, but probably has accom- 
plished more than any other man on the Comstock 
to facilitate deep mining, and all cheerfully accord to 
him the credit he so well deserves. He was mar- 
ried November 7, 18U(), to Miss Jessie F. Winchester, 
of Chautauqua County, New York, and their union 
has been blessed with five children, four of whom 
are living at this time. • 

SOME OP THE LEADING MINES. 

Having given these few general explanations, a 
short description of the main mines of the great 
lode, with a few items of their history, will be in 
order. No attempt will be made to give a full his- 
tory of the mines. The discovery, methods of work- 
ing, geology of the deposit, the lawsuits, manipula- 
tions of the stock, etc., of any of the larger mines 
would fill several volumes of this size. Only a gen- 
eral description can be given. 

The Utah Mine, located at the extreme north end 
of the known members of the lode, has never 
been a paj-ing institution. The claim was located in 
1859, and re-incorporated as at present in 1871. It 
has been much of the time under the management of 
James (t. Fair and John Skae, both names famous in 
the Comstock annals. At the time of the second 
incorporation a shaft was sunk 500 feet east of the 
croppings, and the vein intersected at the depth of 
nearly a thousand feet. Extensive explorations have 
not developed any valuable ore bodies. The assess- 
ments have aggregated §1,080,000. 

The Sierra Nevada has been before the public 
many times as a prospective bonanza. In 1878 the 
stock suddenlj- bounded from five dollars a share up to 
8260, when it began to recede. It has jirodnced enough 
bullion to justify a hope of having a bonanza in it, 
and for many years has been a favorite stock for 
"milking" the public, both in assessments and in 
sales of shares. The expenses of this mine have 
been as high as half a million a year. The total 
yield is in the neighborhood of 81,000,000, of which 
sum a little more than 8100,000 was paid to the 
stockholders as dividends. The total assessments 
amount to over 84,400,000. There are numbers of 
persons who still have confidence in the mine. 

The operations of this mine have varied much 
from the others. It was discovered after much ex- 
ploration that the surface rock contained gold. The 
eomi)aiiy went to crushing for this without attempt- 
ing to save the silver. The process of amalgamation 
was simple and inexpensive, and the result was 88.66 



to the ton. Eighteen thousand tons were crushed 
with a profit of 845,000. 

Union Consolidated is one of the non-dividend 
mines, the assessments amounting to 81,060,000. 
The present company was incorporated in 1875. 
Adjoining the Sierra Nevada, it has sympathized 
strongly with that mine in its market values. It 
advanced in 1878 from a merely nominal value to 
8193, after which it receded, with varj-ing values. 

The Mexican Mine is also a non-paying mine, 
valuable for its possibilities. The present company 
was incorporated in 1874. Total assessments levied, 
81,436,000. It derives its prospective value from 
its vicinity to the Ophir. through the shafts of 
which it has been explored to a depth of two thou- 
sand feet or more. 

The three companies mentioned are sinking a 
joint shaft for exploration, which, for permanence 
and efficiency of machinery, is unsurpassed on the 
Comstock Lode, or perhaps on the Coast. It is 
about 2,500 feet north of the C and C shaft, and 
is expected to strike the lode at the depth of 3,000 
feet, ample power being provided to hoist water, 
and other material, from that depth. It is regarded 
as one of the most important on the lode, not as 
inaugurating the use of powerful machinery, but as 
testing the question of deep mining, and the indefi- 
nite extension of the lode to great depths. 

California is composed of several claims formerly 
known as the California, Central No. 1 and No. 2, 
and the Kinney, the total being 000 feet. The dis- 
covery of the ore body was made from the Consoli- 
dated Virginia on the 1,500-foot level in 1873, after 
which this company was organized. The ore was 
enormously rich, much assaying as high as 81,200 
per ton, and small pieces going up to several thou- 
sands. It is impo.ssible to give any idea of the excite- 
ment that attended the discover^'' of this bonanza, 
which extended through the ground of both the Cal- 
ifornia and Consoliclalud Virginia. The San Fran- 
cisco papers went into elaborate calculations of the 
extent and value of the ore body; it extended the 
length of the two claims, and was from 200 to 400 
feet in width, and of an unknown depth. It was 
easy to figure up 8100,000,000 in sight. 

The stock of the two mines advanced in less than 
two months from 815,000,000 to 8108,000,000, and not 
only the stock of these mines, but, in fact, all mines 
on the lode. The two mines together yielded some- 
thing over 8100,000,000, of which sum three-fourths 
were paid as dividends. 

THE CONSOI.IDATEP VIRGINIA. 

The Consolidated Virginia locations were originally 
made by Sides, .Murphy, White, and Kinnej-, and 
were consolidated with the above name, then includ- 
ing some of the present California, The hoisting- 
works and mill were destroyed by fire in 1875, but 
were soon rebuilt. 

This mining company, in conjunction with the 
California, is sinking a deep shaft, which is expected 



THE BULLION 



As Listed by the County Assessors of Ne- 































1 


Nanieh of Counties. 


Ores ... 
Tailings . 

Ores 

Tailinps . 
Ores .... 


18(16. 


188«. 

Tons. I Value 
S 


1S67. 


1S68. 186«. 1870. 


1871 




Tons. Value. 


Tons. 
2,867 


Vahic. Tons. 


Value. 


Tons. 


Aalue. 
« 182,678 


Tons. 

__. 

1,601 


Valup. 


Tons. 


Va 


Esmeralda. 

Esmeralda .... 


$ 114,477 


S,956» 259,128 


8,254 


t 92,910 


3,028 


- 


ESko 










2,' 11 


219,169 


5,702 
202 


1 


Elko 










K . 








Eurekii 












Eureka 


Tailintcs .. 

Ores 

Tailings .. 
Ores 
















Bumboldt 

Humboldt . 

Lyon 










807 


85,222 


4,574' 227,621 

i 


7,464 


360,602 


7,934 


878,840 


20,166 


1 


Lyon 


Tailings .. 

Ores 

Tailings- 














1 










184,417 

22,842 

73« 

25,995 


"i 


Lincoln 


. 


















11,861 


1,662,916 


a,E( 


Lincoln 
















Lander 


Ores . 

Tailings . 
Ores .... 
Tailings . . 






5,709 




7,802 


1,857,816 




4,915 


922,929 


11,824 


1,104,690 


2,.< 


Lander 




1 


Nye 








7,970 


811,631! 


7,426^ 792,027 


801) 


103,647 


1,966 


204.668 


3,087 
70 




Nye 




Ormsby 


Ores 

Tailings . . 


80,761 




tt48,102 








1 










•• 


Omrsby 










1 












Storey 

Storey ... 


Ores . . . 
Tailings . . 


276,808 


"9,489,406 


372,546 
■8,200 


tll,951,S76 
72,000 


482,176 


13,853,847 


400,559 


M«,716 


279,621 


6,684,062 


238,960 


6,859,699 


395,600 
48,360 


11 

; i 
ii 


Washoe 


Ores 










1 










Washoe 


Tailings . . 














1 












White Pine 


Ores . . . 


















28,464 


1,825,286 


86,782 


1,258,209 
11,776,891 


88,604 
26,928 

726,828 


White Pine 


TailingH.. 


S07,0«« 








480,42S 


16,172,50( 








423,264 




Totals 


9,439,405 


434,657 


12,028,876 


18,295,297 


329,516 


10,019,063 


811,474 


lO.i'S 


Revenues received by State 
from tax of mine proceeds. 

Revt-nue received by State 
from tax on proceeds of 
mines alter deducting cost 
of collection 




! $ 15,447 36 

Xfi4A7 SA 


It » 10,877 04 


II t 80,006 38 


II « 81,676 62 


II » 53,286 08 


II t 66,492 93 


II « 98,ID') 

































'Tailings in Six Uilc Canon. 
•• Wells, Fargo & Co. shipped during the year, (rem Storey County, ♦12,833,719.83 in bullion. 

t Wells, Fargo & Co. ehijiped duilng the year, from Storey County, ♦14,007,884.18. 
tt Includes only nine niontbtr. 



ODUCT OF NEVADA 



i from November, 1864, to December 31, I880. 





LS72. 


1873. 


1874 


1876. 


1876. 1877. 


Tons. 
19,102 


S78. 


1879. 


1880. 


Totals 


biu. 


Value. 


Tons. 


Value. 

» 333,691 

260,168 

2,800 

2,677,176 


Tons. 

3,764 
6,635 


Value. 


Tons. 


Value. 

t 958,300 

5,401 

536,603 


Tons. 


Value. Tuns. 

! 


Value. 

$1,508,361 

570 

1,044,326 

24,799 

3,898,878 


Value. 


Tona 


Value. 

« 960,380 

3,806 

1,093,960 


Tons. 
26,552 


Value. 
$ 995.323 


Value. 


3,865 


$ 116,222 

476,169 
17,208 


4,935 

7,328 

252 

70,924 


t 266,372 
162,666 


14,226 

800 

7,742 


26,118 

40 

6,216 

180 

53,432 


1 1,501,6.W 

2,628 

477,048 

3,600 

2,107,160 


36,612 

60 

11,945 

2,809 

86,338 


i 724,5^9 


24,005 

88 

17,049 


8,089,873 


8,254 
8,444 


16,937 


1,280,702 


7,611 


372,821 


6,617,032 

49,832 

26.0.S0.304 




61,693 2.362,102 


81,476 


3,160,180 


127,496 


5,529,89!1 



128,03.1 
79,99-. 


110.056 

11,033 
2,670 


3.744.288 


66,266 


2,680,631 


8,S3$ 
3,440 


353,040 
148,457 


7,182 
12,640 


238,826 
102,997 


8,08;'' 
7,370 


244,11.'^ 
35,473 


6,703 

5,910 

1.840 

66,158 

17,008 

21,624 

7,332 

20 

15,567 

2,826 


229,097 

41,858 

27,336 

347,559 

957,764 

104,651 

1,006,476 

274 

801,291 

33,779 


3,246 
14.961 
190 
70,188 
14,300 
3,621 
7,050 


137,139 

95,442 

2. 262 

:!S1 .537 

797,241 
33,129 

813,377 


6,172 

16,170 

815 

68,250 

6,947 
16,319 

6,!i.'iS 


230,665 
76,668 
7,467 
308,649 
412,868 
143,676 
596,836 


6.626 
17,276 


364.982 
14,087 


9,877 
6,138 


239,416 
36,819 


3,657,055 

610.663 

37,065 

4,835,941 

19,116,257 

992,468 

16,659,206 

274 


8,905 
2,504 
2,996 
9,160 


696,602 

5,410,014 

56,325 

2,760,087 


148,738 

65,805 

11,590 

5,606 


703,899 

3,591,033 

160,464 

791,608 


86,682 
65,129 
30,608 

7,170 


628.697 

1,420,856 

199,969 

884,671 


105,136 

11,699 

27,680 

7,363 


619,361 
520,782 
164,640 
724,460 


73,258 
17,951^ 
14,351 
6,714 


328,143 
597,749 
92,660 
683,859 


66,815 
5,096 
3,167 
3,614 


353,415 

160,419 

36,076 

340,692 


2,805 


387,394 


10,167 


598,433 


8,336 


356,672 


16,013 
866 


606,802 
29,481 


24,900 
1,097 


820.962 
21,621 


26,915 


914,429 


25,378 


747,752 


17,575 


384,611 


7,994,786 






























12,336,309 
394,276 














26,788 

302,907 

82,602 


185,785 

19,061,394 

775,391 


87,181 
17S,762 
55,187 


670,796 

7,048,983 

608,628 


41,099 
115,179 
24,150 


310,429 

3,618,633 

134,044 


1,167,010 

256,657,989 

3,972,238 


4,668 
0,099 
s,.... 


448,801 
S7,78D 


22,389,575 
268,148 


526,743 
7,690 


22,476,785 
52,830 


539,866 
18,400 


25,826,07) 
197,471) 


598,448 
2S,423 


37,778,659 
249,480 


662,607 
71,348 


36,291,630 
770,71.'. 


0,052 


63,661 

717,831 

20,666 

23,822,240 


18,618 
13,794 
6,660 

864.S16 


68,362 

486,708 

9,090 

32,071,861 


5,910 

13,616 

200 

838,136 


26,449 

597,264 

1.627 








408,691 
46,666,867 


13,730 
787,096 




607,296 

31,916,473 


16,536 
12,688 


6S1,100 
68,784 


4,463 
22,544 


192,934 
80,473 


148,462 

9,435,308 

348,197 


1,346 
6,170 


16,791 


873,574 


12,085 
1,385 

86r,8«l 


806,457 
n.lhO 

46,639,146 


8,214 
916,061 


, 




3j,086,193 


T,S46 


29,696,437 


822,083 


646,898 


17,699,920 


420,135 


9,726,613 


386,341,683 


g t 136,673 81 
116,935 88 


II « 194,230 81 
174,897 16 


II »K 
U 


16,643 91 
1,401 66 


II « 166,600 96 
148,369 03 


II 8 233,772 84 
217,226 28 


II 9 340,658 31 
326,707 08 


II 8 166,641 86 
146,510 09 


lis 


i6.7:lO 04 
1,332 20 


,| * 2 


1.266 09 
3,004 IS 


1,738,058 66 
1,692,446 04 



} Includes November and December, 1804, and le amount recetved Into treasury, 
tt Is amount recctvod into treasury. 

li Amount due thu treasury, or total ossesHinunt (or State purposes. 
f The last two quarters o( 1880 arc not yet reported to Controller. 



HISTORY OF STOREY COUNTY. 



613 



to enable the owners to work at a depth of 4,0(tO 
feet. The site is 1,000 feet east of tbe working 
shaft of the Consolidated Virginia. The works are 
substantial and combine the latest improvements and 
the results of e.xperience. This machinery is said to 
bo the first that used the direct action for the pur- 
pose of hoisting and pumping. The efficiency of the 
machinerj- is shown by the facts that the engine has, 
since reaching the 700-foot level, raised 3,000 tons of 
water per day, besides raising all the rock and ore 
taken out of both mines below the 1,650-foot level, 
and also the mines adjoining them on the north and 
south. Under the head of " Mining Booms " further 
particulars will be given. 

The Ophir .Mine is one of the oldest, if not the 
oldest discovery of the group, having been mined 
since earlj- in 1859, the bonanza reaching to the 
surface. It has yielded over 810,000,000 in bullion, 
and declared dividends to the amount of $1,594,400. 
The a.ssessments have been 83,088,200. 

Best & Belcher is another of the promising mines, 
the assessments reaching nearly 8500,000. Ore bodies 
have been reported as existing, but no product of 
bullion has proven their value. The mine consists 
of 540 feet on the lode, and is one of the oldest lo- 
cations. 

The Gould & Curry Silver Mining Company was 
incorporated on the twenty-seventh of June, 1860, 
with the following officers: John O. Earl, President; 
J. C. L. Wadsworth, Secretary; VV. C. Ralston, 
Treasurer; Charles L. Strong, Superintendent. 

The claim of the company is centrally located on 
the Comstock Lode, and has yielded 815,644,220.63 
in bullion, most of which has been extracted from 
above the adit levels. 

A prospecting shaft, inclined below the 1,500-foot 
level, has been extended to a vertical depth of 1,900 
feet, disclosing, so far as explored, a vein of unde- 
termined width of very promising ore-bearing mate- 
rial. 

Owing to the great expanse of the lode at this 
central position, it was judged advisable to suspend 
the prospecting operations from this incline, and 
resume its exploitation from a point nearer its east- 
ern confines. 

Another shaft was accordingly commenced 2,285 
feet still further to the eastward, which has, at the 
perpendicular depth of 1,970 feet, or 2,370 feet below 
the croppings, penetrated the easternmost borders of 
the ledge formation. 

The enormous expenditure incurred in sinking 
this east shaft, although primarily a severe tax on 
the shareholders, will ultimately bo of great advan- 
tage in economically working the mine. 

As the necessary buildings are finished, and their 
equipment complete, the cost of continuing the shaft 
to an additional depth of 1,500 feet will be com- 
paratively small, and will bo borne in part by the 
adjacent mine (the Best & Belcher Company). 

Such is the magnitude of the .nineral lead within 



the boundaries of this mine, that it is calculated this 
extreme depth will have been attained before the 
west wall of the oro formation shall have been 
reached. 

The character of the rock exposed in the deepest 
workings continues similar to that which inclosed 
the bonanza existing near the surface. 

In the new shaft, as it progresses downward, the 
indications of the close proximity of another ore 
body are rapidlj^ increasing. 

At the last annual election, held in San Francisco, 
on the twentieth of December, 1880, the following 
officers were elected: \V. S, Hobart, President; A. 
K. Uurbrow, Secretary; H, 11. Penoyer, Superin- 
tendent. 

It is confidently expected that a development of 
value will have been made in this mine before the 
next annual meeting, which will bo satisfactory to 
all the stockholders. 

The works of this (company are among the finest 
on the Comstock, and can bo better appreciated by 
turning to the view, to bo found on another page of 
this volume. 

The Savage was developed to some extent in 18S0 
along with the Ophir, Gould & Curry and other 
mines of an oarly day. The dividends slightl}- ex- 
ceed the assessments, but it has not declared any 
dividends for ten years or more. It is considered one 
of the best explored mines in the range, having mor© 
feet of drifts, cross-cuts and winzes than any mine, 
and has kept the lead in going down, generally 
being some hundred feet in advance of its neighbors, 
thus having the misfortune to strike the largest 
flow of water of any of the mines. Some years 
since a flood of water was encountered on the 2,200- 
foot level, which filled the mine 450 feet; the water 
rushed in so rapidly that the miner.-s had to fly for 
their lives. Pumps were put in capable of throwing 
10,000,000 gallons per month to the surface. Three 
years' constant pumping did not exhaust the head, 
but it still remained as high as tho 2,000 foot level. 
Great trouble was experienced in consequence of the 
breaking of tho pump-rods. Tbe companj- now 
drain, or rather, pump into the Sutro Tunnel which 
intersects tho lode. During tho threeyears of pump- 
ing it was estimated that 1,800,000 tons of water 
were raised to the surface. This water bad a tem- 
perature of 139°. Tho company has powerful 
machinery, and propose to continue the explorations 
to a depth of 4,000 feet. This mine has paid 84,460,000 
in dividends. 

Tho Halo & Norcross adjoins tho Savage, and has 
had to share with that mine the disadvantages of tho 
floods of water. This is a mine of some repute, the 
out-put of bullion having been $7,822,233, and tho 
dividends exceed tho assessments bj- very nearly 
82,900,000. The water is now pumped into the 
Sutro Tunnel. 

Chollar-Potosi is a consolidation of two companies 
bearing tho separate names. They wore incorporated 



614 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



in 1860, and consolidated in 1865. Daring the same 
year an asseissment of 8280,000 was made to pay 
debts and put the mine on a working basis. The 
mine has been, perhaps, as regular in its yield as any 
on the lode. The total product is 813,839,600. The 
company paid forty-four dividends amounting to 
83,079,925; assessments, 81,358,502; in favor of stock- 
holders, 81,721,423. It is said that these two com- 
panies expended 81,000,000 in litigation before agree- 
ing to unite. 

CHOLLAR-NORCROSS-SAVAGE SHAFT. 

This well-known shaft is owned jointly by the 
Chollar-Potosi, Ilale & Norcross, and Savage Mining 
Companies, the three companies representing 2,771.} 
feet of the Comstock Lode. The shaft manage- 
ment is under a Board, constituted of the presidents 
of the companies interested, which is at present 
composed of the following gentlemen: A. K. P. 
Harmon, Chairman; Gen.T. H. Williams, and George 
Condon. Isaac L. Requa was elected Superintend- 
ent at the beginning of the work, and has directed 
the entire operations to the present time. 

The work of sinking the shaft was commenced in 
June, 1875, and is now 2,4C0 feet deep. The shaft 
has four compartments, three being five by six 
feet, and the other six by seven feet in the clear. 
There are two large pumping engines, one known 
as the Coi-nish, and the other as the hj-draulic 
system, the two having a capacity of 3,000 gallons 
per minute, for a height of 800 feet. The hoisting 
engines have a capacity of 1,200 tons each twenty- 
four hours. The machinery connected is of suf- 
ficient power to work from a depth of 3,000 feet. 
The shaft is located 8,500 feet east of the outcrop 
that marks the original surface line of the Corn- 
stock Lode. As the dip of the lode is about 
forty-five degrees east, this shaft should intersect 
the vein at about 3,000 feet from the surface, or 
mouth of shaft. It is the intention of the com- 
pany to prosecute all of their prospecting and ore- 
extracting through this shaft. 

A very correct idea of these works can be 
obtained from the view which may be seen on 
page 120. 

The Bullion Mine, which was obtained by assess- 
ments, has been a grave for about 83,000,000. The 
explorations have extended to a depth of nearly 
2,500 feet. It may bo asked, why expend so much 
monej' on a prospect ? In answer it may be said, 
that the Bullion ground was on the lode, and as 
far as human judgment could say was as likely to 
have a "bonanza" as any other piece of ground 
north or south of it, but it did not have it. One set 
of shareholders after another would sink and drift, 
always finding encouraging indications of a fortune, 
but indications only. The fissure was very wide, 
with considerable quantities of low grade ore, 
which, however, would not pay Tor extraction and 
redaction. 



The Exchequer has much the same history as 
the Bullion. It was explored from the same shaft, 
was managed by the same Superintendent, and the 
stock was probablj- owned by nearly the same par- 
ties. The assessments made were in the vicinity of 
half a million of dollars without returns. 

The Alpha Mine is adjoining the Consolidated 
Imperial and is worked or prospected from the same 
shaft, and is sometimes mentioned as being a part of 
the same. A quarter of a million has been expended 
upon the ground, with about the same results as in 
the Consolidated Imperial. As in that, fine stringers 
of quartz and some ore bodies were found but not 
enough to cover expenses. 

Consolidated Imperial is a consolidation of the 
Imperial, Bacon, Empire, Eclipse, French, Bowers, 
Consolidated Grold Quartz, in all making 468 feet. 
The consolidation was effected in April. 1870, and is 
divided into 500,000 shares. Some of the heaviest 
capitalists of San Francisco and Nevada wore the 
owners, so when we say that nearly a million of dol- 
lars were spent in exploring the ground our readers 
will not be likely to shed any tears over the waste of 
monej'. Considerable bodies of ore were found, 
enough to keep up the hopes of owners, and the 
prospecting went on to the depth of 2,000 feet or 
more. The machinery for hoisting and pumping was 
all first-class and monc}^ was not wanting. All was 
done that mind and monej- could do to develop a 
mine, but a bonanza has not yet been found. The 
mines composing the consolidation wore exceedingly 
rich near the surface, and have produced many 
millions of dollars. 

HOLD HILL (IROUP. 

Though the towns of Gold Hill and Virginia City 
have given names to the difterent groups of mines, 
the dift'orence is more than a vicinity to the respect- 
ive towns. There seems to be a geological division. 
It has been marked by all close observers of the mines 
that the ravines running towards the east from dif- 
ferent points on the Comstock Lode wore in de- 
pressions which owed their existence, to a great 
extent, to the folding of the strata by an upheaval 
transverse to the axis of the Virginia, or Mount Da- 
vidson range, though the subsequent outflows of 
trachyte and andesite, as well as the glacial action 
would essentially modify and change the original 
surface formation. These transverse upheavals have, 
perhaps, had the effect of establishing the locality of 
the ore deposits, or at least of modifying them, much 
as hard points of rock in a river channel would 
form islands or eddies. The fissure seems to make 
a flexure around the foot of Mount Davidson; also 
a flexure outwards or towards the cast in other 
places, and the ore channels seemed to have been 
richest in these outward flexures, or at the junctions 
of the lines of elevation. So that ihe barren places 
between Gold Hill and Virginia City are proliablj- 
the results of eneral laws. It is observed in regard 



1 



HISTORY OF STOREY COUNTY. 



616 



to the characlor ol' ilio two deposits that north of 
Gold Hill the ores were in compaot bodies; south 
in continuous sheets. It is also said that awaj' 
from the foot of Mount Davidson the tissure mani- 
fested a tendency to break out through the propylito 
and leave large bodies of it on the western or foot- 
wall, instead of closely following the junction with 
the syenite. 

The barren ground between the two formations 

were the 

Feet. Ass's up to 1879. 

Bullion 943} . . .82,802,000 

E.\chequer 400 ... 380,000 

Alpha - -466 . . . 240,000 

Imperial Consolidated... 468 ... 875, (lOO 

Challenge 90 ._. 10,000 

Confidence 130 ... 256,32(1 

Total 2,497}. . .84,523,320 

This amount has since swelled fully to 85,000,000. 
Verilj^ mining is a precarious business. John A. 
Church, perhaps as good authority as any, is of the 
opinion that the quartz bodj^ which contained the 
Virginia bonanzas may be seen in embryo on the 
eastern part of the Gold Hill mines, which would 
prove an individual character and separate origin 
of the two deposits. 

The Challenge is a small body of ground prospected 
from a neighboring shaft, with an occasional drift. 
It has a prospective value as long as the Comstock 
continues to have ore on any of its levels. Com- 
paratively but a small sum has been expended upon 
it. 

The Confidence has had a body of paying ore, and 
paid 878,000 in dividends, and has also expended 
something over a quarter of a million in assessments. 
It was worked through the Yellow Jacket shaft, 
the ore body being a part of the Yellow Jacket 
bonanza. 

YEIJ.OW JACKET SILVER MINE 

Was located in the spring of the year 1859, by Bishop, 
Camp, Rogers, and others, and consists of 957 feet of 
the Comstock Lode. It has been worked contin- 
uously since its location, and has produced 814,372,172. 
The company was incorporated Februar^'^ 17, 1863, 
under the then existing laws of the Territory of 
Nevada, and has continued a Xevada incorporation, 
being the only mine on the Comstock Lode that has 
its home office at the mine or in the State of Nevada. 
The present number of shares is 120,000, of the par 
value of 8100 each. 

The mine is at present worked through the new. 
or east shaft of three compartments, two of them 
being for hoisting, five by six and one-half feet each, 
and the third one six and one-half by seven and one- 
half feet for pumps, etc. This shaft was started in 
October, 1876, and on May 1, 1880, reached a depth 
of 3,000 feet (vertical). A sump twenty-seven feet 
deeper, with large drift from same for storage of 
water, has since been completed. This shaft with 
machinery and all improvements has cost up to date 



81,626,520. The machinery consists of a compound 
pumping engine, initial cylinder, thirty-one inches in 
diameter, and expansion oj^lindor sixty-two inches in 
diameter, and both of 144-inch stroke. This engine 
operates a single line of pump-rods sixteen by six- 
teen inch, 3.02O feet long, or thirteen fourteon-inch 
pumps by 12il-inch stroke, raising the water to the 
surface, or about 3,040 feet. Within a few weeks the 
shaft will be connected with the Stitro Tunnel, 1.513 
t'oet below its top, when the present line of pumps 
will be doubled, thereby increasing the present 
pumping capacitj- twice or double. [This connection 
has since been made]. 

The hoisting machinery consists of a pair of direct 
acting engines, each cylinder being twenty-eight 
inches in diameter, with a ninety-six-inch stroke, 
and connected. The winding ropes are of steel wire, 
flat, and weighing about six pounds to the foot, one- 
iialf inch thick, and eight inches wide, operating one 
skeet and one double — double-decked cage, hoisting 
four cars at once, each carrying about one ton of 
rock. In case of emergencj' it can also raise two 
tanks, each holding about 1,300 gallons of water. 
For use of pump shaft there is a double C}'linder com- 
pound geared hoist, each cylinder being eighteen 
inches in diameter with twentj--fonr-iiieh stroke, us- 
ing a flat steel wire rope one-half inch thick by six 
inches wide. Have also for compressing air to run 
drills, pumps, blowers, etc., one Burleigh and one 
Waring compressor, with lap-welded pipe eight 
inches in diameter, extending to the bottom of the 
shaft. There is also a machine and carpenter shoji 
supplied with the most modern tools. The buildings 
are very fine, as will be seen by the view on another 
page, and have a good supplj' of fire hydrants, and 
hose that will reach all parts of the surface property. 
A side-track from the Virginia and Truckee Railroad 
carries wood and material direct to the works. 
Steam for driving the machinery is generated by 
five pairs of tubular boilers, each fifty-four inches in 
diameter, and sixteen feet in length. The present 
officers of this companj- are: F. A. Tritle. President; 
W. N. Mercer Otey, Secretary; Thos. G. Taylor, 
Superintendent; I. E. James, A, M, Cole, B. C. Whit- 
man, and (teorge Wallace, Trustees. 

There is also a transfer office in San Francisco, for 
the purpose of transferring stock, under the direction 
of James Newland, Secretary, and Geo. Wallace, 
Vice- President. 

The Iventuck Mine comprises ninety-four feet on 
the Comstock Lode, next south of the Y'ellow Jacket, 
and is one of the locations of 1859. ,\ rich body 
of ore came to the surface through nearly all these 
Gold Hill claims, and yielded many millions of dol- 
lars before barren ground was reached. The Ken- 
tuck was a long time in bonanza, and, up to 1870, 
had paid 81,252,000 in dividends. The total assess- 
ments have been 8300,000, Active developments 
have been suspended, awaiting the completion of 
shafts on neighboring mines. The capital stock is 



616 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



$3,000,000, divided into 30.000 shares. In 1863, 
shares were selling at from 8400 to 8500 each. The 
mine has 5-ielded 813,389,068, equal to 8142,436.90 
for each lineal foot of the claim. 

The Crown Point was located in 1859 by Nelson 
Brobant and three others, who soon began taking 
out rich ore, but sold their property before any great 
developments were made. The claim comprises 541 1 
feet of the Comstock Lode, lying between the Ken- 
tuck on the north and the Belcher on the south. 
Capital stock, 810,000,000, divided into 100.000 shares. 
When in its first bonanza, which continued till 1867, 
it produced over §2,000,000, and paid about 8300,000 
in dividends, without assessments. For two years 
or more work continued in barren ground, when in 
December, 1869, a drift running on the 1,100-foot 
level came into good ore, which was found to reach 
up to the 900-foot level and downward to the 1,500- 
foot level, with a width in the broadest place of 360 
feet. From this bonanza 811,600,060 was paid in 
dividends. The last dividends were paid in 1875, 
since which time it has been a prospecting mine. 
The total assessments have amounted to 82,575,500, 
and the total dividends to 811,898,000. 

The Belcher Mine comprises 1,040 feet of the lode 
next south of the Crown Point, and dates its location 
among the early days of 1859. No body of paj'ing 
ore was found on the surface, and it continued a pros- 
pecting mine until February, 1871, when the last as- 
sessments — of that period — were paid, and it was 
found to contain a great share of the bonanza 
which had been di-^covcred in the Crown Point. 
Small quantities of bullion had been taken out, but 
assessments were regular. The present incorpora- 
tion has a capital stock of 810,400,000, divided into 
104,000 shares. The mine has paid 815,397,200 in 
dividends, and levied 82,575,500 of assessments. The 
bonanza of the two mines, Crown Point and Belcher, 
produced an aggregate of 858,110,240. 

The Segregated Belcher Mine joined the Yellow 
Jacket bonanza, and was supposed to have a large 
slice of it within its bounds, and was supposed atone 
time to have a portion of the expected Overman 
bonanza, which, however, did not prove very rich. 
About a quarter of a million was spent in explorins; 
without striking anything of value. 

The Overman Mine is one of the most noted and 
important in many respects on the Comstock. It is 
a point of departure for the systems of mines which 
terminate in American Flat and Dayton, having its 
east and west ledgo, both of which have been con- 
sidered as promising investments. The west ledge 
in early days produced a considerable quantity of 
bullion, enough to induce thorough prospecting. 
Subsequently a new shaft was sunk, near 1,500 feet 
east. The assessments have been in the vicinity of 
83,000.000. The amount of bullion is estimated at 
83,239,400. The mine is interesting, as being in the 
locality of the Forman shaft, which is the largest, 
best equipped shaft yet commenced, and is located 



6,000 feet east of the line of croppings. It is not 
expected to strike the vein until a depth of 4,000 
feet is attained. The shaft is L shaped, with four 
compartments, the additional on the side being used 
for a pump. 

The Caledonia is one of the last that is known 
to be on the Comstock fissure, the chain of ore 
deposits dividing at this point, one branch making 
towards American Flat and the other towards the 
Devil's Gate. Opinions, however, differ in this mat- 
ter, and each line of claims has its advocates as 
being the genuine Comstock Lode. Over 81,500,000 
has been spent in explorations. The yield of bul- 
lion is reported 81,645,000. 

A.MERIC.\N FLAT. 

Twenty years since this section ranked high in 
importance. Large croppings of quartz furnished 
satisfactory evidence of the extension of the Com- 
stock Lode in this section, and the town of Ameri- 
can City grew up in view of the expected valuable 
mines. The Globe Consolidated is a union of the 
Globe, Arizona, Jura, and Utah. Its reputation has 
been at times good, 82,000,000 having been taken 
from it in an early day. It is said to contain an 
immense amount of low grade ore. The Baltimore 
Consolidated, Maryland, American Flat, and Rock 
Island have a similar history and character. The 
prospects of all these mines have been such as to 
justify a heavy outlay in exploration, which, so far, 
is barren of any bonanza. It is quite probable that 
when labor and supplies shall be obtainable at figures 
as low as in some parts of California, where quartz 
is extracted from deep shafts and milled at a cost of 
two dollars per ton, American Flat will send forth 
millions of bullion, and give employment to a large 
population. 

OUTSIDE MINES. 

This term is given to a great number of mines 
which lie parallel to the Comstock. Thej- number 
hundreds, perhaps thousands, both oast and west, 
north and south. They have been located with and 
without croppings, in every conceivable place, and 
according to the most absurd theories. All were in 
hopes that a bonanza would come that way. Some 
are high up on Mount Davidson, and some to the 
east. 

The cluster containing the Justice, Now York, 
Lady Washington, Woodville, Alta and Silver Hill, 
is perhaps as promising a field as any of the out- 
sides. The first named reported, in 1877, a bullion 
product of 82,339,057, which came near turning the 
" true fissure " through that mine, and sent shares 
up in all mines in that vicinity. The Justice, if not 
on the Comstock Lode, has many indications in com- 
mon with it. The black dyke, so essential an indica- 
tion on the Comstock, is present. The fissure is 
deep and strong, though transverse to the stratifica- 
tion of the pro])ylite, with well-defined walls, though 
rather irregular and rumpled, twisted, perhaps, 
would be the better term, as the ore body varies in 



HISTORY OF STOREY COUNTY, 



617 



direction from thirty degrees west of north in the 
upper levels, to nearly araagnotie meridian at a depth 
of 1,000 feet. On the surface it is a lenticular mass; 
al a depth of 1,000 feet it is a series of parallel layers 
divided by the prevailing rock. The gangue, or 
inclosing material of the ore, is calcite, a kind of 
limestone. The formation is considered as of much 
importance in studying the Comstoek Lode. 

The other mines mentioned derived their prospec- 
tive value from their vicinity to the Justice. The 
management of the mine has caused a great deal of 
talk in financial circles, and also sevei-al failures of 
prominent capitalists, not of sufficient interest to 
justify a particular description here. 

The Julia Mine is directly east of the Chollar- 
Potosi, and has prospects enough to justify putting 
on extensive machinery and sinking 2,000 feet or 
more. As in nearly all the outsides, there was good 
ore enough occasionally to keep hope alive and draw 
out assessments. It is quite probable that when the 
demoralization of labor and capital, incident to the 
discovery of the bonanzas, shall have been forgotten, 
many of these outsides will become self-supporting 
and perhaps profitable. 

MININU " BOOM." 

This is rather an ambiguous phrase, coined to'meet 
a want on the Pacific Coast of a word to express the 
condition of a community surcharged with hope, 
excitement and activity. A panic is the opposite 
term; in u panic there is no hope, no action, but a 
giving up, a despair, a moral, physical, and intellect- 
ual death. In one case every one sees just ahead 
untold wealth, with its accompaniments of ease, 
honor, and luxurious homes. When a rich mine is 
discovered and there seems a reasonable prospect of 
sharing in the profits, of bettering one's condition, of 
getting out of the terrible soul-killing rut of poverty, 
who can help becoming excited. The excitement gains 
constantly; one man communicates it to another, and 
in a little while every one is anxious to get feet. It 
goes up from day to day. Reports, manufactured 
for the market, come in one after another, confirm- 
ing the most extravagant previous statements, and 
adding others equally exaggerated, and in a short 
time the wisest and coolest lose their heads, fall into 
the stream and add strength to the current. A his- 
tory of the mines without an account of the mining 
excitements, would be very deficient and lame. 
Every new discovery produces a corresponding 
excitement, but the discovery of the great bonanza 
in 1873, as well as the panic which followed the reac- 
tion, completely overshadowed all previous booms 
and panics. The discovery is said to have been 
made in 1874, but it was, in fact, a gradual matter 
occurring during the years 1873-74. 

The California and Consolidated Virginia had been 
barren for several hundred feet above the 1,000- 
foot level; the owners, or principal ones, J. W. 
Mackay, James G. Fair, James C. Flood, and Will- 
iam S. O'Brien, being induced to sink by the pres- 



ence of large ore bodies in the Ophir, and Gould & 
Curry, in neighboring ground. During 1872, assess- 
ments, aggregating 8212,400, had been made, and 
the stock varied greatly as the ])rospects for striking 
ore became bright or dark, varying from 827.00 in 
January, to 8200 in June, and 887.00 in December, 
the shares at this time being 23,000; the minimum 
value being 8637,200, the maximum, 84,720,000. 
(Consolidated Virginia is spoken of here.) At the 
beginning of 1873 the shaft was down 000 feet with- 
out striking anything of importance. A drift which 
had been started north from the Gould & Curry on 
the l,lG7-foot level, to explore the Consolidated 
Virginia, had been carried outside of the lode, but 
had stringers of quartz on the way, which indicated 
an ore body; and when it reached the ground of 
the latter company it was in fair milling ore. On 
crosscutting, the stratum proved to be fifteen feet 
thick. This, of course, placed the mine on a good 
foundation. This strike was about eighty feet north 
of the Best & Belcher claims, ajid was, in fact, 
the extreme south end and upper part of the great 
body of the bonanza, which proved to be of similar 
shape to a double convex, or, perhaps, plano-convex 
lens. Owing to the heat, the crosscutting on the 
Gould & Curry drift was suspended until con- 
nection could be made with the main shaft, which 
was being put down at the rate of three feet per 
day. 

In July, 1873, a stream of hot water was encoun- 
tered in the drift, bringing in so much sand and 
water that work had to bo suspended, leaving the 
shaft only to bo prosecuted, which, in August, had 
reached a depth of 1,100 feet, nearly on a level with 
the Gould & Curry drift. Pumps were put in 
position, and drifting out of ore vigorously com- 
menced. By the end of the month the ore breasts 
at the shaft showed a width of forty feet. The out- 
put of ore was increased to 200 tons per day, and 
a manifest improvement took place in the ore, which 
now milled forty dollars per ton. It was now found 
that the width of the vein at the depth of 1.1G7 feet 
was nearly 400 feet, and the depth was known to 
bo 200. The shipments of bullion had now grown 
to a quarter of a million a month. This account is 
thus given minutely to show that the discover}' of 
the bonanza was no sudden thing to startle people, 
but a matter of regular development. 

In October, of 1873, the Trustees of the company 
increased their capital stock to 810,800,000, repre- 
sented by 108,000 shares at $100 each, which sold in 
the market at considerable less than par. So far the 
California had no existence, or was included in the 
first incorporation but it now was separated and 
incorporated as the California, being composed oCthe 
original California, ("entral (No. 1 and 2) and the 
Kinney Claim, amounting to 600 feet, the shares 
being made to correspond with the Consolidated Vir- 
ginia. May 11, 1874, the company declared their 
first dividend, three dollars to the share, or $324,000. 



618 



fflSTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



In llio ineaiitiinc iLc drill Ijeforu referred to from 
the Gould it Currj-, waf> carried north through the 
California ground and connected with the Ophir, the 
drifts from the shaft at the 1,300 and 1.40n-foot 
levels all being extended north through it, also thus 
proving the extension of the bonanza north at the 
respective levels of 1,167, 1,300 and 1,400 feet, the 
shaft also being sunk to the depth of 1,500 feet. The 
daily output of ore was now 400 tons, still the dix- 
covery was not yet made. It was now known that 
the ore was increasing in value as the depth in- 
creased. It was also found to spread out, and dur- 
ing the summer of 1S74 a systematic eftbrt was made 
to ascertain the extent and value of the ore by run- 
ning through it vertically and horizontally every 
100 feet, literally cutting it into cubical blocks of 100- 
foot sides. During the summer the stock had fluctu- 
ated in the markets from 885 to 8110, (par value 
$100) but on the completion of this crosscutting the 
boom commenced and they went up to 8580, The 
development of the mine has been carefully described 
in order to more fully understand the unparalleled 
excitement that followed. It has been mentioned 
that the ore had continually become richer down to 
the 1,500-foot level. It is now time to introduce the 
boom. A Virginia paper now comes out with double 
beads in caps: — 

HEART OF THE COMSTOCK ! 

A MASS OF SULPHURET AND CHLORIDE ORES ! ! — CRYS- 
TALIZED ORES THAT ARE ALMOST PURE SILVER ! ! ! 
SHINING LIKE A CASKET OF BLACK DIAMONDS. 

In referring to the lowest cross-cut, the paper 

said: — 

This is the cross-cut in which is found the richest 
ore yet discovered in the mine — which has astonished 
all the exi)ert8. It has been bored into the bonanza 
through a mass of chloride and sulphuret ores 
which excites the imagination of all beholders. 
It is now in 205 feet, ninetj'-five feet of which is in 
the extraordinary rich ore of which so much has 
been heard. It was in this cross-cut that was 
encountered, a daj' or two since, the stephanite, a 
species of crystallized ore that is almost pure silver. 
At the distance of 180 feet in on this cross-cut, a 
chamber of about ten feet square has been excavated. 
Its walls on every side are a mass of the finest chlor- 
ide ore, filled with streaks and bunches of the richest 
black Kuli)hurets. In the roof, towards the north 
side, is to bo seen a quantity of stephanite, shining 
like a whole casket of black diamonds. It looks as 
if the whole mass grow richer with ever foot of 
advance. 

Speaking of the next cross-cut south, the paper 

Bays: — 

This cross-cut is in 290 feet, 255 of which is in ore 
of the finest quality. Its face is in ore of the same 
kind as already passed through; no signs of a wall 
or of an end of ore. 

Ores of this kind is known to assay up into the 
thousands, but it would seem impossible that such 
large masses of silver should be depo.sited or even 
created. It never was known; so the writer ^teps 



down to apparently very moderate estimates. By 
strong effort he brings the supposed estimate down 
to 8100 per ton, although it is apparent to thereader 
that 81,000 is little enough. He also reduces the 
size of the deposit about one-half. 

Cutting off such a slice, we find it to be one foot 
thick, 220 feet wide and 300 feet long. In this slice, 
then, are GO, 000 cubic feet, which, thirteen feet to 
the ton, gives a trifle over 5,076 tons, which, at 8100 
per ton, amounts to 8507,600 as the value of one 
slice cut off of but three levels and cut down every 
way we can think of Should we begin at cross-cut 
No. 3 and continue to cut oft' slices of the same size 
till we reach the California line we should find the 
value of all our slices to be 8116,748,000. That the 
average value of this deposit may be safely placed 
at 8200 per ton will hardly be doubted; therefore the 
above figures must be doubled to give the value of 
our slices. This estimate leaves entirely out of the 
count the two levels above, also all that may be in 
the mine below, and is indeed but a small section 
taken out of the mine of a convenient size for 
handling. 

Phillip Deidesheimer, perhaps one of the most 
reliable mining engineers on the Pacific Coast, exam - 
imed the mine as far as explored, and reported as 
follows: — 

I went through the California and Consolidated 
Virginia, and inspected them thoroughly, 1 think 
the bonanza extends so far as is developed, 350 feet 
through Consolidateii Virginia, through the Califor- 
nia, which would be a total distance of !'50 feet, and 
perhaps into the Ophir, My former calculations 
showed that the bonanzas were 600 feet in depth. 
The explorations have been carried 142 feet deeper 
since mj^ last visit, and the ore was the same. The 
explorations upward have shown ore 100 feet above, 
and ore has been struck still 100 feet above that. 
This gives a total increase of the developed height of 
the ore bodj- of 342 feet, or 542 feet in the aggregate, 
and the progress is still through ore of e(|ual richness. 
The probability is that the width will exceed my 
originial calculations. The winze that was sunk a 
few feet from the line of the California in Consoli- 
dated Virginia is 142 feet below the l,5((0-foot level, 
and passing through very rich ore. C'ross-cut, No. 2, 
which is 114 feet south of the California line, on the 
1,500-foot level, is now 31(1 feet in ore, and no wall 
yet. The cross-cut from the 1.550-1'oot level, shows 
ore running up to the tens of thousands, with every 
indication of continuance. The winze ninety-two feet 
below the l,55()fbot level is in very high grade ore, 
averaging, I should think, from 81,000 to 81,500 per 
ton. 

I assert that there is already to be shown in the 
two mines, California and Consolidated Virginia, 
81,500,0(10,0(10 of ore. 1 make this assertion and 
am willing to stand by it. I think it will be ])erfectly 
safe to say that the ore will average 82110 per ton. 
I have examined drifts, l.")(lfeet in ore that averaged, 
ton ]ier ton as it was taken out, 820(1 per ton. I 
have examined di-ifts 15(1 feet in ore that averaged, 
ton per ton as it was taken out, 8500. 1 should say 
that Consolidated Virginia and California are worth 
at least 85,(100 i)er share; that is, I have no doubt 
but that amount will be paid out in dividends, I 
have been mining twenty-four years, or most of my 
life-time, I am very careful about my statements. 

The Superintendent of both mines, James Of. Fair, 



1 



TTTSTORY OF STOREY COUNTY. 



619 



confirmed these statements in his annual report made 
December 31, 1874. Other statements in addition, 
that the ground to the south was entirely unexplored ; 
that none of the cross-cuts have yet reached the 
eastern boundary; that a double winze had been 
sunk from the l,r)r)0-foot level, 147 feet, passing 
through rich ore, and the bottom is now in ore of 
equal value to any j-et found, still left room for the 
wildest expectations with regard to the possible 
wealth of the new discovery. 

The discovery- of such a vast bodj- of silver ore was 
justly deemed of national importance and 11. H. Lin- 
derman. Director of the mint, with Prof R. E. Rogers 
wore caused to make an official examination. They 
confirmed to a great extent, the reports of previous 
examinations; the less e-stimates, when they are less, 
were considered as only modest depreciations, 
lest the public should decline to credit their reports. 
No mining boom or excitement ever had such good 
foundation. But one man saw the gold gravel 
lying in illimitable quantities in Gold Lake. One 
man only had seen Greenwood Valley, where gold 
could be picked up by the bushel. Gold Bluff's, Fra- 
zer River, Kern River, and the Cariboo Mines all had 
but a thousandth part of the foundation that the big 
bonanza hnd, but they stirred California to the foun- 
dation. On each occasion it seemed as if the cities 
were going to be depopulated; but there was no 
room for doubt here — 81,500,000,000, certainly, with 
a probability of twice as much and a possibility of 

, there was but one doubt, one question. 

Would not silver depreciate so as to render it unfit 
for a circulating medium ? That a general fear that 
this was imminent is shown in the fact that several of 
the large commercial powers demonetized silver. 
But logic was very accommodating, and political 
economists soon proved that a vast stream of silver 
had always flowed to the eastern nations, a quantitj- 
amounting to millic^is every year, none of which 
ever returned; that a plethora of silver was impos- 
sible, and the •' boom '' continued. Xever did such 
a demoralization occur to a community. Bankers, 
whose hair had grown graj- in watching the ups and 
downs of a market, money lenders, who never 
advanced a cent without double security and quad- 
ruple interest, retired capitalists, who had salted 
their money down in United States Bonds for old 
age, manufacturers, merchants and their clerks, 
farmers and their harvest men, mechanics and their 
apprentices, wives and widows, mothers and daugh- 
ters, mistress and servant, all, ])Oured in their orders 
for stocks. A husband parting from his wife, a lover 
from his mistress, gave a share or two of Consolidated 
Virginia or California as a happy reminder of his 
affection. Three stock boards in San Francisco could 
scarce transact the business of buying and selling 
that grew out of it. In Virginia Citj* the excitement 
was not less intense. The finest building on the coast 
was erected for one of the boards of brokers. Capi- 
tal was withdrawn from every legitimate business 



to invest in stocks. Real estate was mortgaged to 
the last cent at ruinous rates, to purchase stocks on 
a margin. Men borrowed money, time and again, 
agreeing to double it for its use a short time. The 
shares, 108,000 in each company, went up to five or 
six hundred each, and the dividends of each of the 
mines wore over a million a month for sixteen 
months. If such an excitement never was seen, 
neither were such mines. Shares went up all along 
the Comstock, all of them sharply advancing, and 
some in a manner similar to the bonanza mines. 
Flood, Mackaj-, O'Brien, and Fair were credited 
with owning three-fourths of the shares in the 
respective companies, and they would of course sell 
— when they could get twice or thrice as much as 
their stock was worth. Who would not? And so 
they supplied the demand. To give all a better 
chance to buj-, the shares were increased five for one, 
making r)40,00() for each company, the California in 
February, 1875, and the Consolidated Virginia a 
year later. 

The reaction came at last. No community could 
stand such a fever long. Somebody must work, or 
the people^vvill starve. In January, 1875, the Cali- 
fornia touched S780, and the Consolidated Virginia 
§700. From that point it fell away in s]>itc of the 
constant dividends. It was known to be manipulated 
by a few men who could stop dividends, stop work, 
flood it with water, or otherwise impair the value of 
the stock at their will. The great fire of October, 
when Virginia Cit}' was destroyed, sent the stock 
down to 8210. Dividends were paid as usual, though 
the surface works and much of the shaft was 
destroyed, out of the reserved funds. 

From that date to this there has been a general 
decline in the value of mining stocks on the Com- 
stock Lode, and though an occasional flutter occurs 
in prices, the thousands who invested their hard 
earnings in the certificates of shares, turn away 
heart-sick as the prices recede daj- by day. Those 
who built fine residences costing 800,000 to a 8100, (M.'O; 
those who built modest cottages; those who thought 
to lift themselves above the drudgeries of dailj- 
labor, have been disappointed and obliged to sur- 
render all. 

There is. of course, much bitter feeling existing 
toward the Bonanza Kirm who sold Iho stocks at 
these rates. Books have been published charging 
fraud and corruption, but in looking over the history 
of the mines the record of the Great Honanza docs 
not show more sharp dealing, more sales at boom 
rates, than most men, especially stock-brokers, would 
willingly make for the resulting profits. 

KLL'rTi;.\TIoNS OK .STOCKS. 

This history is not intended to be a record of 
stock transactions. The reader if not satisfied with 
general results, will have to consult the voluminous 
records of the half-dozen stock exchanges which 
transacted the immense business pertaining to th;- 
mines. The list of prices for 1875 and 1880 show 



620 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



1 



tho great fluctuation of stocks incident to a discov- 
ery of a bonanza in any of them: — 

Jan., 1875. Val. Feb., 1880. 

$ 299,000 8 110,000 

2,100,000 500,000 

9,500,000 850,000 

8,508,000 516,600 

31,752,000 504,000 

84,240,000 675,000 

75,600,000 1,026,000 

9,612,000 680,400 

7,776,000 270,000 

20,280,000 89,600 

8,848,000 324,000 

20,280,000 369,000 

6,000,000 165,000 

42,500,000 110,000 

1,350,000. 87,000 

11,500,000 25,000 

875,000 25,000 

1,622,640 56,160 

20.880.000 186,000 



Name. Val. in 

Utah .- 

Sierra Nevada 

Union Consolidated 

Mexican - - 

Ophir 

California 

Consolidated Virginia.. 

Best & Belcher 

Gould & Curry 

vSavage 

Hale & Norcross 

Chollar-Potosi 

Bullion 

E.xcheiiuer 

Alpha. 

Consolidated Imperial.. 

Challenge 

Confidence 

Yellow Jacket 

Kentuck 

Crown Point 

Belcher 

Segregated Belcher 

Overman 

Caledonia 



780,000. 
4,750,000. 
5,980,000. 
1,056,000. 
11,404,800. 
5,700,000. 



37,500 
100.000 
83,200 
25,600 
69,120 
20,000 



§393,253,440 $6,905,580 

It will be seen at a glance that most of these 
values were purely speculative. When one stock 
took a rise, all the rest sympathized. The thermom- 
eter of values was in the public and not in the 
mines. It is believed, however, that January, 1874, 
saw the highest point of the mass of values. There 
were other prominent periods in values. In 1868 the 
Yellow Jacket sold at 81,750 per foot; the Hale & 
Norcross, 87,100; Crown Point, 82,350. These high 
rates were followed bj^ depressions. A new discov- 
ery ^^ould send them up. The last grand rally was 
made in 1878, when the Sierra Nevada went from 
$5.25 in July, to 8260 in October. 

Long since, stock speculators have been governed 
more by the temper of the public than the prospects 
of tho mines. The question is not whether the mine 
is a safe investment, but whether the market is rising 
or falling. It is not strange that fortunes wore made 
by a few when the public were so ready to buy at 
any rates. 

WILLIA.M .MOONEY 

Is a native of Ireland; was born in January, 1838. 
Came to the United States when but four j-ears of 
age, and located at Hartford, Connecticut, where he 
remained until he reached tho age of twenty years. 
The education hi; received in the " land of wooden 
nutmegs," was of service to him in after life. In 
1850 ho came to San Francisco, California, but did 
not stay there any length of time, going direct to 
-Marysville, Yuba County, where ho was extensively 
engaged in tho cattle business, until 1860, when be 
was almost ruined by the rising of the rivers to such 
a degree that his pro])erty was swept away. At 
this time he called to his aid his native pluck and 



energy, that has been characteristic with him all 
through his eventful life, and struck out for new 
fields, wherein to glean another harvest. Among 
the early pioneers we find him treading the soil of 
Nevada, in the year 1860. From Virginia City he 
went to Humboldt, but returned in 1861, and accepted 
a position in a livery stable, where he worked by 
the month until, in 1862, he opened a stable of bis 
own, on the same spot where he may bo found 
to-day, one of the most prominent livery men in tho 
State. Mr. Mooney was married in Washoe City, 
May 1, 1867, to Miss Emma Smith, of Pleasant 
Valley. Their union has been blessed with three 
children, two boj-s and one girl. 

ACCIDENTS IN THE MINES. 

Mining, by general consent, is conceded to be a 
dangerous occupation. The utmost care on the part 
of Superintendents can not avert all danger. The 
great depth, the eternal darkness, dispelled only by 
the feeble light of a tallow candle; the giving away 
and crushing of the timbers in some of tho numerous 
chutes and drifts, precipitating rock or dirt down 
upon the miner hundreds of feet below; the genera- 
tion of poisonous or explosive gases; the danger 
from floods of water, which may come at any time 
with overwhelming ra])idity: and last, but not least, 
fire, all combine to make deep mining one of tho 
most dangerous avocations which can be followed. 
To add to the unavoidable dangers, tho minors, 
braving death in so many forms, become reckless, 
seemingly balancing themselves on the brink of 
destruction, with little care which way they fall. 
Let one unused to mining stand at tho mouth of 
a deep shaft that goes 2,000 feet or more down into 
the earth, and see the men scuffling for places on 
tho tub or cage; see them clinging on the outside, 
where the slightest indiscretion will precipitate them 
against jagged rocks 1,000 feet below, or subject 
them to the danger of having *n arm or head torn 
off against tho timbers of the shaft while descend- 
ing in the bucket, and the wonder is that more are 
not killed. It has been said that the deaths from 
accident in the Comstock mines average one a month. 
Sometimes there are none for weeks, then they may 
succeed each other with startling rapidity; but the 
generality of them have so accustomed themselves 
to see a man brought out of the shafts maimed, 
limp, and lifeless, or torn in pieces, that, beyond a 
passing remark, it excites no comment, being regarded 
as a thing of course. 

THE YELLOW JACKET DISASTER, 

\Vhich occurred April 7. 1809, was so fatal in its 
mortality that the date has been reckoned as tho 
black day. The fire started in the 8U0-foot level 
about seven a. .m., and was doubtless caused by some 
one of the retiring night-shifl leaving a candle 
among tho dry and almost half-charred timbers 
which have taken the place of tho ores extracted at 
that depth. A ])art of the day's shift had been low- 
ered into the Yellow Jacket, Crown Point, and 




♦-»«- 



1 



HISTORY OF STOREY COUNTY. 



621 



Kentuck before the flames burst oat. When the 
peril was discovered the fire alarm was sounded, 
and the fire companies of Gold Hill and Virginia 
City responded with alacritj'. Simultaneously with 
the fire alarm the smoke, thick and dark, was seen 
coming up from the shaft, and then it was known 
through both towns that men were being burned 
in the mines, or smothered by the noxious gases. 
Many of the miners who were perishing below bad 
wives and children in the town. These, with others, 
came to the works. When they saw the hopeless 
situation they had to be restrained from throwing 
themselves into the burning pit, for the instinctive 
thought of woman is, that ''if 1 were only there I 
could do something for them." The fire companies 
could do but little towards starving the fire, and but 
a few were got out alive, and these by retreating 
into the adjoining mines. Some were suffocated 
while flying along the lower galleries; some made 
their way to the shafts onlv to fall into the devour- 
ing flames. The sulphurous vapors generated bj- 
the fierce fire against the mineral rocks filled the 
lower levels, and rendered it almost impossible to 
recover the bodies even. During that and the fol- 
lowing day twenty-three bodies had been recovered. 
On the 000- foot level of the Crown Point, nine men 
were found in one heap. Thej- had attempted to 
unjoint an air pipe to get fresh air. On the morn- 
ing of the tenth it became certain that no more per- 
sons could possibly remain alive, and shafts were 
closed up, and steam turned through the ventilators. 
The fire burned in some portion of the mine for 
three 3'ears. Several bodies not recovered vverc sup- 
posed to have been destroyed by the fire which 
burned in the closcd-up galleries. 

Thirty-six persons were destroyed, the bodies of 
twenty -seven being recovered and identified: — 

J. McLellan, Richard Bickle, John Ilogan, John 
Hallisey, George Tompkins, James Peters, Patrick 
Quinn, Patrick Buckley, John Rowen, John Bickle, 
Joseph Mathews, Anthony Toy, Peter Blowin, Thos. 
McCo}-, Patrick Ilogan, Archie McDougal, A. G. 
Grant, William Mitchell, William Jewell, Edward 
Jewell, Jeremie Chennette, Thos. McCallum, Johna- 
than Jones, Harry Stevens, Thomas Toland, Matt. 
Tooney, and Michael MeCormido. 

September 19, 1873, another fire occurred in the 
Yellow Jacket Mine, caused by sparks from a forge. 
Several explosions occurred, killing four men, and 
wounding about a dozen more. The Kentuck, 
Crown Point, and Belcher, being connected with 
the Yellow Jacket, were more or less injured. 

Names of killed: W. S. Broadwater, James Nilcs, 
Thomas Cusic, and James Waters. May 2, 1874, 
owing to the bad working of the cage, Cornelius 
McCarty and Richard Pierce were fatally injured, 
and several others severely. 

CHARLES ZIEOLEU 

Was born in the town of Lagenzelza, Germany, in 
the year 1831. He was the youngest son of five 
78 




PHOTO av JOHN S NOe. VIRQINIA. NEV 



Chas. 



Ziegler 



children, and resided with his parents in various 
parts of Germany until he reached his eighteenth 
year, at which time he left his home and the friends 
of his youth, and came to America, on the ship 
Xhxanihr /., arriving in New York Citj- June 30, 
1S49; from thence he went to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, 
and engaged in the butcher business, following that 
trade for about one 5'ear, when he was compelled to 
seek out-door employment on account of bis health, 
and for two years was a farmer. In 1852 he started 
for California, but upon reaching a point in Iowa, he 
changed his plans and remained in that State about 
four months. During the next two years he traveled 
through the Southern Slates, working at his trade 
in New Orleans, Louisiana, Natchez, Mississippi, 
Louisville, Kentuckj-, and several other places, 
remaining but a short lime in a place. In 1855 wo 
find him in Keokuk, Iowa, working as a journeyman 
at the same old business. In September, 1S56, he 
was married to .Miss Mary Murray-, and settled down 
in business for himself, and for eight years was very 
successful in the butcher business, also had a meat- 
market and store. In May, 1864, he started for 
California once more, accompanied by his family 
and a splendid outfit worth 810,000. During the long 
and tedious trip acro.ss the ))lains he sufl'ored lieavj- 
losses, and when ho reached the Sierra Nevada 
Mountains ho decided to go to Virginia City, Nevada, 
instead of ("alifornia, and arrived at his present 
place of residence October 10, 1804. Although he 
had witnessed the disappearance of his hard-earned 
property while on his trip, his energy, pluck and 
perseverance soon placed him on a firm footing, and 



G22 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



i/ 



he is to-day one of- the most prosperous and inde- 
pendent business men of Virginia City, conducting 
two butcher shops and a general market. He is in 
every respect a self-made man, and rejoices in the 
esteem and confidence of his fellow-citizens; is 
the father of six children, four sons and two 
daughters, who, in connection with his estimable 
wife, comprise his family. 

ANECDOTE OP " SANDY" BOWERS. 

In the history of the Comstock Lode a thousand 
anecdotes could be related, tragic, pathetic and comic. 
Partaking of the two latter classes is the following 
of Sandy Bowers, of whom some particulars are 
related in Chapter Yl. 

Lemuel S. Bowers, commonly known as " Sandy," 
was an ignorant, easy-going frontiersman, happen- 
ing, in 1859, to be mining for gold in Gold Cafion by 
the simple process of washing the mineral-bearing 
earth in a rocker, and as developments continued 
found that his claim of ten feet covered a portion of 
the Comstock Lode. Adjoining was a claim of the 
same dimensions belonging to Mrs. Cowan, who also 
resided in the canon and was washing and cooking 
for the miners. The two married, and the claims 
became one, proving of extraordinary richness. In 
a few years they were overwhelmed witli wealth. 
Too ignorant of business, they knew nothing of pru- 
dent or cautious investments, and became the tools of 
harpies. The now wealthy couple were advised — as 
a good joke — to take a tour through Europe to sec 
the sights and become polished in accordance with 
the station they were in the future to occupy. They 
were also advised to build a palace worthy such a 
party to reside in. Accordingly in 1801 the "Bowers 
Mansion " was commenced in the wilderness of 
Washoe Valley. Before leaving for Europe Sandy 
was told that the proper thing to do was to give a 
banquet. " Banquet goes," said Sandj-, and the 
International Hotel of Virginia City was engaged'for 
the occasion. Every obtainable luxury was ordered 
which Virginia or San Francisco could furnish. 
Champagne was to be as free as water in a spring 
flood. Everybody was'invited. Toasts were drank 
and in response to "Our host," Mr. Bowers was 
called upon to reply. He arose and delivered the 
following characteristic speech. 

"I've been in this yer country amongst the fust 
that come here. I've had powerful good luck, and 
I've got money to throw at the birds. Thar ain't no 
chance for a gentleman to spend his coin in this 
country, and thar ain't nothin' much to see, so me 
and Mrs. Bowers is agoin' to Yoorop to take in the 
sights. One of the great men of this countrj^ was 
in this region a while back. That was Horace 
Greeley. I saw him and he didn't look like no great 
shakes. Outside of him the only great men I've seen 
in this country is Governor Nye and Old Winne- 
mucca. Now mo and Mrs. Bowers is goin' to 
Yoorop to see the Queen of England and the other 



great men of them countries, and I hope you'll all 
jine in and drink Mrs. Bowers' health. Thars 
plenty of champagne, and monej' ain't no object." 
Sandy and his wife spent several years abroad, 
purchased much elegant furniture, laces and pictures 
for his mansion in Washoe, which was erected at a 
cost of over §400,000, and returned, and still had 
" money to throw at the birds;" the hawks and vul- 
tures, and other birds of prey getting the greater 
portion. Without any good missionary to instruct, 
or any strong friend to advise and direct he continued 
to throw money at the birds with the approval and 
encouragement of flatters, sycophants and robbers, 
and his princely fortune was wasted. His widow 
earns a precarious livelihood near the scenes of her 
former toils —and glory. 



CHAPTER LIV. 
HISTORY OF WASHOE COUNTY. 

Explorations and Settlements — Petition to the County Court — 
John Twaddle — Andrew Saner — Abandoned by the Mor- 
mons — Miners Take Possession — Organization and County 
Seat — Court House, .Jail and Hospital — Lumber and Quartz 
Mills — Removal of the County Seat — Locatinn and Ereetion 
of Buildings — Poor Kami and Hospital- — Kree Bridge Con- 
structed — Financial and Political Condition — .-Yppointments 
and Elections — W. A. Walker — K. S. Osburn — Death I'en- 
alty Inflicted — .Agricultural Lands and Products — Ervin 
Crane — W. D. Harden — A. A. Longley — George Smith, 
Sr.— George S. Smith— Granvdle \V. HufiTaker— T. G. 
Herman — Isaac H. Ball — Principal Irrigating Canals — Reno 
in its Early Days — W. 1{. Cliamlx-rlain — Henry Lyman 
Fish — Protection against Fire — Property Destroyeil by Fire 
— Infested by B.ul Characters — The Association of "001 " — 
Efforts to Incorporate — L. W. Lcc — Episcopal Seminary — 
Mount St. Mary's Academy — Hebrew Benevolent Society — 
Principal Towns and Cities — Steamboat Springs — Jos.'ph 
Frey — .lames Sullivan. 

ALTHonr.ii it is probable that some of the Amer- 
ican trappers that penetrated into this region as 
early as 1832 may have traversed the country now 
embraced within the limits of this county, j-et there 
is no record of any visit prior to that of Lieutenant 
Fremont, on his second exploring expedition. He 
came down from Oregon through Roop County, and, 
on the tenth of January, lS4i, discovered and named 
Pj'ramid Lake, and on the fifteenth came to the 
mouth of the Truckee River, which he named 
Salmon Trout River. Following up the stream to 
the bend, ho left the river and continued south on 
the seventeenth, thus passing out of the county. 
An emigrant parly, pas.sing through in the fall of the 
same year, gave the stream its present name, as is 
related in the portion of this volume devoted to a 
history of the State. 

Though not the earliest settled portion of the 
Slate, still Washoe Vallej' was known and Truckee 
Meadows were known by the earliest emigrants, 
those that passed through to California prior to the 
gold discover}'; subsequent to that event, thousands 
passed up the valley orlbllowed up the winding course 
of the beautiful Truckee, stoiqiing for a few days of 
rest, and to permit their jaded and half-famished 



4 



HISTORY OF WASHOE COUNTY. 



623 



stock to recruit Hpon the rich grass that grew bo 
luxuriantly along the watcr-coursea. For the ten 
years immediately succeeding 1849, no winter passed 
but found belated emigrants encamped at the base 
of the Sierra awaiting the opening of the snow- 
blocked passes by the dissolving hand of spring. 
The fate of the Donner party, and the well-known 
hardships and perils, even unto death, encountered 
by those who had attempted the passage of the sum- 
mits after winter had laid upon them his embargo 
of snow, deterred them from making the hazardous 
attempt, and they encamped for the season in the 
valley. Snow fell in the valley but seldom more than 
to a depth of from six to twelve inches, and the rank 
growth of grass, from two to three feet high, was 
always a plentiful supply of food for the animals. 
Upon this they feasted ainl fattened until spring, when 
they were able to easily pull their loads across the 
intervening mountains to the goal their now impa- 
tient masters were so eager to reach. 

It will be observed that the spelling of the name 
of the valley was ditterent from that in vogue at 
present, and is, no doubt, the more proper; the well- 
known faculty of the heedless miners of corrupting 
foreign or un-English words into a similaritj- to 
English, having, as soon as the great influx of 
strangers set in, changed Wassau to Washoe. 

Passing bj' these transient sojourners, it is found 
that no actual settlement was made until 1852, when 
a man named Clark built a little cabin in a lovely 
spot near the present site of Franktown. This was 
just at the base of the mountains where a small 
jutting ridge, covered with fine timber, reached out 
beyond the base of the hills. To his beautiful jilace 
he gave the name of " The Garden of Eden." The 
next year a man afterwards known as Old Man Kose, 
who, as a belated emigrant, bad spent the previous 
winter in the mouth of King's Canon, in Eagle 
Valley, came across the Divide and settled in Washoe 
Valley, on the Simons Place. He also took uj) a 
ranch in Eagle Vallej'. G. W. Dodge and John 
Campbell, who had been working in the placer mines 
of Gold Canon, took up what is now known as the 
Bowers Ranch in 18.")3. The place now occupied by 
Theodore Winters was settled the same year by a 
German named Christopher West. Clark took his 
departure that year, leaving but four men in the 
valley, Eose, Dodge, Campbell and West. 

The first permanent settlement in the Truckee 
Meadows was made by a Mormon named Jamison, 
who came up from ("arson Valley in 1852, and estab- 
lished Jamison's Station, on the Truckee River, where 
he traded with the emigrants, buj-ing their lean and 
exhausted stock, or trading good cattle for them. 
The poor cattle which he bought were quickly fat- 
tened and put in good condition by the rich grass 
that skirted the banks of the beautiful stream. Ar- 
riving at this station and others established on the 
various routes of travel, footsore and weary from 
their long tramp across the alkali desert, their pro- 



visions nearly exhausted, their cattle jaded and use- 
loss from overwork and lack of nourishment, the 
emigrants were able to lay in provisions for the bal- 
ance of their journe)-, and to procure good cattle to 
replace those unfitted for further use, or whoso bones 
la)' whitening on the scorched sands of the desert. 

In June, 1854, the companj' of Mormons, headed by 
KIder Orson Hyde, arrived in Carson Valley, and in 
the summer of 1855, Alexander Cowan and ■wife, 
now Mrs. Sandy Bowers, came to Washoe Valley, 
and purchascJ the Bowers Ranch of Dodge & Camp- 
bell. William Jennings bought the ranch occupied by 

(Christopher West. Clayton, Seth Dustin, Edwin 

Walker. John Hawkins, and others, also came to the 
valley and took up ranches. Elder Hydo was pleased 
with the location, and commenced the erection of a 
saw-mill at Franktown, as the little center of the 
.-•ettlement was named. The saw-mill was comjileted 
that fall, and Elder Hj-de started from Mormon Sta- 
tion late in October, with a companion named Willis 
Lewis, to cross the mountains to Placerville, Cali- 
I'ornia, to procure machiner)-. They were caught in 
a severe snow-storm, and Lewis declined to proceed, 
and endeavored to return. He was never heard of 
again, and his bones, washed by the driving rains 
and covered by the drifting snows, no doubt lie in 
home secluded s])ot in the beautiful Sierra, whose 
lowering peaks reveal no*, the many tragedies they 
have witnessed. After a desperate struggle to free 
himself from the encompassing snow, Elder Hyde 
finally reached the station completely exhausted, his 
feet frozen so badlj- that their preservation was de- 
spaired of For several months he went upon crutches, 
and it was a long time before he fully recovered from 
the effects of the terrible exposure that had been 
fatal to his j'oung companion, and bad brought him 
so near the brink of death. 

The mill was comiiietcd the following spring, and 
contained two saws, one circular and one upright, 
and immediately commenced sawing lumber from the 
thick growth of timber that covered the mountain 
sides. From this time onward frame houses began 
to take the place of the rude log cabins first built by 
the settlers, and the valley began to assume a more 
cheerful aspect. 

In 185G another party of Mormons arrived from 
eastern Utah, some twenty or thirty families in all, 
and settled chiefly in Washoe Valley. This was 
quite an addition to the population of Franktown, 
which then became quite an important portion of Car- 
son County, Utah, of which it was then a part. 

Tho following is a copy of a document on file in 
the oflRco of the Secretary of State, and is given for 
several reasons, but chiefly because it bears the 
names of a number of tho original locators of 
Franktown: — 

PETITION TO THE COUNTY COURT. 

To fhe Honorable, the County Court of Carson Count]/, 
ijreeting — 

We, tho citizens of Franktown, Wassau Valley. 



624. 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA 



do hereby petition your most honorable body, that 
you do, at j-our earliest convenience, grant to the 
citizens of this valley the privilege of locating a 
road for the conveuicnco of the public, running as 
follows: — 

Commencing at the southwest corner of the 
city plat of Franktown, and running thence south, 
or as near south as the lay of the country will per- 
mit, to C. Loveland's ranch, and thenco east to the 
county road. 

We, the undersigned, consider this an essential 
road, and if your honorable body will grant the 
privilege for the same, j-our petitioners, as in duty 
bound, will ever pray. Furthermore, we wish this 
road to run north to the north end of Wassau Val- 
lej', on the same parallel. 

Leonard Wines, R. Bentley, 

Seth Dustin, M. D. Hambleton, 

William Jennings, P. G. Sessions, 

Albert Dewey, C. Godfrey, 

E. Kelley, E. Thompson, 

Edwin Walker, P. A. Jaekman, 

A. B. Cherry, G. P. Billings, 

Isaac Hunter, E. Brown, 

A. S. Pendleton, C. Layton, 

E. C. Foss, G. C. Coleman, 

Alex Cowan, John Hawkins. 

Franktown, Wassau Valley, February 22, 1857. 

JOHN TWADDLE 

Was one of the pioneers of Nevada. He was a 
native of Scotland, and was born on the twentieth 
of July, 1825, near the city of Edinburgh. In 
1848 he came to the United States, and located 
near St. Ijouis, Missouri, where for five years he 
was engaged in mining. In the year 1853 he 
crossed the plains to Suit Lake City, Utah, where 
he resided seven years, at which time he removed 
to the western part of the Territory, now called 
Nevada, and located in Washoe Valley. In com- 
pany with his brother they decided to make this 
their future home. Their claim was near where 
the little town of Franktown now stands. The 
brothers lived together for nine years, when the 
subject of our sketch sold out to his brother, and 
located further down the valley, where ho lived until 
the date of his death, November 15, 1879. He 
was married March 6, 1846, to Miss Jane Brown, 
who, with their three children, still occupy the old 
home. 

ANDREW SAUER, 

The subject of the following sketch, is a native of 
Germany. Ho was born in the village of Dielheim, 
on the fourteenth of January, 1829. In the year 
1850 he lell the land of his birth, and emigrated to 
the United States, locating first at Cincinnati, Ohio, 
where ho lived three years. At the end of which 
period he came to the Pacific Coast, and s])ent the 
succeeding six years, jjartl}' in the mines, and the 
remainder in the butchering business, which he suc- 
cessfully followed in Amador, Sacramento, and El 
Dorado Counties. Mr. Sauer is a shrewd business 
man; one that is bound to succeed wherever his lot 
may be cast. A desire to sec more of his adopted 
country led him to Nevada, as one of the early 



pioneers, in the year 1859, and located in Washoe 
Valley, where he has since resided. Ho was mar- 
ried June 21, 1859, to Miss Catharine Baker, and is 
blessed with nine living children at the present time, 
four boys and five girls. 

ABANDONED BY THE MORMONS. 

The recall of the .Mormons b}' Brigham Young, in 
1857, nearly depopulated the thriving community of 
Franktown, leaving but two ladies in the settlement, 
Mrs. John Hawkins, whose husband did not return 
with the others; and Mrs. Alexander Cowan, who 
refused to accompany her husband back to the home 
of Mormondom. Those who returned were com- 
pelled to sacrifice their farms and improvements, 
selling them for whatever they could obtain. Wm. 
Sides bought Moore's property for 8200, which was 
paid in provisions and stock. Other ranches were 
purchased for like small amounts, and the saw-mill 
was sold to Rose for a small sum. Winters & 
Brother bought Jenning's ranch; and Clayton's was 
sold to two Germans, Charles Sheets and one called 
Dutch Mack. About fifty Mormons returned to 
Salt Lake City from the vicinity of Franktown, leav- 
ing the population at a very low ebb. 

Jamison's Station remained the only settlement 
along the Truckee for several years, the majority of 
emigrants coming by the Carson River i-oute. A 
great many, however, followed the old route from 
the sink of the Humboldt to the Big Bend of the 
Truckee, or the Lower Crossing, now Wadsworth, 
continuing then up the stream and crossing the 
mountains by the DonnerLake route. In 1857 John 
F. Stone and Charles C. Gates established a post on 
the Truckee, at what was afterwards known as Stone 
& Gates' Crossing, now Glcndale. Thej' were soon 
followed by Henry Miller, Watson Sturtcvant, J. H. 
Sturtcvant, L. C. Savage, Pelcg Brown, Richard 
Martin, L. P. Drexler, G. W. lluffaker and Mr. 
Sloan, who were the original settlers in Truckee 
Meadows. 

A few months after the Mormon adherents left 
their prosperous settlements, at the dictation of Brig- 
ham Young, fully as large a company of apostate 
Mormons arrived here from Salt Lake, having aban- 
doned the City of the Saints, disgusted with its 
wickedness and crime. Many of those settled in 
Washoe Vallcj', and thus brought the pojiulation up 
to what it had been the year before. These, with 
other settlors that dropped in, one by one, gave quite 
a population to the young communitj'. 

MINERS TAKE POSSESSION. 

Such was the condition of the Washoe Valley and 
vicinity when the announcement of the great dis- 
covery on Mount Davidson brought the armj' of 
miners and adventurers from California. One of the 
leading routes of travel was by way of the Ilonness 
Pass, or by Donncr Lake, and down the banks of the 
Truckee to one of several crossings, and thence to 
Virginia City. Thousands who came by this route 
passed through Washoe Valley, many of them stop- 



1 



HISTURY OF WASHOE COUNTY. 



625 



ping to avail themselves of the many peculiar ad- 
vantages ottered there by nature. Abounding in 
water, already well covered with farms and meadow 
lands, bordered on the west by mountains covered 
with a dense growth of pine and fir, the valley was 
ready for the hand of enterprise. The little town 
of Franktown, with its one saw-mill, began to be of 
importance. The absence of both wood and water 
from the vicinity of the Comstock compelled the 
miners to depend upon the supply of those necessary 
articles from without. Saw-mills were built in the 
mountains, and lumber and wood prepared in groat 
quantities and conveyed across the valley and inter- 
vening mountains to the scene of activity. Produce 
of every kind i'rom the farms, especially hay and 
barley, were in great demand, and more land was 
brought under cultivation, the yield of the farmer's 
toil bringing high prices. 

The population of this county began to increase, 
and the census of 1860 showed that there were fifty- 
eight families and 543 people within the limits of 
Washoe County. Prospectors traversed it from one 
end to the other, and several mining districts were 
organized, and for a time held in great favor. The 
Argentine District in the mountains between the 
valley and Virginia City, was organized in 1860, 
as was also the Galena District. The presence of 
water and fuel in such liberal quantities, led to the 
establishment of quartz mills. Mills were built in 
accessible localities, and about them grew up vil- 
lages with astonishing rapidity. The towns of 
Ophir, Washoe City and (Jalcna all blazed up in 1861, 
and entered upon a career of prosperity that lasted 
several years. Ore was hauled across the barren 
mountains and the marshy ground at the head of 
Washoe Lake, and crushed at the several mills, and 
the teams returned with wood, lumber and produce, 
thus having a load both ways, and rendering the cost 
of getting the ore to the mill less than it would 
Otherwise have been. The Ophir Mill of seventy- 
two stamps cost 8500,000, and the Dall Mill, at 
Franktown, with sixty stamps, cost half as much. 
These, with the other mills in the valley, employed 
hundreds of workmen, and with the farms and lum- 
ber interests supported a busy j)()pulation. 

At the same time along the Truckee River wore 
settlements. Within a mile of the present town of 
Verdi was built a bridge; at Hunter's another was 
constructed; at Lake's Crossing, now Reno, another; 
and at Stone & Gate's Crossing, afterwards Glendalo, 
still another. At all these points did the great travel 
of the llenness Pass and Donner Lake routes cross 
the river. Stages rolled swiftly along with their 
crowds of passengers, while long lines of pack-trains 
and mule and oxteams, drawing the capacious 
prairie schooner, toiled slowly along behind. 

Such was the condition of the region with a popu- 
lation of 1,613, when the Legislature created it a 
separate county, and it entered upon its career as a 
political organization. 



OUGANIZATION AND COUNTY SEAT. 

Washoe is one of the nine original counties into 
which the Territory of Nevada was divided by the 
first Territorial Legislature. Previously, this had 
been a portion of Carson County, Utah. The boun- 
daries, as defined by the Act of November 25, 1861, 
have suft'ered no alteration whatever, except to be 
rendered more certain by proper surveys. Section 
4 of the above Act reads as follows: — 

There shall be a county, to be known as Washoe 
County, to include all that part of the Territory 
within the boundaries, described as follows: Begin- 
ning at the northwest corner of Orinsb)- Count}', and 
running easterly along the northern boundary of 
said county, to the summit of the mountains east 
of Washoe Lake; thence, in a northerly course, 
along the summit of said mountains, to the lower 
end of the 15ig Meadows, on Truckee River; thence, 
down 8ai<l river, to its lower crossing; thence, east, 
aloni^ the Immigrant Road, to the summit of the 
mountains lying east of said river; tlu-nce, north, 
on the main summit of said mountains, to a point 
from which, running direct west, would intersect 
the Truckee River at its mouth in Pyramid Lake; 
thence, due west, to the California line; thence, 
south, to the place of beginning. 

The seat of justice was located at Washoe City, 
the largest town at that time within its limits, at 
then less than a j'ear of age. The name of the 
county was taken from the beautiful lake and valley, 
which lie in its southern extremity, being the name 
of a tribe of Indians that occupied the eastern slope 
of the Sierra Nevada, from the Truckee to Carson 
River. It is a name'th:it has undergone considerable 
alteration in orthography since first applied by the 
settlers to the beautiful valley, the name in the 
early records appearing as Wcmsau. When the Con- 
stitution was framed, an unsuccessful attempt was 
made to have this adopted as the name of the new 
State, but Nevada gained that honor. 

COUKT UOUSE, JAIL ANJU HOSPITAL. 

The county offices were located and the first meet- 
ings of the Board were held in the Davis 15uilding in 
Washoe City, but February 18, 1S62, the building 
owned by Rico & McLaughlin, opposite the Washoe 
Exchange, was rented for 8525 jier year, and the 
county olliees were removed to their new quarters 
March 15, 1862. October 22, 18G2, the upper story 
of the Masons' brick building was secured at an 
annual rental of 81,320, and was at once occupied for 
county offices. Previous to this, however, stops 
were taken to provide tho county with a suitable 
Court House and jail. July 3, 1862, the Board adver- 
tised for suitable plans for a two-story and basement 
brick or stone Court House, and on the twenty-sixth 
tho plan of John A. Steele was adopted, for which ho 
was paid forty dollars. August 4th, ho was |)aid an 
additional forty dollars lor separate plans for Court 
House and jail. Tho Washoe Mill and Mining Com- 
pany presented the county with a block of ground 
upon which to build. Hero tho matter rested for a 
season. 



626 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



1 



July 10, IsOo, iLc county advertised for bids on 
the construction of the Court Jlousc, and August 20th 
the contract was awarded to John A. Steele for 
815,000. September 13, 18fi3. bids for building the 
jail were also advertised for, and this contract was 
also awarded to Mr. Steele, October 22, 1863, for 
83,740. The buildings were completed and occupied 
before the end of the j'ear. 

April 8, 1863, the Board advertised for bids upon 
the erection of a county hospital, and August 20, 
18C3, two bids were opened and rejected, the lowest 
being for §1,800. Nothing more was done until July 
2, 1864, when the Board again advertised. August 
8, 1864, a building was purchased of E. B. Wilson 
for 81,000, for this purpose. Three years later it 
was sold at auction for 8200. 

LUMBER AND QUARTZ MILLS. 

The next half-dozen years saw great changes in 
Washoe County. In 1866, the wood and lumber 
business was of a most extensive character. Fifteen 
saw-mills were constantly preparing lumber, mining 
timbers for the Comstock market, while hundreds of 
men were cutting cord-wood for the use of the mills. 
These mills, most of them driven bj' steam-power, 
cut 1,300,000 feet of lumber per month, besides mak- 
ing thousands of feet of lath and shingles. This 
lumber was conveyed to Virginia and Gold Hill bj' 
the numerous freight wagons, which returned with 
loads of ore to be reduced in the quartz mills. Of 
these there were ten, carrying a total of 281 stamps, 
and costing 81.420.000 in their construction. Washoe 
City, Ophir, Franktown and tralena were prosperous 
and busy. A change soon began, however, that in 
a few years resulted in the utter destruction and 
abandonment of the mining business, and the ruin, 
demolishmont and desolation of the once thriving 
towns. Ophir and Galena have disappeared, Washoe 
City is but the mournful relic of its former greatness, 
while Franktown still exists a small village, depend- 
ing upon the surrounding farms and somewhat upon 
the lumber interests in the neighboring mountains. 

This revolution was brought about by several 
causes, all tending towards the same end. At the 
same time that mills were built in the valley, others 
were erected along the Carson Itiver and at Gold 
Hill and Seven-mile Cafion. In 1866 there were 
about seventy of these mills, carr^'ing over 1,100 
stamps, and, of course, were crushing a majority of 
the Comstock ore. Wood was also floated down the 
Carson River for the use of these mills, and the 
dependence upon the mills of Washoe Valley became 
less and less. Finally, in 1869, the railroad was com- 
pleted from Carson City to Virginia Citj', thus enab- 
ling the ore to be carried to the mills on the river 
much cheaper than it could bo hauled over the 
mountains to the valley, as well as taking wood and 
lumber to the Comstock without demanding the serv- 
ices of the freighters. The consequence was that 
the milling business of this section rapidly died ut, 
and the mills were dismantled. To add to this i ..use 



was still another. The Central Pacific Kailroad passed 
down the Truckce River in 1808, and the new town 
of Reno was heralded with such loud trumpets that 
there was a great stampede of men from the valley 
to the now town. All these causes led to the rapid 
decay of the valley towns. 

REMOVAL OF THE COUNTY SEAT. 

Reno had no sooner become conscious of her 
strength than she began to cast longing eyes upon 
the county seat. On the fifth of August, 1868, when 
Reno was less than a year old, a petition signed by 
705 citizens was presented to the Board of County 
Commissioners for the removal of the county seat 
from Washoe City to Reno. H. M. Frost favored 
the design and J. H. Snodgrass opposed it, but A. C. 
Cleveland being absent, the matter was laid over 
until September 8th, when, a full Board being present, 
the petition was denied. Here the matter rested 
until February 1, 1870, when, Reno having increased 
in size and importance and Washoe City having ret- 
rograded still farther, another petition was presented 
to the Board, at that time consisting of M. J. Smith, 
W. R. Chamberlain and G. W. Brown. A protest 
was also presented b}- the citizens of Washoe City. 

Both the petition and protest were considered the 
next day, Thomas E. Hayden appearing on behalf of 
the petitioners, and William "Webster and William 
Boardman representing the people of Washoe City. 
The whole daj- was consumed in the argument, and 
the petition proving insufficient, Hayden was allowed 
to withdraw it, against which action Webster and 
Boardman filed a protest. On the fourth of the next 
April, Ilaj'den filed still another petition to the same 
effect, which was granted the ne.xt day, Smith and 
Chamberlain voting in the affirmative, and Brown in 
the negative. A special election to decide the perma- 
nent location of the county seat was called for June 
14, 1870. 

On the tvvontieth the Board met and canvassed the 
returns, which showed 544 votes to be for Reno, and 
:!62 for Washoe City. 

The Board ordered that the seat of justice be 
located at Reno, and notified the county officers to 
remove their offices and records to that jilaco. The 
people of Washoe City did not abandon the con- 
tost, however, but applied to the District Court for 
an order restraining the removal of the county 
seat. The order was granted, but when the mat- 
ter came up for a hearing the writ was dismissed. 
An ajipeal was then taken to the Sujireme Court, 
and in July a decision was rendered holding that 
the Board of County Commissioners had not fol- 
lowed the statute, that its action was void, and 
that the Third District Court had erred in dis- 
missing the writ. The proceedings of the County 
Commissioners of April 5, 1870, were ordered 
annulled. 

The next step taken by the citizens of Reno was 
to have a bill introduced into the Legislature, 
which was passed and approved February 17, 1871, 



HISTORY OF \VASHOE COUNTY. 



627 



declaring Eono to be the county seat on and after 
the third of April, 1871. The people of Washoe 
Valley wore much dissatisfied with this action, and 
desired to be attached to Ormsbj' County. A bill 
to effect this purpose wa.s introduced into the 
Legislature, providing for the payment to Washoe 
County of SI 5,000 in three installments by Ormsby 
County, and also for the exemption of the attached 
section from tax on the 8200,000 of bonds issued 
by Ormsby County to the Virginia and Truckee 
Railroad. The bill failed to pass, and Washoe 
Valley is still an important section of Washoe 
County. 

Upon removal to Reno the District Court 
was held in Peters' Theater, and the county offices 
occupied various locations. May 31, 1871, a tax of 
one-fourth of one per cent, was levied for erecting 
or purchasing county buildings. July 7th, the 
Board advertised for bids upon the construction of 
a Court House, according to plans b}' Mr. Sellers. 
August 6th, S. F. Hoole also presented plans which 
were accepted, and for which he was paid §150. 
September 11th, bids were received, and the contract 
let to S. F. Hoole for 820,500. 

LOCATION AND ERECTION OF BUILDINGS. 

In selecting the site upon which to build, con- 
siderable trouble and annoyance were experienced. 
Several offers of ground were made on more or 
less advantageous terms, but the most liberal one, 
and the one accepted, was made by M. C. Lake. 
This gentleman agreed to present the county one 
acre of ground on the south side of the river, and 
$1,500 in money, besides setting out shade trees, 
and laying out a public square in front of the lot, 
and to supplj- water to the county property-. No 
sooner was this decision announced than great dis- 
satisfaction was expre.-ised by the citizens of Reno. 
At that time Reno was nearly all on the north 
side of the river; the business of the town was 
there, and the original plat of the town embraced 
no territory south of the stream. They desired to 
have the Court House located in the heart of the town, 
and a suit was commenced by I). II. Haskell to 
restrain the Commissioners from building, on the 
ground that the site selected was not in the town 
of Reno, the place to which the county seat had 
been removed. At that time Reno was not incor- 
porated, and, therefore, had no definite boundaries; 
the ground donated was a portion of Lake's adilition 
to the original town; and October (i, 1S71, judgment 
was rendered in favor of the Commissioners An 
appeal was taken to the Supreme Court, where the 
case was dismissed, and thus the matter ended for 
a time. 

J. Z. Kolley was appointed architect on the first 
of April, 1872, and work was commenced on the 
twentieth. After 83.000 had been expendeil, an 
injunction suit was commenced in the United States 
District Court, June 5, 1872, but was soon after with- 
drawn. The corner-stone was laid June 22. 1872, 



and contained copies of the Xecada Slate Journal, the 
Reno Crescent, the Eureka Sentinel, the San Francisco 
Chronicle, and the Sacramento Union, pieces of United 
States currency, silver coins, copy of contract, speech 
of lion. C. W. Kendall on artesian wells, and a num- 
ber of other documents and articles. 

The building was completed and accepted Jan- 
uary 24, 1873. It is a fine brick edifice, 58x79 feet, 
and two stories high. On the lower floor are the 
offices of the Clerk, Recorder, Treasurer and Sheriff", 
besides the jail. On the upper floor are the other 
offices, and a pleasant court-room, 35x58 feet. The 
building is surmounted by a dome, fi-om which a fine 
view of the surrounding country may be obtained. 
During the progress of the work material alterations 
were made in the plans, and, when the building was 
completed, the contractor presented a claim for extra 
labor and material to the amount of 810,9(J7, which 
the Board refused to allow. Suit was commenced by 
the contractor, but the matter was finally submitted 
to a Board of Arbitrators, who allowed 84,828. The 
decision was accepted by both parties, and the 
amount awarded was paid. 

At the time of awarding the Court House contract 
and locating the site, the Board of Count}' Commis- 
sioners was composed of T. K. Ilymcrs, T. G. Her- 
man and George Robinson, the first named protest- 
ing against the action of the majority in locating the 
house on the south side of the river. The wisdom 
of the course pursued by the Commissioners is very 
plain now to all, for the town has not only spread 
out bej'ond it, but it is only a few minutes' walk from 
any part of the town, and, by its absence from the 
business portion of the place, has twice escaped 
destruction bj- fii'e. To provide funds for the erec- 
tion of the Court House, bonds to the amount of 
823,000 were issued. In the summer of 1879 an 
excellent fire-proof vault and a large burglar-proof 
safe, with a time look, were constructed in the office 
occupied by the Treasurerand Recorder, bj- the Hall 
Safe and Lock Company, for 82,440. 

POOR-FARM AND HOSPITAI,. 

Until 1876 it was the custom of the Count j- Com- 
missioners to contract each year with some respon- 
sible person, to care for the indigent sick of the 
county. October 4, 1875, a small tract of forty acres, 
on the south side of the river, and one mile east of 
Reno, and twenty-five inches of water were purchased 
of A. J. Hatch for 81,000, to bo used for a poor-farm. 
Ai)ril 17, 1876, a contract was let to Wm. Thompson 
for the construction of a county hosjiital on the ))oor- 
farm, to cost 85,253. The building was finished and 
is now used by the county, being in charge of a phys- 
ician appointed by the Board. 

FIIEE BlUUUF. CONSTRUCTED. 

The toll-bridge that spanned the river at Reno, 
and known for years as T^ake's ISridge, was 
declared a free bridge by the Commissioners in 1872. 
Its long service having rendered it insecure, a new 
one was necessary, and the Board advertised for pro- 



fi28 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



posals to construct a Buitable bridge, October 18, 
1875. These bids were received, 824,000, 813,000 and 
§12,800, and were all rejected. The old bridge con- 
tinued to do service for two years longer, and on the 
sixth of March, 1877, bids were again advertised for. 
April 5th thirteen propositions were considered, 
ranging from 814,400 to 824,000, and the contract 
was awarded to King & VVheelock, for 815,700. 
August 7lh the bridge was completed, accepted and 
thrown open for travel. 

FINANCIAL AND POLITICAL CONDITION. 

The financial condition of Washoe Count}' is good. 
There is nearly enough money in the treasury to pay 
all outstanding certificates, while the 825,000 of 
bonds, due in from one to thirteen years, can be met 
without any embarrassment. 

When the Coifrt House was built at Washoe City, 
no bonds were issued, but warrants were issued, for 
the work, and money was raised to discharge them 
bj- increased taxation. To provide a fund for con- 
structing the Court House in Reno, the Board of 
County Commissioners issued on the first of July, 
1872. bonds to the amount of 823,000, under the pro- 
visions of a general Act, approved March 10, 1865, 
providing for the purchase or erection of county 
buildings. These bonds bear interest at the rate of 
twelve per cent., and June 30, ISSO. there were but 
86,000 of them outstanding, one-half of which were 
due Januarj' 1, 1881, and the balance a year later. 

In pursuance of an Act approved February 26, 
1875, providing for the issuance of bonds to the 
amount of 67,000, for the purpose of procuring a 
hospital and poor-farm, the County Commissioners 
authorized bonds to the amount of 85,000 to be issued 
April 10, 187G. These bonds were never negotiated, 
but were held in the office of the County Treasurer, 
and canceled as money was received from the collec- 
tion of taxes, no interest being paid on them. 

To provide funds for the construction of the iron 
bridge at Heno, the Commissioners, June 4, 1877, 
ordered bonds to issue to the amount of 816,000, 
with interest at ten per cent, the principal to be pay- 
able in annual installments of 81,000, due January 1, 

1878, and each year thereafter. Of this issue 813,000 
were outstanding June 30, 1880. 

July 1, 1878, the Commissioners ordered that bonds 
to the amount of 84,000 bo issued, under the pro- 
visions of an Act, approved March 14, 1877, to pur- 
chase the road from Franktown east across the 
valley to the Opliir Grade, and known asDall's Road. 
They bore interest at the rate of eight per cent, and 
were made payable one-half January 1, 1880, and 
the balance a year later. 82,000 of these were out- 
standing June 30, 1880. 

The last bonds issued by the county were for 
84,000, ordered by the Commissioners September 15, 

1879, by virtue of the Act, approved >[arch 8, 1870, 
providing for the construction of a bridge at the 
town of Wadsworlh. They were made payable 
81,000 January 1, 1882, and the same amount each 



succeeding year, with interest at the rate of eight 
per cent. They are all outstanding. The total 
indebtedness of the county in 1880 was 831,296. 
Cash on hand, 828,570. The total value of taxable 
property was 85,502,450, and the population 7,324. 

Washoe and Roop Counties combined are divided 
into twelve precincts, six of which are judicial dis- 
tricts and have a Justice of the Peace, namely, num- 
bers 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, and 12; they are: No. 1, Reno; No. 
2, Wadsworth; No. 3, Brown's; No. 4, Washoe City; 
No. 5, Franktown; No. 6, Glendale; No. 7, Verdi; 
No. 8, Peavine;No. 9, Pyramid; No. 10, Duck Flat; 
No. 11, Mill Precinct; No. 12, Salt Marsh. Roop 
Count}' is b}' the Constitution attached to Washoe 
Count}' for judicial purposes, and the last three pre- 
cincts above given lie within its limits. 

GRANVILLE W. Hl'FFAKER 

Was born in Monticollo, Wayne County, Kentucky, 
on the seventh of May. 1831. The first eight years 
of his life were passed at that place, when he re- 
moved to Jacksonville, Illinois, where he received 
his education. In 1847 he went to St. Louis, Missouri. 
During the succeeding six years he was rambling 
about on the frontier, subject to many curious adven- 
tures. In the year 1853 he emigrated to Salt Ijake 
City, Utah, engaging in the mercantile business until 
1858, when he came to Nevada Territory, and set- 
tled where ho now resides, at the head of Truckee 
Meadows. Very few of the Nevada pioneers arc able 
to date back as far as Mr. Huffuker, and his early 
experience has enabled him to accomplish many 
things impossible for those who arrived later in the 
Territory. He owns one of the finest ranches in the 
Slate, near the renowned Steamboat Springs, and 
bids fair to live many years to enjoy the fruits of his 
labors. 

ISAAC n. BALL 

Was bom at Leesburg, Virginia, on the twenty-sixth 
of September, 1835. When quite young he removed 
to Kendall County, Illinois, where he passed his 
youthful days. In the year 1854, being about nine- 
teen years of age, he started for California, where he 
arrived in duo time by way of the Isthmus of Pan- 
ama. He remained in the latter State ton years, 
following the occupation of mining for seven years 
at Weavcrville, Trinity County, then for two j-ears 
was Second Lieutenant of Company H, Fourth Reg- 
iment, California Volunteer.s. llis record as an offi- 
cer stands without a blemish, and the many acts of 
kindness shown his men during the two years of his 
army experience, leaves a lasting impression. He 
spent one year at Mud Springs, California. Wo next 
find the subject of this sketch settled on Walker 
River, in Nevada, where he lived one year and then 
settled permanently in Pleasant Valley, in 1865, 
where he has since made his home. His business at 
this time is ranching. July 28, 1S73, he was mar- 
ried to Miss Harriot A. Griner, and thoy have two 
children. 



% 



HISTORY OF WASHOE COUNTY. 



629 



APPOINTMENTS AND ELECTIONS. 

A complete list of the officers of Washoe County, 
from its organization down to the present time is 
hei-ewith given, together with the date of appoint- 
ment or election of each. The vacancies in office by 
death, resignation or removal, if any have occurred, 
are also noted, with the name of the person selected 
to fill the same. 

SENATORS. 

Solomon Geller, elected August 31, 1861, Ter- 
ritorial Councilman for the first Legislative Assem- 
bly, re-elected September 3, 1862, re-elected Novem- 
ber, 1866; S. B. Shamp, elected November 3, 1868; 
C. H. Eastman, elected 1866, re-elected November 8, 
1870; William Thompson, elected November 5, 1872; 
W. L. Boss, elected November 3, 1874; W. M. Board- 
man, elected November 7, 1876; C. C. Powning, 
elected November 5, 1878; Jerry Schooling, elected 
November 2, 1880. 

ASSEMBLYMEN. 

James H. Sturtevant, elected August 31, 1861, to 
first Legislative Assembly, re-elected, September 3, 
1862; J. K. Lovejoy and R. W. Perkins, elected 
September 3, 1862; Wallace Coldwell and Thomas 
Prince, elected 1866; W. E. Bunker, S. A. Moulton 
and A. C. Cleveland, were elected November 3, 1868; 
H. H. Hogan, A. J. Hatch and H. II. Beck, elected 
November 8, 1870; E. C. Ses.sions, W. E. Price and 

F. Lemmon, elected November 5, 1872j H. H. Hogan. 
George Alt and H. H. Beck, elected November 3, 
1874; J. S. Shoemaker, J. K. Everett and George 
Alt, elected November 7, 1876; W. E. Price, E. C. 
Underwood, J. P. Faulks, elected November 5, 1878; 
W. F. Berry, J. H. Bailej- and Eoss Lewis, elected 
November 2, 1880. 

COUNTY COMMISSIONERS. 

F. II. Burroughs, H. F. Pierce and C. C. Smith, 
appointed by the Territorial Legislature, December 
10, 1861; S. G. Sewell, S. Allison and T. A. Pead, 
elected January 14, 1862; Samuel McFarland, D. J. 
Gloyd and G. W. Folsom, elected September 13, 
1862; McFarland resigned September 24, 1864; J. 
N. Mundell appointed, October 1, 1864; H. H. Beck 
elected November 9, 1863; resigned April 30, 1864; 

G. N. Folson, appointed. E. C. Sessions elected, 
September 7, 1864. Mundell resigned June 23, 1866; 
L. H. Dyer, appointed. John II. Snodgrass, Henry 
M. Frost and A. C. Cleveland, elected November 
6, 1866; James H. Sturtevant, M. J. Smith and John 
A. Moch, elected November 3, 1808. Sturtevant 
resigned November 15, 1869; George \V. Brown, 
appointed. W. H. Chamberlin appears in place of 
.Moch, October 4, 1869. No record of appointment 
or resignation. T. K. Ilymers, T. (i. Herman and 
George Robinson, elected November 8, 1870; Peleg 
Brown and E. B. Towle, elected November 5. 1872; 
0. E. Ross and E. Owens, elected November 3, 1874; 
E. Olinghouse, R. H. Kenney and T. K. Hymera, 

79 



elected November 5, 1878; James Frey, R. H. Ken- 
ney and D. H. Ladge, elected November 2, 1880. 

DISTRICT ATTORNEYS. 

J. F. Lewis, appointed by the Executive April 30, 
1864, resigned December a, 1864. Allanson Smith 
appointed, who resigned August 17, 1865; Thomas 
Fitch, appointed August 18, 1865; Wm. Webster, 
elected November 6, 1866; Joseph Kutz, elected No- 
vember 3, 1868, resigned April 4, 1870; W. M. Board- 
man appointed, elected November 8, 1870, re-elected 
November 5, 1872; H. B. Cassitt, elected November 
3, 1874, resigned July 3, 1876, Wm. Cain appointed; 
John Bowman, elected November 5, 1878; G. A. 
Rankin, elected November 2, 1880. 

COUNTY sHERirrs. 
Chas. C. Smith, appointed by the Executive De- 
cember 26, 1861, elected January 14, 1862; T. A. 
Read, elected September 13, 1862, re-elected Septem- 
ber 7, 1864; W. H. Thurman, elected November 6, 
1866; Chas. W. Pegg, elected November 3, 1868, re- 
elected November 8, 1870; J. E. Jones, elected No- 
vember 5, 1872, re-elected November 3, 1874; A. K. 
Lamb, elected November 7, 1876; W. A. Walker, 
dieted November 5, 1878, re-elected November 2, 
1880. 

COUNTY CLERKS. 

P. E. Shannon, appointed by the Executive De- 
cember 10, 1861 ; H. F. Pierce, elected January 14, 
1862; Chas. C. Conger, elected September 3, 1862. 
Office declared vacant on account of removal from 
countj-, April 9, 1864, W. P. L. Winham appointed. 
S. A. Mann, elected September 7, 1864; M. L. Yager, 
elected November 6,1866; J. D. Shoemaker, elected 
November 3, 1868, re-elected November 8, 1870, re- 
elected again November 5, 1872, November 3, 1874; 
P. B. Comstock, elected November 7, 1876; Mark 
Parish, elected November 5, 1878; R. S. Osburn, 
elected November 2, 1880. 

COUNTY TREASURERS. 

H. H. Lull, elected January 14, 1862; T. A. Ent, 
elected September 3, 1862; W. P. L. Winham, 
elected September 7, 1864; John McFarland, elected 
November 0, 1866; R. A. Frazier, elected November 
3, 1868; re-elected November 8, 1870, re-elected 
again November 5, 1872; F. B. KhSecker, elected 
November 3, 1S74, died .May 13, 1875; G. W. Huff- 
iikcr appointed. B. B. Norton, elected November 
7, 1876; D. B. Boyd, elected November 7, 1878, re- 
elected November 2, 1880. 

COUNTY ASSESSORS. 

L. C. Savage, elected January 14, 1862; S. C. 
Jolley, elected September 7, 1864; T. A. Read, elected 
November 6, 1866; Wm. Thompson, elected Novem- 
ber 3, 1868, re-elected November 8, 1870. D. B. 
Boj-d, elected November 5, 1872; R. A. Frazier, 
elected November 3, 1874; H. Ij. Fish, elected No- 
vember 7, 1876; W.T. Everett, elected November 5, 
1878; J. M. Flannagan, elected November 2, 1880. 



630 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 





Z,>a-''&<yCy'^l.'tyt/' 



R. S. OsBURN, tho (subject of the following sketch, 
is a native of the State of Pennsylvania, having been 
born at Meadville, Crawford County, on the twenty- 
first of September, 1849. 

His education, which was a liberal one, was 
received in his native town, and when about seven- 
teen years of ago he left his home and settled in Eu- 
gene City, Oregon, and engaged in the drug business. 
He remained at that place until 1872, when he re- 
moved to Jacksonville, in the same State, still con- 
tinuing in the same business. After eighteen months' 
stay in the latter place he came to Reno and formc^d 
a partnership with J. E. Simpson, in the ajjothecary 
and drug business, and since the death of his part- 
ner, in 1878, has been associated in business with J. 
S. Shoemaker. 

Mr. Oaburn was elected County Clerk of Washoe 
County, on the Democratic ticket, in 1880. He was 
married in 1872 to Miss Anna E. Lemmon, of Reno. 

COUNTV RECORDERS. 

Isaac Mears, appointed by tho Executive, Decem- 
ber 10, 1801; R. F. Kiddie, elected January 14, 1862; 
P. E. Shannon, elected September 13, 1862; (ieorge 
C. Cabot, elected September 7, 1864; H. L. Fish, 
elected November 6, 1866, re-elected Novembers, 
1868, re-elected again November 8, 1870; C. A. 
Richardson, elected November 5, 1872; John B. 
Williams, elected November 3, 1874, re-elected 
November 7, 1870, reelected again November 5, 
1878, and November 2, 1880. 




W. A. Walker was born in Charleston, Kanawha 
County, Virginia, November 30, 1851. He received a 
thorough education, being a graduate of Hanover 
College, at Hanover, Indiana, and Notre Dame 
University, at South Bend, Indiana. He also spent 
two years at the German Universities and in travel- 
ing through Europe. In 1871 ho came to tho Pacific 
Coast and located in the citj'ofSan Francisco, where 
he read law, intending to adopt that profession. In 
1872 became to Reno, Washoe County, Nevada, and 
engaged in tho mercantile business until 1S78, at 
which time ho was elected Sheriff of the County, on 
the Democratic ticket, and in 1880 was re-elected. 

Mr. Walker was married in 1874 to Miss Helen 
K. Fonda, of San Francisco. 

COUNTY SUPERINTENDENTS OF SCHOOLS. 

J. W. North, appointed December 10, 1861, re- 
signed, and Dr. G. A. Weed appointed November 3, 
1803. T. H. McGrath, elected September 7, 1864, 
resigned, and Wm. M. lioiirdniun appointed, Sep- 
tember 3, 1866. Warren Nims, elected November 
3, 1868, resigned August 2, 1870, A. F. Hitchcock, 
appointed, and elected Novombor 8, 1870. Orvis Ring, 
elected November 5, 1872, re-elected November 3, 
1874, re-elected again November 7, 1876; A. Daw- 
son, elected November 5, 1878; I). D. Bowcn, elected 
November 2, 1880. 

COUNTV SURVEVORS. 

D. B. Scott, elected January 14, 1862, and re- 
elected September 7, 1864; A. J. Hatch, elected 



HISTORY OF WASHOE COUNTY. 



631 



November 3, 1868; E. L. Bridges, elected November 
8, 1870. Office declared vacant February 6, 1871, 
J. Humboldt Eaton appointed. A. J. Hatch, elected 
November 5, 1872; W. W. Skinner, elected Novem- 
ber 3, 1874, resiscned January 3, 1876, A. J. Hatch, 
appointed January 4, 1876, and elected November 7, 
1876. D. H. Barker, elected November 5, 1878; W. 
C. Skinner, elected November 2, 1880. 

COUNTY PUBLIC ADMINISTRATORS. 

Nat Holmes, elected November 3, 1868, re-elected 
November 8, 1870; William Stopher, elected No- 
vember 5, 1872; C. W. Jones, elected November 3, 
1874; N. C. Harland, elected November 7, 1876; C. 
W. Jones, elected November 5, 1878; W. H. Dick- 
ens, elected November 2, 1880. 

DEATH PENALTY INFLICTED. 

The death penalty has been inflicted but once in 
Washoe County, and then for a crime committed 
without its limits. Murders have been frequent 
enough, and crime hag reveled here as it has in other 
portions of the State, but there seems to be an im- 
possibility of conviction befoi-e the courts. Juries 
have failed to render verdicts that call for capital 
punishment, and to the juries, who but reflect the 
sentiments of the communities of which they are 
parts, must be ascribed the blame for so much crime 
going unpunished. 

The man who suffered death at the hands of the 
law was J. W. Eover, for the murder of I. N. Sharp, 
near l?abbit Hole Sulphur Mines, Humboldt County. 
Sharp went to the mines, where only Rover was at 
that time, on the eighth of April, 1875, and was 
missing from that time until the eighteenth, when 
search revealed that he had been killed, his bodj- cut 
into several pieces and buried in different places 
enveloped in ore sacks. Eover was arrested for the 
crime, and a strong chain of circumstantial evidence, 
accompanied by the fact that his boots exactly fitted 
the footprints about the places where the body was 
buried, secured his conviction and sentence. Upon 
application to the Supreme Court he was granted a 
new trial, which also resulted in conviction. Again 
the Supreme Court granted him a new trial, and the 
case was taken to Washoe County bj- change of 
venue. His first trial in this county resulted in a 
disagreement of the jury, and the next, making the 
fourth, in a verdict of murder in the first degree. 
When informed of the result he remarked: •• Well, if 
it doesn't affect other people more than it does mo, 
they will all cat a hearty breakfast," which he pro- 
ceeded to do. The jury agreed upon their verdict at 
two o'clock Sunday morning, June 17, 1877, and it 
was filed the same day, to which exceptions were 
taken. For the third time the Supreme Court con- 
sidered the case, and at last sustained the finding of 
the lower court and ordered the sentence to bo 
executed February 19, 1878, nearly three years after 
he committed his great crime. One more effort was 
made to save him by his indefatigable counsel, and 
the day before the execution a Sheriff's jury was 



demanded to try the question of the prisoner's 
sanity. This was a proceeding so unusual that it 
requii'cd considerable reference to the authorities to 
ascertain what it was and how it was conducted. 
The jury was accordingly summoned, and the ques- 
tion of the sanity of the condemned man tried before 
them. On the morning of the execution the jury 
reported that they were unable to agree, standing 
five for insanity and seven for sanity, and the Sheriff 
made preparations to carrj- out the sentence of the 
law. A little after the hour of noon the doomed 
man was led to the jail-yard, where a gallows bad 
been erected. From his position on the instrument 
of death he spoke fifty-two minutes to the 200 spec- 
tators that had been admitted within the yard, on 
the outside of which was assembled a large crowd of 
people who were refused admittance. His speech 
was a defense of himself, and contained his dying 
protestation of innocence. At two o'clock and fortj' 
minutes, everything having been prepared by Sheriff 
A. K. Lamb and his assistants, the fatal platform fell, 
and J. W. Rover paid the penalty of his crime. He 
was forly-eight years of age, a native of New York, 
and left a wife and three children in San Joaquin 
County, California. His victim also had a wife and 
ihree children in Oakland, California. 

AURICULTURAL LANDS AND PRODUCTS. 

In the matter of agriculture, its chief interest and 
resource, Washoe is the leading county in the State. 
From south to north, through the heart of the 
county, runs a chain of vallej's, that was once, no 
doubt, a system of inland lakes. They are Washoe, 
Pleasant, Steamboat and Truckee. The surface area 
of the county is 1,195 square miles, or 7(;4,S0O acres, 
and is divided as follows: — 

Timber land (acres) 115,200 

Meadow '^ •' 46.080 

Arable '■ " 161,280 

Mineral " " 20,000 

Water surface " 15,360 

Barren and grazing lands (acres).. 406,880 

Total 764,800 

The first of the series of valleys is Washoe, with 
an area of about fifty square miles. In its south- 
eastern extremity lies Washoe Lake, covering a sur- 
face of six square miles, and above this is an exten- 
sive marsh. Along the east side of the lake is land 
of good quality not yet improved. The western side 
of the valley is the one that received the earliest 
settlements in the county, and contains the villages 
of Franktown and Washoe City. The land slopes so 
that it can bo well irrigated from the natural 
streams that enter it from the mountains on the 
west. Fruit, of excellent qualitj-, and all kinds of 
vegetables, are raised here; also large quantities of 
grain, especially oats and barley. The chief atten- 
tion is given to hay and stock. Tame grasses, espec- 
ially alfalfa, have boon successfully introduced. 
There is a largo portion of the valley not yet 



6*2 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



brought under cultivation, but it is gradually being 
rendered productive. Comfortable, and in some 
cases even elegant, houses, surrounded by shade 
trees, dot the valley, and, with the large barns, 
stacks of hay and grain, herds of horses, cattle and 
sheep, speak of comfort and independence. 

Passing through a rugged canon at the north end 
of the valley, cutting a channel through a low range 
of bills. Pleasant Valley is entered, containing an 
area of a thousand acres of fertile and well-watered 
land. Here are several good farms of the same char- 
acter as those in the valley below. 

Lying to the north is Steamboat Valley, contain- 
ing, and named after, the celebrated Steamboat 
Springs, elsewhere described. The area is about 
6,000 acres, and some of the finest farms in the 
county are located here. The waters of Steamboat 
Creek and several irrigating ditches supply the nec- 
essary moisture for the crops, of which alfalfa, grain 
and vegetables are the great staples. 

Northward of this extends the Truckee Valley, so 
long known on the overland route as the Truckee 
Aleadows. It is a fine tract of meadow and fertile 
sage-brush land, containing, possibly, 130.000 acres 
of land that will eventually be made productive by 
irrigation from the Truckee River and other sourees. 
Manj' farms are located on choice spots both north 
and south of the river, and their acres of growing 
grain and grass form beautiful oases in the broad 
expanse of somber-colored sage-brush. In the midst 
of the valley lies the town of Reno. The future of 
Ibis valley is bright and promising. 

The principal product of the county has always 
been hay, for which a readj^ market and good prices 
could be obtained. The early settlers cut hay on 
the natural meadow land and raised small crops of 
wheat. Barley, oats, corn and vegetables were also 
tried, and found to be well adapted to the soil and 
climate, except corn, for which the season is too 
short. Vegetables are raised in large quantities and 
of excellent quality, especially potatoes. Fruits, 
such as apples, cherries, pears, etc., do well, and a 
number of fine orchards can be seen. Alfalfa was 
introduced about 1863, Mr. Peleg Brown being the 
first gentleman to experiment upon that kind of 
grass in the State. His success and that of others 
led to the general sowing of alfalfa fields by the 
ranchers, until now thousands of tons are cut annu- 
ally, some fields yielding two or three crops a year, 
amounting to from six to eight tons per acre. 

Although there was more or less stock in the 
county, belonging to emigrants, left hero by them to 
recruit, or broken down stock purchased from the 
emigrants by the settlers, it was not until 1857 that 
stock-raising, as a business, was undertaken. Peleg 
Brown drove in some cattle that year, and Drexler 
& Sloan did also. In 1859, G. \V. Huffaker and L. 
P. Drexler drove in 500 head of cattle. By this time 
considerable numbers of cattle were kept by the 



ranchers in the valleys, William R. Musgrove hav- 
ing considerable in Washoe Valley. It was, and is 
the practice of stock owners, to drive their herds to 
the mountains in the spring, bringing them back in 
the fall to winter in the comparatively mild climate 
of the valleys. The winter of 1859 was the most 
severe one that has been experienced by the cattle 
owners, and large numbers of stock perished. 

The clipping of wool in 1878 amounted to 86,000 
pounds, and 50,000 pounds of butter were made. 
The same year 14,000 pounds of honey were 
gathered from 750 hives of bees, being nearly the 
entire product of the State. This is an industry that 
has grown up within a few years, and almost entirely 
within the limits of this county. 

The fruits of the temperate zone are raised in 
large quantities, and are of excellent (juality and fla- 
vor. Experiments have been tried by the farmers, 
which have demonstrated that the climate and soil 
are well adapted to the growth of apples, pears, 
plums, peaches, cherries, and the small fruits, and 
that the semi-tropical fruits do not produce well. 
Berries are of especial excellence, and are being 
largely cultivated. The fruit culture has grown to 
quite large proportions within a few j'ears. and a 
great many fine orchards can now be seen, all along 
the different valleys. 

ERVIN CRANE 

Is a native of Vermont, and was born in Addison 
County, June 25, 1812. His boyhood was spent at 
Bridport, where he received his education. In 1832 
he left the Green Mountain State and went to New 
York, where he remained about two years, and from 
there to Brookl3-n, Michigan, where he resided dur- 
ing the next thirteen years, generally engaged in 
farming. In 1847 he move to Wisconsin, locating 
at Baraboo, in Sauk County, where he conducted a 
livery and sale stable until 1S50, when he crossed the 
plains to California. His first year on the coast was 
spent in mining in Plumas County; the second he 
passed in Oregon, and Washington Territory, and 
came to Nevada in 1864, and settled permanently, 
near his present location in Steamboat Valley, near 
the famous Steamboat Springs. His occupation since 
coming to Nevada, has been ranching and stock- 
raising. Mr. Crane is given the credit of being the 
first to demonstrate to the people of Nevada, that 
alfalfa and shade trees might successfullj- be grown 
upon the sage-brush land. His first attempt at sow- 
ing alfalfa and setting out trees, was looked npon as 
a crazy scheme, but the beautiful green fields upon 
his own ranch, and upon those of his neighbors, and 
the fine cottonwood groves, are the only proof nec- 
essary that his judgment was sound. 

Mr. Crane was first married to Jliss Mary Tiffany, 
of New York (now deceased), and on the twenty first 
of September, 1864, was united to Mrs. Mary E. 
Stiles. Their union has been blessed with three 
children, all of whom are living. 



1 



HISTORY OF WASHOE COUNTY. 



633 



W. D. HARDEN, 

The subject of the following sketch, is a native of 
the State of Ohio; was born June 23, 1840, in Hock- 
ing County. At the age of twelve years he went 
with his parents to Van Buren County, Iowa, where 
he lived with them on a farm until ho reached his 
twenty-third year. On the twenty-.sixth of March. 
18G3, he was married to Miss Eliza T. Fisher, and 
two weeks later started with his bride for California. 
Their bridal tour was a long one, their mode of 
conveyance being by ox-teams. On reaching the 
Sierra Nevada Mountains he altered his course, and, 
in place of going to California, concluded to settle 
in Virginia City, Nevada, where he arrived on the 
sixteenth of September, 18G3. Upon reaching the 
silver land, he followed the wood business for two 
yeai*s, in Virginia City, and the third year found 
him in the same business in the Sierra Nevada 
Mountains. In 18G6 he purchased the place where 
he now lives, in Steamboat Valley, near the noted 
springs bj' that name, and has since resided there, 
engaged in farming. His early training on a farm 
has proven a decided benefit to him, and enables him 
to follow the business successfully. Six children 
have been born to him, all of whom are living. 

A. A. LONOLEY 

Is a native of Kentucky, born in Caldwell County, 
A. D. 1834. Receiving an education in his native 
State he left there at the early age of nineteen 
j'ears, and came to California, where he was, for a 
number of years, engaged in teaming and trading 
through the mountains. In 1861 he came to the 
then Territory of Nevada, and the next year there- 
after settled on the place where he now resides. At 
that time there were very few settlers in the valley, 
the Indians predominating by a large majority. The 
land had not been surveyed by the Government at 
that time. Mr. Lnngley pre-empted KiO acres, and 
since then has purchased about 500 acres more, and 
therefore has quite an extensive ranch. By his per- 
sistent efforts, and indomitable will and energy, he 
has produced from the originally barren waste of 
sage-brush a beautiful, well-appointed ranch. The 
expense of clearing the land of its rocks and sage- 
brush, and the construction of ditches to convey the 
water of the river over his land, has necessarily been 
great, but a glance around his home-place shows 
what can be done in that line. He is at the present 
time a successful stock-raiser, and has experienced 
the ups and downs pertaining to an early settlement 
in a wild and barren country. His residence is on 
the Truckee Meadows, near Reno, in Washoe 
County. Ho was married in 186C to Miss Mary F. 
Moore, a native of California, who died in May, 
1877, leaving four children. In June, 1879, he was 
married again, to .Mrs. Mary O. Noyes, who is a 
native of Massachusetts. 

OEOROE SMITH, SR. 

The gentleman referred to in this short sketch is 
a native of England, and was born at Sherrington, 



in 1816. In the year 1854 ho crossed the ocean 
and found a home in the United States, locating 
first at south Salt Lake City, Utah. After a few 
years he, wjth his family, came to Carson Valley, 
Nevada, and soon after located in a beautiful valley, 
which he very appropriatelj- named Pleasant Valley, 
lying further to the north, towards the noted Steam- 
boat Springs. He now resides upon the same ranch 
that he located in 1S58. Mr. Smith was one of the 
first, if not the first white man to settle along the 
eastern base of the Sierra Nevada Mountains; and, 
bj- indomitable will and groat energy, has accom- 
plished what very few men could have done. The 
danger surrounding such an early settlement among 
the Indians cannot be fully portrayed. He has a 
well-stocked ranch, his business Ij'ing in that direc- 
tion, which he fully understands. He has a large 
family, consisting of eight children, all living, and 
an estimable wife. 

QEOROE S. SMITH. 

The subject of this sketch is of English parentage, 
being born in England, in the year 1840. At the 
early age of fourteen years he came to the United 
States with his parents, and lived with them at Salt 
Lake Citj-, Utah, in the neighborhood of five years, 
when they moved to the western portion of the then 
Territory of Utah, and settled near his present 
location, in Pleasant Valley, Washoe County. Being 
an energetic and capable young man, he soon dis- 
tinguished himself among the pioneers of those days, 
and stands well in the estimation of his neighbors 
and acquaintances. He has a fine farm, containing 
160 acres, adjoining that of his father. He was 
married in the year 1862, to Miss Ellen Cook, who 
is a native of Scotland, their union being blessed 
with four children, three of whom are living at the 
present time, death having broken their family 
circle by taking their oldest child, a son. Mr. Smith 
is pleasantlj' situated in his present location, and is 
a gentleman respected by all who know him. 

PRINOIPAI, lURIiiATINil CANALS. 

Of the irrigating canals that have wrought such a 
wonderful change in those sage-brush lands, by con- 
ducting to them the refreshing water running to 
waste in the Truckee River, there are several worthy 
of special mention. The first one of consequence 
was the Cochrane & Longley Ditch, built in 1864, 
at an expense of about 86.000. It is seven miles 
long, and carries water from above the Reno Bridge 
to the vicinity of Hutfaker's. It is now owned by 
a company of farmers. 

The Lake Ditch, formerly the Drexler, was con- 
structed by a conipanj- of farmers in 1865, at an 
expense of 835,000. It heads at Hunter's Bridge, 
and follows a course of seventeen miles to Steam- 
boat Valley. In 1867 it was badly damaged, the 
company became involved, and the ditch was sold 
to Hatch & Lake, at Sheriff's sale, for §1.500, by 
whom it was repaired and enlarged. It is now the 
property of M. C. Lake. 



634 



mSTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



The English Ditch was built in 1865, to conduct 
water to the Auburn Mill, by the Washoe Consoli- 
dated Company. It heads a little above Reno, is 
five miles in length, cost about 85,000, and is now 
the property of Samuel Brown. 

The Orr Ditch, running from a point three miles 
above Reno, nine miles through the Truekee 
Meadows to Spanish Springs, was commenced by 
Henry Orr, and completed b)' a company of farmers 
at a cost of about 88,000. 

The South Side Canal takes water one mile below 
Mayberry's, and carries it to Wheeler's ranch, five 
miles south of Reno. It was built in 1876 by a com- 
pany of farmers, at a cost of about $9,000. Com- 
mencing two miles above Hunter's Bridge, and run- 
ning around the hills, a distance of thirteen miles 
towards Steamboat Springs, is the Last Chance 
Ditch. It was built by farmers in 1876, and cost 
815,000. 

The Steamboat Irrigating Canal is by far the 
largest work of this kind, being thirty-four miles in 
length, and costing over 850,000. It was commenced 
in 1878, and was completed in the spring of 1880. 
The ditch takes its water from the Truekee River, 
four miles above Verdi, runs parallel to the course of 
the stream several miles, then turns to the south and 
crosses the creek at Steamboat Springs; it then turns 
to the north, and discharges into the creek, five 
miles below. It was built and is owned by an 
incorporated company of farmers. Mr. A. M. Lamb, 
who came to Galena Canon, at the town of Galena 
in 1863, and is now a resident of HufiFakcr, is Pres- 
ident of the Company. 

The Highland Ditch is owned by Evans Brothers, 
and has been in the course of construction for the 
past three years. It takes water from the river 
near Verdi, and runs along the north side of the 
stream to within a mile of Reno. Reno is now 
supplied with water from this ditch, which cost 
about 815,000. 

For a full statement of the products of the 
county from 1865 to 1880, the number of acres 
under cultivation, the stock and grain raised, and 
the fruit trees and vines growing, also the number 
of irrigating ditches, the reader is referred to pages 
135, 136, 139 and 140 of the general history. 

RENO IN ITS EARLY DAYS. 

Lying at an altitude of 4,507 feet above the sea, 
on both banks of the Truekee River, in the rich val- 
ley SO long and well known on the old route of 
overland travel as the Big Meadows of the Truekee. 
Reno is the center of the most important agricultural 
district in the State, the terminus of the Virginia 
and Truekee Railroad, and the principal station in 
Nevada on the line of the Central Pacific, at which 
point goods destined for Carson City and Virginia 
City are transhipped. Although a birth of the 
great overland railroad, and one of the youngest 
towns in the State, it is full of life and vigor. ;ind 
gives indications of a more permanent pro?;' lity 
than any of her rival sisters. 



In 1859 a settlement was made on the south side 
of the river, where the Lake House now stands, by 
a man named Fuller. At this point the river could 
be forded, and a route of travel was laid out from 
California, crossing the river at this point to Virginia 
Cit)- and the south. The house was kept as a way- 
side inn for the accommodation and refreshment of 
travelers and the long pack-trains and freight teams 
that toiled across the mountains to the newlj'-dis- 
covered land of silver. This was but one of several 
points where the river might be crossed, and in 1860 
Mr. Fuller, then proprietor of the road, upon which 
a franchise to collect toll had been granted, con- 
structed a wooden bridge for the better accommoda- 
tion of travel. The winter of 1862 was one of ex- 
ceedingly high water, and the bridge, in common 
with others along the stream, was carried away by 
the torrent. 

In 1863, M. C. Lake came into possession of the 
property, and rebuilt the bridge, the place becoming 
known as Lake's Crossing. Again in 1867 the bridge 
was damaged by high water and rebuilt bj- Mr. Lake. 
In 1865 an English company built the Auburn Mill, 
about one mile from the site of the town. This loca- 
tion was selected because of the good facilities for 
fuel and water. Quartz was brought to the mill from 
a considerable distance in several directions, it being 
the onlj' mill nearer than Wa«hoe City. The Big 
Meadows had by this time all been occupied bj' 
settlers who had brought a portion of the rich 
soil under cultivation, and the year before Reno 
sprang into being saw the town-site a field of wav- 
ing grain. 

When the Central Pacific Railroad began ascend- 
ing the mountains with giant strides, the officials 
looked ahead of the iron horse to select suitable 
spots where should be established the necessary sta- 
tions. Somewhere on the Truekee River it was 
evident must bo a poiiit where the goods for Virginia 
City and vicinity would be unloaded and forwarded 
to their destination. It was well understood that 
such a town as that was destined to bo of considera- 
ble importance, and care was used to select the most 
eligible situation. The land on which the original 
town was laid out belonged then to M. C. Lake, 
and the only building upon it was one he had 
erected at the north end of the bridge with the inten- 
tion of building a grist-mill. 

He deeded forty acres to Charles Crocker in con- 
sideration of his causing a station to be established 
there, laying it oft' in town lots, and convoying a 
certain number of the lots back again. This was 
accordingly done. The town was christened Reno, 
in honor of (reneral Jesse Reno, who fell at the bat- 
tle of South Mountain, and the lots were placed upon 
the market May 9, 1S68, and sold at auction, some of 
them bringing as high as 81,000. 

Although the railroad had not approached the 
town, so great was the faith in the future of the 
young fledgling that people hastened hither in large 



HISTORY OF WASHOE COUNTY. 



635 



numbers, anxious to secure desirable sites and cast 
their lot with the young city that had such a prom- 
ising future before it. Until the railroad came there 
was but little business, except that aftbrded by its 
construction, and the people had to live upon their 
own means. The rude and hastily constructed 
shanties that then covered the town site gave but 
little promise of the comfortable and even elegant 
dwellings, substantial business houses and commo- 
dious hotels that now bear witness to the town's 
prosperity. 

As in all such cases since the palmy days of '49, 
saloons were the first places of business to be opened, 
and bj' far the best patronized. For a few weeks 
men had nothing to do but to see to it that these 
" necessary evils " did not fail for lack of an occa- 
sional two-bit piece, and it is hardly necessary to 
remark that they attended to this dutj' with a zeal 
worthy of a better cause. 

The first train from Sacramento arrived June 18, 
1868, and it was a great daj' for Reno, bringing with 
it the tangible assurance that their confidence had 
not been misplaced. From that day Reno counts its 
career as a business town. It was nearly a year 
after this event, on the tenth of May, 18G9, that the 
last spike in the overland railroad was driven at 
Promontory Point, and a few daj's later the citizens 
of Reno assembled at the depot to greet the first 
through train from the East. Until then they had 
but faintlj* realized the magnitude of the railroad and 
their connection with it, and the sturdy pioneers who 
had loiled but a few years before a laborious journey 
of four months across the plains, mountains and 
deserts, gazed upon the train that had left New 
York but six days previously, and exclaimed as did 
Gallileo of old, "The world moves." 

No sooner did trains begin to arrive from Sacra- 
mento with their loads of freight and passengers 
than Reno began to bustle and hum with life and 
activity. Stages left dailj' for Carson and Virginia, 
crowded with passengers, and long trains of freight 
wagons were loaded with goods at the depot, from 
the scores of cars that arrived weekly, and defiled 
through the streets and out upon the roads that led 
to their destination. 

Those wore the palmy daj's of Reno; work for all 
who sought it; plenty of money; good prices paid for 
la'. or and goods. The number of men, animals and 
•vagons required in transacting this immense freight- 
ing business, assured emplo}-ment and prosperity for 
the merchant, farmer and mechanic, and, it may be 
remarked, to the saloon keeper also. Where there 
is a large number of men, well employed and receiv- 
ing good wages, especially when the majority of 
them are unmarried and free from the restraining 
care of the home circle, there the saloon finds its 
most inviting field. There, also, will be found a 
class of human cormorants who live upon the labor 
and toil of others by robbing them at the gaming 
table, or by the many devices of which money is 



extorted from the unwary, or, failing in that, by 
open violence and crime. With such a class, in com- 
mon with her sister towns, was Reno infested. Sa- 
loons and gambling houses opened their inviting 
door, and shameless women walked the streets and 
enticed men into dance houses where music and 
rcvelrj' sounded far into the night. Such were the 
infant days of Reno, but the settlement of families, 
the establishment of churches, schools and institu- 
tions of learning, the presence of pure and cultivated 
ladies, and the energy and determination of the citi- 
zens, have succeeded in making a marvelous change, 
and Reno to-day offers but slight indications of the 
Reno of but ten years ago. 

July 4, 1868, J. (". Lewis, who had for several 
years been publishing the Eastern Slope, at Washoe 
City, removed his material to this place and issued 
the first number of the Reno Crescent, a paper that 
existed nearly ten years. The second paper was 
issued November 23, 1870, by J. G. Law & Co. 

During the first two years of its life the town had 
enjoj'cd a thriving business and great prosperity. 
The population had steadily increased to over 1,000, 
and the rude shanties that composed the original 
town had given place to neat dwellings and fine 
frame business structures. A few brick buildings had 
also made their appearance. Besides this, the town 
had spread out in all directions beyond the limits 
of the town as at first laid out. The town as first 
surveyed and platted was all on the north side of the 
river, but in 1870 M. C. Lake annexed an addition 
on the south side of the stream, and J. J. Dunne ex- 
tended the limits on the north. 

In 1871 L. H. Dyer built a theater, and thus added 
one more metropolitan feature to the town. 

In September, 1872, connection with Virginia City 
by means of the Virginia and Truckee Railroad was 
completed, and Reno realized that what had been 
looked forward to as a great advantage, was, for the 
time being, a severe blow to its prosperity. Indeed, 
the citizens had begun to see this sometime before, 
for the year before the road had been built from 
Reno to Steamboat Springs, and the latter place, for 
the time, became the terminus of the road and the 
point where goods were transferred to wagons to be 
carried to their destination. The immense freight- 
ing and stage business to the south that had kept 
Reno bustling with activity was transferred to Steam- 
boat Springs, and upon the comjilction of the road 
died out entirely. Had this business been the sole 
dependence of the place it would have relapsed into 
a mere station on the railroad, but such was not the 
case. For miles up and down the river were large 
and fruitful farms that made Reno their Bhip])lng 
point and from her received their merchandise, and 
miles to the north and west lay fertile valleys, well 
settled, also looking to Reno for their supplies. These 
resources and the fact that Reno is an important sta- 
tion on the great overland route of travel, as well a-* 
the terminus and transhipping point of another ro.id. 



fi36 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



combined to keep, and always will keep her from 
becoming a place of Bceondarj' importance. 

HENRY LYM.\N FISH 

Was born at Sandwich, Barnstable Countj-, Massa- 
chusetts, on the twenty- second of July, 1834. After 
receiving a liberal education he determined to visit 
the Pacific Coast, and, accordingly, took passage on 
the ship Eliza Warwick, at Boston, bound to Hono- 





lulu, October 5, 1852. On the eighth of February, 
1853, he reached Honolulu, and, on the twenty- 
seventh of the same month, ho shipped on the 
brigatine, William Wallace, and arrived at San Fran- 
cisco, California, on the tenth of the following March. 
He at once started for the southern mines, and 
reached Jamestown, Tuolumno C(junty, April 7, and 
engaged in mining. July 1, 1861, Mr. Fish removed 
to San Francisco, where ho remained until Septem- 
ber, 181)2, at which time ho came to Virginia Citj", 
Nevada, and soon after settled in Ophir, Washoe 
County. 

At the general election of 1863, he was elected 
Justice of the Peace at Ophir, and, in 1864, was 
elected County Assessor of Washoe County, but was 
deprived of office by trickery in the Constitutional 
Convention. In 1866 he was elected Count}- Re- 
corder, after serving as minute Clerk in the Assembly 
of that year. He was re elected to the office of 
Kccorder, in IBOS and 187(1. In 1872 he came to 
Iteno, with the Washoe County records, and has 
since been a resident of that place. In 1876 he was 
elected County Assessor. 

Mr. Fish has been connected with the First 
National Bank of Reno since ite organization, and 



was elected a Director of that institution, April 6, 
1881. He has been an active member of the Masonic 
fraternity for many years, and was elected Most 
Worshipful Grand Master of the State of Nevada, 
at the annual convocation of 1878. 

He was married at Virginia City, November 1, 
1863, to Miss Emily C, third daughter of Ansel 
Tobey, Esq., of Sandwich, Massachusetts. They 
have one child living, named Emily Alice, born at 
Ophir, Nevada, January 20, 18G6. 

W. R. CHAMBERLAIN. 

Many a man can plead a case succossfullj' in the 
Supreme Court who cannot keep a hotel. It is diffi- 
cult to determine precisely the qualities which enables 
a man to entertain the public, though it is not at all 
difficult to determine, when we enter a hotel, whether 
the landlord is in his right place. If he is to the 
" manor born," we shall feel a sense of home prevad- 
ing the atmosphere; of comfort crawling over our 
tired limbs. The boot-jack is just where we want it 
to draw off our muddy boots; the towels are clean 
and fresh; the beds invite to comfort and repose: the 
food on the table looks toothsome and wholesome; 
the necessary services are rendered kindly without 
ostentation or undue servility; and then the face of 
the popular landlord is cheerful; a reflex of his own 
comforts; a certificate of the genuine character of 
the house as a home for the traveler. Such a man is 
our landlord of the Depot Hotel at Reno, known 
and esteemed by all the traveling public. He natur- 
ally takes to hotel-keeping as a duck takes to water. 
His first house was built in 1808, and was burned 
down in 1878; rebuilt and again burned March 2, 
1879, the last fire consuming everything. The pres- 
ent house was built during the summer following the 
fire, and is a commodious structure, 170 feet long by 
32 feet wide, three stories in height, with platform 
on the Central Pacific Railroad twentj--eight feet 
wide, and on the Virginia and Truckce Railroad fif- 
teen feet wide, with fort}' -seven large and airy lodg- 
ing rooms, bcsider offices, famiij- sitting-rooms, par- 
lors and bath-rooms. In the same building are the 
offices for the sale of railroad tickets and iho for- 
warding of passengers and baggage, so that the 
traveler is able to make all arrangements for his 
journey without delay or vexation. 

Mr. Chamberlain was born in Rensselaer County, 
New York, in 1842, from which ])lace he moved to 
Wayne County of the same Slate, coming to the 
Pacific Coast in 1864. He mined six years in Sierra 
County, California, before coming to Reno. He kept 
several public houses before engaging in his present 
0])eration. He kept the Cold Spring House in 
Sierra. California, the Plum Vallej- House in the 
same county, and also the Little Truckee House, the 
Carlin Kating House at Elko, in this State, and the 
Elko Eating House at the same place. Ho was mar- 
ried in 18(54 to Miss Margaret A. Peer, of Newark, 
Wayno County, Now York. They arc not blessed 
with children. 



HISTORY OF WASHOE COUNTY. 



G37 



PROTECTION AGAINST FIRE. 

So rapidly had the town sprung up that but little 
attention was paid to any particular measures against 
fire. A small fire in 1868 led to the organization of 
the first fire company in the town on the seventeenth 
of November of that year. Of this company, the 
Reno Hook and Ladder Company, No. 1, James 
Finnigan was Foreman. The vitality of this com- 
pany was feeble and its life short. At this time 
Messrs. Browsky, Howell, Lake, and Ashton were 
appointed Fire Wardens of the town. No further 
means were provided to secure the property' ot the 
place against destruction by fire for over two years. 

On the fourth of April, 1871, however, a meeting 
was held in Pioneer Hall to consider measures for 
protection from fire. F. F. Osbiston presented the 
town with a fire alarm bell, and a committee was 
appointed to devise measures and solicit subscrijv 
tions. Four days later they reported in favor of 
constructing seven cisterns in convenient locations 
for storing water, the cost of which would be SI, 200. 
At that time the subscriptions amounted to 8900, and 
the committee was directed to complete the work, 
which task was soon accomplished and paid for. 
The cisterns were built of wood, and were of the 
capacitj- of about 1,600 gallons each. Ninety-five 
fire-buckets were also purchased and placed in the 
vicinity of the cisterns, convenient for instant use. 
Having taken these precautions the citizens felt in a 
measure secure from destructive fires. 

At 6:30 o'clock on the evening of October 25, 
1875, a fire was in some manner ignited in the 
residence of George Schaffer, on Commercial Row, 
and before it could be extinguished five dwellings 
had been destroyed, entailing a loss of §25,000. 
Loud calls were now made for a Fire Department, 
as the whole city would have been destroj'cd had 
there been a high wind such as frequently prevails 
there. On the tenth of the following month Reno 
Engine Company, No. 1, was organized with sixty- 
four members, and J. L. McFarlin, Foreman; Mor- 
ris Ash and L. Marks, Assistants; 82,826 were sub- 
scribed by the citizens at that time, and more sub- 
sequently. Considerable discussion was had for a 
number of days as to whether a hand or steam 
engine should be purchased, which resulted in favor 
of a hand engine, and one was accordingly procured. 
In the following January, however, it was decided 
to purchase a steamer, and choice was made of a La 
Franco patent rotary engine, which, with 1,000 feet 
of hose and two carts, cost S5.000. With these 
appliances, and with the Railroad Fire Engine, No. 
48, the city seemed to bo well protected from fire. 
This was demonstrated on the sixth of the next 
October, when a fire broke out in Jacob GrofTs 
bakery, on Commercial Row, and was subdued after 
two buildings were burned. Ijoss about 815,000. 

On the twenty-first of July, 1877, Washoe Com- 
pany, No. 2, was organized for the purpose of tak- 
ing charge of the hand engine. Allen Bragg was 
80 



chosen Foreman, and R. P. M. Kelly and N. J. Salis- 
bury, Assistants. 

At the present time the F'irc Department consists 
of three volunteer companies. ]{eno Fngine Com- 
pany, No. 1, has charge of thofiro steamer; Washoe 
Engine Company, No. 2, has charge of the hand 
engine; and Hose Company, No. 48, has charge of 
the hose used by the Railroad Fire Engine, No. 48. 

PIIOPERTV DESTROYED BY FIRE. 

The first serious fire occurred Wednesday, October 
29, 1873, and ere it ceased its ravages destroj'cd 
more than lOO buildings. About half-past ten at 
night, flames were discovered issuing from the 
Western Hotel, on Commercial Row, between Vir- 
ginia and Sierra Streets. The alarm was instantly 
sounded and people rushed from all directions to 
the scene of danger. Befi)re the cisterns could be 
uncovered and the buckets brought the flames had 
made great headway and were burning fiercely. 
The citizens fought desperately, but wet blankets 
and buckets of water seemed of little avail, and the 
flames spread rapidly. The fire quickly reached 
Masonic Hall on the west and Barnett's brick block 
on the east. Around this it went to Virginia Street 
and down to Bell & Burke's brick store on Second 
Street. Crossing Virginia Street here it swept back 
on the other side to Commercial Row. In two 
hours were burned the two brick blocks bounded by 
Sierra, Center, Second and Commercial Row. except 
four stores, a few dwellings, the Journal office and 
the Masonic Hall, the verj- business heart of the citj'. 

Good service was rendered by the railroad firo 
trains that came rushing to the scene from Wads- 
worth and Truckee. The ('arson City fire engine, 
S. T. Swift, also came, but owing to a delay of the 
train did not arrive until the firo was under control. 
The loss was estimated at 8100,000, on which there 
was considerable insurance. 

In the evening of October 25, 1875, Goorge Schaf- 
f'cr's residence on Commercial Row caught fire, and 
before the flames could be extinguished five dwellings 
were destroyed, with a total loss of 825,000. 

A few minutes after one o'clock on the morning of 
February 13, 1877, flames were seen issuing from the 
upper story of the Depot Hotel. The alarm was 
sounded and the Firo Department and engine No. 48 
quickly ajipearcd on the scene. The flames were 
extinguished after damaging the building to the 
amount of 815,000. Mrs. Lena Johnson, a Swede 
chambeiTiiaid, was unable to effect her escape and 
was burned to death. While the fire was burning 
fiercely the overland train from the East arrived, and 
passing the burning building safely, stopped just 
beyond to discharge its load and then went on. 

The greatest disaster that has befallen the cour- 
ageous young city and tho greatest event in her 
history, is the memorable fire of Sunday. March 2, 
1879. Almost a hurricane was blowing that Sabbath 
morning, filling the streets with clouds of dost, when 
fire caught in a pile of cedar wood back of tho Rail- 



638 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



road House, supposed to have been caused by sparks 
blown from a chimney that had been burning out. 
The flames were observed by an old lady known as 
Grandmother Hogan, who emptied two tubs of water 
upon them, but the wind blew so fiercely that they 
soon got beyond her control. 

The Fire Department was called out and the 
steamer, hand engine and No. 48 all responded with 
alacrity. The efforts of the firemen and citizens 
were futile in the face of the wind, and for four long 
hours they fought the roaring and rapidly-spreading 
flames without avail. The fire marched on until 
there was nothing more within its grasp to feed- 
upon, and then died out. The burned district em- 
braced ten blocks, including every business house in 
town, save two grocery stores. The Masonic Hall 
and Catholic School were both saved almost mirac- 
ulously, although the Catholic Church was destroyed. 
Mrs. John Beck was burned in her house while 
endeavoring to save some of her property. Three 
tramps, named Charles Falncr, James Fitzpatrick 
and Robert Irvine, met the same fate in E. C. Mo- 
Kinney's barn, and an Indian was burned in the 
Nevada State Flouring Mills. 

Hundreds were thus rendered homeless, and the 
supply of food for the city had been almost totallj' 
consumed by the hungry flames. That night large 
quantities of bedding and food were received from 
Carson, Virginia and other places, and the homeless 
made as comfortable as possible in the churches and 
dwellings that had escaped the flames. A relief 
committee was organized, and everything possible 
done to relieve the suffering. The next day a bill 
was introduced into the Legislature, at Carson, ap- 
propriating SKtjOOO for the relief of the sufferers, 
and received the Governor's signature within an hour 
of its first introduction. 

The most extensive losses are here given: — 

Manning & Duck . $ 50,000 

Gray & Isaacs 20.000 

Farmers' Co-operative Association. 18.500 

Abrams Brothers 25,000 

Judge Marshall 18,000 

S. M. Jamison 15.000 

M.C.Lake 12,.5{)0 

VV. H. Chamberlain, Depot Hotel. . 25,000 

Nevada Stale Flouring Mills 85,000 

D. C. McFarland 12,000 

D. & B. Lachman 35,000 

C. J. Brookins i*t Co 10,000 

Barnett Brothers 60,000 

Courtois it Boyd 20,000 

M.Nathan 17,500 

Pollard House 12.000 

J. Prescott IH.OOO 

Hill & Oaks .•.. 10,000 

t)8burn A Shoemaker 14,000 

Central Pacific Kailroad Company. 100,000 

PatHogan lo.ooo 

Mi-s. Sim])son 11,000 

Mrs. H. Noyes 10,000 

Other losses approximating 320,000 

Total 8896,000 



The amount of insurance on this was but 8194,600, 
leaving a total loss of over 8700,000. 

Great as was this disaster, the energy and enter- 
prise of the citizens was greater, and soon new 
stores and dwellings began to appear over the ashes 
of those that had passed away. So great was the 
change wrought in a few months that nearly all 
traces of the fire vanished from sight, and Ileno 
appeared to bo as busy and prosperous as before. 
But though the visible effects of the fire could be so 
quickly removed, the invisible ones could not, and 
Eeno to-day is sufl'ering in her business and commer- 
cial enterprises from the severe losses of the great 
conflagration. 

INFESTED BY BAD CH.ARACTERS. 

Mention has heretofore been made of the number 
of bad characters that infested Keno. Several times 
the city had been nearly cleared of them bj" means of 
notices sent to the more notorious ones to leave within 
a stipulated time, signed " 601," and known to emi- 
natefrom an association of citizens. The many mis- 
deeds of these individuals it is unnecessary to record, 
but the following incident is of interest because of 
the peculiar circumstances. 

For some time prior to the thirteenth of July, 
1874, Reno had been made the rendezvous of three- 
card-monte-men, gamblers, garroters, and burglars. 
Men had been fleeced of their money, houses and 
stores entered and people robbed on the streets. On 
the night in question Under Sheriff Kinkead and 
Deputy Sheriffs Ilutton, Jones and Avery, jiosted 
themselves about town to watch the actions of five 
men who had attracted their attention. Sometime 
after midnight a shot and cries for help were heard 
issuing from the alley back of Commercial Row and 
in the rear of the post-oflSce. Avery rushed to the 
scene and found the five men beating a man who 
proved to be \V. T. C. Elliott. At this juncture Elli- 
ott fired two more shots, which, with the appearance 
of the officer, caused the villains to run, two going 
out upon Virginia Street and two upon Center. 
Avery pursued the first two and overtook them at 
the bridge, when one of them turned upon him with 
his gun, but when Avery covered him with his revol- 
ver exclaimed, " Don't shoot! I'm wounded now." 
It was found that he had a bullet wound in the right 
breast and another in the right leg, just above the 
ankle. He was taken in charge, tho other man 
escaping. 

Of the other three, one was captured by Officer 
Ilutton, as he was escaping from the alley, and the 
balance made good their escape. Officers immedi- 
ately went in search of them, and at five o'clock in 
the morning Kinkead discovered their tracks near 
the railroad bridge. lie at once rode on in ]iursuit, 
and when he arrived at Huffakers, ascerlained that 
they had taken bieakfast there. Although he was 
warned that tho\- were well armi-d and was advised 
not to attempt their ca]>lure, he continued the pur- 
suit alone, overtaking them at Crane's. Riding up 



HISTORY OF WASHOE COUNTY. 



639 



to within 100 yards of them, ho disiuouiilod and 
orderod them to surrender. They drew tlieir weap- 
ons and took each a side of the road. Kinkead's 
shot-fjfun was loaded with buckshot, and covering 
one of thorn with this the officer warned him to 
throw down hi.s ])istol before ho counted three or he 
would shoot. The only response to this was a laugh, 
and when the fatal three had been counted, the offi- 
cer fired, lodging two balls in the man's right breast. 
They then threw down their pistols and surrendered 
and were safely conveyed to Reno by their plucky 
captor. 

In two weeks they were tried and sentenced to 
twelve years in the penitentiary. 

THE ASSOCt.\TI0N OP ■'601." 

Soon after the arrest and conviction of the five 
disreputable persons, in July, 1874, there was formed 
an Association of citizens, who were known as the 
'"GOl." The object of this Association was to find 
out and watch any objectionable characters that 
might infest the town, and to give them " tickets of 
leave " whenever it was deemed necessary to rid the 
town of their presence. These notices to quit the 
place were often more effective than suits at law 
or open violence would have been. A few da^'s 
after the fire of February 13, 1877, this Association 
issued several free passes, with excellent effect, which 
were duly accepted and used in time to prevent 
scenes of violence. 

The onlj" time that it bccamj necessary for"' the 
•' GOl " to demonstrate the fact that they were not 
a mythical organization was in September, 1878. 

There lived in town at that time a saloon keeper, 
named W. J. Jones, whose unsavory reputation had 
followed him hither from California. A j'oung ladj' 
in San Francisco inserted an advertisement in one 
of the papers, seeking for a situation as a lady's 
companion. Jones answered it, and stated that he 
was an invalid lady, and finally made arrangements 
with her to como to Reno. When she arrived here, 
late at night, Jones met her at the depot and con- 
ducted her to his saloon, the character of the place 
not being observed by her until she had entered. 
Here he made insulting proposals to her, which she 
resented, and compelled him to conduct her to a 
hotel. A companion of Jones, one H. J. Carson, 
then went to the hotel, and by representing to her 
that she was not safe from Jones there, induced her 
to accompany him, to what he called, a ])laco of 
safety. ILo conducted her towards the railroad 
bridge, and then made the same overtures that she 
had received from Jones. The now thoroughly 
frightened girl, alone and friendless in a strange 
place, and at the mercy of such villains as these, 
know not what to do or which way to turn, but 
finally reached the hotel again, and related hor story. 

The indignation of the citizens was intense when 
the news was circulated the next da}'. Carson 
was arrested for vagrancy and lodged in jail, much 
to his satisfaction, for he feared the vengeance of 



the |)eoi)Ie. The young lady was taken in charge 
by the Masons, and tenderly cared for. 

The next evening, September 19, 1878, Jones 
was visited in his room by a body of men, who 
bound him and carried him to the south end of the 
railroad bridge. That evening a much respected 
citizen, William Duck, had died, and as the captors 
proceeded with their victim the church bell was 
tolling. Imagining that the bell was sounding his 
own death-knell the guilty wretch begged and 
pleaded for mercy. 

Arriving at the end of the bridge they found 
more men who had in charge a large kettle of tar 
and a liberal supply of feathers. lie was deprived 
of his clothing, covered with the hot tar, a kettle 
of the hot liquid emptied over his head, his face, 
hair and eyes literally filled with it, and then liber- 
ally covered with snow-white feathers. His cloth- 
ing was then put on him, and trembling with pain 
and fright he was given a ticket to Truckee, and 
placed on the Overland Train. 

On the train and in Truckee he was the subject 
of a great deal of pity by people who were not con- 
versant with the facts, and the act was denominated 
a cruel outrage by the newspapers. When, how- 
ever, the circumstances were brought to light ho 
received but little sympathy. He was several daj-s 
ill Truckee before he became thoroughly cleansed, 
and the blisters made by the hot tar were a con- 
stant reminder of tho "GOl" of Reno for many days. 
Carson was sentenced to fifty days in jail for va- 
grancy, and when discharged took his departure from 
town. 

Notices wore also sent to a number of undesira- 
ble citizens to take up their abode in some remote 
locality, and some of them departed without even 
waiting for this little formality. One of these, a 
young man nameil Alf. Howard, or better known as 
Jesse Cook, had the temerity to return on the 
twenty-eighth. He had made himself obnoxious by 
circulating obscene literature, and enticing drunken 
men into houses of ill-fame, and tho "GOl" deter- 
mined to show that they meant what the}' said 
when they issued an order to leave town. 

About seven o'clock the next evening he was 
enticed into the alley back of Morris Ash's saloon, 
where he was seized and bound by a body of men. 
His cries for liel|) brought a number of people to 
the rescue, who departed as hastilj' as thoy came 
when permitted to gaze into the muzzles of tho 
numerous revolvers carried by the men. Cook was 
taken to a secluded spot on the river bank, and 
given a very light coat of tar and feathers on his face 
only, being treated leniently on account of his 
youth. Ho went to Truckee and joined his father, 
who had proviousl}' been driven from Reno. They 
returned the next morning, and took the train for 
Virginia City. Since these events it has boon un- 
necessary for tho "GOl" to make any demonstrations 
whatever. 



640 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



EFFORTS TO INCORPORATE. 

In the early part of 1871, when it was definitely 
settled that Reno was to be the countj" seat, elated 
with past success, many of the citizens desired to 
have the town incorporated to ensure better protec- 
tion to both life and property. This was opposed by 
many who thought the expense of a town govern- 
ment greater than the benefits to be derived; that 
the township officials were sufficient to maintain 
order, anij that if any protection from fire was 
desired, the money could be raised by subscription 
among those most deeply interested. A public 
meeting was called Januar}' 7, 1871, and a com- 
mittee appointed to draft a bill, but beyond this 
nothing was do.ie, and the matter was dropped. 

During the summer of 1877, after slumbering for 
nearly six years, the subject of incorporation was 
again discussed. By request of the Board of Trade 
the people voted on the question. Two hundred and 
eighteen votes were cast, giving a majority of thirty- 
eight in favor of incorporation. Steps were then taken 
to carry out the will of the people thus expressed. 
Nothing was accomplished in this direction, how- 
ever, till a general Act was passed by the Legis- 
lature in March, 1879. 

A petition having been presented to the Board 
of County Commissioners by the citizens of Keno, 
the town was incorporated April 8, 1879, under 
the provisions of the general Act, approved March 
8, 1879. The town as incorporated embraced the 
original plat and Lake's, Marsh's, Hayden's, Shoe- 
maker's, Hatch's, Evan's, North and Western Addi- 
tions, described as follows: — 

Beginning at the corner of sections 2, 3, 10 and 
11, township 19 north, range 19 east; thence east 
between sections 2 and 11 and 1 and 12 to the 
one -fourth corner between sections 1 and 12; 
thence south through the middle of sections 12 
and 13 to the center of section 13; thence west 
through the middle of sections 13 and 14 to the 
one-fourth corner between sections 14 and 15 ; 
thence north between sections 14 and 15, 10 and 
11 to the place of beginning; containing all of sec- 
tion 11, the west one-half of section 12, the north- 
west one-fourth of section 13, and the north one- 
half of section 14, township 19 north, range 19 east. 

Thus, nearly ten years after the matter was first 
discussed, Reno became an incorporated town. The 
corporation is governed by the Board of Count}- 
Commissioners, who levy taxes, pass ordinances and 
regulate the fire and police departments. 

The business interests of Reno may be summed uj) 
as follows: Five general merchandise stores, four gro- 
cery stores, three dry goods stores, three drug stores, 
three clothing stores, two boot and shoe stores, three 
hardware stores, two stationery stores, five varietj' 
stores, seven millinery and dressmaking establish- 
ments, three furniture stores, three jewelers, one 
gun store, six moat markets, four livery stables, 
three large and seven small hotels, fifteen saloons, 
two dailj- and weekly newspapers, one lumber yard, 



one bank, four physicians, one dentist, twelve attor- 
neys and a number of restaurants and shops. The 
manufacturing industries, besides a number of shoo, 
harness, tailor, blacksmith and wagon shops, are the 
Washoe Brewery, Charles Becker, propHetor, built 
in September, 1870, by Becker &Knust; the flouring 
mills of Lake <k Beck, originally built for a feed mill 
by S. C. Fogers and A. J. Coghill, in 1869, but soon 
converted into a flouring mill and called Reno Flour- 
ing and Feed Mill, combined in 1873 with the salt 
works under the name of Nevada State Mills, burned 
in the great fire of March 2, 1879, and rebuilt by 
Lake & Beck; Auburn Quartz Mill, built by an Jln- 
glish company in 1805, and has been idle for some 
time; B. F. Murphy's salt works. Among the past 
industries were Seaton & Marshall's Soap Factory; 
Reno Tannery, bj- George \V. and A. J. Hatch; and 
the Reno Planing Mill, by S. F. Hoole. 

Reno is lighted by gas, supplied by the Reno Gas 
Companj-, has a good theater, five churches, com- 
modious school building, an elegant brick high school 
building just completed, two institutions of learning 
and a large number of residences and dwelling-houses, 
well protected by foliage and surrounded b}' well- 
kept yards. The streets are broad and straight, and 
the town is well supplied with shade trees, chiefly 
Cottonwood and poplar, though other and better 
varieties are now being introduced. 

The Reno public school house was built in Decem- 
ber, 1869, at a cost of S4,000, In 1874 an addition 
was made, that cost 84,000, and in 1877, another, 
costing S2,000. The fine high school was recently 
completed. The Catholics have in contemplation the 
building of a college. In 1875 the Methodist Epis- 
copal Church of Nevada, at its annual conference, 
determined upon building a University. A commit- 
tee selected Reno as the location most desirable, but 
nothing further has been done. Reno was also se- 
lected as the site for the State Agricultural College, 
but that also lies dormant. 

L. W. LEE 

Is a native of New York, having been born in Gene- 
see County in 1834. When he was quite young he 
removed with his parents to Elkhorn, Walworth 
County, Wisconsin, and they were among the first 
settlers of that section of the country. In 1S60 Mr. 
Lee crossed the plains, and located at Gold Hill, 
Storey C'ounty, Nevada, where ho remained for about 
five years, part of the time engaged in keeping hotel, 
lie afterwards went to Long Valley and engaged in 
ranching and keeping station until 1873, at which 
time he came to Reno, where ho has since resided. 
Mr. Lee is the owner and proprietor of the well- 
known livery and feed stable, situated on the south- 
west corner of Fourth and Sierra Streets. The build- 
ing is 69x100 feet, two stories, first of stone and 
secondof brick, and was built by him in 1875. In con- 
nection with his livery business ho is quite exten- 
sively engaged in shipping cattle, often ships as high 



HISTORY OF WASHOE COUNTY. 



641 



as 8,000 head in a single year, about one-half of 
them being weighed at Keno. He was married in 
December, 1858, at Elkhorn. Wisconsin, to Miss Julia 
D. Moore, a native of that place. 

EPISCOPAL SEMINARY. 

December 18. 1875. an agreement was signed 
between O. M. Whitaker, Missionary liishop of the 
Protestant Episcopal Church of Nevada, and about 
200 subscribing citizens of Reno, in which the party 
of the first part agreed to build a seminary for the 
instruction of girls in English, modern European 
languages and the classics, to cost $20,000, of which 
the parties of the second part were to furnish $5,000. 
Those subscribing SlOO or more were B. F. Leete, D. 
A. Bender & Co., 0. & A. Evans, A. J. Hatch, C. C. 
Powning, Manning & Duck, Norton & Co., and M. C. 
Lake. Six and one-half acres of ground in the north- 
west portion of the town were secured and building 
was commenced June 1, 1876. A fine structure 
40x88 feet and three stories high was completed in 
October, at a total expense of §27,000, large enough 
to accommodate forty-five regular and fifty day 
scholars. The school was dulj^ opened with forty 
scholars with Miss Kate Sill, Principal, and ibur assist- 
ants. Of the building fund 810,000 were donated 
b}' Miss C. L. Wolfe, of New Yoi-k, who was really 
the founder of the institution. To the energy of 
Bishop VVhitaker is due the successful completion of 

the work. 

-MOUNT ST. Mary's academy. 

In the winter of 1878-79 the Catholics of Nevada 
erected, in Reno, a fine three-story building, 45x05 
feet in size, for a convent school, which is under the 
charge of the Dominican Sisters. It is of wood with 
a brick basement, and narrowly escaped destruction 
in the great conflagration that occurred soon after 
its completion. 

HEBREW BENEVOLENT SOCIETY. 

On the twenty-third of April, 1878, the Jewish 
citizens of Reno organized a society called the Chebra 
B'rith Sholam, for religious and benevolent purposes. 
Isaac Barnett was President, and Isaac Frederick, 
Vice-President. In consequence of the destruction 
of their properly in the great fire of 18711, the society 
went out of existence, but on the tenth of August, 
1870. the Reno Hebrew Benevolent Society was 
organized with twenty-one members. The first oili- 
cers were: Morris Ash, President; D. Peckner, Vice- 
President; E. Meyer, Secretary; Thomas Barnett, 
Treasurer; A. Prescott, Messenger; D. Lachman, M. 
D. Levy, and J. Prescott, Trustees. The society is 
in a sound condition, with eighteen members and a 
cemetery, books, para])hernalia, etc., valued at §050. 
The highest membership has been thirty-two, and it 
has disbursed 8112.50 in charitable objects. The 
present officers arc: Morris Ash, President; D. Lach- 
man, Vice-President; K. .\[ayer, Secretary; Thomas 
Barnett, Treasurer; A. Prescott, Messenger; Isaac 
Barnett, Isaac Frederick, and Benjamin Lachman, 
Trustees. 



PRINCIPAL TOWNS AND CITIES. 

Auburn was laid out and named in 1865 by an 
English company-, who erected a twenty-stamp mill 
about a mile north of the present site of Reno, but the 
birth of Reno in 1868 so overwhelmed it that Au- 
burn died in its infancy. 

Brooiclyn is on the south side of Peavine Mount- 
ains, and midway between Reno and Verdi. Here 
the New York Company began running a tunnel 
early in 1875. It was said that the company expected 
to expend half a million of dollars in developing their 
claim, and as a number of other locations were made 
in this portion of the Peavine District, the new town 
which they laid out and named Brooklyn, seemed to 
have a future before it. A boarding-house for the 
men, a few shanties and the shops and stables of the 
company composed all there ever was of the town of 
Brooklj^n. Considerable monej* has been spent on 
the mine bj- the United Brooklj-n Mining Company, 
and machinery has been erected, but little, however, 
has been accomplished. 

Crystal Peak lies in a grass}- nook, between 
the jutting hills at the eastern foot of the Sierra. 
It is the natural outlet for an extensive tract of 
timber land, and for that reason, and because of its 
beautiful and healthful location, a splendid site for a 
thriving town. The advantages were noted and 
improved by the Crystal Peak Company, who laid 
out a town here in 1864. The company owned lum- 
ber and mining interests some ten or fifteen miles 
west of the town, in a mountain containing crys- 
tallized gold quartz, from which the name was 
derived. 

In addition to the gold and silver-bearing quartz 
ledges, coal was found in Dog Valley, and a number 
of companies were formed to work it. The scarcity 
of fuel in this State rendered a body of lignite 
especially valuable, and developments were watched 
with considerable interest. It was soon discovered 
that the seams of bituminous matter were verj- thin, 
that the coal was of very poor quality, being largely 
intermixed with foreign matter, and almost useless 
as a fuel. The character of the formation denoted a 
quite recent origin, as it contained fragments of wil- 
low leaves, grasses, etc., remains resembling some 
varieties of sage-brush, and the elytron of a beetle, 
apparently the same as a species now found on the 
same mountains, and attached to the pinon. These 
remains, together with the manner in which it is 
associated with the surrounding rocks, indicate the 
formation of a much more recent date than that of 
the beds of coal in the Eastern States and in Eng- 
land. 

The discovery was made early in 1864, and con- 
siderable work was done in the few subsequent 
years. Several thousand dollars were expended in 
sinking shafts, in boring by artesian pi'ocess, and in 
driving tunnels, some of the shafts being continued 
to a depth of 300 feet. In some places the work 



642 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



wa.- fii>l done by Ijoriiig, lh«ii :ibal't!s were sunk, and 
Bteam machinery erected to facilitate hoisting and 
pumping operations. The result of the developments 
was to demonstrate the almost worthless character 
of the coal, and the mines were abandoned. 

The same result followed the few attempts that 
were made to work the quartz of the district, and 
that industry has been for a long time discontinued. 
The lumber interests have been the most extensive, 
and the one upon which the region has placed its 
chief dependence. Several saw-mills in the vicinity 
have been running constantlj-; the Truckee is capa- 
ble of furnishing an abundance of water-power, and 
for years the lumber and wood supplied from this 
district were sufficient to support quite a flourishing 
town. 

In the year 18G8, Crystal Peak enjoyed a pros- 
perity such as she has not known since. The Cen- 
tral Pacific Eailroad was then just entering this 
State, and the saw-mills of this section were sup- 
plying the immense amount of necessary materials 
for its construction. All was bustle and business in 
the little town, and hopes were entertained that 
the road would pass through it, but they were not 
realized, for the line passed two miles to the left. 

From that time the old town went into a rapid 
decline, and from a population of 1,500 it dwindled 
down to a scant few who still cling to it. 

Franktown is the pioneer town of Washoe County, 
being settled before the great Comstock Ledge was 
discovered and before there existed such an organ- 
ization as Washoe County, as has been fully detailed 
in the preceding history of the county. 

The town of Franktown was first settled in 1852, 
and became a town in tlio ycav 1855. Its early his- 
tory has been fully related in the history of the set- 
tlement of the county, with which it is too closely 
woven to be separated. It was but a small hamlet, 
and was the only town within the present limits of 
the county of Washoe, until after the influ.K of 
people caused by the silver excitement. The saw- 
mill built by (Jrson ilydo was the only manufactur- 
ing industry, the settlors being nearly all farmers. 

The discovery and development of the Comstock 
soon had an eftect 0!i Franktown. The saw-mill 
was run to the limit of its capacity, as were others 
in the vicinity. A brisk demand for wood and lum- 
ber for the mines kept Franktown busj-, as it did 
other places in the valley. A sixty-stam]> ([uartz 
mill, costing $250,000, was erected here, by J. II. 
Ball & Co., in 1861, and caused a great increase in 
the business and population of the town. It was 
burned in 18(i5, and immediately re-built, but was a 
second time burned, a few years later. 

The same causes (hat destroj'ed the quartz milling 
business in other portions of the valley, took effect 
here, and Franktown had a decided relapse. In 
1872 the Virginia and Truckee Railroad was c m- 
plotod, and this place became quite a depot fnr ihe 
shipment of wood, lumber, and produce, from ihe 



surrounding farms and the timber lands in the adja- 
cent mountains. There are a hotel, two stores, 
market, blacksmith shop, and a number of neat 
dwelling-houses. A wood Hume, owned bj- the Vir- 
ginia and Gold Hill Water Company, terminates at 
this point. 

JOSEPH FUEY 

Was born in Alsace, France, on the ninth of February, 
1834, where he remained until he reached his fifteenth 
j^ear, when lie came to the United States, and settled 
in Cincinnati, Ohio, where for seven months he 
worked as a gardener. He then went to New Orleans, 
Louisiana, where he learned the butcher's t-rade. 
Being of a roving disposition, and possessing a desire 
to see the United States in the fullest possible man- 
ner, he traveled most of the time during the succeed- 
ing five years, spending a few months in a place in 
manj- of the Southern and Western States. His first 
experience on the Pacific Coast was inCalif'ornia, in the 
j'ear 1854, where he remained onlj' six months, going 
over the mountains to Nevada, where he passed one 
year and returned to California. In 1859 he again 
came to Nevada, and the next year bought his pres- 
ent ranch, near Franktown, and since then lie has 
followed farming and butchering at his present loca- 
tion. In 1S79 he purchased a fine farm near Peno 
with a view of making it his future residence in order 
to give his children better school privileges, having 
already erected fine improvements on his place. 

Mr. Frey was married to Miss Louisa Schatter on 
the seventeenth of November, 1802. They have eight 
children, five bo3-s and three girls. 

Glenuat.e was formerlj- known as Stone &, Gates' 
Crossing, a trading-post having been established 
here in 1H57, by ("Charles C. (Jates and .Tohn F. Stone. 
It is but a few miles below Peno, and a portion of 
the travel to Virginia City crossed the river at this 
))oint, instead of at the several crossing jilaces above. 
Stone & Gates kept the I'armcrs' Hotel at this ))oint. 
In 1800 Stone & (iates built a bridge here, which 
was carried away by the high water in 1SG2, when 
the county constructed a free bridge. \ store was 
built hero in 1800, and soon quite a town sprang up, 
consisting of two stores, hotel, market, blacksmith 
shop, saloons, etc., which received the name of (ilen- 
dale. It enjoyed its lease of life but a short time, 
however, for, two years later, the new town of Peno 
absorbed all the business it formorlj- enjoyed, and 
the town of (Jlendale vanished from sight. Mr. 
Gates died in 1878, and Jlr. Stone now resides in 
Dutch Flat, California. 

•lA.MES SULLIVAN 

Is a native of Ireland, and was born on the first of 
February, 183C. At the age of twenty years he 
crossed the water to America, and immediatelj- after 
landing went to Port Jervis, Orange County, New 
York, where he had relatives living, where ho re- 
mained until ISGO, when ho came to California by 
way of the Isthmus of Panama, arriving in San Fran- 
cisco on the twenty-fourth of September. One month 



HISTORY OF WASHOE COUNTY. 



643 



later he went to Sueramento, and was cmplo3'ed in 
the hardware establishment of Gillig, Mott & Co., 
duriiifj the next two years. In 1SG2 he came to 
Nevada on business connected with the firm, and 
being favorably impressed with the country, decided 
to locate here, which he did in the month of March, 
18G3. in Truckee Meadows, three miles northeast of 
Reno, on the Surpri.se Valley lioad, where he now 
resides. In 18(j4 he was in partnership with P. J. 
Kelley in the hotel business at (ileiidalc, and during 
the same year built a hotel on the Peavine Road, 
but soon after he withrew from the partnorshi]) 
a heavy snow and rain-storm having destroyed 
the well, which had been dug at great expense, 
therebj- rendering the property valueless. In 1872 
Mr. Sullivan built a fine brick house on the site of his 
first residence. His ranch consists of lU) acres of 
very jiroductive land, also 100 acres of grazing land, 
all of which is fenced and well watered by irrigating 
ditches on overj- part of the ranch, which is also 
well stocked with cattle. Through his indomitable 
will and energy he has made a beautiful place out of 
a waste of sage-brush, for which he deserves great 
credit. 

Galena was laid out in the spring of 18(10 by A. 
J. and R. S. Hatch, who then organized the mining 
district of Galena in the edge of the mountains on the 
\ve8t of Pleasant Valley. They also built a smelting 
furnace, the first one on this side of the Sierra, and 
constructed a road one and one-half miles long from 
the town to the mines at Galena Hill. 

The district received its name from the large ([uan- 
tities of galena in the ore. The ore assayed about 
8200 to the ton, and great things were expected of 
it. Several unsuccessful trials were made to reduce 
the ore, the failure being ascribed to ignorance. Con- 
siderable work was done on the mines and a quartz 
mill erected, in which the ores from this and sur- 
rounding districts were worked. 1'he fact was 
demonstrated that the ore was too base and the 
amount of silver too small to be worked to advan- 
tage, and the mines were abandoned. 

At this time the business of the town underwent a 
radical change. The town was moved half a mile 
further up the creek, and it became a flourishing 
lumber camp. For five or six years the business was 
good, and the town had a poj)ulation of over ;iOO, 
chieflj' Italians; but as soon as the lumber became 
exhausted the town disappeared. While in the 
height of its prosperity the town was almost blotted 
out by fire. At nine o'clock on the morning of May 
27, 18(15, during the prevalence of a high wind, a fire 
was started that soon ilestroyed lifly houses. The 
citizens bore their losses bravely, and soon a new 
town appeared upon the spot. 

lIcNTEit's liRiDiiKisH crossing point of the Truckee. 
midway between Reno and Verdi. It was on one of 
the routes of travel to the Washoe country from 
California. In 1860 a man named Stout built a bridge 



here. John Hunter also kept a hotel at this place. 
In 1 8fi2 M r. Stout was drowned, and the bridge carried 
away by high water, but the Henness Pass Toll-road 
Company rebuilt the bridge, which became free upon 
the expiration of the franchise in 1872. 

HuKFAK Kit's is a station on the Virginia and 
Truckee Railroad, seven miles south ol Reno. In 
185!) (;. W. lluftaker and L. P. Drexler brought 500 
head of cattle into the Truckee Meadows, and settled 
on the ranch still occupied by Mr. Huttakcr. Hr. 
Drexler now resides in Virginia City. 

In 18G0 Langton's Pioneer Express established an 
office here, and iti 18(i2 a post-office was located here 
with G. VV. Hutfaker as Postmaster. In 1863 Straus 
& Cramer opened a store, as this was quite a station 
on the stage route. Cramer died in 18(54, and L. P. 
Drexler purchased his interest. In 1866 Armsti'ongiS: 
Adler bought the store, and in 1869 moved it to the 
new town of Palisade, on the Centi'al Pacific Rail 
road. The same year both the post-office and the 
express office of Wells, Fargo it Co., who had 
succeeded Langton's Pioneer Express, were re- 
moved. In 1871 the ^'irginia and Truckee Railroad 
was completed through this place from Reno, and 
Huffaker's became a regular station from which 
considerable produce is shipped li)- the farmers. The 
Bonanza V Flume also ends at this point, and large 
quantities of wood are shipped, 

JoNEsviLLE was laid out two miles from Pj'ramid 
City, at which point is situated the Jones & Kin- 
kead Mine, the most important in the district, and 
the one on which the most work has been done. 

Work has been temporarilj' suspended on this 
mine, and as the developments in other claims have 
not proved as satisfactory as hoped, the district is 
but lightly populated. P^-ramid City contains a 
post-office and four buildings, and the town of Jones- 
ville, a hotel, a store and a dozen cabins. 

MiLi, Station is two and one-half miles south of 
Franktown. This was an old mill-site; and is now 
the terminus of a wood flume from the mountains, 
and a station on the Virginia and Truckee Railroad, 
and contains several little cabins. 

Ophir is three miles below Washoe City and one 
mile above Franktown. Hero the Ophir Mining 
Compan}' erected a quartz mill and reduction works 
in 1861. To this mill was drawn all the ore taken 
from the company's mine in Virginia City, The mill 
was an immense stone structure, and the seventy- 
two stamps and other machinor}- were run by steam- 
power. The company also owned fourteen sections 
of wood land and 700 acres of valley land adjacent 
to the mill, through which ran a fine stream of 
water that supplied the mill with that necessary- 
article. The ;nili cost 8')00,000, and a bridge more 
than a mile in length, crossing the marsh above 
Washoe Lake, cost 875.(1(10. The mill emplo}-e<l 15(1 
hands, ami quite a town sprang up, second in size 
only to Washoe Citj- in the county. 



644 



HISTORY OF TflE STATE OF NEVADA. 



In 1863 a railroad was projected to run from Vir- 
ginia City to Ophir, witli branches to the other 
mills and into the timber lands, but was never con- 
structed. The connection of Empire City, on the 
Carson River, with the Comslock mines, by means 
of the Virginia and Truckee Railroad, was the 
cause of the abandonment of the Ophir works and 
the utter desertion and demolition of the town. The 
dismantled ruins of the old works and one dwelling- 
house now serve to mark the spot where once stood 
a busy village of 500 people. 

Pyramid District lies a few miles west of the south 
end of Pyramid Lake. As early as 1860 prospectors 
were through this region, and ledges were discovered, 
but were considered of little value and were not 
worked. The croppings along the surface are ex- 
posed to view for a long distance, and lay unnoticed 
for a number of years. On the sixth of March, 1876, 
Dr. S. Bishop, of Reno, located the Monarch and was 
soon followed by many others. The doctor had been 
on a pi'ofessional visit to the neighborhood, and had 
found on a table in the house a piece of the rock, 
which he took home with him, the result of the assay 
inducing him to make the above location. 

A two-stamp prospect mill was erected by Bishop, 
and the result of its workings caused quite a rush of 
people to the new district. The ore so closely re- 
sembled that of the Comstock that it was proclaimed 
that " another Comstock "had been found, and some 
went so far as to assert that it was the same vein as 
its noted predecessor of ALount Davidson. 

l*Yn.\Miii CiTV was at once laid out, and a board- 
ing house and a few buildings were erected, the pop- 
ulation soon amounting to nearlj- I50((. During the 
summer of 1876 daily crowded stages ran from Reno 
to Pyramid City. Another town, called Cold Springs, 
was also started some three miles to the east. The 
district was organized at a miners' meeting, held 
April 12, 187G. Five town sites were surveyed, and 
all the springs and mill sites in the vicinity were 
located. 

PoEVii.i.E, a small mining camp, sometimes denom- 
inated Peavine, Poe City, or I'odunk, is situated in 
the Peavine Mountains in the Peavine .Mining Dis- 
trict, nine miles from Reno. 

The Peavine ledges were discovered in 1863, and a 
district twenty miles long and about ten miles in 
width was organized. In the center of the district 
is a clusler of small springs, near which a house was 
built in IStJd, and fi'oni the jjeavines growing about 
the springs the mountains received their name. 

The lodes of the district are from three to twenty 
feet thick, and lie in a granite and metamor]ibic for- 
mation. Several tunnels were run in on a number of 
the ledges soon after the discovery of the district, 
and ore taken out that assayed from fifteen to fortj' 
per cent. coj>i)er. and from Slid to 8500 per ton in 
gold and silver. Some choice ores reduced at the 
Auburn Mills yielded 100 ounces of silver to the ton. 



Smelting works on the Swansea plan, with a capac- 
ity of ten tons per day, were erected in the district, 
and several other furnaces were projected. A town 
named Peavine was laid out at the springs in 1863, 
that contained several houses while the mines were 
being prospected. 

The ore refused to be worked by the ordinary 
process, and the mines were largely deserted, although 
a few clung to them, in the hope that the future 
would enable them to be worked. The canons in 
the mountains were worked for placer gold, when 
plenty of water was to be had in the spring. 

In 1863, John Poe and others resumed work in 
this district, and developed several rich ledges, the 
Poe, Paymaster, and Golden Fleece, being the most 
prominent. The first two were united, and the 
Consolidated Poe became the leading mine. A ten- 
stamp mill, in connection with a new stj'le of fur- 
nace, was erected, and considerable money spent in 
developments and improvements. The town, then 
called Poe City, increased rapidly to a population 
of 200, and a store was established. 

The ores were found to be very rebellious, some 
of them possessing the most complicated combina- 
tions of minerals known. Many new processes were 
introduced and tested here, each one with a great 
deal of confidence, but all to no purpose; and, 
although the ores assayed extremely high, enough 
could not be extracted from them to pay for the 
working. After spending about 820(1,000, the Con- 
solidated Poe ceased operations, as did also nearlj- 
all the companies working in the district. The 
town of Poeville has but about a dozen inhabitants. 
In the future these ledges will probabl}' be worked, 
as thej- are of undoubted richness, and only require 
the proper method of treatment to make their value 
known. 

STEA.MBOAT SPRINGS. 

As these springs are among the greatest natural 
curiosities of the State u detailed (lescri])tion of them 
is in order, and more especially as thej' are fast 
becoming the favorite resort of invalids and tourists. 
Nature, in an eccentric mood made these springs for 
the benefit of mankind, and in this, as in others of 
her wonderful creations succeeded admirably. They 
are situated in Steamboat Valley, an extension of 
the Washoe Valley, at an altitude of 4,500 feet above 
the sea, eleven miles south of Heno and twenty-eight 
miles by railroad from Carson City, anil forty miles 
by the same mode of conveyance from Virginia City, 
while by the wagon road from the latter place it is 
only nine miles. The tract of land on which the 
springs are situated contains eighty acres. The build- 
ings consist of a fine hotel, with twent}- rooms, also 
five cottages containing a like number of rooms. 
Connecteil with the main hotel is a bath-room build- 
ing, containing fiitcon seperate sets of baths each, a 
set consisting of a steam bath from a hot suljihur 
spring, also tub anil shower baths. No artificial 
agencies are employed in the beating of the water, 



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-)E CO. NEVADA. 
' N 1879. 



HISTORY OF WASHOE COUNTY. 



645 



bat niilure provides the same all heated before it 
reaches the surface of the ground, and the tempera- 
ture is 212° Fahrenlioit. Fiftj' thounand dollars in 
coin has been expended in improvements upon the 
buildings and land, and preparations are in progress 
for still greater the coming season. There is a drug 
store connected with the establishment, and the pres- 
ent proprietors have added an electric bath, with all 
the latest improvements, the two latter being under 
the immediate supervision and direction of Dr. II. 
Rozsas, Professor of Medicine, and late a member of 
the California State Board of Medical Examiners. 
The doctor is a gentleman thoroughly conversant 
with his profession and is a graduate of Wein, Leip- 
zig, Prag. Munich and Paris. His wife is associated 
with him and acts as nurse when occasion requires. 
Before reaching these wonderful springs the traveler 
is notified of their existence and locality by large 
wreaths of steam that wind in a serpentine manner 
towards the heavens, visible at a great distance. 
The early emigrants to California relate some won- 
derful stories in relation to these freaks of nature, of 
their puffing and blowing off steam like a steamboat, 
hence their name. It is also claimed that in those 
daj's the chemical action in this strange laboratory of 
nature was much more violent than at the present 
time, but the phenomenon even now is sufficiently 
curious to interest and puzzle the most scientific 
beholder. The property is at present owned by C. 
F. Moeller & Co., who thoroughly understand cater- 
ing to the traveling public. The springs are on the 
westerly half of the tract, and issue from a rocky 
mound formed of incrustations, about one-quarter of 
a mile long by 400 feet wide. Running lengthwise 
of this mound are fissures, about one foot wide of 
very irregular construction, from which comes the 
water and steam. The Virginia and Truckee Rail- 
road runs nearlj- through the center of this tract, 
the springs and buildings being on the west side of 
the road. A stream of pure cold water also runs 
through this land. 

The springs were located in 18G0 by Felix Monet, 
a Frenchman. The southern portion was located 
in 18G0 by a man named Cameron, who was negli- 
gent about perfecting his title. Doctor Ellis took up 
the same properly in 18C1, and proceeded to improve 
it. Cameron sold his title to Charles VV. Cullins, who 
commenced suit to obtain possession. Doctor Ellis 
built a hospital in 1862, with accommodations for 
thirty-four patients, and erected six or seven bath- 
houses in connection with the springs. The litiga- 
tion dragged along until 1807, Doctor Ellis still hold- 
ing possession, when a final decision was rendered in 
favor of Mr. Cullins. About the time that Doctor 
Ellis was dispossessed the improvements were burned 
to the ground, the fire believed by some to have been 
of incendiary origin. Mr. Cullins then procured a 
United States patent for the property, and in 1871 
built a tine depot and connecting buildings for the 
accommodation of guests. 
81 



In the fall of 1871 the Virginia and Truckee Rail- 
road was completed to this point from Reno, and this 
place remained the terminus for nearly a year. 
Quite a town sprang up instantly, as goods brought 
by the railroad were here transferred to freight 
wagons, and the immense freighting business of Reno 
was taken here to a large extent. The completion 
of the railroad to Carson City extinguished its com- 
mercial light, and the new town disappeared. In 
187;{ Mr. Cullins fell into one of the springs, and was 
so severely scalded that he died soon after. In the 
fall of 1874, M. and J. Rajip ])urcliased the property, 
and erected the hotel. In iMarch, 1880, a post-office 
was established here, with J. Rapp as Postmaster. 

In 1876 deposits of sulphur and cinnabar were 
opened near here by Tom. Wheeler and Louis Dean, 
who sold in 1877 to P. A. Humbert, since which time 
the mine has been steadilj- worked by the Nevada 
Quicksilver Mining Company. Large quantities of 
pure sulphur have been taken from around the 
springs. 

"W.ADSWORTH is at an elevation of 4,077 feet above 
the sea level, and is one of the lowest points on the 
line of the Central Pacific Railroad in this Slate. 
The Big Bend of the Truckee is a place familiar to all 
overland emigrants who came by this route, as being 
the place where they first found plenty of good, pure 
water upon emerging from the desert; and here, 
where the river turns to the north to find its home in 
the bosom of the Pyramid and Winnemucca Lakes, is 
where most of the emigrants reached and crossed that 
stream at what was known as the Lower Crossing, 
now called the town of Wadsworth. 

It was here that Fremont left the river and con- 
tinued south in January, 1844; and it was here in the 
fall of the same jear that the jiarty of emigrants 
first saw and named the river. It was one of the 
great landmarks of overland travel, and the one most 
looked iorward to for its relresliing supply of water, 
grass and fish. It, as well as other points on the 
river, was a great recruiting station for exhausted 
emigrant trains. 

When the Central Pacific Railroad passed through 
here, in the summer of 1868, this point was selected 
for one of the most important stations on the lino. 
It is here that the road leaves the i-ivcr and strikes 
out across the Great Desert, through which it runs 
a distance of 100 miles, to the town of Humboldt. 
The car shops of the Truckee division, extending 
from Truckee to Winnemucca, were located here; 
and here the engines take their load of wood and 
water for their long trip across the arid desert. 
For this reason Wadsworth first came into promi- 
nence, being the base of supplies for the building of 
the road across the desert. The engines oi\ this 
portion of the road are constructed with increased 
capacity for carrying water, on account of the great 
quantity required. 

The work shops at this point employ quite a num- 
ber of men, and the round-house contains twenty 



-646 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA, 



stalls. Besides the railroad interests there are two 
hotels, three grocery stores, two general merchandise 
stores, one varietj- store, and saloons, markets, shops, 
etc. As soon as the road was completed to this 
point, it became the base of supplies for the mines 
to the south, in Churchill, Esmeralda and Nye 
Counties. The excellent roads leading to Columbus, 
Belmont, Ellsworth, and other mining towns, are 
lined with the long freight teams c-onvej'ing goods 
from W'adsworth. As long as those points are sup- 
plied by freight wagons, Wadsworth will retain the 
bulk of the traffic; but as soon as one of the pro- 
posed railroads invades that region, the freighting 
business will materially decline. The population, of 
about 500, are busj- and prosperous. 

For two years Wadsworth was a bone of conten- 
tion between Washoe and Lyon Counties, on account 
of the uncertainty of the boundary line. The 
boundary ran along the "old emigrant road," and 
the people of Lyon County discovered a cut-off, 
which they claimed to be the main road, and which, 
tf the claim was conceded, would leave Wadsworth 
in Lyon County. Jurisdiction had always been 
exercised by Washoe County, and, upon the attempt 
being made by the officials of Lj-on County to assess 
taxes against projjerty in the town, the matter was 
carried into the courts. The case was twice tried in 
Ormsby County without arriving at a decision, and 
was then taken to Humboldt County, where the 
third trial resulted in favor of Washoe County, in 
May, 1871. 

The excellent bridge that sjjans the Truekee River 
at Wadsworth was constructed in 1879, by the 
county, at an expense of $4,000. 

A number of accidents, of a more or less serious 
nature, have occurred on the railroad in the vicinity 
of Wadsworth, but probably the most peculiar one 
and the one that but narrowly escaped being most 
horrible in its consequences, occurred June 13, 1872. 
Passenger train, No. 1, passed over a broken rail, 
six miles west of the town, which caused the roar 
two coaches to leave the track and lean up against 
the rocky side of a cut, throiigii which the train was 
passing. In this position they were dragged rapidly 
along until they came to the end of the cut, opening 
out u])on a steep embankment vvhon the two coaches 
were upset and demolished. Strange as it may seem 
when one contemplates the nature of the accident, 
no one was killed, but t wonty-seven passengers were 
injui'ed, some of them severely. Had the cars leaned 
in the opposite direction, they would have been 
deposited in the Truekee Kiver as soon as they 
cleared the cut, and a great loss of life would have 
necessarily ensued. 

T. n. IIEIt.MAN, 

The subject of the I'ollowing sketch, is a native of the 
State of Pennsylvania, having been born in Lycom- 
ing County, on the thirt}' first day of October. 1830. 
Ue passed Lis early life and grew to manhood in his 
native countj'. His education was received in the 



common schools, and was of an ordinary kind. In 
1850, having reached his twentieth year, he removed 
to Jefferson County, where he remained about four 
years. Like thousands of others, he had a desire to 
behold the wonders of the Pacific Coast, and bidding 
adieu to his Eastern home came to California. Upon 
his arrival in the land of gold, he sought the mines 
in Plumas County as his quickest and surest avenue 
to wealth, and for the succeeding three years fol- 
lowed the fortunes of the miners of those days. In 
1857 he quit the mines and engaged in ranching in 
Ijassen County, where he remained until 18G0, at 
which time he crossed the mountains and anchored 
in what is now the State of Nevada. His first stop- 
ping place was at Truekee Meadows, then called the 
Lower Crossing of the Truekee, and, in connection 
with Joseph Fellnagle, became a settler. There were 
no white men in that section of the country at the 
time. Mr. Herman and his partner located the ranch 
in January, 1861, which now contains SOO acres. In 
1872 he became sole owner, and has at this time one 
of the finest places on the Meadows. He raises vast 
amounts of haj', having 125 acres devoted to that 
branch of agriculture, 90 acres being in alfalfa, which 
yields three good crops each year. A view of his 
ranch will be found in another part of this volume. 

Washoe City sprang into being from the neces- 
sity of cheap fuel and water with which to work the 
ores of the Comstock. The mountains fringing 
Washoe Vallej' on the west were bountifully supplied 
with timber, and many saw-mills were busy in pre- 
paring lumber and mining timbers. These were 
sent to Virginia City, across the intervening mount- 
ains. The wagons returned with loads of ore, to be 
worked in the numerous mills that were springing 
up in Washoe Valley. 

In 1861 the Atchison Mill was built by J. H., S. 
M., and S. S. Atchison. A town was laid out by 
Peter Rice and J. W. Grier, and named Washoe City. 
The situation of the now town in relation to the im- 
mense lumber interests of this region, and in rela- 
tion to the rapidly developing Comstock, whose ores 
it was supposed would always bo brought here for 
reduction, led to its rapid growth. It was thought 
that here would be a city second only in ini])ortance 
to Virginia City, if, indeed, it did not surpass that 
place. Town lots were in great demand, and sold 
at a high price. Upon the formation of Washoe 
County by the Territorial Legislature, in the fall of 
18G1, the seat of justice was locatcil at Washoe City, 
a fact that gave it an additional forward impulse. 

Professional men located here as the county seat, 
and a prospective city of importance. Three more 
quartz mills, the New York, Buckej-e, and Minne- 
sota, were erected. In 1803 a fine two-story brick 
('ourt House was built, and the same year G. W 
Bloor commenced publishing the Washoe 2'imes. 
The town became well built u|i with brick and frame 
business structures and dwelliiiL's; and in 18li5, the 
year of its greatest prosperity, had a ])opulation of 



HISTORY OF WASHOE COUNTY. 



647 



about 2,000 people. The businesa of froiplhting 
between this and other points in the valley and Vir- 
ginia City was very great, and so long as this 
lasted the business prosperity of the town was 
assured. 

When mills were built on the Carson Hiver, 
in Eagle Valley, the town of Empire began to make 
encroachments upon the business of Washoe City; 
and the completion of the Virginia and Truckee 
Eailroad from Carson City to Virginia, in 1869, 
struck a fatal blow at its prosperity. From that 
time Washoe City, which had already declined con- 
siderably, faded awaj- rapidly. The citizens deserted 
the sinking ship, many of them joining those who 
had previously moved to the now town of Reno, 
while others sought out more remote localities. 

The only paper in the town, the Eastern Slope, 
moved to Eeno in July, 186S; by Act of the Legis- 
lature the county seat was transferred to the same 
place in the spring of 1871, and thus Washoe City 
was robbed of the last resource for maintaining a 
town. 

About twelve o'clock on the night of April 28, 
1873, a fire broke out that destroyed William Will- 
iams' two-story brick building, and five other 
houses, the town being then entirely unprotected 
from the fianies. The only extensive fire the town 
had previously experienced was on June 1, 1865, 
when a large number of buildings were burned. At 
that time there was a tire company called Washoe 
Hook, Ladder and Buclcet Company, which had 
been organized the previous March. 

For several j^ears Washoe City had a population 
of about 200,- but has since suffered a further decline, 
and now has one small store, a saloon, and a dozen 
dwelling-houses. A church was built here by the 
Methodists in the days of prosperity, which is now 
occupied as a district school house. One of the 
flumes down which wood is floated from the mount- 
ains terminates at this point, and the business fur- 
nished by that, and the shipments of the few ranches 
in the immediate vicinity, are the life of what 
remains of Washoe City. Most of the buildings that 
composed the old town have entirely vanished from 
sight, and there is but little to suggest the thriving 
city that once was the pride of Washoe County. 

Verdi is a station on the Central Pacific Kailroad 
about two miles from the old town of Crystal Peak, 
springing up as soon as the railroad came along, 
and may bo called the descendant and successor of 
that town. Here the lumber interests of the district 
are centered; saw. lath and shingle mills here tind a 
shipping point. Of late years a new industry has 
been added, and now Verdi also stores and ships large 
quantities of pure mountain ice, being one of the 
points for the preservation of that article, the whole 
ice business of the coast being concentrated in the 
Sierra, along the line of the railroad. The popula- 
lation is about 200. 

The bridge that spans the river on the road from 



Vordi to Crv'stal Peak was built in 1873, partly by 
the county and partlj- b}- the citizens. In 1860 a 
bridge was built there, the place being known as 
O'Neil's Crossing, and being one of the crossing 
points of the Truckee River for travel to the then 
new mining region of the Comstock. In 1862 the 
bridge was carried away by high water, and was 
rebuilt. A mo--t curious accident occurred hero on 
the thirty-first of March, 1873. The bridge, upon 
which tolls were then collected, fell into the stream, 
while a load of wood, drawn by ten oxen, was upon 
it. But one ox was injured, and the wagon was 
drawn out of the water, right side up, without having 
lost a single stick from its load. The new bridge 
which was then constructed was made free to all. 

One of the best planned and executed robberies 
occurred at this place, that has been recorded in the 
State. A band of robbers, led by A. J. Davis, and 
composed of J. E. Chapman, R. A. Jones, E. B. Par- 
sons, John Squires, James Gilchrist, Tilton P. Cock- 
erill and J. C. Roberts, planned the robbery of Wells, 
Fargo & Co's. treasure-boxes. Chapman wenttoSan 
Francisco to watch for a large shipment of treasure, 
which was expected soon to be made. On the 
fourth of November, 1870, he sent the following dis- 
patch bj- telegraph: — 

To R. A. Jones, Capital House, Reno: Send me 
sixty dollars, and charge to my account 

J. Enuique. 

This dispatch was conveyed to a retreat in the 
Peavine Mountains, in which were assembled all of 
the gang exce])t Chapman and Roberts, and where 
the plans for the robbery were matured. 

That afternoon thej- all proceeded to the stone 
culvert, near Hunter's, going bj" different routes. 
Here Jones was left with the guns and tools, with 
the understanding that soon after the freight train 
])assed up to V'erdi the others would be down with 
the engine and express car, and that if they did not 
stop at the culvert, to place obstructions on the track 
to prevent jjursuit, and to follow on his horse with 
the guns and tools. 

Davis, Parsons, Squires, Cockerill and Gilchrist 
then proceeded to Verdi, and when the eastward- 
bound train stopped there, about 1 o'clock on the 
morning of the fifth, boarded it, cut off the passenger 
coaches, took po.ssession of the engine, mail and 
express cars, and compelled the engineer to ran 
down the track and stoj) at the culvert. Davis then 
cried out " Man, come out with tho.se guns," when 
Jones made his appearance. The door of the express 
car was then <)|iened, and the messenger oriiered out 
and placed under guard with the fireman in the mail 
car, a guard being also maintained over the engineer. 
The treasure-boxes were then broken open and 
Sn,GllO secured. 

Having accomplished the robbery, the men hastily 
divided the plunder, and departed in different direc- 
tions. Davis went towards Virginia City, burying 
$20,000 near Hunter's place. Jones and Gilchrist went 



648 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



across to the Peavine road, with 87,500, which they 
buried in a ravine near a point of rocks, and contin- 
ued on to Sierra Valley, where they were soon after 
arrested. The others, with the balance of the spoil, 
took the road to Crystal Peak, scattering in several 
directions, one of them going to the house of J. C. 
Roberts, in Antelope, another member of the gang. 

Within a week after the commission of the crime, 
the perpetrators were all arrested, including Chap- 
man and Roberts, some of them in this State, and 
others in California. Roberts confessed all he knew 
about the aifair. Jones divulged the hiding place of 
87,500, Gilchrist of §12,000 and Davis of §20,000, so 
that nearly the whole amount was recovered. 

At the trial in Washoe C/ily the following month, 
Roberts and Gilchrist testified against their compan- 
ions and were discharged. Davis and Jones pleaded 
"guilty," and were sentenced, the former to ten years 
and the latter to five years, in the penitentiary, 
while the others pleaded " not guilty," were con- 
victed and sentenced to various terms, ranging from 
eighteen to twenty-three and one-half years. In 
what is denominated the '■ Big Break" from the 
penitentiarj', September 17, 1871, in which twenty- 
nine prisoners escaped. Squires, Chapman, Parsons 
and Cockeriil gained their liberty, but were all 
recaptured within a month. Parsons was captured 
September 28lb, and confined in the Ormsby County 
jail, from which he immediately escaped, and 
remained at liberty several years. 



CHAPTER LV. 
HISTORY OF WHITE PINE COUNTY. 

The Mountains ami V.illeys — Timlier, Mills .iikI Lumber — Wild 
Game anil Fish — The Indian Trihea — I)i.scovery of and Kush 
to the Mines — Organizatiim and B luiidaries — First County 
Commissioners — Court House and Defalcation— Appoint- 
menta .ind Klections — Itoaourccs of the County — More 
Hopeful Prospects — I'rincipal Mining Districts — J'aucakc 
Coal Mines — Frincipal Towna and Citiea. 

The general trend of the mountains of White 
Pine County is north and south. The Diamond 
range, in the western part of the county, is high 
and snowy; the White Pine range, on the west cen- 
ter (known as Ruby, or East Humboldt, range in 
Elko County), is bold and high; Treasure Hill is an 
easterly spur of the White Pine range; ranging 
down the center of the county are the Egan Mount- 
ains; the Schell Creek range commences near the 
north lino of the county, and runs into Lincoln 
County, and is there known as the Patterson range; 
Snake Creek range commences near the southeast 
corner of the county, and runs north about seventy 
miles; the Antelope Mountains form a low range 
extending into Elko Countj-; Wheeler's Peak, form- 
erly called Jeff. Davis Peak, is the loftiest in eastern 
Nevada, its altitude being 12,980 feet. 



Newark Valley, which contains about 100,000 
acres of tillable and grazing lands, is near the west- 
ern limits of the count}', and is irrigated by Colo 
Creek, Newark Creek, and numerous springs. It 
was first settled in 1860 by E. Orser and James and 
Samuel Gilson. Grain was first raised in 18C7, since 
which time grain and vegetables have been pro- 
duced annually. The valley has a total white popu- 
lation of 150. 

White Pine Valley lies between the White Pino 
and Egan Mountain ranges, and is sixtj' miles in 
length and fifteen in width. The northern half of it 
is in White Pine County, and contains about 2,000 
acres of tillable land. Its soil is rich, and it is the 
best grain growing valley in the county. It is irri- 
gated from While Pine River and from springs. It 
was first settled in 1869 by J. R. Withington, the 
Ellison brothers and others. Grain was first raised 
in 1870. The largest barle}^ crop it ever produced 
amounted to 300 tons. The white inhabitants of the 
valley number fifty persons. 

Steptoe Valley is the largest in the county Ij'ing 
between the Egan and Schell Creek ranges, and com- 
mences near the southern extremity of the county 
and runs north to the Humboldt River. Its average 
width is fifteen miles, and its tillable area is esti- 
mated at 70,000 acres. Many creeks flow down 
from the mountain slopes on either side. The settle- 
ment of this vallej' dates from 1868. Since 1870 
considerable grain has been raised annually. The 
crop of 1875 aggregated 600 tons. The number of 
ranches is thirty, and the total white population is 
200. 

Spring Valley, in the eastern part of the county, 
is flanked by Schell Creek and Snake Mountains. It 
commences near the .southern boundary line of the 
county, and ends near the northern boundary line. 
Its length is about 100 miles, and its width 12. Its 
northern portion is well watered by numerous small 
creeks, all of which run long enough for irrigation in 
the spring, and many of which are living streams. 
It contains about 25,000 acres of good arable soil 
that can be irrigated. Its white population numbers 
about 150 persons. 

Snake Valley lies east of the Snake range, the 
State line passing through it. About 350,000 acres 
of it are in this county, of which 10,000 are tillable. 
It is chiefly devoted to stock-raising. Its slope 
being to the south and cast, its climate is warmer 
than that of most portions of the county, and largo 
quantities of tomatoes and other vegetables are suc- 
cessfully cultivated. In numerous small valleys not 
mentioned, grain and vegetables are raised. 

TIMBER, mills AND LUMBER. 

The Schell Creek, White Pine, Egan, and Snake 
Mountains were ])artially covered with pine, origin- 
allj', which was fit for lumber. Mills are now in 
operation on all the ranges with the exception of the 




JP#. 



^ff. 




HISTORY OF WHITE PINE COUNTY. 



649 



White Pine range. On the hitter range, in 1869, 
twelve mills were running, and lumber was worth, 
from 8100 to §200 per thousand, and finely dressed 
lumber from the Sierra Nevada brought 8400 per 
thousand. There isj-et a large quantity of sawable 
timber on the Snake range, and considerable on the 
Schell Creek range. All of the mountains in the 
county are well covered with nut pine and mountain 
mahoganj^, which are excellent for charcoal and fuel. 

WILD GAME AND FISH. 

The larger wild game of White Pine County con- 
sists of mountain sheep, deer and antelope; the 
smaller kinds include the wild cat, lynx, fox, coyote, 
hare, porcupine, rabbit, badger, duck, goose, sage 
hen, snipe, curlew, grouse, and prairie chicken. The 
mountain hare is much larger than the valley hare, 
and is gray in color in the summer, and snow white 
in the winter. The ducks, geese, curlew, and snipe, 
are of several varieties. The sage hen feeds on sage 
only in the winter, and in the summer and fall makes 
fine food. Deer are more numerous in the mountains 
than when the county was first settled. In the 
month of May they migrate northward, and return 
southward in October, by regular trails. It was 
formerly the custom of the Indians to build long 
brush fences across these trails, in the shape of a 
letter V, thus forming a corral into which the deer 
collected, to be slaughtered there by hundreds. 
Since the Indians have become supplied with fire- 
arms, they do their deer slaying in detail, and no 
longer by wholesale operations; and, as a con- 
sequence, that animal is now more numerous than 
formerly. 

After the settlement of some of the vallcj-s, the 
coyotes became exceedingly troublesome, and a war 
was waged against them by the ranchers, that almost 
resulted in their extermination. Soon afterwards, 
the hare and rabbit multiplied wonderfully, and 
became more troublesome than the coyotes had 
been. A shooting match, that occurred in Steptoe 
Valley last season, illustrated their mtilti|>licity. 
The rival parties were organized bj- Samuel Mosier, 
and consisted of six hunters each, chosen from among 
the best shots of Hamilton. After three hours of 
lively work, the supply of ammunition gave out. 
The number of hare and rabbit slain were found to 
number 009, and an even larger number of dead and 
wounded were found lying about the field the next 
day. During the present season hare and rabbit 
have niy.-:teriously disappeared, from the prevalence 
of some disease among them, no doubt. The same 
thing has occurred once before, within the memory 
of the Indians. 

There are only two streams in White Pine County 
that have fish in them. In 1876 trout wore placed 
in Cluvelund Creek, in Spring Valley, and have multi- 
plied i-apidly since. Lehman Creek, which Hows 
into Snake Valley and then sinks, also contains trout, 
and it is supposed that the Mormons, who formerly 
occupied a portion of the valley, placed them there. 



THE INDIAN TRIBES. 

The Indians of this county are of the Shoshone and 
Gosh-Uto tribes — about seven Shoshones to every 
three of the other tribe -and belong to the Duck Val- 
ley Reservation. The Indians of White Pine County, 
however, have never been on a reservation, and have 
received very little aid from the Government since 
1872. The census report places their number at 
810, but it is known that many of them were not 
found by the census agents, and their actual number 
is probably not less than 1,200. The Shoshones 
occupy the western part of the county, and the Gosh- 
Utes the eastern part. Before any white settlements 
were commenced, the Pah-Utes subjugated the Sho- 
shones, and regularly collected tribute from them, 
and only permitted them to keep a certain small 
number of ponies to each band, and if, at any time 
the number was e.'cceeded, the extra ponies were 
seized by the Pah-Utes. In this manner the young 
Shoshones were kept dismounted and at a disad- 
vantage. Attractive Shoshone maidens were also 
borne avvay by force to Pah-Uto lodges. The Gosh- 
Utcs took a prominent part in the overland stage 
troubles of 1803, but have been perfectly quiet since 
the scare of 1875. A few of them are engaged in 
farming, and own teams, wagons and implements, 
but the majorit}- strictly follow the scriptural injunc- 
tion to take no thought of the morrow. Most of the 
heavy household drudgery of the white settlements 
is done by squaws, who work at cheap rates and 
make docile and industrious domestics. 

DISCOVERY OP AND RDSH TO THE MINES. 

The area of White Pino County is 8,200 square 
miles, and previous to April, 1SC9, was a part of 
Lander. The mining district from which it receives 
its name was organized in the autumn of 1865, and 
was so called from the predominant forest trees cov- 
ering a lofty and strong range of mountains, extend- 
ing 100 miles north and south. A. J. Leathers, 
Thomas aMurphj-, Morrill, and others, who were the 
pioneer prospectors, gave but little attention to the 
district, until in 1868, following the directions of an 
Indian, they explored the naked summit of Treasure 
Hill, and there found that extraordinary body of 
mineral wealth which soon after led to the concentra- 
tion of population in that quarter, and the organiza- 
tion of a new county. The news of this wonderful 
discovery went, as though borne on the wings of the 
wind, to eveiy city, town and camp in the State. 
Population gathered in. like the walei-s from a cloud- 
burst, suddenly and in overwhelming numbers. So 
great was the excitement during the year 1868, that 
every man who could got there, went to the White 
Pine District to examine the Eberhardt Mine, and 
the vast wealth of the district. 

The White Pine News of March 28, 1874, in a do- 
scrii)lion of this period, said: — 

White Pino, at its birth, six years since, was a 
jirodigy. The chloride ores of the Hidden Treasure 
and the Eberhardt were unknown to the North 



650 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



American coDlinenl, and had a parallel only in the 
Chanarcillo and kindred Chillian mines. Their rich- 
ness running into the thousands, and their docility 
extending nearly to assay value, excited the greed 
or interest of all within hearing. These, together 
with the misapprehension of their extent, caused by 
the profuse exhibition on Chloride and Bromide 
Flats, inflamed the public to a degree unknown since 
the birth of California. Electrified by the prospect 
of interminable wealth, multitudes took their line of 
march for the new Mecca, and so great was the 
hegira, that, indifferent to sickness or climate, within 
the first season some ID, 000 or 12,000 men hud estab- 
lished themselves in huts and caves 9,000 feet above 
the sea. All locomotives were in requisition, from 
Shank's mare to the dashing coach, and teams 
groaned under the burden of subsistence for the pil- 
grim army. In the midst of the small-pox, with the 
thermometer at zero, a carnival of riot and specula- 
tion was inaugurated. Mines, land, wood and water 
were claimed; towns were built; lots rose to the 
thousands; and mining claims, good, bad or indiffer- 
ent, were bought and sold at unconscionable prices. 

The Mining Recorder in 1869-70 was obliged to 
keep three assistants, who were busy all the time 
recording claims, making this the best paying ofiice 
in the county, recording over 13,000 claims in two 
years, by far the greater number being recorded 
within the first six months of the excitement, which 
was in the fall of 1868 and beginning of 1869, the fee 
being fifty cents a name, averaging two dollars a 
claim, giving the Recorder, Mr. L. P. Tenney, a com- 
fortable fortune for his two years of service. 

The first mill was a ten-stamp, erected by Jere- 
miah Miller, and within ten months thereafter there 
were 212 stamps ready for operation. The cities of 
Treasure, Hamilton and Shermantown sprang into 
existence, and before the close of the year 1868, the 
population of White Pine District had reached over 
10,000. The distance to Austin was 120 miles, and 
not wishing to go so far to the county seat, and 
thinking it would be better to have a county of their 
own, the people of this district made application to 
the Legislature for a separate county organization. 

()R(iANIZATI0N AND BOUNDARIES. 

By an Act of the Legislature, which took eflfect 
April 1, 1869, White Pine County was created'out of 
a portion of Lander; the town of Hamilton was 
made its county seat; the first officers were named 
and its boundaries were fixed as follows: "All that 
portion of the State of Nevada lying east of a line 
running due north and south through the most west- 
erly part of the house know as Shannon's Station, 
on the westerly slope of Diamond Mountain, in Lan- 
der County, on the road from Austin to Hamilton, in 
said county; and south of a line running duo east and 
west through the most northerly partof Camp Kuby, 
and north of the present line between the counties of 
Nye and Lander, as located by Thomas J. Reed, 
County Surveyor of Lander Count)-, made in 1868." 
By an Act approved February 26, 1875, a portion of 
the territory of Nye was detached and addi d to 
White Pine County, thus establishing the bound. .rios 



of the latter county as they are at the present time. 

FIRST COUNTY COM.MISSIONERS. 

Messrs. Drake, Wheeler and Cranley, the Com- 
missioners designated by the Legislative Act, met at 
Hamilton, the county seat. April 1, 1869, and pro- 
ducing their commissions from the Governor, together 
with their official oaths, duly subscribed and certified 
to as required by law, proceeded to organize the first 
Board of County Commissioners by the election of 
Frank Wheeler, Chairman. Their official oaths wore 
ordered filed and recorded. The Clerk then quali- 
fied, after which the oaths and bonds of the Sheriff, 
Assessor and District Attorney were approved and 
filed. Petitions were then presented as follows: 
from Archie G. Turner, asking that a township be 
established at Patterson, and that a Justice of the 
Peace and Constable be appointed; from the citizens 
of Treasure City, asking that James Steel be ap- 
pointed Constable for that place; and from the citi- 
zens of Hamilton asking that Marshall Atwood be 
appointed a Justice of the Peace for that place. 
Atwood was appointed Justice of the Peace, and 
Robert 0. Keefe, Constable for Hamilton, and both 
presented their official bonds and qualified. 

COURT UOUSE AND DEFALC.iTION. 

The new countj' being duly organized and the 
officers properly qualified and installed into their 
several positions, steps were at once taken to provide 
the necessary funds to meet current expenses, and 
furnish suitable buildings. There being no general 
election till the fall of 1870, the officers first appointed 
remained in charge of attairs till that election. In 
the meantime the contract was let for the erection of 
a fine two-storj' brick Court House and jail, being 
40x60 feet, and containing rooms for all the county 
officers. The building was completed and accepted 
in 1870, and cost the round sum of S55,000. 

M. W. Kales, the first apjiointed County Treasurer, 
resigned in 1869, before the expiration of his term 
of office, and Lewis Cook was appointed to fill the 
balance of tho term. At the expiration of Cook's 
term of office in 1870, an examination of the books 
showed him to bo in debt to the county $24,000. 
Cook had quietly retired from the countrj', and an 
ofl'er of 81,000 reward failed to effect his arrest. A 
compromise was finally made with his bondsmen by 
which the county shared in tho loss. 

APPOINTMENTS AND ELECTIONS. 

The first officers of White Pine County were 
named in the Act of the Legislature which created 
the county, and which was a])proved April 1, 1869. 
These parties continued in office till their successors 
were chosen at the general election in November, 
1870. 

A full list of all the officers of tho county from the 
date of its organization down to the present time is 
given below, together with the date of appointment 
or election of each. The vacancies in office by death, 
resignation or removal, if any have occurred, are also 



HISTORY OF WHITE PINE CJOUNTY. 



fi51 



noted, together with the names of the persons 
selected to fill the same. 

STATE SENATORS. 

A. C. Cleveland and Geori^o P. Mills, were elected 
November 8, lS7(t; John Waj^ner and U. E. Allen, 
were elected November 5, 1872; did not serve, as 
Cleveland and Mills held over. Hobert Robinson 
and E. B. Dickinson, were elected November 3, 1874; 
H. A. Comins, was elected November 7, 1876; D. 
W. Perley, was elooted November 5, 1878; Thomas 
Rockhill, was elected November 2, 1880. 

ASSEMBLV.MEN. 

John Wagner, AVilmer Brown, P. P. Cannavan, 
T. J. Tennant and C. U. Patchin, were elected 
November 8, 1870; F. W. Cole, E. Matthews, Thos. 
Robinson. D. C. Yinnedge and O. H. Gray, were 
elected November 5, 1872; H. A. Comins, Nelson 
Allen, G. R. A. Bibbins, W. H. Ford and J. M. 
Gerhardt, were elected November 3, 1874; O. H 
Gray. George D. Coburn, Thomas Rockhill and A. 
G. Lowery, were elected November 7, 1876; M. R. 
Lyons, M. S. Sharp, Weatlj' Smith and Charles 
Green, elected November 5, 1878; Chas. (ireen, John 
A. Condon, George F. Parker and George G. Blair, 
were elected November 2, 1880. 

COUNTY COM.MISSIONERS. 

Frank Drake, Frank Wheeler and T. R. Cranley 
were appointed by the Legislature April 1, 1800; A. 
C. Gordon, Alexander Brown and D. C. Clark were 
elected November 8, 1870. Gordon resigned January 

6, 1874. J. R. Withington appointed. Clark resigned 
September 18, 1.S72. Henry Mau and R. Sadler, 
elected November 5. 1872; Samuel Liddle and Samuel 
Hosier, elected November 3, 1874: S. S. Woodin and 
H. L. Fitzhugh elected November 7, 187('(; J, H. 
Lockwood and Ed. Caldwell, elected November 5, 
1878. Caldwell resigned in 1880 and Frank Drake 
appointed. G. W. Halstead and John Flynn were 
elected November 2, 1880. 

DISTRICT ATTORNEYS. 

F. 11. Kennedy, apjjointcd by the Legislature April 
1, 1869; John R. Kiltrell, elected November 8, 1870, 
re-elected November 5, 1872; J. B. Barker, elected 
November 3, 1874; B. K. Davis, elected November 

7, 1876, re-elected November 5, 1878, died in 1880, 
and A. H. Freece apiiointcd. C. M.Thackstou, elected 
November 2, 1880. 

rOINTV SHERIFFS. 

Edward Irwin, ap])ointed by the Legislature April 
1, 1869; J. D. Patterson, elected November 8, 1870, 
re-elected November 5, 1872; Ed. Raum, elected 
November 3, 1874, re elected November 7, 1S76, re- 
elected again November 5. 1878, again re-elected 
November 2, 1880. 

COUNTY CLERKS. 

IL M. Eddy was appointed by the Legislature 
April 1, 1869; B. II. Hereford was elected Novem- 
ber 8, 1870; Win. T. llanford was elected November 



5, 1872, re-elected November 3, 1874, resigned in 
Maj-, 187."), and was succeeded by W. R. Forrest. 
Forrest was elected November 7, 1876, re-elected 
Novembers, 1878; John .McKornon elected Novem- 
ber 2, 1880. 

COUNTY TREASURERS. 

M. W. Kales was appointed by the Legislature 
April 1, 1869, resigned, and Lewis C^ook appointed in 
his place in 1869, W, P. Willard. elected Novem- 
ber 8, 1870; Wm. Tinson, elected November 5, 1872; 
Wm. Pardy, elected November 3, 1874; George P. 
McConkey, elected November 7, 1876, re-elected 
November 5, 1878, re-elected again, November 2, 
1880. 

COUNTY ASSESSORS. 

Augustus Ash was appointed by the Legislature, 
April 1, 1869; T. R. Cranley was elected November 
8, 1870, re-elected November 5, 1872; J. B. William- 
son, elected November 3, 1874, re-elected November 

7, 1876; Wash. Woodberry, elected November 5, 
1878, re-elected November 2, 1880. 

COUNTY RECORDERS. 

\\'arren T. Lockhart, appointed by the Legisla- 
ture April 1, 1869; T. N. Brown, elected November 

8, 1870; Wm, C. Love, elected November 5, 1872; 
Wm. Tinson, elected November 3, 1874, re-elected 
November 7, 1876. re-elected again November 5, 
1878, again re-elected November 2, 1880. 

COUNTY SUPERINTENDENTS OF SCHOOLS. 

H. S. Herrick, appointed by the Legislature April 
1, 1869, elected November 8. 1870, re-elected Novem- 
ber 5, 1872, re-elected again November 3, 1874; H. 
Hagar, elected November 7, 1876; H. S. Herrick, 
elected November 5, 1878; L. O. Benedict, elected 
November 2, 1880. 

COUNTY SURVEYORS. 

E. F, Mitchell was appointed bj' the Legislature 
April 1, 1869; F, Tagliabue, elected November 8, 
1870; Thomas J. Read, elected November 5, 1872; 
M. W. Henry, elected November 3, 1874; Wm. M. 
Mctiill, elected November 7, 1876; George B. Bur- 
bank, elected November 5, 1878; Joseph Grandel- 
mycr, elected November 2, 1880, but did not qualify. 

COUNTY PUlU.lr AD.MINISTRATORS. 

M.J. Henly, appointed by the Legislature April 
1, 18(i9, and was elected November 8, 1870; Wm, H. 
Taylor, elected November 5, 1872; E. Mejer elected 
November 3, 1874; J. C. Edwards, elected November 
7, 1876; E X. Willard, elected November 5, 1878, 
re-elected November 2, lS,s(i, but did not (pialify. 

I RESOURCES OF THE COUNTY. 

The prosjierity of White Pine was short, sharp and 
decisive enough to sati.sfy the most speculative cast 
I of mind. Those who made the tii-st investments 
were so dazzled with the splendor and greatness of 
their prospective wealth that they were never quite 
able to see how they wore despoiled; and those who 
made the last investments were unable to turn quick 



652 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



enough to escape the crash and general ruin that 
followed the failure of the mines. Still, these mines 
were exceedingly rich, and, while they lasted, pro- 
duced bullion in great abundance. The value of the 
gross product in 1S70, the second year after the first 
discovery of the mines, was 81,590,6G2.6(J, and at the 
close of the year 1873 they had produced 88,767,784. 

This was of incalculable benefit to the new county, 
for the tax on the bullion product was nearly equal 
to the tax on all other property of the county com- 
bined, and supplied the Treasury with the ready 
means to pay current expenses and liquidate the 
bonded debt in the erection of the Court House. 

For a complete statement of the bullion product of 
the county each year, from 1869 to, and including, 
1880, reference is had to the table upon this subject, 
published in this work. 

The discovery of mineral wealth had the effect to 
develop the agricultural resources of the county, 
which were before unknown. The fertile lands of 
Spring, Steptoe and Snake Valleys were sought out 
and brought into requisition, and made to supply 
the mining camps with every cereal, vegetable and 
fruit which a northern climate can produce. The 
mountain ranges furnished abundance of wood and 
timber, and the frequent springs and streams upon 
their sides and at their base rendered thousands of 
aci'cs valuable for grazing. The surplus waters of 
the mountain streams, by means of irrigating ditches, 
were turned upon the drj- and barren fields, which 
were thereby made to blossom and bear fruit. 

For a full statement of the products of the county, 
from 1860 to 1880, the number of acres under culti- 
vation, the stock and grain raised and the fruit trees 
and vines growing, also for the number of irrigating 
ditches, the reader is referred to pages 135, 136, 139 
and 140 of the general historj^. 

MORE HOPEFUL PROSPECTS. 

Notwithstanding the depression in all kinds of 
business that followed the failure of the mines; and 
the marked decline in ])opuiation and wealth which 
the county experienced at that time, yet there is now 
and for the past few j'oars there has been, a better 
feeling and a more hopeful outlook. The ephemeral 
excitements of former times have passed, and those 
citizens who have remained have turned their atten- 
tion to the systematic develojiment and improvement 
of their properties, both mining and agricultural. 

The ai)parent success of mining operations in 
Ward District hos had a tendency to encourage 
miners and to give increased confidence to the pub- 
lic generally in the jjcrmanency and wealth of other 
districta. Treasure Itill, and the towns of White 
Pino District, whoso population, at one time, was 
reduced nearl}- to zero, are looking up; and other 
localities are being actively prospected. 

The introduction of alfalfa into most of the valleys 
of the county has given a new im])etu8 to the graz- 
ing industry. Two crops each year and some- 



times three are raised from the same ground. Grass- 
hoppers have not been as troublesome here as they 
have in other parts of the country, and the grain is 
rarely affected by smut or rust. Severe frosts, which 
come in some localities every month in the year, are 
the only hindrance to abundant crops of fruit and 
vegetables. 

The population of the county, as given by the cen- 
sus of 1880, was 2,582. The total value of assessable 
property, real and personal, is §963,541, and the 
total debt is 8139,042. The cash on hand is 821,- 
617.66. 

PRINCIPAL MINING DISTRICTS. 

Bald Mountain District is in the Euby Mount- 
ains, about fifty miles north of Hamilton and 
eight miles south of the old overland stage road. 
There are two peaks, not widely separated, which 
are destitute of timber near their summits. The 
mines are on the south peak and in the saddle 
between that and the northern peak. Ore was 
discovered on August 13, 1869, by G. H. Foreman 
and others, and on August 20th a district ten miles 
square was organized. The formation is limestone. 
The Free Metal Belt is about five hundred yards 
wide, and extends north four miles. It is east of the 
southern slope. The Base Metal Belt is far up on 
the eastern slope of the south peak, and is al)0ut 
500 yards wide, and two miles in length. An out- 
crop of quartzite rock passes between these belts, 
nearly due north. Plenty of spring water is to be 
had near the mines; nut pine, juniper and mountain 
mahogany cover the low hills, and bunch grass is 
abundant, but there are no meadows in the adjacent 
region. In the Nevada Mine the ore is a chloride, 
and carries iron, antimony, some carbonate of lead, 
and a trace of copper. Five tons of it yielded 8128. 
In the Genii Mine the vein matter is much decom- 
posed. The ore shows copper and antimonj-, and is 
red with the oxide of iron and carbonate of lead. It 
jnelds forty dollars per ton. Ore in the Bismarck 
Mine shows from forty to eighty dollars in silver, 
and from twenty-five to forty -five percent, in copper, 
with some iron. 

Cave District is on a low hill of the Egan range 
of mountains, about fort}- miljs south of Ward. Ore 
was discovered by John Hughes in 1869, and, on the 
seventeenth of March of that year a district was 
organized. At the south end of the hill is a cave 
which has been explored and mapped for a distance 
of 2,500 feet. The mines are on the hill near the 
cave. Tfco formation is of limestone. The vein 
matter is from two to four feet in width, and dips 
southeast from thirty to forty-five degrees. The ore 
is found in seams and bunches, and selected speci- 
mens assaj' from 850 to 84O0 per ton, can-ying galena, 
stromerite and iron. Water is abundant; wood is 
procured from the range of mountains adjacent. 
Not much work was done until 1878, since which 
time some ore has been hauled to Bristol, in Lincoln 
County. 



mSTORY OF WHITE PINE COUNTY. 



653 



Cooper District is situated on the eastern slope of 
the Schell Creek Mountains, on the south side of 
Simpson's Pass and twenty miles oast of Ward. It 
was organized on .Maj' 2, 1869, ore having been dis- 
covered the preceding day. A sufficient su])ply of 
wood exists. Water, in limited quantities, is found 
four miles to the northward, and in abundance at 
the distance often miles. The formation is limestone, 
dipping ten degrees to the east. Slate is found along 
the canons, and granite at the mountain summits. 
In the California, Blue Load, Carrick, Potomac and 
Rappahannock .^[ines the vein matter varies from 
four to eight foet. The ore assays from S62 to S192 
per ton in silver, and carries galena, antimony, iron 
and arsenic. In the Fairplay Mine the vein matter 
is six feet in width, and the ore shows fine chloride 
of silver. In the MoUie Rutter and Eclipse Mines 
the vein matter is four foet in width, and spooimens 
of chloride ore assay from forty to several hundred 
dollars per ton. The vein matter of the Cooper 
Mine is about five feet in width, and selected speci- 
mens of ore have assayed from §78 to S145 per ton. 
In the latter mine the ore is generally found in small 
pockets. Most of the work ever done in the district 
was in 18G9 and 1870. Fiftj' or sixty locations have 
been made. The ore is free. Xo mills have over 
been put up in the district, and there are no miners 
there. 

Enterprise District is on the western slope of the 
Schell Creek Mountains, a little northeast of Pier- 
mont. It was organized on July 1, 18 !9. The ore 
contains lead and copper, and assays from fifteen to 
thirty dollars per ton in silver. The mountain slope 
abounds with fir, yellow pine, nut pine and juniper. 
In the valley is cedar. The district contains a suffi- 
cient supply of water. 

Gold Canon District is near Egan Canon, in the 
Et'an range of mountains, fifty-five miles northeast 
from Hamilton in a direct line. Ore was first dis- 
covered by a company of volunteer soldiers, com- 
manded by Captain Tober, who wore on their way to 
Fort Ruby. A district was organized on the twenty- 
third of September, 1863, and the first claim recorded 
was that of Samuel J. Taut. The mountains and the 
cafion were named after Howard Egan, a Mormon 
Danite, who, at an earlj' day, discovered the cafion 
while endeavoring to make his way to California. 
The geological formation where the mines are, con- 
sists of the oldest stratified rocks in alternate zones 
of schist, quartzite, and slate. 'J'he upheaval of the 
beds is from east to west, their upturned edges 
forming the entire cast face and summit of the Egan 
range. The west flank of the range, and the high 
ridges west of the Egan basin, are silurian. devonian, 
and carboniferous beds, consisting mainly of calcare- 
ous shales and limestone peculiar to the geological 
ages. The principal mines at Egan are owned by 
the San Jose Mining Company, at the head of which 
formerly stood General Rosecrans, now a member of 
82 



Congress from California. These mines, all held by 
Government patents, are as follows: The Gilligan 

' Mine, 1,600 feet; the Gilligan West, 1,400 feet; the 
Gilligan East, 800 feet; the Jenny Eind, 1,600 feet; 
the San Jose, 115 feet; the Centennial, 1,500 feet; 
the Pino Tree, 1,500 foot; the Eastern, 1,500 feot; 
the American, 1,500 feet; and the Columbus, 1,500 
feet. The Gilligan Ledge, the first of the company's 
possessions originally' worked, cuts obliquely across 
the country rock from southwest to northeast, and 
the dip is northwest, at angles varying from fifty 
to eighty degrees below the horizon, the average 
dip being about seventy degrees. This description 
applies to the Gilligan West and East, the Jenny 
Lind, San Jose, and Centennial, on the same ledge 
continuously. The Gilligan is pronounced by ex- 
perts to bo a true fi.ssure lode, of great length, and 
of undoubted persistence in depth. The other min- 
ing locations offer advantageous explorations, but 
have not as yet been sufficiently explored to turn 

' their possessions to account. The Social Company 
opened the trilligan Mine in the year 1863, with 
lucrative returns, under the superintendency of Mr. 
John O'Dougherty. The Social became united with 
the Steptoe in 1865. The Social and Sleptoe Con- 
solidated extended the works, and built the twenty- 
stamp mill at Egan. 

The San Jose Mining Company became possessed 
of the property in 1871. Its first efforts were to 
sink the main incline on the Gilligan, some ninety feot 
deeper, making the depth from the surface about 
500 feet. A derangement of the pumping force led 
to a stoppage of the work, the sinking of the shaft 
having met with an 0])posing body of water. The 
company then determined to run an adit, or tunnel, 
for the purpose of draining and working the mine 
moi'o advantageously. This tunnel cuts the ledge 
at right angles, at a distance of 1,200 feet from its 
mouth, and extends some 300 feet to 400 feet beyond 
the ledge, in a northerly direction. It strikes the 
ledge about 500 feet cast of the main incline, and 
from 450 to 650 feet below the croppings. Levels, 
to the right and left of the tunnel line, have been 
driven along the course of the ledge; sometimes on 
the ledge, and at other times losing it, owing to the 
intersections of false, or cross-courses. The level 
to the right, or northeast, extends now some 700 
feet; that to the left, or southwest, and connecting 
with the Gilligan, is some 500 feet in length. Work 
has lately been resumed, after a suspension of three 

; years, but with only a small force of miners. This 
force is to bo augmented as operations progress, and 
as prospcctings and explorations demand. The vein 
has always yielded gold atid silver, in the propor- 
tion of one-third gold, to two thirds silver. 

Freight is brought from Wells, on the Central 
Pacific Railroad, by a stage, carrying Wells, Fargo 
& Co.'s express. Teamslere with mule teams carry 
freight from Toano, at one and one-fourth cents per 
pound. The i»tago freight varies i'rqta ton to fifteen 



654 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA, 



cents per pound. The timber supply of the district 
i8 nut pine, white or pitch pine, fir, Bpruce and 
mahogany, for fuel purposes. The supply is abun- 
dant at five dollars per cord, excepting for mahogany, 
which is seven or eight dollars per cord. The water 
supply is also abundant, from the springs which form 
the Egan Canon Creek, running through the canon, 
and into Steptoe Valley. A large body of water is 
also constantly discharged through the San Jose 
Company's tunnel, and joins the water of the creek. 
The ores from above the water line are worked by 
wet crushing batteries, but, from below that line, 
are treated with roasting and dry crushing. The 
nearest post-office to Egan Canon is that of Cherrj"- 
Greek, about five miles to the northeast. 

Hunter District is in the Egan Mountains, ten 
miles south of Egan Canon, and fifty miles northeast 
of Hamilton. Ore was discovered Decembers, 1871. 
Limestone and quartzite are the prevailing forma- 
tions. In the Vulcan Mine the course of the vein is 
east and west, and the dip is to the south. For a 
depth of 186 feet ore has been found all the waj'. 
An average of 100 assays showed a product of from 
sixty to eighty dollars per ton. Very little work 
has been done in the district. Wood and water are 
plenty. 

Kern District is about forty-five miles south of 
Big Creek, on the south side of a pass through the 
Snake Mountains known as Pleasant Valley. The 
district is five miles in width, and covers a section of 
the mountain about fifteen miles long, southeast and 
northwest. Ore was discovered in 1859 by the 
employes of the Overland Mail Company. In June, 
1868, the Mammoth Ledge was located. On the 
seventeenth of Ajiril the district of Pleasant Valley 
was organized. On the third of May following, a 
party of men from Kern County, California, entered 
a wide canon in search of water at a localitj' about 
five miles west of the original point of discovery, 
and there found ore. On the ninth of May they 
organized Kern District, and included within its 
limits the section already occupied by Pleasant Val- 
ley District. They also laid off the town of Glen- 
coe in the canon. A friendly adjustment of conflict- 
ing claims followed, and the name of Kern was 
adopted for the doubly organized district. The 
mineral belt includes the whole southwestern slope 
of the hill and three or four miles of the northeastern 
slope. The body of the hill is granite and quartzite, 
and is capped with limestone, which is genorallj- the 
country rock about the mines. The vein matter of 
the Mammoth Ledge stood from one to twentj' feet 
above the surface, and contained sulphurets of iron, 
traces of gold and some co])per and silver. A mass of 
magnetic iron was found in the opening at the depth 
of six feet. Below, it diminished, but continued on 
the foot-wall, the other part of the vein carrying 
copper, lead and nickel. The foot-wall is well 
defined and lined with clay, and the country rock is 



granite. Assays have ranged from S3 to over 8100 
in silver and gold. About twenty miles southeast of 
Kern District are three salt beds, connected by a 
slough and capable of affording an unlimited supply 
of salt. Warm Creek, which flows into the marsh 
containing these beds, has a temperature of eighty 
degrees. It flows from a boiling spring two or three 
miles west in the foot-hills, and is eight feet in width 
and two feet deep. Along the valley to the south- 
ward for sixty or seventy miles are several fertile and 
well-watered sections. 

Lincoln District lies on the western slope of the 
Snake Mountains, east of Wheeler's Peak. Ore was 
discovered on July 10, 1869, and two days after- 
wards the district was organized. Timber is abun- 
dant on the eastern side of the mountain, consisting 
of fir, white and yellow pine, tamarack, juniper, nut 
pine and mountain mahogany. In some localities the 
trees are three feet in diameter and 175 feet high. 
Bunch-grass abounds, and there is plentj' of spring- 
water for mining purposes. Several small .streams 
flow down the eastern slope of the mountain and 
emptj'into Snake Creek, which, in turn, flows into a 
lake of the same name which is two miles long and a 
quarter of a mile wide, and contains excellent trout. 
Around the lake are several thousand acres of fine 
meadow and agricultural lands, beyond which are 
largo groves of red cedar. The mines arc in a 
timbered region in a belt of limestone. The princi- 
pal ones are the Washington, Ohio, Iowa. Worcester, 
Buena Vista, Young America, Canaan, Balbcc, Cross 
Lead, Sheffield and Passaic. The mineral belt is 
four miles long, north and south, and about two 
miles wide. The mountain is exceedingly broken. 
The Washington Mine is near the summit, at an alti- 
tude of 11,000 feet. Specimens from it have assaj-ed 
$517 per ton, carrying some copper, lead and anti- 
mony. The croppings in it are eight feet in width. 
The Iowa contains a vein three feet wide, the 
ore of which shows copper and chloride of silver. 
Near by are great quantities of black and white spar. 
Many other claims have been located, but have, as 
yet, never been developed. 

Lake District is situated in the mountains over- 
looking Steptoe Valley from the west, and was 
organized in September, 1873. Ore was first dis- 
covered by (loorge B. Taylor. The formations are 
slate, quartzite and limestone. The princi])al mines 
are the Excelsior, .Mastodon, Belcher, l.ida and El 
Dorado. The ore is very high grade and has fre- 
quently assayed .?1,000 to the ton. Wood and water 
are abundant in the district. 

McDoudAi. District lies nearly west of Piermont, 
on the western slope of the Schell ("reek Mountains, 
and at the head of Duckwater Creek. It was 
organized on the first of July, 1869, The formation 
is limestone; the veins are from three to six feet in 
width, run north and south, and are accompanied by 
a capping of spar. The ore is in finely crystallized 



HISTORY OF WHITE PINE COUNTY. 



655 



white quartz with deep blue copper stains passing 
through it and carrying silver. Two fine springs 
near the mines afford a good supply of water. Cedar, 
fir, mit and j-ellow pine and juniper are abundant in 
the vicinity. 

Nevad.\ District is on the western slope of the 
Schell Creek Mountains, thirty miles southeast of 
Pierniont and ten miles east of Robinson. Ore was 
discovci'ed on the twenty-fifth of April, 18G9, by a 
party of explorers from Reno. A district was organ- 
ized on the seventh of May following. Wood is 
found in sufficient quantities in the hills and canons. 
Water is obtained from springs near the mines, and 
from Steptoc Creek, three miles distant, where there 
is a permanent supplj- of 400 inches. The country 
rock is limestone; the ore is principally a rich 
chloride. In 1873 the claims on Wagner Hill were 
located, thirty in all, and the town of Tamerlane was 
laid out. Considerable ore was extracted but the 
burning of the ten-stamp mill at l\obinson put a stop 
to operations. In Steptoe Valley, a few miles dis- 
tant, there are several fine stock and agricultur.il 
ranches. 

Newark District was organized in October, 18GG, 
bj- Stephen and John Beard, and others from Austin, 
who discovered the mineral-bearing veins. The dis- 
trict is on the eastern slope of the Diamond range of 
mountains, about twenty miles east of Eureka. The 
geological formation is slate and limestone, the lat- 
ter carrying a great abundance of fossil shells. Deep 
chasms are cut in the mountain side which exhibit 
the character of the rocks. One of these chasms, or 
cafions, is called the Minnehaha, and another Chi- 
huahua, and through both run sparkling streams of 
water. The first is remarkable for the beauty of its 
scenery, and the latter for its grandeur. The Chi- 
huahua Canon seems formed bj' some great convul- 
sion of nature, rending the rocks in twain, leaving 
them standing in perpendicular walls 1,000 feet in 
height, almost rivaling the great chasm of the Yo 
Semite, in California. This deep fissure exposes veins 
of silver-bearing quartz varying from two to twenty 
feet in width, the principal being the Lincoln and the 
Chihuahua. 

In 18G7 the principal mines of this district were 
purchased by an Eastern company composed chiefly 
of members of the Methodist Church, and incorpo- 
rated as the Centenary Company, in honor of the 
centenary year of that denomination. Through the 
exertions of Ilevs. J. L. Trefren and W. G. Blakeloy, 
of Austin, this company was organized, including in 
its conditions the building of a church at Austin, 
which was accomplishoel in 1857, and is more fully 
referred to in the chapter devoted to churches in this 
work. This company built the Newark Mill, and for 
some years carried on fiuite extensive operations. 
Numerous changes have occurred in ownership and 
names since that period. 

At one time a large quantity of ore was taken out 



and much bullion produced, but bad management 
entailed losses on stockholders, and little more than 
assessment work is now done. The most prominent 
mine is that of the Newark .Mill and Mining Com- 
panj-, situated on a spur running east from the Dia- 
mond range of mountains. It includes the locations 
known as the Chihuahua, I^incoln and Ruckej'c State, 
but no developments have been made below a depth 
of seventy feet, although 8100,000 worth of bullion 
has been taken out. The croppings of the ledges 
are traceable for a distance of 4,000 feet, and as 
far as explored, preserve the character of a true fis- 
sure vein, with well marked hanging-walls. From 
the Battery Mine considerable ore has been taken 
out and shipped to Eureka, but with present facilities 
the operation is not profitable. Plenty of wood and 
water for mill and mining purposes are conveniently 
situated in the district, and an inexhaustible salt 
marsh is within three miles of the mill. 

Piedmont District was discovered and organized 
in 1869. In the spring of 1871 a San Francisco 
company purchased a half interest in the chief loca- 
tions, opened a mine, erected a ten-stamp mill, and 
inaugurated active and energetic operations. Wood 
is delivered at the mines at five dollars per cord, 
and water is convenient and abundant. Three miles 
distant is a body of timber, and a good saw-mili 
fully supplies the local demand for lumber. 

PiERMONT District is on the eastern slope of the 
Schell Creek Mountains, at a point seventy miles 
northeast of Hamilton, and 180 miles south of the 
Central Pacific Pailroad. It was organized July 5, 
18G9. Near the mines is a stream containing 100 
inches of water at the lowest stage; and nut j)ine, 
mountain mahogany, fir and yellow pine, all of large 
size, are abundant in the vicinity. There is but one 
mineral-bearing ledge in the district. It crops low 
down on the foot-hills in places twenty-five feet 
above the surface, varies in width from five to fifteen 
feet, and runs northeast, dipping to the east at an 
angle of forty-five degrees. The Piermont Mine 
covers 1,200 feet. It cuts across the vein matter, 
and a shaft twenty-four feet in depth exposes a 
large body of ore. Five tons reduced yielded $300 
in silver, and 837 in gold. The countrj- rock on the 
west is quartzite, lined with c\ny , that on the east 
is a blue calcareous slate, with clay linings. 

Queen Springs Distuict is situated on Queen 
Springs Mountain, eighty miles northeast from Ham- 
ilton, on the old overland road. It extends six 
miles north and si.x miles south from Queen Springs, 
and is bounded on the east by S|)ring Valley and on 
the west by Steptoe Valley. The mineral belt ex- 
tends through the entire length of the district, and 
is from half a mile to two miles in width. The geo- 
logical formation of the mountain is limestone. To 
the east there are vertical strata of calcareous 
shale, and next to this, over the base of the mount- 
ain, the formation is trachyte. The metal-bearing 



656 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



veins or deposits of ore are found in limestone, and 
crop out in many places to the surface. The dis- 
trict was organized on the twenty-fourth of June, 

1871. A considerable amount of surface work has 
been done, but no openings to anj' dejjth have j'et 
been made. The ore veins are all found in lime- 
stone. The district is well supplied with wood and 
water, and the facilities for mining and milling are 
favorable. The town of Schellboume is two miles 
distant from the mines. 

Ruby Hill District, in the Schell Creek range 
of mountains, was discovered in 1871, and organ- 
ized in 1872, by William Adams and Richard Whit- 
worth. This district was taken from the Schell 
Creek, and the records are kept by A. Tiffney, in 
Ruby Hill. There have been 150 locations, and 
there are at present fifteen miners. In 1871 and 

1872, when the mines were first taken up, the dis- 
trict contained from 200 to 300 inhabitants, but 
because so little was done towards opening them 
the place commenced going down, and it now has 
but very few residents. The principal claims are 
Lookout, Silver Wreath, Cow and Calf, Lady Emily, 
Grizzly, Iowa Chief, and Omega. The Lookout has 
a shaft 125 feet deep, and the Omega has a tunnel 
700 feet long, and reaches a depth of 200 feet below 
the surface. Freights are brought from Toano by 
team, a distance of ninety miles, at a cost of thirty 
dollars per ton. Fir, nut pine and mahogany are 
found in abundance in the district. The ores are 
sent to Salt Lake to be worked. 

San Francisco District is in the foot-hills, on the 
eastern slope of the Egan Mountains, at Hercules 
Gate, about fifty miles east of Hamilton. It is ten 
miles square, and the valleys included in it contain 
meadow and agricultural lands. Ore was discovered 
on the twelfth of May, 1869, by a party of men from 
San Francisco, and on the fifteenth of May a district 
was organized. The mineral belt extends about four 
miles north and south, and is from a mile and a-half 
to two miles in width. Where the principal mines 
are found, a section of limestone is displaced to the 
depth of about fifteen feet, over an area 1,000 feet 
north and south by 250 or 300 feet east and west, 
leaving the face of an imperfect white marble ex- 
posed. The scams of mineral run north through 
this formation, and are from a few inches to six or 
eight feet in width, and dip to the east at an angle of 
forty-five degrees. The walls are not well defined, 
there being no partings. The principal claims were 
located on the twenty-ninth of May, 18G9. The ore is 
found in seams, and while it isgenerally of alowgrado, 
assaying from 830 to 8100 per ton, specimens have 
been found which assay Irom 81.200 to 82,000 per 
ton. It carries gold and silver in nearly equal parts, 
and contains galena, antimony, copper and iron. 
East of the district about six miles, is Steptoe Valley, 
and there are springs in the cafions and wood on the 
bills. South of Hercules Gate about four miles, is a 



warm spring. Hercules Gate is a narrow pass into 
Smith's Valley, formed by some tremendous convul- 
sion of nature. It is an eighth of a mile or more in 
length, is about sixty feet in width, and on cither 
side perpendicular walls of rock arise to the height 
of 300 feet. It contains springs, and a stream of 
water runs through it to the east and sinks into the 
adjoining valley. A fine, smooth wagon road runs 
through it. 

Shoshone District is in the Snake range of 
mountains, immediately south of Wheeler's Peak, 
and thirty miles southeast of Ward, Ore was dis- 
covered by an Indian, who, on March 13, 1869, 
divulged the fact to a party of prospectors, and led 
them to a ravine where it existed. A district was 
organized the same daj'. and ten claims were recorded. 
A little work was done during that year and the 
next, but scarcely any has been done since. These 
claims are situated on a low spur of the mountain 
called Mineral Hill, and other locations have been 
made on a spur further north, called Lookout Mount- 
ain. The ledges are large and well defined, running 
north and south, and the ore is free, but it is of low 
grade. No miners are now in the district. The 
entire surrounding region is covered with nut pine 
and mountain mahogany. To the east the mountain 
rises to the height of 10,000 feet, and is capped with 
limestone. 

Silver Canon District is in the Schell Creek 
i-ange of mountains, eighty-five miles south of Toano, 
and was formerly a part of Ruby Hill District. The 
nearest post-office is Schellbourno. Ore was discov- 
ered by W. B. Lawlor, in 1879, and a district was 
organized in 1880. Twenty locations have been 
made, and there are forty-five miners in the vicinity. 
The camp consists of two boarding-houses, a black- 
smith shop, and a store. The veins are found in 
slate, and run north and south with the formation, 
dip]>ing at an angle of forty-five degrees. The ore 
is free milling, and contains silver. The principal 
mines are the Blue Bell, Sadie L., Buck Horn and 
Copperopolis. The Sadie Ij. has a tunnel thirty-five 
fool in length, and a shaft 112 feet in depth. Freight 
is teamed from Toano at the rate of eighty-five dol- 
lars per ton. A scant supply of water is obtained 
from springs. Nut pine, mahogany, and fir, are 
abundant. The ores are worked bj' a mill of ten 
stamps. An additional mill of twenty stamps is 
being put up. 

SACRA.MENT0 DISTRICT is situated on the western 
slope of the Snake Mountains, about twenty miles 
west ol' the State line and a few miles north of the 
dividing line of Nye and White Pine Counties. The 
nearest post-office and stage station is Osceola, four 
miles distant. Ore was discovered by Jack Bastian 
and others on April 17, 1S69. About forty locations 
have been made. The formation is quartzite, and 
runs north and south, the veins running with it, and 
dipping to the west at an angle of twenty degrees. 



HISTORY OF WHITE PINE COUNTY. 



Go 7 



Thoores are base and rebellious. There iaii strip of 
gold-bearing coiintrj" commencing at a point four 
miles north of Sacramento District, and running 
down through it, which is considered very rich. The 
principal mines in the district are the Independence, 
the Louisville, Bay State and the Armstrong. As- 
says have resulted as follows: Ore from the Inde- 
pendence, 812 per ton in silver and from 8200 to 8400 
per ton in gold; ore from the Armstrong, from 8100 
to 8150 per ton in gold; ore from the Gem, Oro Fino 
and Old Mortality, from S-i" to 8300 per ton in 
gold, and from 850 to 8112 per ton in silver. In the 
three last-named mines copper and lead are found in 
email quantities. The supply of wood and water in 
the district is ample forall mining purposes. Spruce, 
fir and j-ellow pine are found at the heads of the 
canons, while Spring Valley, west of the district, is 
well watered for thirty miles to the southward, and 
for a long distance to the northward. The water 
runs in streams, or collects in ponds or pools. Sev- 
eral miles north of the district is a lake, in Spring 
Valley, which is four miles in length and two in 
width. This valley contains an extensive strip of 
meadow land, which reaches northward nearly to 
the Humboldt Kiver, and numerous groves of beau- 
tiful red cedar trees, which attain a height of 
seventy or eighty feet. In places the Indians 
have cultivated it, and raised vegetables, wheat and 
barley. It also forms fine pasturage for herds of 
stock. Southeast of Sacramento District, along 
Snake Creek and about its sink, there are several 
thousand acres of very fine land. It is well watered 
and capable of high cultivation. The streams are 
all supplied with the best of trout, and as the canons 
leave the mountains they widen into little valleys and 
are exceedingly fertile. 

Silver Park District is in the southeastern corner 
of the county. In the limestone formation near the 
surface some good ore was found, and tvvo mills were 
at one time erected for working it, but the results 
were not encouraging. 

SciiELL Creek District is about seventy-five miles 
northeast of Hamilton. Several mines have been 
sold to San Francisco capitalists, but at last accounts 
no very important operations were in progress. 

Snake District is on the eastern slope of the 
Snake range of mountains, about twelve miles east 
of Sacramento, and very near the Utah line. It was 
organized in February, 18G9. The country rock is 
granite. Specimens of ore have boon found which 
assay finely, but there is not sufficient encouragement 
to justify the e.Kpondituro of much capital or labor 
in developments. Wood and water are abundant, 
and some good stock ranges and ranches are found in 
the adjoining valley. 

Taylor District is situated in the foot-hills oast 
of Steptoe Valley, and is about twenty miles south of 
Robinson. Ore was discovered in July, 1873, by 
Taylor and John Piatt, and a district was soon aflor- 



■wards organized. Wood and water are abundant. 
The geological formation is limestone. The ore is 
very rich, and carries copper and galena. A good 
deal of it has been sent to Sacramento City. Several 
claims have been recentlj' purchased by a San Fran- 
cisco company, and active operations are contem- 
plated. 

principal towns and cities. 

Ciierry Cheek is located in the mining district of 
the same name, at the mouth of Cherry' Creek Canon, 
near the bottom of the eastern slope of the Egan 
range. Its elevation is 0,300 feet above the sea, and 
its location is superb for a town. The discovery of 
the mines in 1872 and the formation of the district 
in the fall of that j'ear, led to the organization of 
the town in the spring of 1873. The growth of the 
place during the following year was most remark- 
able. At the election in 1874, over 500 votes were 
cast. Wells, Fargo & Co.'s express opened an office 
in 1873. Also a post-office was established, which in 
1876 was made a money-order office. In 1875 many 
people moved from the place, but the town has 
remained about stationary in population since 1876, 
there being G39 at the last census. 

The nearest railroad stations are Wells and Toano, 
on the Central Pacific, and each ninety miles distant. 
A tri-weekl^' mail is brought by stage from Wells, 
but the freight is brouglit mostly from Toano. 
Cherry Creek has always been a prosperous camp 
with less disturbances and murders than most other 
places of its size and age in Xevada. 

Baker Post, No. 13, (Jrand Armj- of the Republic, 
was organized in December, lS71t, with seventeen 
charter members. The first officers were J, F, Sis- 
sons, Commander; J. C. Moon and Wilson Carey, 
Vice-Commanders; J, 11. Blethen, Adjutant; J. D. 
Maxwell, Officer of the Day. The present officers 
are the same except the Commander, who is R. D. 
Parker. At present the Post numbers twenty-five 
members, and has property consisting of hall furni- 
ture, uniforms, etc., worth §300. 

The Jfiners' Union was organized in November, 
1879, with seventeen charter members. The first 
officers were J. C. Moon, President; A. G. Ray, Vice- 
President; Douglas Brown, Secretary; and Peter Mc- 
Cul lough. Treasurer. The present officers arc John 
Curtis, President; Peter McCullough, Vice-President; 
P. H, Cannon, Recording Secretarj-; J. II, Lander, 
Financial Secretarj'; J. C. Moon, Treasurer. There 
are now 149 members. The society has on hand 
$350 in coin, and hall property and regalia worth 
8:i00, and has disbursed in benefits and charities 
81,000, 

The object of this organization was to counteract 
the manifest preference given b}' the mine managers 
to Cornishmen to the exclusion of other nationalities. 

In the Cherry Creek District there have been 500 
locations made, and there are now 300 miners at work. 
The records are kept at Cherry Creek. The princi- 
pal mines are the Star, which has a tunnel 400 feet 



658 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



lon.£c and a shaft 520 feet deep, the Teacup, Ex- 
change, Geneva, Pacific, Pine Nut, Mary Ann, 
Chance, Flagstaff, Grey Eagle, Bobtail and Boz. 
Plenty of timber is procured within six miles, and 
consists of nut pine, cedar and mountain mahogany. 
The ores are mostly free milling and there are two 
quartz mills to work them, one twenty-stamp and 
one six-stamp. The White Pine News was removed 
here in 1881, and is published weekly. 




.tfW^^- 




HoN. 0. 11. Grey, the subject of the present sketch, 
was born in the city of New York, in the year 1830, 
and grew to manhood among the Highlands of the 
Hudson. Receiving a common school and academ- 
ical education ho removed to Illinois, and for five 
years engaged alternatclj- in teaching and farming. 
1\q removed to C'alilbrnia in 185'J, where he engaged 
in merchandising and mining until 1863, at which 
time he became a resident of Storej- County, Nevada, 
where for seven years ho was engaged in the mining 
and lumber business. Leaving Storey County, he 
moved to Cherry Creek, White Pine County, in 1869, 
since which time he has constantly been engaged in 
merchandising. 

During his residence in Storey Count}- he was 
thrice elected to represent that county in the 1. L^is- 
lature of the State, serving first in the Asscmlily, 



and subsequently in the Senate. In 1873 the people 
of White Pine County evidenced their appreciation 
of his abilitj' and integrity by electing him to the 
Lower House of the Legislature, and b}' re-electing 
him in 1875. In 188(1 he became one of the stand- 
ard bearers of the Republican party, and canvassed 
his eountj- as Presidential Elector with credit to him- 
self and acceptably to his party. 




PHOTO BV DUNHAM, OAKLAND, CAL 




e^ 




<d^- 



Hon. George F. Parker was born in St, Charles, 
Kane County, Illinois, November 20, 1850, his parents 
being among the first settlers of that county. At 
the age of eight years his parents removed to 
Chicago, when his father enlisted in the Union army, 
and was killed at the battle of Fredericksburg in 
1863. Leaving his mother in Chicago, he went to 
Nauvoo, Hancock County, and afterward entered 
the Industrial Uiiivorsitj-, in Urbana, Champaign 
County, where he remained till 1871, when ho re- 
turned to Chicago and worked at the carpenter's 
trade till 1876. Leaving Chicago in the spring of 
that year, he turned his face westward and traveled 
overland, arriving in Nevada, locating in Cherry 
Creek, White Pino Count}-, where ho still resides. 
Since settling in that place he has boon engaged in 
the restaurant business, and at his trade of carpen- 
ter and builder. 

He was married at Cherry Creek on the seven- 
teenth day of February, a. d. 1879, to Miss Mary 
E. Jakes, of Steptoe Valley, Nevada, by whom he has 
one child. In 1880, having become interested in the 



HISTORY UF WHITE PINE COUNTY. 



659 



politics of the country, was nominated and elected 
to the Assembly, discharging his duties faithfully 
and satisfactorilj-. 

HON. HENKV A. fOMINS, 

The subject of this sketch, was born in F"]ast Edding- 
ton, Penobscot County. Maine, in the year 1836. 
His ancestors were among the early settlei-s of New 
England, suffering the privations incident to those 




Henry A. Comins. 

early days, and often called to defend their homes 
against the attacks of the Indians. Serving with 
credit in the Indian wars, the}- engaged with patriotic 
devotion in the struggle for independence during 
the Kevolution, and again fought heroically in the 
war of 1812, and never with dishonor. Ho became 
a student at the VVeslbrook Seminary, near Port- 
land, Maine, but left the school before graduating. 
In 1S58 he removed from Maine, and coming to 
California, by way of the Isthmus, engaged in 
placer mining for several years with varied suc- 
cess. In 18G3 he settled in Nevada, at Bmpirc 
City, in Ormsby Count}-, when he engaged success- 
fully in the lumber business. In 18ii0 he removed 
to White Pine, carrying on the lumber trade at 
Hamilton, Ward and Cherry Creek. He has also 
engaged in farming and mining. Accumulating 
quite a fortune in his various cnterjjrises, he has 
lived to see his "riches take wings," but leaving 
him energy, integrity, and perseverance to acquire 
another fortune. 

He has held several local offices, and has repre- 
sented his county in both Houses of the Nevada 
Legislature. While in the Senate, as Chairman of 
the Committee of Ways and Means, he was largely 



instrumental in relieving the State of debt, reducing 
the rate of taxation, and increasing the permanent 
Public School Fund. 

ifr. Comins was married in Carson City to Miss 
Minnie M. Stauts, in 18()7, by whom he has two 
children. 

The increased interest manifested in the building 
of narrow-guage railroads proves the wisdom of 
the policy he so strongly advocated while a member 
of the Legislature. 

Eberhardt is located in what is known as Apple- 
garth's Canon, at the foot of the southern slojie of 
Treasure Hill, at an altitude of 7,000 feet, and five 
miles southwest from Hamilton. This town was 
started in 18(59, and its location at this point was in 
consequence of the erection here of the Stanford, 
and the Eberhardt and Aurora Mills. The present 
population is 170, most of whom are employed in 
the Eberhardt Mill. It contains a store, blacksmith 
and wagon shop, carpenter's shop, post-office, and 
an active temperance organization. The mail is 
brought tri-wcekl}' from Hamilton by stage. 

Hamilton, the county seat of White Pine, is located 
on the northern slope, near the foot of Treasure 
Hill, at an altitude of 7,977 feet, and has a fine loca- 
tion for a town. This site was first used for a camp- 
ing ground by the miners, then prospecting White 
Pine Mountain, in the fVU of 1807. The town was 
laid out on the sixteenth day of May, 1808, by Ed. 
Goben, Henry Kelly and W. II. Hamilton, and 
given the name of the latter. Previous to this the 
place had been called Cave City. The first frame 
house was put up by King & Ivers for a saloon, in 
June, 18(i8. The town then contained about thirty 
people. About this time the rush commenced, and it 
continued to increase till the fall of 1809, when the 
town was estimated to contain upwards of 10,000 
people. Six lines of daily stages, some of them with 
six horses, could bring only a part of the pilgrims 
anxious and eager to come. 

The city was incorporated in 18(>;i, einbracin>' 
within its limits one mile by two, most of which was 
laid out in city lots. The city was disimorporated 
in 1875. 

In its flourishing days Hamilton contained ail the 
organizations usual in a city of its size, among which 
were Ilyman Engine Company. Liberty Hose Com- 
pany, and Hamilton Hook and Ladder Company (af- 
terwards consolidated into, one tire company), the 
White Pine Guards, Odd Eellows, and Masonic 
Lodges, -Miners' Union, church organizations, etc. 
For amusements there was a theatre and skating- 
rink, with the usual number of dance-houses. The 
post-ollicc and Wells, Kargo i\: Co.'s office were 
established in 18liS. 

The prospect that the town would soon reach a 
population of forty or fifty thousand caused the 
organization, in San Francisco, of a water company 
to supply the town of Hamilton and the mines o! 



660 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



Treasure Hill with water. J. D. Fry was President, 
and Col. C. P. Head, Superintendent. The source of 
supply chosen was lUapah Springs, three miles east 
of Hamilton, on the east side of Momomoke Hill, 
where the water flows out of the rock at the i-ate of 
nearly 2,000,000 gallons per day. Steam pumping 
works, of a capacity of 1,500,000 gallons in twenty- 
four hours, were erected at a cost of 8380,000, by 
which the water is forced two miles through a 
twelve-inch pipe, to a reservoir at the summit, an 
elevation of 1,000 feet. From this point it is dis- 
tributed through twelve miles of pipe. The original 
company having failed to make a financial succe.ss of 
the enterprise, in 187S it passed into the hands of the 
Eberhardt and Aurora Mining Company, of London, 
by which it has since been used in supplying their 
mines, under the management of Capt. Frank Drake. 
Samuel Liddel, the present engineer in charge of the 
works, has been the mechanical engineer in charge 
from the erection of the works to the present time. 

In 1870 the town was ornamented by the erection 
of a fine brick Court House, containing a jail, at an 
expense to the county of S50,000. 

Previous to 1873 Hamilton had been visited by 
small fires, resulting in loss ranging from 8200 to 
§5,000; but on the morning of June 27, 1873, the 
main portion of the town, including all but two of 
its business houses, was entirely destroyed by fire, 
from which it has never entirely recovered. The 
loss was estimated to be at least 8G00,000. During 
the progress of the fire women and children were 
to be seen in all directions, running excitedly to and 
fro, in an almost nude condition, having lost their all 
in the flames. The White Pino Sews, in an extra at 
the time, said: — 

The onlj- redeeming circumstances which will give 
a crumb of comfort amid the surrounding desolation 
is the spirit displayed bj- the people of all degrees, 
expressed in ho))C'f'ul and assuring words of comfort 
to each other. There are so many acts of individual 
sacrifice of their own properlj', to assist others more 
in need, that our estimate of human nature has been 
considerably raised since half past five this morning. 
On every hand oft'ors of assistance, from one to 
another, could be heard, and all seemed to vie in 
offering every comfort to those in need. 

The fire was set by Alexander Cohn to the back 
part of bis tobacco and cigar store on Main Street, 
near the center of the town, at about five o'clock 
A. .M. His object is sup]>oscd to have been to get 
the small amount for w'iiich his store was insured. 
To make sure that the building would burn he turned 
the sto)) cock in the main pipe, near the edge of the 
town, shutting otV nearly all the watei-. Before it 
was discovered where the trouble was the town was 
gone. For this crime he was arraigned, convicted 
and sentenced, the same year, to seven years in the 
State Prison. 

The first public school in Hamilton was o))ened 
in Jul}', 1809, at which time there were 300 chil- 
dren in the district between the ages of six and 



eighteen. In the fall of 1869 a good school house 
was built, at a cost of 84,000. This was not de- 
stroj'ed by the conflagration of 1873, and is still in 
use. It will accommodate 200 pupils. The present 
enumeration of the district is thirtj--seven, and school 
is maintained six months in the year. 

The nearest railroad station to Hamilton is Eu- 
reka, the southern terminus of the Eureka and Pal- 
isade Eailroad, distant forty-three miles to the north- 
west, but the Eureka and Colorado Eailroad will 
pass near it. From this point a triweekly mail is 
brought by stage. 

White Pine District, within which the town of 
Hamilton is situated, is located in the White Pine 
Mountain and Treasure Hill range. The mines 
were discovered October 9, 18G5, by A. J. Leathers, 
Thomas Murphy and others, and the district was 
organized October 10, 1865. This discovery was 
on the western slope of the White Pine Mountain. 
The principal locations of that year were organ- 
ized as the Monte Christo Mining Company, by 
Mr. Thomas Murphy, now T. M. Antisell, of San 
Francisco, and sold to a Philadelphia company, 
who erected a mill and carried on operations for 
a few j-ears with unsatisfactory results. The Super- 
intendent was Mr. Edward Marchand, although Mr. 
Murphy was chiefly in charge, and A. J. Leathers 
was blacksmith. While engaged here in the fall of 
1857 an incident occurred that led to the great 
discoveries and mining excitement of the following 
year. 

One night the blacksmith, J<eathers, was sleep- 
ing in his shanty, probably not as peacefully as 
Abou Ben Adhem, when he was awakened by 
hearing a noise among his culinary utensils, and 
he observed in the darkness an Indian devouring 
his beans. 

" Who's there? " asked Leathers. 

" Jim," replied the savage; and Leathers, whose 
toils and scantj^ fare had not made him peaceful 
or generous, arose, and with kicks and blows drove 
the dusky forager out into the darkness and the 
desert. 

A few daj-8 after, Jim again appeared, this time 
to make peace with Leathers, and as an oft'ering 
gave him a piece of silver ore which the black- 
smith melted in his forge, jiroducing a button of 
silver, through which he punched a hole and made 
a ring that he wore for many years after. Murphy, 
learning the facts, engaged the Indian to show 
them the locality where he found the ore. This 
was agreed upon, and after preparations were made, 
Murphy, Leathers, ^[archand, and Jim — afterwards 
called "Naiiias Jim" — napias biing the Indian 
term for silver — went in search of the local- 
ity. Snow had fallen, and the journey was one of 
great toil, hardshi]) and risk of life. The Indian 
led them around the southern part of the main 
White Pino Mountain. ri<i the valley in which 
Shcrmantown was afterwards built, and by a great 



HISTORY OF WHITE PINE COUNTY, 



661 



struggle through the snow to the summit of a 
bald and wind-driven ))eak. and there showed them 
ore in abundance. The mine was located, and 
named the ■■ Hidden Treasure" ; and surely it was 
a treasure to the energetic and hardy prospectors. 
During the winter a little work was done, and 
within a year the propertj- thus found was sold for 
$250,000. Rich as this appeared on the surface the 
ore did not extend 100 feet in depth, and the mine 
proved of but little value. 

This diseoveiy, however, led to others, and shortly 
afterwards Eberhardt found the claim bearing his 
name, which proved the richest mass of silver ore 
ever found to that date. This fell into the hands of 
Drake, Applegarth, Crawford, Sproule and Turner, 
who took several tons of the ore to Austin for 
reduction, where it produced several thousand dol- 
lars per ton, and a great excitement was created. 
The effects of this excitement and the rush to White 
Pine have been related. The ore was a pure chloride, 
cropping on the surface at several ])oints, which 
were located bj^ different parties, who afterwards 
contested in the courts for the ownei-ship, one claim 
under the name of the Richmond, making a suit 
which is among the causes celehre of Lander County, 
to which the region then belonged. 

While excavating the almost pure silver from the 
great mass of ore, it is related that the owners were 
offered by San Francisco capitalists, 64,000,000 for 
their mine. The Superintendent, one of the owners, 
was silting in a rocking chair in the mine, watching 
the miners, when the offer was made to him, but 
indignantly replied, "No! when we have taken out 
enough to pay the national debt then we will talk 
about selling," 

The rich bodj' of ore was soon exhausted, though 
not until several millions of dollars had been taken 
from it. Subsequently, in connection with the 
Aurora Mine, it was sold to an English company, 
who have since worked it with varying success, but 
with continued hope and unwearying energy, under 
the superiiitcndency of Ca])tain Frank Drake, who 
possibly still has hopes of paying the national debt. 
Large bodies of ore have frequently been found in 
the claims of the company, and much bullion pro- 
duced, the statistics of which are unattainable. Of 
the original owners it is reported that Drake, Craw- 
ford and A))plegarth, arc still in good circumstances, 
but that the others have experienced the vicissitudes 
too often recorded of the discoverers of rich mines. 

There are now 250 miners in the district. The 
princijial mines are the Eberhardt, North Aurora, 
South Aurora, Treasure, Ward Beecher ('onsolidatod, 
Stafford, Central, Hidden Treasure, Imperial, Mobile, 
Trench and Jennie A. The quartz veins are in lime- 
stone formation, run nearly north and south with the 
formation, though the ore occurring in •'chambers," 
as locally called, the veins are not easily traced or 

described. The Eberhardt and Aurora Mine has 
83 



a shaft or an incline, which is 1,400 feet in extent. 
In an effort to thoroughly explore the ground, the 
Company has run a tunnel now reaching 5,760 feet 
into the mountain, which at the extremity is 1,600 
feet beneath the surface. 

Freights are shipped from Eureka at a cost of twenty 
dollars per ton. The timber is obtained from White 
Pine Mountains, and is of a poor quality of pine and 
fir. The ores are worked by milling process, there 
being one mill in operation at the present time. 
Only about fifteen mines are now being worked. 
The mining records of the district are kept by the 
County Eccordcr. 

The mines of this district have been peculiar in 
this, that the richest ore has been found near the 
surface, the mines nearly all having been abandoned 
before going to anj- great depth. In the Eberhardt, 
over 1,000 tons of ore were taken out of a space 
40x70 feet, none of which was more than twenty- 
eight feet below the surface. This ore milled 83,200 
per ton, seventy-two per cent, being silver. The 
tunnel now being run on the Eberhardt, will soon be 
under the apex of Treasure Hill, and will demon- 
strate whether paying ores are to be found at a 
greater depth. 

Mineral City, located in the center of Robinson 
Cafion, about forty-five miles northeast of Hamil- 
ton, was started in 18G9, and in 1870 contained a 
population of 400, In the latter part of 1870 the 
town was deserted, only two persons remaining. In 
1872 it took another start and in the winter of 1872- 
73 the city contained from 5()(i to GOO people. There 
are but two families now in the place. 

The Robinson District in which Mineral City is 
situated, is located in the Egan range. It was dis- 
covered and organized in 1867 bj' Thomas Hobinson. 
There have been 1,201 locations. The principal 
mines were the Altaman, Fairview, Sunnj-side, Eli- 
jah. Miama, Haj-es and Sunburst; none of which are 
now being worked. The quartz veins were found in 
the limestone formation, and in the Altaman Mine 
seemed to run across the range east and west. In 
the other mines it seemed to be in largo de])osits, and 
near the surface, without anj- well-detincd ledges. 
The Altaman was worked for gold only, and has a 
tunnel iMifl feet in length. The Mayes was worked 
for silver only and has a shaft 325 feet deep. The 
Eljah and Sunburst contained lead and silver. The 
other mines contained copper, though all bearing 
some of the precious metals. The mining records are 
kept at Mineral City, bj' A. R. Watson. The post- 
oftice is at El}', though the stage route runs through 
the district. Freights are brought from Eureka 
eighty-five miles, and from Wells 140 miles. Nut 
pine is procured from the mountains about three 
miles distant, and springs furnish abundance of 
water, and Murray Creek, a fine mountain stream, is 
near by. There are at present only three miners 
in the district. 



662 



fflSTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



HON. GEORGE G. BLAIR 

Was born in Bedford County, Pennsylvania, August 
31, 1845. When nine years of age his parents 
removed to Clark County, Iowa, where he remainod 
until July, 18C3. Enlisting then in the Eighth Iowa 
Cavalry . he soon found himself in Tennessee, and 
during the two years he was in the army he saw 
some hard service and was constantly in active duty. 
At the end of two j'ears he returned to Iowa, and 




Geo. G. B/(7ir. 

applied himself to farming in that State and in Mis- 
souri until the year 1868. In that year ho migrated 
to the State of Nevada, and became interested in 
mining in White Pine County. Seeing in that occu- 
pation great possibilities of success, he has faithfully 
continued to give his time and energies to the 
development of the mining interesls in that county, 
meeting with the changing success which usually 
attends that Imsincss. Mr. Blair resides in Osceola, 
and is the proprietor of the O.-^ceoia Mine, from which 
the district takes its name. In 1880 ho was elected 
a member of the Assembly, to represent in that body 
the Democratic Party, and to aid in advancing the 
general welfare of the State in which he is so truly 
interested. Mr. Blair is a descendant of a staunch 
old family so long and favorably known throughout 
the middle and western counties of that famous old 
Commonwealth, that his name will sound familiar to 
roost of the large number hailing from the Keystone 
State who have settled in this western country. 

OscHOLA was started in 1877, five years after the 
discovery of the placer mines in that district, and 
now has a population of seventy-five, though there 



is a much larger number of miners in the district. 
The District of Osceola was discovered in August, 
1872, by Joseph Watson and Frank Hicks, and was 
organized in October of the same j-car. There have 
been over 400 locations, of which there are sixty 
quartz and forty placer that are probably good. The 
principal quartz mines are the Crescent, Osceola 
Credit Mobilier, Cumberland, Eagle, Exchange and 
Silver Age. The placer mines are the Wisel, Scofield, 
Cumberland, Gulch and Daj- Gulch. The Crescent 
has a tunnel 500 feet long, which reached a depth of 
250 feet below the surface. It also has a shaft 125 
feet deep. The nearest railroad station, from which 
freight is brought, is Deseret, on the Utah Southern 
fiaiiroad, 100 miles distant. The rate is thirty dol- 
lars per ton. Fire-wood is procured in sufficient 
quantity close at hand, but material for timbering 
the mines is brought seven or eight miles. The 
adjacent springs furnish a supply of water sufficient 
for ninety stamps. Water for hj'draulics is being 
brought from the small streams from Wheeler's 
Peak, which will furnish about 100 miner's inches 
jter day. 

In Osceola there is one five-stamp mill. The town 
was first settled by George O. Blair, who now keeps 
Ihe mining records. It is situated in a canon, with 
al)ru]it mountains on the north and west, a high 
bluft'. called Lookout Mountain, on the south, and 
Wheeler's Peak on the east, and has an altitude of 
7,500 feet. At present the town contaiiistwo stores, 
one hotel, one restaurant, one livery stable, a black- 
smith shop, and two other places of industry. Sup- 
plies are obtained from San Francisco, by rail, to 
Eureka, and thence by stage 115 miles; also from 
Salt Lake Cit}-, by rail, to Deseret, and thence by 
stage 100 miles. The mail is brought from Deseret 
three times a week. The buildings are constructed 
mostly of wood. A frame school house, 12x20, has 
been erected, with seating capacity of thirty. In 
the vicinity of the town, grazing and agriculture are 
engaged in with some profit, there being from twelve 
to fifteen persons engaged in each. 

In July, 1879, Capt. D. B. Aikey shot and killed 
Joseph Ayers. On the hearing of the case it was 
shown that Aikey acted in self-deftnse, and he was 
acquitted. 

PiNTO, a small town in Silverado District, on the 
eastern slope of the Diamond Mountains, fourteen 
miles southeast from Eureka, contains two black- 
smith shops, a boarding-house, a post-office, and a 
few dwellings. Twelve miners are in the district, 
and the total number of claims is 202. The quartz 
veins are found in a formation of limestone, running 
north and south with the formation, and dipping to 
the east at an angle of forty-five degrees. The ores 
arc generally adapted for smelling, and average 
8300 per ton. The mineral-bearing belt is about 
eighty feet in width. Freight is teamed from Eureka 
at (V cost of nine dollars per ton. The sujiply of 



HISTORY OF WHITE PINE COUNTY. 



663 



cedar in the vicinity will last for years. Considerable 
ore is smelted at the Richmond Works, and more is 
hauled to Eureka. The principal mines arc the 
Queen, Rescue, and Fair Plaj'. The first named has 
been worked on a limited scale I'or eight years, and 
has produced S80,000 in silver and gold, chiefly in 
silver. The main ledge of this mine has not been 
encountered yet. Its ore, thus far, has come from 
veine leading from the main body, to strike which, 
the conij)any is now sinking a shaft. It is hoped 
that this connection will ensure most encouraging 
and profitable results. The ore of this mine varies 
in quality and value, ranging from S^OO to §1,200 
per ton. One chimnej-, or nearly perpendicular ore 
vein, sixty feet from the surface, produced §30,000. 
Another, at a depth of ninety feet, produced 850,000. 
The Rescue Mine, immediately adjoining the Queen 
on the south, has been leased by a partj' of miners, 
who are taking out ore daily. Silverado District 
was organized in 1869. The boundary line, separat- 
ing Eureka and White Pine Counties, runs through 
it. Silverado Mountain is a bold, picturesque mass 
of dolomitic limestone, about two miles in length 
from northeast to southwest, and, at its highest point, 
is 2,000 I'eet above the vallej'. 

ScuELLBOURNE, a Small town in the mining district 
of the same name, contains two stores, a boarding- 
house and post-office; being on the stage route be- 
tween Wells and Hamilton. It is ninety miles north- 
east of the latter and 120 miles south of the former 
place. It was formerly called Fort Schellbourne, and 
was an overland stage station. In the mining ex- 
citement of 1872 it grew to a town of 400 or 500 
inhabitants, with several stores, blacksmith shops, 
livery stables, newspaper, etc. 

The district of Schellbourne is in the Schell Creek 
range, and was discovered in 1871 by James McJIa- 
hon. It was taken from the McCurdy District, has 
had 200 locations and now contains thirty miners. 
Wm. Buck, at Schellbourne, keeps the mining records. 

The principal mines are the El Capitan, Nutmeg 
and McMahon. The quartz veins are found in por- 
phyry, and run north and south with the formation. 
Freights are brought from Toano, at a cost of twenty- 
five dollars per ton. Timber is found in abundance 
all over the district, and consists of nut pine, fir, 
cedar and mahogany. Schell Creek Spring furnishes 
plenty of water for the five-stamp mill now in use, 
as well as the inhabitants of the town, who number 
now fifty-six, including whites, Chinese and Indians. 

Sher.mantown was located near the mouth of the 
cafion between White Pine Mountain and Treasure 
Hill, about five miles south of Hamilton. This being 
a good mill site, five quartz mills and lour furnaces 
were erected here in 180S-G!.>. which caused a lively 
town to spring up, which in the fall of 18G9 contained 
between four and five thousand inhabitants. Two 
saw-mills were built here in 18G8, which were the 
first in this part of the district. In 18G9, the town 



was incorporated, and in 1870 had a newspaper. At 
the present time, one solitary family comprises the 
entire population. 

Swansea was about three-quarters of a mile north 
of Shcrmantown. It once had two quartz mills and 
smelting works. In 1809 it had 500 inhabitants. 
Nothing now remains to mark the spot or tell the 
tale of its former greatness. 

Treasiike City is located on the western slope of 
Treasure Hill, near the top, at an elevation of 9,700 
feet. The first cabin built at this place was put up 
by Murphy & iMarchand, in November, 18G7. They 
were then the owners of the Hidden Treasure Mine. 
In the spring of 18G8 the rush to the place com- 
menced, and in April a town was laid out, and named 
Treasure City, which in less than a year contained 
0,000 inhabitants, polling nearly 3,000 votes at the 
miners' election. In 1869 the town was incorporated, 
at which time it had a dail}' paper, one theater, two 
bands, a stock board. Masonic and Odd Fellows 
organizations, and all the usual city institutions. 

In June, 1874, the main business portion of the 
town was burned, but little of which was ever re- 
built. In 1878 the principal mine on the hill stopped 
work, and the town was nearly abandoned. At 
present it contains but one family and a t'c\y miners. 

Ward, situated sixty-two miles southeast of Ham- 
ilton, and in the White Pine range, was started in 
1876, being the best location for the residence and 
business of the men who followed the discovery of 
the mines in this district. The town, which was 
started in the sjiring, grew rapidly from the com- 
mencement, and the next winter contained about 
1,500 people. The spring following, however, business 
drooped and the town commenced going down, fall- 
ing oft' nearly two-thirds in population in that year. 
Since then the place has steadil}- gone down to the 
present time, and now has a population of only 300. 
In 1877 a Hook and Ladder Company wasorganized. 
which was disbandetl in 1879. The first school in 
the place was organized in the fall of 1876, with an 
attendance of fifty scholars. The town now has a 
good school building that will accommodate eighty 
scholars. 

In the fall of 1876, when the town was growing 
rapidly, the usual percentage of the rough and law- 
less element came also. A citizen by the name of 
liightner, having refused to loan money to one of 
these roughs, who went by the name of Donohue, 
was shot down while walking along the sidewalk, 
Donohue having hid behind a wagon-bed for the 
purpose of shooting him as he passed. The next 
morning Donohue was discovered hanging from a 
tree just below the town. This seemed to have a 
very salutary effect upon the rough element, as there 
was no more killing, except among themselves, to 
which the citizens paid no particular attention. This 
..was the only case of lynching in the county. 

In 1877 J. Crawford and John Carlo, both of whom 



664 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



had been working in the mines at this place, and 
were supposed to be good, honest men, attempted 
to rob the stage as it was coming in about one and a 
half miles below town. They stepped out from the 
brush, where they were hid, and fired at the driver 
and the messenger, missing both of them. The 
messenger, Eugene Blair, then shot both the robbers, 
killing Carlo, but only wounding Crawford, who 
escaped. He was afterwards captured, tried and 
sent to State Prison. Ho died of consumption, in 
prison, January, 1881. 

The Mining District of Ward, in which the town 
is located, was discovered and organized in 1872, by 
Thomas F. Ward. The mining records are kept by 
Louis A. Hauck. There have been 153 locations, 
and there are now sixty-five miners in the district. 
The principal mines are the Paymaster, Defiance. 
Shark, Pleiades, I. X. L., Governor, Jupiter, Gram- 
pas, Juno, Mountain Pride, and Silver Cloud. 

The Paymaster has a tunnel 3,000 feet long, and is 
750 feet below the surface. It also has a shaft 1G2 
feet deep. This and others are the property of the 
Martin White Mining Company. 

Freights are brought by team from Eureka, 110 
miles, and from Wells, 155 miles. 

Timber is procured at a distance of eight or ten 
miles, and consists of pine. A good supply of water 
is obtained from Willow Creek, and is brought, by a 
pipe, three miles to the mill. There was a furnace 
of fifty tons capacity and a twenty-stamp mill belong- 
ing to the Martin While Mining Company. The 
furnace has been idle for two years, and the mill one 
year. 

In 1876 two smelting furnaces were erected at 
Ward, but the ore was of a rebellious nature, and the 
fluxes had to be hauled so far that they were not a 
financial success. In 1877 a twenty-stamj) leaching 
mill was built at a cost of ?85,000, and $25,000 was 



spent in experimenting, when it was given up as a 
failure. A very fine double track tunnel, which is 
now in 3,050 feet, is being run by the Martin White 
Company, under the Paymaster and Young America. 
Upon the developments of this tunnel depends the 
future of this camp. The Ward Reflex, a weekly 
newspaper, is published here, and maintains its faith 
in the future prosperitj' of the district. 

PANCAKE COAL MINES. 

Twenty-two miles due east from Eureka, and fifteen 
miles distant from Hamilton by the stage road, are 
some coal veins in the Pancake range of mountains, 
which have attracted considerable attention. A 
shaft on being sunk thirty feet, found water, and 
some seams of coal in a vein four feet thick. Three 
distinct veins exist in the locality, which can be 
traced a distance of two miles, and which vary in 
width from four to six feet. Above the water level 
the material composing the vein consists of the 
oxide of iron, mixed with carbonaceous matter of a 
loose and crumbling nature, but becomes more solid- 
ified and partially crystallized as soon as the water 
level is reached, and seams of coal from one to two 
inches in thickness are found. The veins dip under 
the mountains to the west at an angle of forty 
degrees, and their course is fifteen degrees east of 
south from the point of discovery. The formation 
is referred to the carboniferous era, and very much 
resembles that of the Wj'oming coal fields. The 
first formation below the vein in which the coal is 
found is siliceous iron ore; then comes a stratum of 
limestone, and beneath this sandstone and conglom- 
erate. Above it the formation is bituminous and 
argillaceous shales; next to the shale, calcareous 
slate, then red sandstone, conglomerate and limestone 
capping the whole formation. Whether coal exists 
in sufficient quantities to make it profitable to mine 
it, remains to be determined. 



Patrons Directory. 



CHURCHILL COUNTY. 



XAME. 



Allen, J. W New Hiver. . . 

Allen, Lemuel 'Carson River. 

Bailey, C. H ist. Clair 

Bond, J. VV i New River. . . 



Came to 
State. 



Came to 
County 



roST-OFFICB. 



01.1 River. 



Brown, John P, 
Clark, Ephraim 
Cushiiiaii, .1. J. 
Dillard, D. H. . 

Doane, S. A [Stillwater 

Doolittlc, A. \V Stillwater 



Carson Lake 
St. Clair 



Ferguson, Jackaon. . . St. Clair 

Gray, B. F Nevada Soda Lake. 

(Jrimes, W. C Slough Station .... 

Hull, E. P I Allen s Ranch 

Kaiser, Charles Kaiser s Ranch 



Farmer and stock raiser Iowa 

Farmer, stock r'ser& Bist. Att'y Ohio 

Farming 

Farmer and .lustice of the Peace- 
Farmer and stock raiser 

Farmer 

Farmer and stock raiser 



New York 

Ohio 

Pennsylvania . . 

Missouri 

Maine 

Kentucky 

Connecticut. ... 

New York 

Ohio 



Kent, Ira H 

Keiiyon, Asa L. . 
Magec, William . 

Merry, A 

Murpliv, William 
Pike, \V. H. A. . 
Richards. J. W.. 
.Small, Frank L. . 

Smith, 

Stone, (;. \V 

Stnrdevant, J. M 
Thcelcn, Henry. . 
Thompson, H. W 

Walker, J. T jstillwater . . 

W'ightman, 1). M.... [Carson Lake 



Stillwater 

Ragtown 

Magee Station 

Big Soda Lake. ... 

Stillwater 

Stillwater 

Stillwater 

New River 

Big Soda Lake 

Big Soda Lake 

Stunlevant Station . 
St. Clair Station . . . . 
Old River 



Farmer and Public Administ'r 
Farmer and Surveyor .... 
Farmer, Pstm'r& Sup't Xev. C's 

Superin't Nevada Soda Works'lllinois 

Rancher and stock raiser |Virginia 

Blacksmithgit min'ngproperty Pennsylvania . . . 

Farm'r, stock rais'rand Senator (iermany 

Farmer and County Clerk. . . . New York 

Stock raiser ! New York 

Rancher and .Station Keeper. . Scotland 

Super't Big Lake Soda Works .Maine 

Farmer and County Treasurer. JNew Orleans, La. 

Farmer and stock raiser iMaine 

Assem'n, Pstm'r& Tel. Operat'r Kentucky 

Farmer .... iMaine 

Soda manufacturer Maine 

Soda manufacturer Maine 

.Stages statu IGm fr Wadsw'th New York 

Farmer and stock raiser Prussia 

Engineer New York 

Farmer and Sheriff Oregon 

Farmer and stock raiser Illinois 



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1854 
I86:i 
1867 
1870 
1874 
IS61 
1879 
1861 
1857 
1874 
1862 
1860 
1869 
1850 



1864 
1862 
1870 
1878 
1864 
1864 
1861 
1S62 
1877 
1861 
1876 
1872 
1864 
1861 
1870 
1875 
1854 
1863 
1870 
1870 
1874 
lSt>4 
1879 



1860 
1877 
1873 
1880 
1873 
1860 



No. 
Acres. 



St. Clair 


420 


St. Clair 


1,040 


St. Clair 


240 


St. Clair 


560 


Stillwater 


660 


St. Clair 


1,700 


St. Clair 


1,000 


Stillwater 


160 


Stillwater 


1,400 


St. Clair 


760 


Wadsworth .... 




Wadsworth. . . . 


2,480 


St. Clair 


160 


Stillwater 


640 


Stillwater 


200 


Ragtown 


960 


St. Clair 


300 


Wailswortli .... 




Stillwater 


160 


Stillwater 


100 


.Stillwater 




St. Clair 


:«K) 


Wadsworth . . . 


49 


Wadsworth. . . . 


49 


Wadsworth .... 




St. Clair 


800 


Stillwater 




Stillwater 


160 


St. Clair 


1,200 



DOUGLAS COUNTY. 



RKSIDE.NOK. 






Came tu 
State. 



Came t( 
Count V 



I'UST-ofFICE. 



No. 
Acres. 



D.. 



Adams, John Q. 
Baldwin, .John. 
Banning, J. T . . 
Berry, Harrison 
Black, E. 1)., M 

Brockliss, A. R 

Cameron, R. I) 

Carlisle, Boynton.... 

Child, .Johns 

Cobb, W. A. B 

Cradlebaugh, John H. 

Crippen, Mrs. L) 

Dangbcrg, H. C 

Dangberg, H. F 

Dressier, A. F 

Ezell, L. S 

Foster, Wm 

Frevert, F. A. A 

Oclatt, R 

fJillis, Chas 

Haines, J. W 

Harris, M 

Irvine, Thomas 

James, John 

Johnson, J. R 

Jones, David R 

Jones, Joseph tienoa 

Kinsey, Stephen A. 
Lindsay, George R. 

Livingston, A 

McCommas, T. J... 
Meier, F 



Genoa 

Carson Valley 

Genoa 

Sheridan 

Genoa 

Sheridan 

(ienoa 

Genoa 

Carson Valley 

Glenbrook 

•ienoa 

Twelve-Mile House. 

Genoa 

tienoa 

Sheridan 

Genoa 

Genoa 

tienoa 

Genoa 

Genoa 

Genoa 

Genoa 

Sheridan 

G enoa 

(Jenoa . 

Sheridan 



(ienoa 

Glenbrook. 

Genoa 

(ienoa 

Sheridan . . 



General Farming 

Dairying and farming 

Druggist 

General farming and dairying. 

Phyiician and surgeon 

(ieueral farming 

Wood business 

Ed. & prop. Cnurier 

General farming & stock gr'g- 
Proprietor of Lake Shore H otel 

Ranching. 

Farming, lintel keeping 

(icneral farming & stock gr'g. . 
(ieneral farming & stock gr'g. . 

General farming 

General fanning & County Com 

(ieneral farming 

(ieneral farming 4 stock grow'g 
Liveryman & stage proprietor.. 

Staging 

Lm g, fmg& Prs't N. & C.T.Co 

(ieneral merchandise 

(ieneral merchandise 4 farming 

(ieneral farming 

General merchandise 

General farming 

General farming 

Fanning and fruit growing. . . . 

Master mechanic 

County Treasurer 

Dealer in cigars and li<|Uors. . . 
General farming 



1853 



1872 
1863 
1865 
1850 
1868 
1877 
1854 
1864 
1860 
1853 
1863 
1850 
1858 



Illinois 

Canada 

Missouri 

Indiana 

Ohio 

England 

Canada 

Kentucky . . . 
Vermont .... 

Maine 

Ohio 

Michigan .... 
(iennany .... 
(iermany .... 
Germany .... 

Kentucky i 1859 

'Tennessee 1852 

Germany 1859 

Pennsylvania.... 1861 

New 'Sork 1861 

Canada 1863 

Prussia 1860 

Scotland 1858 

England 1852 

Illinois I860 

Wales 1853 

Wales 1863 

New York 1850 

Scotland [ 1872 

Prussia 1861 

Illinois 1852 

Gernittiiy ' 1874 



1853 



1860 



1879 
1860 



I860 



1852 



960 
480 



360 



870 



420 



1,120 
235 



Genoa 

Sheridan . . . 

(ienoa 

Sheridan . . . 

(ienoa 

Sheridan . . . 

Genoa 

(ienoa 

(ienoa 

(ilen brook . . 

(ienoa 

(ienoa 

Genoa i 1,000 

Carson ' 

Sheridan I 600 

Genoa | 280 

Genoa < 

Genoa 

(ienoa 

(ienoa 

(ienoa 

Genoa 

Sheridan . . . 

(ienoa 

(ienoa 

Sheridan. . . 

(ienoa 

Genoa 

Glenbrook... 

Genoa 

Genoa 

Sheridan . . . 



830 



160 
1,400 



300 

760 

20 



200 



666 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



DOUGLAS COUNTY- Continued. 



NAME. 



Montrose, R. G. . 
Note ware, C. N... 
Pettegrew, J. P... 

Pratt, A. C 

Pray, A. W 

Ray craft, Joseph.. 
Rogers, John T. . . 

Ryan, J. W 

Short, J. M 

Springmeyer, H. . . 
Stodieck, Fred. W 

Tebbs, M 

Walker, W. G.... 
Wegstein, F. P... 
Williams, J. T.... 
Wyatt, W. W.... 



Genoa 

Genoa 

Genoa 

Genoa 

Glenbrook 
Genoa .... 
Glenbrook . 
Glenbrook . 
Glenbrook , 

Genoa 

Genoa 

Genoa 

Genoa 

Genoa . . . . . 

Genoa 

Sheridan . . 



County Assessor. 



Ganeral farming & stock grow'g 

Miner 

Lumbering and general farming 
Proprietor of K.xchange Hotel 
Superintend'tL.T. N. G. R. R. 

Boardiug-house keeper 

General merchardise 

General farniing& stock grow'g' 
General farming & stock grow'g 

Lawyer 

General farming 

C<iunty Clerk 

Sherifl'. 

General farming 



XATIVITT. 


Came to 
State. 


Ctime to 
County. 


POSIOPPICE. 


No. 
Acrei. 


Canada 


ISCO 
ISoV 
1857 
1854 
1860 
1863 
1875 
1873 
1877 
1868 
1864 
1866 
1860 
1873 
1872 
1857 


ises' 


Genoa 




New York 


Genoa 




Indiana 

Texas 


(Jenoa 


200 








Ireland 






Vermont 

Maine 


Glenbrook 




Glenbrook 










Germany 

Germany 

Indiana 

Georgia 

Ohio 


Genoa 


500 
liiO 






Genoa 


160 


Pennsylvania. . . . 
Missouri 


Genoa 




Sheridan 


230 



ELKO COUNTY. 



I Came to (."^me to 
State. County. 



POSTOFncK. 



No. 



Abel, J. D 

Adams, Charles 

Ainley, John 

Atchison, L. E 

Bacon, J. H 

Ballinger, 0. H 

Bradley, John R . . . . 

Brown, H. W 

Brown, R 

Burwood, John 

Campljell. J. J 

Carville, Kd 

Cather, William J. . 

Clark, James 

Conley, R. S 

Conway, K. J 

Crane, WmT 

Dakin, Judson 

Davis, James 

Uawley, A. G 

Dennis, J. H 

Dorsey, J. W 

Dove, James 

Drown, C. E 

Drown, V. E 

Duncan, (J. W 

I)u \al , M OSes 

Duval, William 

Epley. J. W 

Fairchild, O. L. C... 

Faxon, Charles 

Fitch, J. B 

Gedney, A. W 

George, Eli 

Gibb^ W. B 

Goodale, D 

(Jooding, C A 

Grant, D 

Grant, H. M 

Gray, Enoch 

Green, O. E 

Griswold, E. H 

Guld.igcr. N. P 

HamilT, U. P 

Hank, C. R 

Hardesty, George W . 
Harrison, Thomas. . . 

Hogle, L. I 

Huneyman, F 

How, John 

Hull, y. W 

Huyck, W. H 

Jones, T. A 

Jones, Thomas M... 
Johnson, Robert... 



Fort Halleck 

Mound Valley 

Elko 

Tuscarora 

Mountain City 

Elko 

Elko 

Tuscarora 

Elko 

Ruby Valley 

Camp Halleck 

Mound Valley 

Tuscarora 

Elko 

Tuscarora 

Clover V-illey 

South Fork Valley. 
Lamoille Valley. . . . 

Elko 

Ruby Valley 

Tuscarora 

Elko 

Tuscarora 

South Fork Valley. . 
South Fork Valley.. 
South Fork \'alley. . 

Clover Valley 

Clover Valley 

Tuscarora 

Tuscarora 

Lamnillc Valley. . . . 

Elko 

Ruby Valley 

Tuscarora 

Clover Valley 

Star Valley 

Elko 

Ruby Valley 

Elko 

Star Valley 

Elko 

Wells 

Mound Valley 

Wells 

Secret Creek 

South Fork 

Ruby Valley 

Tuscarora 

Clover Valley 

Elko 

Elko 

Tuscarora. 

Carlin 

Tuscarora 

Tuscarora 



Farmer and stock raiser 

Farmer 

Hardw.Tre 

.Superintendent Argcnta Mine. 
(Jen. merchandise and P. M. . . 

Blacksmith 

Stock dealer 

Lumber and general mdse 

Furniture dealer 

Farmer 

Farmer and stock raiser 

Farmer and horse raiser 

Notions, furnishing goods, etc. 

Proprietor Depot Hotel 

Carpenter 

Farmer and stock raiser 

Farmer and stock raiser 

Farmer and stock raiser 

Prop. Elko Fouriug Mill 

Farmer and stock raiser 

I'xiitor Time.i Ifrriew 

Dist. Atty of Elko County. . .. 
Foundry and machine shop. . . 

Farmer and stock raiser 

Farmer and stock raiser 

Teamster 

Farmer and stock raiser 

Farmer 

Supt. Cmwl'th <fc Falcon Mines. 

Editor and Postmaster 

Farmer 

Sheriff 

Farm'r, stock raiser, gen. mdse. 

Lodging house and saloon 

Farmer and st*)ck raiser 

Farmer and stock raiser 

Furniture dealer 

Farmer 

Agt. W. F. * Co. and Co. Treas . 

Farmer and stock raiser 

County ( 'lerk 



P. M., Blacksmith, .st'k raiser. 
Mercliant and Postmaster.... 

Stock raiser and farmer 

Farmer and stock raiser 

Ranching and stock raising. . . 
Mine owner, capitali.st& ranc'r 

B'armer and stock raiser 

Agent Duck Valley Restra'nt. 

Postmaster 

Blacksmith 

General merchandise 

Prop.CIrand Pr'e Ho'tl & min'r. 
Tinshopandbrdware 



Tennessee 

Massachusetts. . . 
Canada West... . 

Indiana 

Canada West. . . . 

Kentucky 

Virginia 

New York 

Canada 

England 

Pennsylvania. . . 

Ireland 

Ohio 

Pennsylvania. . . 

Tennessee 

Ireland 

Pennsylvania... . 

New Vork 

New York 

New York 

M.assuchusetts. . . 

Maryland 

England 

Ohio 

Ohio 

Missouri 

Canada AV'est. . . 
Canada West. . . 

New York 

New York , 

Massachusetts.. . 

Maryland 

New Bninswick. 
North Carolina. . 

Vermont 

New Vork 

New York 

Utah 

lihode Island. . . . 

Maine 

Wisconsin 

New .lersey. . . , 

Denmark 

Pennsylvania. . . 

Virginia 

Kentucky 

England 

New Vork 

Ireland 

Pennsylvania. . , 

New Vork 

Ohio . 

South Carolina. 
South Wales ... 
Canada West . . 



1869 
1865 
1862 
1869 
1868 
1862 
1862 
1859 
1879 
1866 
1859 
1872 
1869 
1862 
1863 
1862 
1863 
1868 
1872 
1860 
1863 
1857 
1858 
1874 
1862 
1875 
1868 
1808 
1859 
1863 
1866 
1864 
1863 
1868 
1860 
1872 
1879 
1877 
1866 
lii72 
1869 
1863 
1876 
1868 
1862 
1861 
1862 
1872 
1864 
1878 
1874 
1870 
1869 
1879 
1859 



1869 
1870 
1869 
1877 
1869 
1870 
1808 
1859 
1879 
1867 
1S67 
1872 
1869 
1874 
1868 
1874 
1807 
1868 
1S78 
1804 
1877 
1875 
1808 
1874 
1809 
1875 

I8r>8 

1808 
1868 
1877 
1870 
1868 
1863 
1870 
1869 
1872 
1879 
1877 
1869 
1872 
1869 
1867 
1876 
1869 
1879 
1872 
1805 
1872 
1804 
1878 
1874 
1879 
1809 
1879 
1870 



Fort Halleck . . . 
Mound Valley. . 

Elko 

Tuscarora , 

Mountain City.. 

Elko 

Elko 

Tuscarora 

Elko 

Ruby Valley . . . 
Fort Halleck . . , 
Mound \'aUey. . 

Tuscarora 

Elko 

Tuscarora 

WeUs 

Elko 

Lamoille 

Klko 

Uuhy Valley. . . 

Tuscarora 

Elko 

Tuscarora 

Elko 

Klko 

lOIko 

Wells 

Wells 

Tuscarora 

Tuscarora 

Lamoille 

Elko 

Ruby Valley. . . 

Tuscarora 

Wells 

Deotli Station. . 

Klko 

liuby Valley... 

Elko 

Deeth Station . . 

Elko 

Wells 

Mound Valley. . 

Wells 

Halleck Station. 

Elko 

Ruby Valley . . . 

Tuscarora 

Wells 

Elko 

Elko 

Tuscarora 

Carlin 

Tuscarora 

Tuscarora 



320 
400 
500 



1,200 



154 
320 
700 



560 
240 
320 



640 



600 
600 



320 



280 

1,200 

800 



240 
S40 



300 



1,000 

400 

1,500 

1,100 

480 



PATRONS DIRECTORY. 



667 



ELKO COUNTY-Continued. 



NAUE. 



Came to Canic to 
State. County.! 



po6T-orncB. 



No. 
Acros. 



300 
240 
600 
800 
200 
160 
640 



.Tohnston, D. V Star Valley Fanner ami stock raiacr 

Kuith, H. .J Laiiidille \ alley . . . . Fanner, stock raiser and 1*. M. 

Kennetly, \Vm Mound Valley Farmer and stock raiser 

King, Thomas Clover Valley Farmer and stock raiser 

Kingsbcry, Mile Ruby Valley Farmer and stock raiser 

Kirk Patrick, U. \V. . . Star Valley Farmer and stock raiser 

l.ampman, Chas Clover Valley Farmer and stock raiser 

l^incaster, A. V Tusearora Miner 

Lanham, R. D 'South Fork Valley. Farmer and stock raiser 

LittleHeld, E. A Elkn Ed. & I'rop. Elko MVcW// I'osl. 

Ruby Valley P'armcr and stock raiser 

. Elko Deputy Slierifl". 

. South Fork Valley. . Contractor, builder & fanner. . 

. Fort Hulleck Post-trader 

. Elko 'R'gt State Uny & real es'tag't. 

. Lamoille Valley. . . .Farmer 

. Star Valley Farmer 

. Mound Valley Farmer 

. Lamoille Valley. . . . iFarmer and stock raiser 

. Tusearora I Amalgamator. 

. Star Valley Farmer and stock raiser 

. Tu.scarora Mining Superintendent 

. Wells 'Merchant 

Elko Deputy County Rcconler 



I/oav ridge, A. 

Lowe, Arthur 

Martin, J. L 

Mayer, C. E 

Mayhugh, John S. . . 
McCenney, (). W.N. 

McCoy, (J. W 

McCutchen, .1. M... 

McDermott, J. T 

McMahan, E. L 

McMuUen, James. . . 

McXally, John 

Meigs, (Jeo. H 

Miller, M. H 



Moore, .T. B Ruby Valley Fanner and stock raiser. 



Monty, Joseph L 
Morgan, L. E. . . . 

Moser, (Jeo 

MuUer. F. F 

Mundell, H. V... 
Murphy, A. C . . 
Myers, James. . . . 

Myers, Wm 

O'Connor, Thos. . 
Passow, Charles. . 
Phillips, C. W... 
Pixley, Myron. . . 
R.imcy, .lohn W.. 

Rand, J. H 

Rcch, Jacob 

Roach William. . . 
Robbins, John.. . , 
Rogers, W. W. . . 
Rosberry, J. B. . . 

Scherff, M, 

Schoer, C 

Scott, W. H 

Scott, Joseph ... 
Scranton Levi . . 

Sears, S. S 

Shepherd, (i. H.. 
Short, Frank. ... 
Short, Thomas. . , 
Smith, Joseph . . . 
Smith, W. T. . . . 
Snow William. . . 
St. Clair, L. W.. 
Steinaker, W . . . . 
Steward, D. H. . . 

Stone. T. N 

Street, Thomas. . 
Suggett, S. H . 
Surface, J. M. 



Tusearora iBlacksmith tjraud Prize Mine. 

Elko JBlacksmith and wagon shop. . . 

Carlin -~ - 

Elko 

Elko 

Wells 

Ruby Valley 
Ruby Valley 
Ruby Valley 



But her. 

Druggist 

County Assessor 

Telegraph operator 

Farmer and stock raiser. 

Farmer and stock raiser. 

Farmer 

Ruby Valley jKarmer and horse raiser.. 

Tusearora [Teamster 

Lamoille Valley . . . .Farmer and stock raiser. . 

Elko jPrinter 

Elko (Attorney-atlaw. 

Star Valley. . 
Clover Valley. 
Ruby Valli^y. . 
Cornucopia. 



Blacksmitl 

Farmer and stock raiser . . . . 

Farmer and stock raiser 

Brewery 

Tusearora Blacksmithing 

Wells 'Proprietor Depot Hotel 

Clover Valley [Farmer 

Clover Valley [Vaquero 

Secret Creek Stock raiser and farmer 

Ruby Valley Fanner 

ICd. and Prop. iJaUy Elko Iiid. . 

Stock raiser 

Farmer and stock raiser 

Farmer and stock raiser 

Farmer 

Tusearora ( ieneral merchandise 

Ruby Valley [Farmer, stock raiser and P. M. 

.Star Valley Farmer and stock raiser 

Tusearora Butcher 

Star Valley Farmer 

Elko Merchant & regt. State Univty. 

Tusearora Chief enginer Indiana Mill ... . 

Elko Justice of the I'eace 

Wells 1 

Pleasant Valley. . . .Farmer 

Fanner and stock raiser 

Farmer an<l stock raiser 

Fanner and stock raiser. . . . 

Farmer and stock raiser 



Indiana 

Mis.souri 

Irclutid 

Ireland 

New Vork. . . . 

Virginia 

New York .... 

Maine 

Kentucky. . . . 
Rhode Island. 

Utah 

England 

Maine 

Illinois 

Pennsylvania. 

Ireland 

Illinois 

Missouri 

Ireland 

Pennsylvania. 

Ireland 

New Vork .... 

Vermont 

Missouri 

New Hampshire. 
Canada East. . 
New York. . . . 

[Germany 

France 

jPennsylvania. 

Illinois 

JNew York. . . . 
.New Vork. . . . 

ilreland 

Germany 

New York .... 
New York .... 

Ohio 

Maine 

Indiana 

Ireland 

Pennsylvania. 

Ohio 

Illinois 

Germany 

Germany 

Kentucky. . . . 



Elko. 
Coral Hill . . . 
Ruby Valley. 
Ruby Valley. 
Ruby Valley. 



Talbot, Henry M, 

ThompsoE), U. B 'Ruliy V.dley. .. 

Thorp, .lohn P Lamoille Valley. 

Triplett, Joe F Lamoille Valley. 

Trueman, H. M Pleasant Valley. 

ToUey, J. B [Tusearora 'Mining 

Toyn Charles Mound Valley Farmer 

Tucker, (Jeorge Elko JLivery 

University, State. . . .Elko ' 

Vanness, Alonzo Ruby Valley Farmer 

\Valsh, Wm. .1 South Fork Valley. . 'Farmer 

Wear, R. G Mound Valley iFarmer and stock raiser. 

Weathers, W Star Valley 'Fanner and stock raiser. 

Weeks, .lohn F Clover Valley Farmer and stock raiser. 

Weeks, S. T Clover \' alley Farmer 

Wilcox, W. A Clover V alley Farmer and stock raiser. 

Williams, John W. . . Mound Valley Farmer 

Williamson, G. F. . . . Kuby Valley Farmer and stock raiser 

Wilson, Fred Tusearora Livery .Stable 



Indiana 

New York . ... 

Kentucky 

Illinois 

IreKand 

England 

Connecticut. . . . 

Utah 

Virginia 

Pennsylvania . . 

Minnesota 

Massachusetts. . 

England 

Kentucky 

Missouri 

Connecticut. . . . 
North Carolina. 

Scotland 

Kentucky 

Kentucky 

Wisconsin .... 

England 

Missouri 



Indiana. . . 
New York . 
Missouri. . . 
Alabama... 

Ohio 

Ohio 

New Vork. 
Missouri.. . 

Ohio 

Illinois. . . . 



1873 
1861 
1868 
1863 
1877 
1864 
1864 
1864 
1864 
1870 
1868 
1869 
1873 
1860 
1863 
1879 
1868 
1868 
1874 
1872 
1876 
1872 
1.S77 
1863 
1877 
1864 
1869 
1875 
1862 
1876 
1864 
1862 
1864 
1871 
1877 
1863 
187r> 
1869 
1876 
1875 
1860 
1869 
1864 
1872 
1868 
1877 
1868 
1869 
It 60 
1868 
1874 
1869 
1872 
1869 
1864 
1868 
1870 
1868 
1870 
1864 
1875 
1876 
1869 
1864 
1863 
1857 
1873 
1869 
1867 
1863 



1879 I 

1869 

1868 

1873 

1872 

1865 

1872 



1860 
1861 



870 
873 
861 

868 
869 
879 
872 
869 
869 
875 
870 
869 
869 
S73 
869 
869 
879 
869 
868 
875 
872 
876 
872 
879 
863 
877 
870 
869 
875 
869 
876 
864 
864 
875 
873 
877 
870 
875 
869 
876 
875 
871 
8(>9 
872 
872 
868 
877 
877 
870 
869 
868 
874 
869 
872 
869 
877 
868 
874 
878 
870 
880 
875 
87(J 
869 
864 
869 
872 
873 
869 
868 
867 



879 
869 
Sl)8 
873 
N72 
8(i9 
872 



S68 
8(>8 



Deeth Station . . 

Lamoille 

.Mound Valley. . 

Wells 

Fair Play 

Deeth Station. . 

Wells 

Tusearora 

Elko 

Elko 

Ruby Valley. . . 

Elko 

Elko 

Fort Hallcck... 

Elko.. :• 

Elko 

I.)eeth Station. . 
Mound Valley. . 

Lamoille 

Tusearora 

Deeth Station . . 

Tusearora 

Wells 

Elko 

Ruby Valley. . . 

Tusearora 

Elko 

Carlin 

Elko 

Elko 

Wells 

Ruby Valley. . . 
Ruby Valley. . . 
Camp Halleck . . 
Ruby \allcy . . . 

Tusearora 

Lamoille 

Elko 

Elko 

Deeth Station . . 
Clover \'alley . . 
Ruby X'alley . . 
Cornucopia . . . 

Tusearora 

Wells 

Welli< 

Wells . 

Halleck Station. 
Ruby Valley.. . . 

Elko 

Elko 

Ruby Valley. . . 
Ruby \alley. . . 

Fair Play 

Tusearora 

Ruby Valley. . . 
Deeth Station. . 

Tusearora 

Deeth Station . . 

Elko ._. 

Tusearora.. . . .'. 

Elko 

Wells 

Elko 

Ruby Valley. . . 

Lamoille 

Lamoille 

Elko.. 

Tusearora. 

Mound Valley. . 

Elko 

Elko 

Ruby Valley. . . 

Elko 

Elko 

Deeth Station. . 

iWells 

Wells 

Wells 

Elko 

Ruby V.alley . . . 
Tusearora 



800 



rioo 



320 



320 
160 
120 
600 
320 



250 



800 



800 
640 
360 
500 



160 



80 



160 



320 



1,000 



240 
400 
520 



390 
440 



200 



360 
160 
600 



400 



160 
200 



160 
600 
160 
320 
280 
200 
160 
400 



668 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



ELKO COUNTY- Continued. 



NAME. 



Came to Came to' 
State. [County. j 



P08T-0FFICB, 



Wines, Albert [Lamoille Valley. . . . Farmer and stock raiser . 

Wines, I.«onard Ruby Valley Agent 

Wines, N 'Ruby Valley Farmer and stock raiser. . 

Wiseman, A Clover \' alley Farmer and stock raiser. . 

Wiseman 1 Clover Valley Farmer 

Wood, J. C Clover Valley Farmer and stock raiser. . 

Woolverton, 1. P. . . . Ruby Valley Kaiicher and stock raiser. 

Young, H. A [Pleasant Valley Farmer and stock raiser. 



Indiana . . . . 
Indiana . . . . 

Indiana 

Kentucky . . 
Kentucky. . . 

Indiana 

Virginia. . . . 
(Georgia. . . . 



1870 
ISGO 
ISGl 
1807 
LSG!) 
1862 
1872 
1860 



1870 
1803 
1801 
1807 
180!) 
1870 
1872 
1809 



I,amoille 

Ruby \'allcy . . 
Ruby Valley. . 

Wells 

Wells 

WelU 

Fair Play 

Elko 



No. 
Acres. 



320 



1,600 
560 
160 
400 
240 
400 



ESMERALDA COUNTY. 



NAME. 



Came to Came to 
State. County.! 



POST-OFFICE. 



No. 
Acres. 



Baker, Henry 

Barrett, A. J 

Hirniingbani, .1.0... 
Cleaver, Kimber. . . . 

Cobb, S. (; 

Compston, James. . . 

Craig, John S 

Daniel, Jasper 

Dickson, W. H 

Downey, Jame.s 

Erway, A. H ...... . 

Erway, James W . . . 

Farwell, L X 

Feigenspan, Frank.. 

Fox, J.J 

Gallagher, J. B 

Oaward, A 

Olenn, M. M 

rireen, < rco. A 

llaight, .lames L. . . . 

Hamilton, C A 

Hamilton, Len 

Hawley, A. H 

Herbiild, Adam 

HigL'ins, Dennis. . . . 

Hiud.s, J. C 

Houston, J. M 

Irwin, W. A 

Johnston, James. . . . 

Lee, W. a 

Levy & Co 

Lewis, D. J 

Mallett, C. W 

Mason, N. H. A. .. 

Mather, H 

McLeod. Angus. . . . 

Merrilt, .lames 

Mills, Jacob 

Ncligh, William. . 
Nichols, James. ... 

^'ierce, Zailok 

l{cy^ier«, B. "H... r- 

Rogers, .1. A 

SaiKlcni, W. B .... 

Sefton, Henry 

Simpson, D. C 

.Smart, J. (I 

Snyder, Charles. . . . 

Spragg, W. H 

Swascy, H. F 

Waldo, CJ. B. .^ . . . 



Mason Valley 

Mason \' alley 

Mason Valley 

Mason A" alley 

Aurora 

Compton Station . . . 

Mason Valley 

Greenfield 

Mason Valley 

GreenHeld 

Mason Valley 

Mason Valley 

Aurora 

Mason Valley 

Mason Valley 

Mason X'alley 

Aurora 

Aurora 

Nine-Mile Ranch. . . 

Aurora 

Mason \'alley . 

Smith Valley 

.Smith Vallej 

Mason Valley 

lireentield 

Hot Sp'gs, Smith V'y 

Masim Valley _. 

Smith \'.illey 

Mason Valley 

Mason Valley 

Aurora 

Aurora 

Mason Valley 

Mason Valley 

Desert Creek 

Aurora 

Mason Valley 

Mason Valley 

Wellington 

Masiui \'alley 

Smith Valley 

Mason \'alley 

Wellington 

Mason \*alley 

Mason Valley 

Desert Creek 

Greenfield 

Mason Valley 

Mason Valley 

Wabnska 

Mason Valley 



Farmer 

Farmer 

B^armer 

Farmer and stock raiser. 

Liveryman 

Farmer 

Merchant 

Hardware imple'ts & gen. mdse 

Fanner 

Hotel, liv'y stable, sal'n & far'g 

Farmer and stock raiser 

Farmer 

Co. Clk, Not'ry,com. dl'r, I'.M 

Farmer 

Farmer and stock raiser 

Farmer, cap'st and stock raiser 

Civil Engineer 

Printer 

Farmer and hotel keeper 



Farmer and Justice of Peace. . 

FarnRT and stock raiser 

Farming and dairying 

Farmer and stock raiser 

Hotel keeper and farmer 

Proprietor of the Hot Springs. 
Co. .Surveyor and Civil Engin'i 

Farmer 

Parmer and stock raiser 

Millwright and milling 

Merchants 

Lawyer 

Farmer 

■Stock raising 

Farmer and stock raiser. . . . 

Karmer and capitalist 

Farmer 

Farmer and stock raiser 

Owner of mine 

Fanner and stock raiser 

I Merchant 

Farmer ami stock raiser 

I Farmer y 

[Farmer anil stock raiser 

I Farmer and .stock raiser 

I Farmer and stock raiser 

j.Saloon 

Farmer and stock raiser 

Farmer and stock raiser 

I Farmer and stock raiser 

IParmer 



Maine 

Texas 

Canada 

Maine 

Ireland 

I reland 

Indiana 

[Virginia 

I England 

New York 

Michigan 

Ohio 

Germany .... 

liermany 

Ireland 

Ohio 

Illinois 

.VeH' Hampshire 

California 

Rhoile Island. . . 

Virginia 

N'ermont 

(iermany 

Ireland 

Virginia 

Vermont. ...... 

California 

Ireland 

Kentucky 



Pennsylvania. . 

Maine 

Tennessee 

New York 

Arkansas 

South Carolina. 
Canada 



I860 
1859 
1873 
1863 
1869 
1860 
1863 
1859 
1800 
1803 
1862 
1860 
1867 
1864 
1868 
1862 
1878 
1862 
1870 
1803 
1850 
1872 
1864 
1872 
1859 
1868 
1874 
1860 
1861 



1859 



KS.".9 
1800 



1879 
1802 

1878 
1877 



1862 
1871 
18.->9 
1800 
1859 
1858 
1862 



1872 



1868 



1859 



Scotland 

Vermont 

(iennany 

.Sweden 

Oh'io 

Ireland 

Maine 

New York 

\ew York 

New Brunswick. 

Vermont 

I Illinois 



1862 
1860 
1870 
1859 
1861 
1861 
1859 
KS79 
I860 
1800 
1862 
1867 



1877 



1879 



Mason Valley. . 
Mason Valley . , 
Mason Valley. 

Aurora 

.Sweetwater 

Mason Valley. . 
M ason A'alley . . 
Mason \'alley . . 
Mason Valley . . 
Mason Valley. . 
Mason \'alley . . 

Aurora 

Mason Valley. . 
Mason Valley. . 
Mason Valley. 

Aurora 

Aurora 

Aurora 

Aurora 

-Mason Valley , 
Wellington . . . . 
Wellington . . . . 
Mason \'alley . . 

Sweetwater 

Wellington . . . . 
Masiui Valley. . 
Bodie, Califor'a. 
Mason Valley. . 
.Mason Valley. . 

Aurora 

Aurora 

Mason Valley. . 
Mason \" alley . . 
Walker River. 

Aurora 

Mason Valley. . 
Mason \*alley . . 
Wellington . . . . 
Mason Vallej'. . 
I Wellington ... 
Mason \'alley . , 
Wellington ... 
Mason \'alley . . 
Mason Valley. 
Wellington ... 
'Mason Valley. 
.VI ason Valley. 
Mason \'alley . 

Wabuska 

iMason Valley. 



1,400 
220 
403 



320 
620 



012 
520 
160 



160 

320 

5,000 

320 

1,040 



120 

1,500 

284 

200 

440 

300 

200 

2,000 

280 

80 



1,400 



800 
640 
320 
560 



3,400 

40 

320 

1,600 
500 
320 

4,000 

' ' 760 
240 
840 
320 



EUREKA COUNTY. 



NAME. 



Allen, James S 

Ammond, fieorgo K 
Anderson, L. P. . 
Bailey, David E. 
Bail«y, George. . . 
Baker, O^ W . . . 
Barnes, Fred 



Kureka, . . 

Eureka. . . 
Eureka. . . 
Eureka. . . 
Eureka. . . 
Eureka. , . 
Eureka . . 



I 



Cime to Came to 
I .State, t'ounty 



rt.HT-OFI'ICB. 



Proprietor of the Ottawa Hotel . 

Attorney atlaw 

Lumberman 

Attorney atlaw 

Proprietor of the City Market 

|Att(iriiey-at-law IWiscimsin . . . 

[Proprietor of People's Market. [Pennsylvania 



Ireland 

Pennsylvania . 

.Sweden 

Pennsylvania . 
TenncsBee . . . , 



1871 
1802 
1871 
1805 
l,S(i3 
1871 



1871 
1870 
1871 
1870 

1.S72 
1871 



Eureka.. . 
Eureka... . 

Eureka 

Eureka.,. . 
Eureka.. . . 
Eureka.. . . 



No. 
Acrea. 



.j 210 

!i'iVobb' 

180O I 1871 Eureka I 100 



PATRONS DIRECTORY. 



669 



EUREKA COUNTY- Continued. 



NAME. 



Came to 
State. 



Came to 
County 



Ton-awmm. 



no. 



Biirtlett, M. B 

Beatty, R . M 

Berg, Aaron 

Bice, Jnseph 

Bishop, A. C, M. V. 

Bishop, \Vm. W 

Bliss, Geo. F 

Butler. E.J 

Ca<l.v, C. H 

CaiiHeld, Chas. A. . . . 

Carpenter, H 

Cassidy, Geo. W 

Clarke, Luther 

Cole, F. W 

Cromer, L. W 

Crosaan, R 

Dehnian, Charles. . . . 

Doak, R. J 

D,>.lj.p, E. R 

Doutrich, Frank. . . . 

Emrick, W 

Eureka Tunnel Co.. . . 

Englert, O. C 

Everts, P 

Fitzgerald, A. L. . . . 

Fletcher, G. A 

Gavin, Geo 

Gorman, F. O 

Gritiin, Henry 

Hall, D. H 

Hampton, James 

Harmon, .J. C 

Haskell, A. D 

Haskell, W. P 

Hillhouse, A. M 

Hintze, August 

Hnhart, \V. W 

Holmes, J. B 

Johnson, Hiram 

Jones, Charles D 

Kernieen .lohn J 

Knight, Hank 

Kyle, -James 

Kyle, Matthew 

Laml)crt, J. W 

Lamoureux, (ieo. \V. . 

Lansing', C. J 

Langstroff, J. B 

Lautenschlager, C. . . . 

Lawler, T. F 

Leathers, A. J 

Ijee, Joseph T . . 

Levy, Benj. C 

Longley, Sand 

Lyon, M. R 

MacLaughlin, D. J. J. 
MeCuaii;, Angus D. . . 

MrPharlan John 

Mendcs, Joseph ... 
Merrill, (ienrge VV. . . 

Mikel, C. M 

MilU, \Vm. O. Jr....l 
Molinelli, Lambert. 

Morrison, E. <; 

Nesbitt, J. A 

Oat man, E. F 

Pearson, Thos. \V. . . . 

Read.'l'hos. J 

Rcid, R.J 

Remington, W. H . . 

Rives, Henry 

Rock, A. D 

Rose, E. H 

Scanland, G. J 

Scott, 0. L 

Shoemaker, C. H 

Sloss, S. S 

Smith & I>oak 

Smith, J. L 

Spinner, Wm 

Stewart, Wm. D 

Stinson, Wm 

84 



Eureka. . . . 
Eureka. . . . 
Ruby Hill 
Uuby Hill. 
Eureka. . . . 
Eureka. . . . 
Eureka. . . . 
Eureka. . . . 
Huby Hill 
Ruby Hill. 
Eureka. . . . 
Eureka. . , . 
Eureka. . . . 
Eureka. . . . 
Eureka. . . . 
Eureka. . . . 
Eureka. . . . 
Eureka. . . . 
Eureka. . . . 
Eureka. . . . 
Eureka. . . . 
Eureka. . . . 
Eureka. . . . 
Eureka. . . . 
Eureka. . . . 

Eureka 

Eureka, ... 
Eureka. ... 
Ruby Hill. 
Kureka. . . . 
HubyHdl.. 
Eureka. ... 
Eureka. ... 
Eureka. . . 
Eureka. ... 

Eureka 

Eureka 

Ruby HUI. 

Eureka 

Ruby Hill.. 

Eureka 

Eureka 

Ruby Hdl.. 
Eureka. . . . 
Ruby Hill. 

Eureka 

Kureka 

Kureka 

Eureka 

Palisade . . . 

Eureka 

Ruby HUI. 
Kureka. . . . 
Ruby Hill.. 
Ruby Hill 
Ruby Hill.. 
Ruby Hill. 
Ruby Hill.. 

Kureka 

Eureka 

IJuby Hill.. 
Eureka . . . . 

Eureka 

Eureka 

Eureka 

Eureka 

Ruby Hill.. 

Eureka 

Eureka 

Eureka 

Eureka 

Eureka. ... 

Eureka 

Eureka 

Eureka 

Eureka 

Eureka 

Eureka.. .. 

Eureka 

Eureka 

Eureka 

Ruby Hi'l.. 



Wholesale liquor dealer 

Attorney-at-law , 

(ieneral merchandise 

Foreman Eureka Consolidated . 

Physician and surgeon 

Attorneyatlaw 

Super'nt Eureka Water Works. 
Sec. Eureka & .Silv'r Peak Tul's 
Foreman of the.Iackson Mine. 
Foreman of the Jackson Mine. 
Receiver of U. S. Land Office. . 
Editor and publisher 



Attorney-atdaw 

•fustice of the Peace 

Feed 

Watchman at Richmond Mine. 

Livery and feed stable 

County Clerk 

General mcrch-indise 

Boots and shoes 



Blacksmithing 

Superintendent of E. & P. R. R. 

Attorney-at-law 

City H.iy and Feed Stables . . . 

Tinsmith and plumber 

Constable 

Chief Engineer Jackson Mine. 
Proprietor International Hotel. 

General merchandise 

Planing mill : 

Insurance agent 

Merchant 

Attorney-at-law 

■Saloon 

Kd. & pr'p. Eureka Dailii Leader 
Engineer Eureka Consolidated. 

(ieneral merchandise 

Engineer at .lackson Mine. . . . 
Sup't Ruby Dunderberg Mines. 
County Assessor 



Kentucky 

Illinois 

Germany 

England 

Illinois 

Pennsylvania . . 
Massalieusetts . 
New York City. 

Wisconsin 

New York 

Vermont 

Kentucky 

Virginia 

New Y'ork . . . . 

Ohio 

Ohio 

Sweden 

Virginia 

Wisconsin 

Pennsylvania. . . 
New York 



I8C2 
1S66 
187.i 
18(i5 
1869 
1HG3 
I SCO 
1868 
1874 
1874 
1860 
1860 
1869 
1863 
1863 
1871 
1863 
1872 
1869 
1878 
1863 



Sheriff 

Gen. mdz. agt W^E. & Co., P.M. 

Teaming 

Attorney-at-law 

Merchant tailor 

Proprietor of Eureka Brewery - 
Gen. Frt& Pas. AgtE.& P.R.R. 

Prospector 

Blacksmith 

County Recorder 

Foreman Richmond Mine 



Mining 

Packing 

Blacksmith 

.Vliiiing 

District Attorney 

I'rop. Eureka& Ruby H'l Stages 
Man. Eureka &Cal. Lumber Co. 

Deputy County Clerk 

Blacksmith and wagcm shop.. 

Physician and surgeon 

.Secretary E. * P. R. R 

Sup't Ruby Hill Water Works. 
County and U. S. Surveyor. . . 
Blacksmithing & wagon mak'g. 

Hardware 

Attorney-at-law 

Civil Engineers 

Prospecting & Mining 

County Sup't Pub. Instruction 

.Mining ami real estate 

Proprietor Nevada Laundry . . . 

Harness and saddles 

Livery and fwd stables 

Livery and feed stables 

Manager W'estern Union Tel . . 

Teaming 

Carpenter 



Wisconsin 

New York 

North Carolina . 

Canada 

Canada 

Australia 

Massachusetts.. 

Canada 

England 

.Maine 

Massachusetts. . 
.Massachusetts. . 

lOhio 

;l iermany 

.Michigan 

Ireland 

Massachusetts. . 

VVales 

England i 

Canada 

Ireland 

Irelanil ' 

Virginia i 

New York. ... 

New York 

t iermany ! 

( Iermany 

New York 

Maine 

Nova Scotia . . . 

France 

New York 

Vermont 

Ireland 

Canada 

Ireland 

Portugal 

Maine 

North Carolina. 
.New York .... 

Italy 

New York 

Canada 

Illinois 

England 

Kentucky 

Maine 

Iowa. . . 

Virginia 

Virginia 

Ohio 

Illnnis 

New York 

Ohio 

Pennsylvania . . 



New ^'ork . . . 
New York ... ' 

Scotland 

Canada 



1871 

1869 

1878 

1861 

1871 

1865 

1872 

1859 

1872 

1864 

1872 

1869 

1864 

1862 

1863 

1868 

1868 

1871 

1869 

1863 

1871 

1870 

1854 

1860 

1859 

1872 

1871 

1867 

1864 

1866 

1869 

1859 

1865 

1869 

1868 

1869 

KS64 

1863 

1876 

1871 

1866 

1863 

1869 

1879 

1869 

1860 

1869 

1874 

1868 

1863 

1869 

1874 

1863 

1871 

1866 

i862 
1871 
1870 
1869 



1870 

1873 

1875 

1870 

1874 

1877 

1870 

1875 

1874 

1874 

1877 

1871 

1870 

1874 

1869 

1871 

1870 

1872 

1872 

1878 

1877 



1872 

1874 

1878 

1872 

1871 

1870 

1872 

1869 

1874 

1872 

1872 

1871 

1871 

1874 

1S7!I 

1874 

1870 

1876 

1870 

1870 

1871 

1670 

1871 

1870 

1870 

1872 

1871 

IStiS 

1864 

KS73 

1869 

1876 

1879 

186!) 

1875 

1670 

1 869 

1873 

1876 

1876 

1872 

1870 

1869 

1879 

1870 

1874 

1871 

1874 

1878 

1874 

1869 

1874 

187-1 

1874 

1873 

i.S70 
1871 
1870 
1871 



Eureka. . . . 
Eureka. . . . 
Ruby Hill. 
Ruby Hill. 
Eureka . . . 
Eureka .... 

Eureka 

Eureka 

Ruby Hill... 
Ruby Hill. . . 

Eureka 

Eureka 

Eureka 

Eureka .... 

Eureka 

Eureka 

Eureka 

Eureka 

Eureka . . . . 

Eureka 

Eureka 

Eureka. . . . 

Eureka 

Eureka 

Eureka . . . . 

Eureka 

Eureka 

Eureka 

;Ruby Hill .. 

Eureka 

Kuby Hill... 

Eureka 

Eureka 

Eureka 

Eureka 

Eureka 

Eureka . . . . 
Ruby Hill.. 
ICureka . . . . 

Eureka 

Kureka . . . . 

Eureka 

Ruby Hill .. 

Eureka 

Ruby Hill.. 

Kureka 

Eureka 

Eureka 

Eureka 

Palisade . . . 

Eurfka 

Ruby Hdl... 

Eureka 

Ruby Hill.. 
Ruby Hill.. 
Ruby Hill.. 
Ruby Hill... 
Ruby Hill, . 

Eureka 

Eureka 

Ruby Hill... 

Kureka 

Kureka 

Eureka 

Eureka 

Eureka 

Ruby Hill... 

Eureka 

Eureka 

Eureka 

Eureka. , , . 

Eureka 

Eureka 

Eureka 

Eureka. . . . 

Eureka 

Eurrka 

Eureka. . . . 
I''ureka . . . 

Kureka 

Kureka 

Ruby Hill... 



480 



500 



670 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



EUREKA COUNTY-Continued. 



NAME. 



Came to Came to 
State. Couuty. 



rOST-OFFICE. 



No. 
Acres. 



Stowell, W. H. . . . 

Sweeny, J 

Thoma, G. H 

Trainer, Thomas. . 
Trofatter, E. T. . . 
Vauilerleitli, J . . . 

Wells, S. O 

Wuthanl, Thomas. 
Whitmore, J. C. C 
Williams, Thomas. 

Work, ,1. J I Eureka 

Wren, Thomas. [Eureka 



Eureka. . . . 
Kuby Hill. 
Eureka. . . . 
Ruhy Hill. 
Ruby Hill. 
Eureka. . . 
Eureka. . . . 
Kureka. . . . 
Eureka. . . . 
lUuby Hill. 



Druggist . 



Physician and surgeon 

Enrin'r at Eureka CousolidateJ 



Prop, of the Trofatter House. . 

Prop . Cosmopolitan Hotel . . . . 

Stock growing & general farm'g 

, Teaming 

.Bookkeeping 



!Attorney-at-law . 



New York . . . . 

Canada 

New York . . . . 

.Scotland 

Massachusetts 
(Jermauy .... 

Canada 

Ireland 

Massachusetts 

England 

Pennsylvania . 
Ohio 



1868 


1870 


1872 


1872 


J 867 


1877 


1871 


1871 


1877 


1878 


1872 


1872 


186G 


1873 


1871 


1871 


1877 


1879 1 


1872 


1877 


18G2 


1873 


1863 


1873 1 



Eureka ' 

Ruby Hill.. ..i 

Eureka I .... 

Ruby Hill ' 

Ruby Hill i 

Eureka I 

Eureka 1,000 

l']ureka 

Eureka 

Ruby Hill j 

Eureka 

Eureka 



HUMBOLDT COUNTY. 



NAME. 



RB8IDXKCE. 



Caine to 
State. 



Came to 
County 



I'OST-Ol'I'lCR. 



No. 
Acres. 



Abel, David A. . . 

Black, A. L 

Blakeslee, L. A. . . . 
Blennerhassett, E. . 
Bonnifield, M. S. . . 

Buckner, L. A 

Burns, W. T 

Buabee, M. E 

Bradshaw, Joel. . . . 
Bradshaw, John D. 
Bradshaw, T. J . . . . 

Byrni-s, James 

Byrnes, John 

Carrel, Geo. H 

Carrel, Merrick B . 

Emmons, H. C 

Prayer, N 

(iermain, Jos 

Gould, .jas 

Harlan, T.J 

Hill, J. J. & Co . . 

Hinkey, C. H 

Hinkey, C. W 

Job, J. H 

Kemler, Clias 

Macaulay, H. P 

Marzen, J 

Morrison, A 

Naramore, Frank. . . . 

Nichols, C. A 

Organ, Joseph 

Pierce, S. B. P 

Recaiizone & Eorgnone 

Rechard, L. L 

Rodifer, W. A 

Scott, R. H 

Senghas, Chas 

Spcrry, W. A 

Thompson, M. S 

Vestal, James 

Weiglul, Wm 

Wise, Alex 



Paradise Valley. . 
Paradise Valley. . 

Humboldt 

W'innemucca 

Winnemucca 

Winuemucca 

Winnemucca 

Pleasant Valley. . 
Paradise Valley. . 

Paradise 

Paradise Valley . . 
Paradise Valley . . 
Paradise Valley . 

Paradise 

Paradise Valley. , 

Lovelocks 

Spring City .... 
Winnemucca. . . . 

.Mill City 

Paradise 

Winnemucca. . .. 

Paradise 

Paradise Valley. 
Winnemucca. . . . 

Paradise 

Paradise 

Lovelocks 

Rye Patch, 

Winnemucca. ... 
Paradi.se Valley. 

Star Ranch 

Paradise 

Paradise 

Winnemucca . , 
Paradise Valley. 
Paradise V^alley. 
Paradise Valley. 
Paradise Valley . 

Mill Cily 

Paradise Valley. 

Paradise 

Winnemucca. . . . 



Farmer and stock raiser. . 

Quartz milling 

Humboldt House 

Engineer 

.•Attorney 

.Attorney 

Shoriir 

inner 

I Jeneral farming 

Farming 

General farming 

( Jentral farming 

Farmer and stock raiser 

Farmer and stock raiser 

Farming 

.Merchant 

Mining 

Proprietor of Lafayette Hotel. 

Foundry, hotel and mills 

Mill Superintendent 

Proprietor Daily Silver State. . 

Farming 

Farmer and stock raiser 

Co. Cl'k and prop. Cen'l Hotel 

•Merchant 

.Miller 

Farmer and stock raiser. 

Mining; and milling 

Livery and lumber 

Farmer, stock raiser and hotel 

Farmer 



Ohio 

Iowa 

Ohio 

South Carolina. 

Virginia 

Kentucky .... 

Kentucky 

Rhode Island . . . 

Illinois 

Illinois 

Illinois 

New York 

New York 

Ohio 

Ohio 

New York. . . . 
New York. . . . 

France 

New York 

Virginia 



.Milling and merchandising. 

Farming 

Liveryman 

Mechanic 

Merchandising 

Farming 

Farming 

Mininj,' and State Senator. . 

Farming 

Farming 

Stock gr'r, freig'gft Inter. Rev 



Germany 

( lermany ... . 

England 

(lennany . .. . 

Iowa 

Prussia 

Maine 

Vermont 

New York . . . . 

England 

Maine 

Italy 

New York . . . . 

Virginia 

Ireland 

Germany 

Connecticut. . . 
Pennsylvania. 

Missouri 

England 

Prussia 



1866 

1877 
1873 
1871 
1862 
1862 
1868 
1862 
18GS 
1876 
1866 
1867 
1867 
1861 
1860 
1873 
I860 
1856 
1873 
1860 



1870 
1863 
1866 
1866 
18711 
1863 
1861 
1868 
1866 
1863 
1862 
1864 
1867 
1858 
1862 
1863 
1867 
ISSS 
1872 
1869 
1862 



1866 

1877 
1873 
1871 
1862 
1862 
ISliS 
1862 
186S 
1876 
1868 
1867 
1867 
1861 
1S60 
1.S76 
1860 
1870 
1873 
1879 



1870 
1863 
1866 
1866 
1879 
1877 
1,S61 
1869 
1866 
1863 
1862 
1864 
1867 
1877 
1862 
1870 
IS6S 
185S 
1872 
1869 
1863 



Paradise 

Paradise 

Humboldt 

Winnemucca. . . 
Winnemucca. . . 
Winnemucca. . 
Winnemucca, . 
Winnemucca. . . 
Paradise Valley 

Paradise 

Paratlise Valley 
Para<lise Valley 

Paradise 

Willow Point.. 

Paradise 

Lovelocks 

Spring City. . . . 
Winnemucca. . . 

Mill City 

Paradise 

Winnemucca . 

Parailise 

Paradise Valley 
Winnemucca. . . 

Paradise 

Paradise 

Lovelocks 

Rye Patch 

Winnemucca. . . 
Paradise Valley 

Mdl City 

Paradise 

Paradise Valley 
Winnemucca. . . 
I'aradise Valley 
Paradise Valley 

Paradise 

Paradise Valley 

Mill City 

Paradise 

Paradise 

Winnemucca. . . 



640 

m 



150 
360 
560 
600 
600 
680 
6,000 
480 
610 



160 



1,280 
1,020 



1.000 



1,400 
•iOO 

5,000 
800 



600 
300 

450 

2,100 

GOO 



LANDER COUNTY. 



NAME. 



Came to 
State 



Came to 
County 



rosT'OPncK. 



No. 
Aeres. 



Ahlers, Fred 

Barclay, A 

Bean, J. A., M. D.. 

Blossom, .1. A 

Booth, .lohn 

Boyden, J. W 

Brown, James 

Curtis, Allen A. . . . 

Farrell, M. J 

Ferguson, ■!. F 

Finegan, .lames. . . . 
Gibson, William . . 



Reese River Tp. . . 
Battle Mountain. . 
Battle Mountain . 
Battle Mountain. . 

Austin 

Austin 

Battle Mountain. . 

Austin 

Austin 

Austin 

Austin 

Austin 



Farmer .... 

Ayent I). W. Earl & Co 

Physician an<l surgeon 

.Mining and stock raising 

ICd. & Pub. ReeM Jiiver Jieveille . 

lawyer 

Agent C. P. & N. C. Railro-id. 
Mining, banker and merchant. 
Accountant and State Senator. 

Livery and feeil stables 

Contractor and builder ... . 
Postmaster 



Germany 

Canmla 

.\ew Hampshire. 

Ohio 

England 

Mitssachu8ctt«. . . 
Pennsylvania. . . 

New Jersey 

New Jersey 

New Vork 

Maryland 

Illinois 



1863 
1869 
1879 
1862 
1863 
1878 
1863 
1864 
1863 
1872 
1870 
1864 



1863 
1870 
1879 
1879 
1873 
1878 

isi;.s 

IMVt 
1863 
1872 
1870 
1864 



Austin 

Battle Mt 


700 


Battle .Mt 




Battle Mt 


640 






Battle Mt 

Austin 

Austin 












Austin 





PATRONS DIRECTORY. 



671 



LANDER COUNTY-Continued. 



NAME. 



Came to 
State. 



Catnc to 
Count}. 



POST-OPPICB 



No. 
Acrea. 



Hammond, J. S. M . D. 
Huntsm.iii, L. D. . . 
Lanmiurltart, George. 
Manhattan .S. M. Co. 

Mayeuliaum, H 

McCiifferty, A. U 

MeKenuey, D. C 

Mc Williams, Jno. \V . 

>(ioholls, .\ 

Pui;li, [,. M 

Smyth, .Ino 

Spoiiogle, F. M 

ISproule, C. H 

Thomas, B. C 

Von Nordeck, F 

Williamson, John K. 
Wrifjht, J. A 



Austin 

Battle Mountain. 

.\u8tin 

Austin 

Austin 

Austin 

.\ustin 

Battle Mountain. 

.\ustin 

Battle Mountain . 

-■Vustin 

Bitttle Mountain. 
Battle Mountain.. 

Austin 

.\nstin 

Austin 

Austin 



Physician and surgeon 

Proprietor Capitol Kotel 

Butcher 

'Silver mining and miliiog 

Lawyer 

Recorder 

District J udge 

(ieneral mcrcliaiidise 

Lumher dealer 

Mining 

Liquor dealer and mining. . . 

Physician and surgeon 

Kd. & Pb. BiMleMl. Ueosengr. 

Sheriff 

Druggist 

Merchant and mining 

Jewelry & County Treasurer. , 



Massachusetts. 

Ohio 

Germany 



Germany 

Ohio 

Canada 

Ohio 

New York 

.Missouri 

Ireland 

Ohio 

California 

Missouri 

Germany . ... 
South Carolina. 
Xcw York 



1875 
1)55.S 
18U0 



1603 
ISalt 
1803 
1803 
1802 
180-J 
180'J 
1877 
1807 
1803 
1871 
1803 
1807 



1878 
1808 
1806 



IS03 
1803 
1803 

1808 
1803 
1878 
18011 
1877 
1808 
1803 
1872 
1803 
1807 



Austin . . . . 
Battle Mt. 
Austin. . . , 
Austin. . . 
Austin. . . . 
Austin,. . . 
.\ustiu . . . 
Battle Mt. 
.•\u.stin,. . . 
Battle Mt. 
.\ustin . . . 
Battle Mt. 
Battle Mt 
Austin . . . . 
Austin . . . 
Austin. . . . 
Austin . . . 



100 



100 



LINCOLN COUNTY. 



NAME. 



BF-SIDEXCK. 



Came to 
State. 

I 



Came to 
County. 



No. of 
Acres. 



Adams, Robert . . 
Adelmann, A. .. . 
Alexander, G. R . 
Barton, G. R. . . 

Garden, C.R j 

Carman, S. H 1 

Clark, D. C ' 

Cook, Joseph : 

Craig, John 1 

Crooker, J. B 

Crowley, R. W 

Culverwell, W 

Curtis, J. N 

Douoherty, A. B. O. . 

Dow, S. L 

Duff, J. R 

Eilers, Henry 

Kixenmann, J 

Elam.R. H 

Findlay, A. M 

Fishbach, Jno. B. . . . 

Fogg, \V. H 

Fulks, D. A 

Fuller, M 

Gelabert, John 

Gillan, Thomas 

Goodman, W. P 

Gorman, Geo. T 

Gould, A. S 

Hagerty ft. Barton . . . 
Hellowell, Sidney. . . . 

Henderson, J. C 

Henderson \V. H 

Hildebrand. J 

Howell M. D 

Kastberg, Chris. P. . . 

Kelley,J. V 

Lakin, \Vm. W 

I.,cahigli, Mrs. Kate. . 

Lee, Arthur O 

Lee, F. C 

Mandich, A 

Mclntyre, \V. J 

McKec, \V. L 

Nesbitt, G 

Nesbitt, .1 

Newton, D. H 

Nyswoiiger, Daniel. . . 

Pate hen, C. H 

Philson, C. V 

Pierson, James 

Reynolds, Jno 

Roe, Charles L 

Roc, William J 

Sears, .J. I 

Shier, John 

Smith, S. D 



Pioche 

Piochc. . . . 

Pioche 

Pioche 

Bullionville . 

Pioche 

Pioche 

Pioche 

Pioche 

Bristol 

Pioche 

Bullionville. 

Bristol 

Pioche 

Bristol 

Pioche 

Pioche 

Pioche 

Pioche 

Panaca 

Bristol 

Bristol 

Pioche 

Pioche 

Pioche 

Bristol 

Pioche 

Pioche 

Royal City . 

Pioche 

Bristol. . . . 

Pioche. . . . . 

Pioche 

Pioche 

Bristol. . . . 

iRristol 

[Pioche 

IPioclu' 

I Bristol 

I Panaca 

Panaca .... 

Piochc 

Bristol 

Pioche 

Pioche 

Pioche 

Bristol 

j Panaca 

Tioche 

Pioche. . . 

Pioche 

Bristol 

I Bristol 

Bristol 

Pioche 

Pioche 

Pioche 



IMerchant tailor Kngland 



Butcher. 

Druggist 

Merchant 

Proprietor Bullionville Hotel. 

Blacksmith 

-Merchant 

Livery 



i< ■ermany 

Dis't Columbia. . 

Utah 

Kentucky 

New Y'ork 

Maine 

Prussia 



Deputy Sheritt' Kentucky. 



New Y'ork 

Ireland 

England 

England 

Ireland 

Maine 

England 

Gennany 

Wisconsin 

Virginia 

.Scotland 

Germany 

Maine 

Tennessee 

New York 

Spain 

Canada 

New ^'ork 

Dis't Columbia. 
Ohio 



Gen. Man'g Bristol .Silr M. Co. 

Printer 

Dairy 

(ieneral Merchandise 

Attorney at Law . . 

Engineer 

Supt, Meadow Valley Mine. . 

Saloon 

Hardware 

Supt. Water Company 

Man'r. Panaca Ce-oper've store 

Postmaster 

Timekeeper Hillside Furnace. 

County Treasurer 

Attorney at Law and miner. . . 

Butcher 

Butcher 

Stationer 

County Clerk 

Superintendent Day Mine. . . . 

Merchants 

.Saloon 

County Recorder 

Mining 

Restaurant 

Supt. Hillside Mining Co 

Mining, 

Agent Wells, Fargo & Co 

Miner 

Restaurant 

Farmer 

Farmer .M issouri 

Merchant Austria 

Bookkeeper Hillside Min'g. Co . jSouth America 

Sheriff I.Sonth Carolina . 

Merchant 'Ireland 

Merchant '\ reland 

Clerk Bristol Mining Co .Massachusetts. 

Farmer Pennsylvania. 

District -Attorney [New York .... 

Physician an<l surgeon Penn.'ylvania . 

Prop. San Jose House Virginia 

Supt. Hillside Furnace Ireland 

-Mining iNew York. . . . 

Sunt, ilayllower Mine |New York. . . . 

Telegraphing -Vew Y'ork. . . . 

Merchant {Englaiid 

(i rain dealer lOhio 



England 

Missouri 

Missoim 

(icrniany 

New Jersey. . . 

Germany 

New Y'ork . . . . 

Indiana 

.Vew York. . . . 
Utah. 



1869 
1809 
1802 
1872 
1803 
ISOS 
1861 
1806 
1808 
1880 
1868 
1808 
1871 
1866 
1875 
1802 
1869 
1864 
1873 
1872 
1870 
1877 
1860 
1805 
1865 
1870 
1807 
1864 
1870 



1872 
1872 
181)5 
1876 
1800 
1873 
1872 
1869 
1800 
1>04 
1864 
1859 
1875 
1802 
1872 
1872 
1880 
I860 
1800 
1869 
1862 
1865 
1804 
1872 
1872 
1872 
1872 



872 
870 
872 
874 
S70 
871 
872 
866 
870 
880 
872 
871 
871 
872 
875 
871 
870 
870 
873 
872 
870 
877 
870 
800 
807 
870 
870 
870 
878 



872 
872 
800 
870 
879 
874 
872 
872 
870 
804 
8fh» 
870 
875 
869 
872 
872 
880 
872 
872 
870 
870 
878 
871 
872 
873 
872 
W7U- 



Pioche 

Pioche 

Pioche 

Pioche 

Bullionville . 

Pioche 

Pioche 

Pioche 

Pioche 

Bristol . ... 

Pioche 

Bullionville. 

Bristol 

Pioche 

Bristol .... 

Pioche 

Pioche 

Pioche 

Pioche 

Panaca .... 
Bristol. .... 

Bristol 

Pioche 

Piochc 

Pioche 

Bristol 

Pioche 

Pioche 

RdyalCity.. 
Piocher. . . ;.■ 

Bristol 

Pioche 

Pioche 

Pioche 

Bristol 

Bristol 

Pioche 

Pioche 

Bristol 

Panaca 

Panaca 

Pioche 

Bristol 

Pioche. 

Pioche 

Pioche 

Bristol 

Panaca 

Pioche 

Pioche 

Pi'iche 

Bristol 

Bristol 

Bristol 

Piochc. 

Pioche 

Pioche.. . „. 



1,000 



400 



10 
10 



.SO 



640 



672 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



LINCOLN COUNTY-Continued. 



Spear, Charles.. . 
Stoddard, Sam . . . 
Stromberg, F. \V . 
Sultan, Louis. . . . 
Turner, H. W.... 

Vallejo, P 

Veitch, Alex 

Wedge, John. . . . 
Welland, Henry. 
Wilkin, D 



ICame tojCame to 
Stale. County. 



POST-OFFICE. 



No. 
Acres. 



Bristol . 
Pioche. . 
Panaca. 
Pioche. 
Pioche. 
Wertheimer L | Pioche. 



Bristol Engineer 

Pioche JKngineer 

Bristol H.>tel 

Pioche 1 Merchant 

Pioche Editor of the Pioche Record. . . 



Saddlerj' Canada 



Assayer 



Maine. . . . 
Michigan . . 
Prussia. . . 
Prussia. . . 
Illinois. . . . 
California. 



Prop, of the Panaca Hotel . . . 
Merchant. 



Mercliant. 



England. . 
Germany. 
Ireland . . 
(Jermany 



1873 


1878 


1871 


1874 


1878 


1878 


1867 


1869 


187.3 


1873 


1878 


1878 


1867 


186!) 


186.5 


1865 


1861 


1870 


1860 


1870 


1872 


1S72 



Bristol 

Pioche 

Bristol 

Pioche 

Pioche 

Bristol 

Pioche 

Panaca 

Pioche 

Pioche 

Pioche 



10 



LYON COUNTY. 



NAME. 



RESIDENCE. 



Barnes, P 

Bonhani, J. A 

Brant, V. F 

Briggs, John 

Buckland, S. S. ... 

Burke, T. W.. 

Burner (!. W. . . . 
Camiiljell, J. L. . , . 
Campbell, John M. 

Carliiig,.lcihn 

Cooney, Martin . . . 

Dallas, J. S 

Fitch, A. B 

Gruber, J. C 

Hazktt, J. C, M. 1> 

Hawkins, T. H 

H<iugham, J. Kiley . 
Jaqua, (Jeorge E . . . . 

Kclley, Michael .... 

Lamb, L 

Lothrop, John 

Noel, Sol 

Kandall, G . P 

Savage, P. R 

Scott, John 

Seawell, W. M 

Shaw, J . K 

Sheldon, H. H 

Sims, J . D 

Summerfield, A 

Thomas, C. C 

V inson, Theo 



Dayton 

Dayton 

Dayton 

Silver City 

Buckland Ranch 

Sutro 

Burrier's Ranch 

Dayton 

Silver City .... 
Carling's Ranch. 
Cooucy's Ranch. 

Dayton 

Fitch's Ranch. . . 

Dayton 

Dayton 

Dayton 

Dayton 

Dayton 

Sutro 

Sutro 

Dayton 

Mason Valley. . . 

Dayton 

Sutro 

Dayton 

Dayton 

Dayton 

Sutro 

Dayton 

Sutro 

Sutro 

Silver City 



Came to Came to 
State. County. 



P0ST-0K71CE. 



No. 
Acres. 



Livery, feed stables &, teaming. Ohio 

Postmaster and stationery. . . . Wisconsin. . . 

County Assessor Pennsylvania 

Mining and milling England 

Gen'l farm'g, st'k gr'g & dairy gOhjo 

Tinsmith 

Farm'g, dairy 'g & stock raising 

Butchering 

Ed . & prop . Lyons Co . Timcn . 
Farm'g, dairy 'g & stock raising 
Farming and stock raising. . . . 
County Clerk & Pioneer Stg Lue 
Farmer and stock grower. 

Union Hotel 

Apothecary and physician. . . . . 
Carp'r, contrac r& Justice? ce 

Fanniuy and dairying 

Broom manufacturer 

Black.smith 

Carpenter 

County Recorder 

Farmer and stock raiser 

Blacksmithiiig 

Foreman Sutro Machine Shop. 
Sup . Lyon Mill & Min'g Com'y. 

District Judge 

Hay, grain, iumb'r& wooddel'r 
Cashier Sutro Tunnel Comp'y . 
Merchant & County Treasurer. 

Merchant 

Superin't Sutro Tunnel Comp'y 
Superintendent French Mill 



California 

Pennsylvania . . 

Indiana 

Pennsylvania . . 
New Jersey. . . . 

Ireland 

Michigan 

New York 

jGermany 

Pennsylvania . . 

Delaware 

Indiana 

Connecticut.. . . 

Ireland 

New York 

Missouri 

Wisconsin .... 
Rhode Island. . 
Massachusetts. . 

England 

Dis. of Columbia 

Illinois 

New York. . . 

Missouri 

Poland 

Maryland . . . 
Wisconsin . . 



1860 

1863 

I860 

1861 

1857 

1873 

1861 

1862 

1874 

1861 

1863 

1864 

1871 

1860 

1802 

1863 

1864 

1875 

1863 

1862 

1861 

1861 

1863 

1874 

1S69 

1860 

1863 

1877 

1861 

1870 

1861 

1862 



1860 
1864 
1800 
1861 



1879 



lf62 
1880 



1873 



1867 
1862 
1863 



1875 
1863 
1862 



1874 
1874 
1869 
1872 
1863 
1877 
1861 
1876 
1880 
1869 



1,680 



Dayton 

Dayton 

D.iyton 

Silver City... 
Ft Churchill 

Sutro 

Ft Churchill 

Dayton I 

■Silver City ' 

Ft Churchill . . . 4,000 

Dayton 1,400 

Dayton i 

Ft Churchill... 300 

Dayton I 

Dayton 

Dayton. . . . 



70 



D.iyt n 

Dayton 

Sutro 

Sutro 

Dayton 

M.ison Valley. .: 840 

Dayton 40 

Sutro 

Dayton 

Dayton 

Dayton 

Sutro 

Dayton 

Sutro 

Sutro 

Silver City. . 



320 



NYE COtTNTY. 



NAME. 



Jr. 



Ashbum, C. E Belmont 

Barrett, J. T. . 
Bell, T. J... .. 
Benham, N. M 
B<ihle, Henry 
Bowler, P. .\I., 
Brougher, Wilson.. . 

Bryden, J. H 

Court, Chad 

Curler, Benj 

Donald, .Sam 

Donnel, J. A 

Dougherty. .lames R. . 

Engstrom, CO 

Ernst, Geo 

Esser, M. W 

Ferguson, S 

Gilmore, Bros 

Gilmorc, J. B 

Gooding, John 

Graham, Jamea 

Granger, W. N 

Griffith, J. I... 



Came to 
State, 



Ohio. 



Clerk 'Pennsylvania. 

Reese River Tp Farmer 'Georgia 

Grantsville JMining Indiana 

(Jrantsville 'Clerk Illinois 

Tybo Brewer Germany 

Belmont J Attorney at Law 

Tybo 

Tybo 

Grantsville 

Belmont 

Grantsville 

Tybo • 

Belmont 

Belmont 

Belmont 

Belmont 

Belmont 

Tybo 

Tybo 

Reese River Valley. 

Grantsville 

Belmont 

Belmont 



Saloon Pennsylvania . . 

'Engineer (Canada 

JButcher lEngland 

District Attorney IVermont 

Ed. & Pro. (irantsville yio«<i;i2(i. lEngland 

Livery, harness and saddlery. .New York 

Teacher, Co. Supt. of Schools. New York 



Engineer. 

Mining engineer 

General merchandise. . . . 

Saloon 

Saloon 

Butcher and saloon 

Farmer 

Livery and stock raising. 

Attorney at Law 

District Attorney 



Sweden. . . . 
Germany . . 
Germany . . 
New York 



I 



18G3 
1859 
1860 
1875 
1868 
1870' 
1875 
1869 
1859 
1859 
1872 
1873 
1877 
1869 
1863 
1860 
1859 



Ireland. . . 
Prussia. . . 
Scotland. 
Vcrmout. 
Iowa 



1872 
1869 
1863 
1871 
1878 



Came to 
County. 



POST^jmCE. 



1863 
1867 
1874 
1880 
1870 
1870 
1S75 
1874 
1869 
1867 
1877 
IS74 
1877 
1872 
1866 
1866 
1871 



1874 
1869 
1863 
1871 
1878 



No. 
Acres. 



Belmont '. . 

Austin 

(irantsville 

Grantsville 

Tybo 

Belmont 

Tybo 

Tybo 

irantsvillc.;. . . . 

Belmont 

rantsville 

Tybo 

Ik'linont 

Belmont 

Belmont 

Belmont 

Belmont 

Tybo 

Tybo . 

Grantsville 

Grantsville 

Belmont. ....'.. 
Belmont 



600 



400 



160 



1,220 
600 



PATRONS DIRECTORY. 



673 



NYE COUNTY-Contlnued. 



NAUE. 



RBSIDEN'CB. 



Camo to.Camo toi 
State. County . 



rosT-orrici. 



No. 
Acres. 



Harvey, A. B 

Hawkins, A. M 

Hogaii. .}. W 

Humphrey, W. C. . . . 

Kint;, R. M 

Koch, Win 

Kraiis, Albert 

Kiichel, C. J 

Langworthy, It. C . . 

Luse, L. S 

Maute, Andrew 

McDonahl, A. R 

Mclje.in, Adam 

MoXamara, .lohu .... 

Mitchell, J. G 

Mitchell, Thos 

Morgan T. F 

Nicholl, (ieo 

Norris, J. E 

Oak, 

Obenderf, J. I 

0>;deu, .1. C 

Ohlandef, John A. . . . 

O'Xeil, David 

Page & Donnel 

Page, .J. D 

Pe»ple8, John 

Post, S. G 

Robinson, H. H 

San Pedro, M 

Sine, K. P 

.Spaulding, A. H 

Stimler, Henry P . . . . 
Stocker, Abuer H . . . . 
Streitlierger, G. B. . . . 
Trowbridge, N. S.& Co 

Trowbridge, N. S 

Turin, George 

Vaui;hn, K. O 

Wallace, U. T 

Warburton, Thomas. . 
Wilson, R. A 



Grantsville 

Belmont 

(irantsville 

Grantsville 

Grantsville 

Grantsville 

Tybo 

Grantsville 

(one 

Tybo 

Belmont 

Tybo 

Belmont 

Tybo 

Belmont 

(irantsville 

Belmont 

Belmont 

Tybo 

Belmont 

Downieville. . .. 

I'ylw 

Belmont 

Belmont 

Tybo 

Tybo 

Tybo 

lirantsville 

Belmont 

Grantsville 

Belmont 

Belmont 

Belmont 

Grantsville 

Tybo 

Tybo 

Tybo 

Tybo 

Grantsville 

Ueese River Tp. 

Belmont 

Belmont 



Agt. W., F. & Co., and Notary. British Guiana. . 

Surveyor Iowa 

Foreman Alexander Mine A'crmont 

Teaming and mining Ohio 

Hardware Pennsylvania . . . 

Prop. Grantsville Brewery. . . . Prussia. 

Salooii Austria 

Mining jCalifornia 

General merchandise Connecticut . . . . 

Restaurant Kentucky 

lid. & Prop. Belmont Courier. . j France 



Machinist Massachusetts.. 

. jCounty Treasurer-. IScotland 

.'Engineer |New .Jersey. ... 

Co. Com. and boarding house . . iScotlaml 

Scotland 

Virginia 

Ireland 

Wisconsin 

Maine 

Maryland 

New York City 

•Sweden 

Ireland 



Pennsylvania . . 
Massachusetts. . 
Ohio 



Supt. Alexander Mill 

County Assessor 

County Clerk 

Mining 

.Mining 

Mining 

Supt. Tybo Con. Mining Co . 

•leweler 

Sheriff 

Livery 

Livery 

.Saloon 

Postmaster and grocer 

Deputy Sheriff jTenncssee, 

Supt. Alexander Mine ISpain 

Attorney -at-law 

Livery and County Com 

Postmaster 

Attorney -at-law 

General merchandise. . . . 
General merchandise. . . . 
(Jeneral merchandise .... 
P. M., J. P. and Notary. 

.Saloon 

Farmer 

County Assessor 

Engineer and .1. P 



Pennsylvania. 

Maine 

Illinois 

Vermont 

Austria 



1859 
1874 
1859 
1860 
1803 
1860 
1877 
187S 
1865 
1863 
1863 
1861 
18UI 
187-J 
1804 
1870 
1863 
1863 
1869 
1876 
1867 
1869 
1864 
1869 



Michigan. . . 
Switzerland. 
Wisconsin. . 
Michigan. . . 
Kngland. . . . 
Canada 



1862 
1863 
1800 
1809 
1801 
1801 
I87I 
1864 
1878 
186J 



1871 
1865 
1871 
1867 
1803 
1876 



1875 
1874 
1870 
1874 
1807 
1867 
1878 
1878 
1865 
1863 
1870 
1872 
1860 
IS72 
1806 
1870 
1804 
1866 
1873 
1876 
1867 
1870 
1872 
1875 



1874 
1806 
1871 
1867 
1806 
1870 



1865 
1874 
1878 
1875 
1803 
1805 
1874 
1807 
1878 
1874 



'Grantsville. . 
Belmont. . . . 
Grantsville.. 
(irantsvilla. 
Grantsville. . 
Grantsville.. 

Tybo 

Grantsville. . 

lone 

Tybo 

I Belmont. . 
Tybo. . . . 
Belmont. . . . 

Tybo 

Bi'Imont. . . . 
(irantsville.. 
Belmont. . . 
Belmont. . . 

Tybo 

Belmont. . . . 
Downieville 

'Tybo 

Belmont. . . . 
Belmont. . . . 

Tybo 

Tybo 

Tybo 

(irantsville.. 
Belmont. . . . 
Grantsville.. 
Belmont. . . . 
Belmont. . . . 
Belmont. . . . 
Grantsville,. 

Tybo 

Tybo 

Tybo 

Tybo 

Grantsville,. 

.Austin 

Belmont. . . . 
Belmont. . . . 



540 



ORMSBY COUNTY. 



C^Tno to Came K 
IStatc. <_Viuntv. 



P08T-0FF1CK. 



No. 
AcreB. 



Adams, J. W Carson City. . 

Authers, James Carson City.. 

Babcock, Jasper .... Carson City. . 

Bath, J no Carson City.. 

Batterman, C. C Carson City. . 

Belknap, C. H jCarson City. . 

Bence, H. H Carson City. . 



Benton, J. M. 
Bicknell, Charles F. 

Brown, (ieo. E 

Cary, W. M 

Cheney, J. E 

Clugage, F 

Coffin, T 

Craw ford, James. . . .'Carson City . 

Davis, (ieo. T Carson City. . 

Davis, Sam 'Carson City.. 

Drcisbach, .M, A 'Carson City. . 

Edgecomb, E 'Carson City. . 

Carson City. . 

Carson City . . 



Carson City . 
Carson City. . 
Carson City. 
Carson City. 
Carson City. 
Carson City. 
Carson City. 



Klwards, Theodore D. ' 
Ellis, A. C. 

Forties, John Carson City. 

Fording, I 'Carson City. 

Fox, J. W Carson City. . 

(ireenlaw, L. S Carson City. 

(ircenlaw. Mayo A. . . Carbon City. . 

Hallock, J. F Car3<m City. 

Harris, C, N Carson City. . 

Hatch, .M. D Carson City . . 

Hawley, Thomas P . ;Carson City. . 

Herrick, L. A Carson City. 

Hillyer, E. W Carson City. 

Hogan, M. ■ iBruuswick . . 



Lieutenant Governor 

Farming 

.Secretary of .State 

Stock growing & gen Harming 

Warden of State Prison 

Chief Justice 

Assessor, surveyor & mining. . 
Staging, livery & ioc business . 
Clerk (if the .Supreme Court. . . 

Bookkeeper 

.lusticc of the Peace 

Retail grocer 

.Mail &, stage business 

Attorney 

.Superintendent U. .S. Mint . . . 
Wholesale and retail grocer . . . 

Journalist 

Lawyer 

Livery and boarding stables. . . 

Lawyer 

Attorney at law 

Agent for D. W. Earl & Co . . . 
Master Mechanic V. & T. R. U. 

Physician an<l surgeon 

Superintendent public schools. 

Clerk 

Controller 

Lawyer 

County I'lerk 

Justice of Supreme Court 

Physician and surgeon 

United States .Judge . . . 

County Commiss'rft Teaming. 



Vermont 

England 

Connecticut. . . . 

England 

New York ... . 

iVew York 

Xew York 

New York 

Maine 

England 

Ohio.. 

New York 

Ohio 

Indiana 

Kentucky 

New Hampshire 
Connecticut. . . . 
.N'ew York ... . 

Maine 

Pennsylvania . . 

Missouri 

Nova Scotia. . . . 
Pennsylvania . 
Pennsylvania. . 

Maine 

Maine 

New York. . . . 

.Vow York 

Vermont 

Indiana. 

New York. . . . 

Ohio 

Ireland 



1805 
1860 
1872 
1858 
1865 
1865 
I860 
1864 
1803 
1877 
1854 
1801 
1860 
1871 
1863 
1859 
1875 
1877 
1803 
1863 
1863 
1868 
1809 
1870 
1803 
1807 
1804 
1864 
1867 
1868 
1872 
1S66 
1864 



1872 



1805 
1875 
1800 



1871 



1861 

187 i 
1874 



187 



l,sO:! 
1803 



'is76' 


187!) 


is73 


1807 


1872 



Carson City 
Carson City 
Carson City 
•'arson City 
Carson City 
Carson City 
Carson City 
Carson City 
Carson City 
Carson City 
Carson City 
Carson City 
Carson City 
Carson City 
Carson City 
Carson City 
Carson City 
ICarson City 
ICarson City 
Carson City 
Carson City 
Carson City 
Carson City 
Carson City 
iCarson City 
Carson City 
Carson City 
Carson City 
Carson City 
Carson City 
Carson City 
Carson City. 
Empire. . . . 



r. . . . 






466 






.. 





674 



fflSTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



ORMSBY COUNTY-Continned. 



Came to 
State. 



Came to 
County 



rosT-omcK. 



No. 
Acres. 



Carson City. . 

Empire 

Carson City. . 
Carson City. . 
Carson City. . 
Carson City. . 
Carson City . . 
Carson City . . 
Brunswick . . . 
Carson City.. 
Carson City.. 
Carson City. . 
Carson City. . 
Carson City . 
Carson City . 
Carson City . . 
P^mpire City . 
Carson City. . 
Carson City . 

Empire 

Empire . 



Hunter Harry 

Jones, .S. E 

Keyser 4 Elrod. . . . 

Keyser, \V. D 

King, .1. R 

King, S. D 

Kinkead, John H. . 
Tjaughton, Chas. E. 
La Vallicre, R. R. . 

Lee, 'S. Lem 

Leonard, 0. R 

Lugenbuhl, Phil A. 

Lyon, Geo. G 

Marshall, J. H 

Marston, C. A 

Martin, J. H 

Martin, W. 0. H . 
Mason, C. P. .... 

Mason, H. S 

May, Eugene 

Me(;uIlough, F. J . . 

McRae, Duncan 'Carson City 

Meder, B. H Carson City. . 

Meder, J. P Carson City. . 

Meyers, < !eo. H Carson City, . 

Murphy, M. A Aurora 

Nevada State Library. Carson City. . 

Nevers, S. A Carson City . . 

Niles, Edward Carson City. . 

Parkinson, E. .J Carson City.. 

Robinson, Marshall . . Carson City, . 
Sessions, David R. . . Carson City.. 

.Sharp Bros Carson City. . 

Sharp, Jno. W Carson City. . 

Small, B. F Carson City. . 

Small, G. W Lakeview. . . . 

Smart, Dr. J. S. M.. Carson (.'ity. , 
Stewart, Wellington, . Carson City, . 

Swift, S. T Hot Springs. . 

Torreyson, W. 1) Carson City.. 

Tennant, Thomas J . . Carson City. . 

Thaxter, Geo. C Carson City.. 

Townley, Rev, L Carson City. . 

Treadway, A. D Carson City.. 

Tutty, George Carson City. . 

Werther, Chas Empire 

White, F. J Carson City.. 

Williams, Jos. F Empire 

Witherell, C. A Carson City. 

Wood, J. E Carson City. 

Wright, S. C Carson City. 

Yager, M. L I Carson City. 

Young, J. W ICaraon City. 



Master Transp'nV. 4 T. R. R. 
Livery 



New York. 
Ohio 



ILivery, hay yard & fanning. . 
IV. 4 T. R. K. Train Dispatch'r. 

:Lawyer 

jGovernor 

[Auditor V. &T. R. R 

Supt. Brunswick Mill 

i Physician and surgeon . ... 
iJustice of Supreme Court 

Roadmaster V. & T. R. R 

IVivate Sec. of (iov., & Atfy . . 

County Clerk, geu'l insurance. 

Photographer 

Contractor 

General merchandise 

Purchasing and supply agent. . 

Wholesale 4 retail grocer 

Millwright 

Superintendent Mexican Mill . 

Wood contractor 

Milling 

Accountant 

Clerk 

Attoruey-at-law and At'y Gen. 



Pennsylvania . . . 

Ohio 

Washington D C. 
Pennsylvania . . . 

Maine 

Alabama 

Illinois 

Vermont 

Germany 

Xew York 

Ohio 

Bosttm, Mass. . , 
Vermont 



1868 
1S60 



■Wisconsin. 
I Vermont. . , 



New York 

Illinois 

Ohio 

Can.tda 

New Hampshire . 

Maine 

Maryland 

New York 



General farming 

Publisher Cnivon Times 

Publisher of the Tribune. . . . . 

Printer 

State Supt. I'ubliu Instruct. . 
Proprietors Orm.sby House . . . 

Hotel keeping 

Hotel keeping 

Lumber and wood 

Physician and surgeon 

Lawyer 

Proprietor Hot Springs 

Carriage & wagon manufactu'r. 

Accountant 

Druggist 

Clergyman 

Farmer and stock grower 

Banker 4 hotel proprietor. . . . 

Dealer in wood 

Physician and surgeon 

.Millwright 

Register U. S. laud office .... 

(ieneral farming 

Receiver U. S. land office . . . 

County Treasurer 

Carriage manufct, blacksmith 



Massachusetts . . 

New York 

California 

Vermont 

South Carolina.. 



Massachusetts . . 

Maine 

Maine 

New Brunswick. 

Ohio 

New ^'ork 

Virginia 

Pennsylvania. . 
Maine 



1857 
1871 
1861 
1860 
1872 
1861 
1870 
1863 
1872 
1869 
1874 
1872 
1859 
1868 
1874 
1S61 
1863 
1867 
1870 
1863 
1864 
1873 
1863 



1857 
1873 
1862 
1864 
1870 



Connecticut. 
.Switzerland. . 

Baden 

Virginia.. . . 

Illinois 

New York.. 

Virginia 

New York . . 
Kentucky. . 
I Maine 



1879 
1859 
1863 
1877 
1859 
1863 
1860 
1859 
1869 
1869 
1859 
1862 
1868 
1870 
1863 
1863 
1859 
1859 
1863 
1876 



1861 



1877 
1880 



Carson City . . 

1860 Empire. . . . . 

Caisou City. . 

iCarson City. . 

jCarson City . . 

iCarsou City . . 

ICarson City. . 

Carson City. . 

Empire 

Carson City . . 

Carson City . 

Carson City . . 

Carson City . . 
1874 Carson City. . 
1872 Carson City.. 

Carson City. . 

Empire 

Carson City . . 

!Car30u City. . 

1870 Empire 

Empire 

1870 Carson City. 

1863 Carson City.. 

1864 Carson City. . 
1876 iCarson City . . 

'Carson City . . 

Carson City . . 

ICarson City. . 

Carson City. . 

Carson City. . 

Carson City. . 
1870 Carson City. 
. ... Carson City. . 
1879 Carson City. 



1861 



1875 



1864 



1859 
1863 
1877 
1859 



1860 
1875 



1871 



Carson City. 

Carson City . 

Carson City . . 

Carson City . . 

Carson City . . 

C.irson City. . 

Carson City . . 

Carson City. . 

Carson City. . 

Carson City . . 

Carson City. . 

Empire 

Carson City . . 

1870 Empire 

. . . .!Carson City. 

Carson City . 

Carson City . 

.... Carson City . 
Carson City. 



40 

400 



400 



100 



80 



STOREY COUNTY 



KAME. 



Came to 
SUte. 



Came toi 
County : 



rOST-OPFICB. 



No. 
Acres. 



Abbott, Ira 

Adkinsim, D, O 

Ahl Chas. L 

Aude, Francis L . . . . 

B.iilcy, W. S 

Ballard, 1. C 

Bass, A. J 

Boyle, E. D 

Breed, R, J 

Brennaii, Wui. M. . . 

Brown, John K 

Buckniinster, P. S . . 
Buckner Thomas. . . . 

Carrick, B. H 

Chronicle, Va. h'v'y. . 

Cole, A. M 

Cole, W. G 

Coun, F. M 

Coyne, W 

Crampton, H. J. . . 
Craven, Alfred 



Virginia City. 
Virginia City 
Virginia City. 
Virginia City. 
Virginia City . 
Virginia City. 
Virginia City . 
Virginia City. 
Virginia City. 
Virginia City. 
Virginia City. 
Virginia City . 
Virginia City. 

Gold Hill 

Virginia City. 
Virginia City. 

Gold Hill 

Virginia City. 
Virginia City. 
Virginia City. 
Virginia City. 



Amlagamator 

Postmaster 

Home 4 Phoenix Inst. Agent. . 

I^awyer 

Stock raiser 

'Engineer 

Butcher 

Supt. Alta, Wash'on, Benton M 

A\'ood and Coal 

County Recorder and Aud't. . . 

Attorney at law 

Supt. Savage Mine 



County Treasurer. 



New York 

)In<liana 

iNew York 

[Kentucky 

New York 

Tennessee 

Missouri. ...... 

j Ireland 

New York 

'Maine 

tNew York 

I New Hampshire. 

Kentucky 

Maine 



Apothecary 

Engineering 

Physician and surgeon 

Aid. & Foreman ;.t Lonkey 4 S. 

.Soap nianufacti rer 

Surveyor 



New York .... 
London, England 

Ohio 

.Missouri 

New York. . . . 
New Jersey. . . 



1862 
1863 
1860 
1862 
1860 
1862 
1873 
1863 
1861 
1867 
1876 
1864 
1867 
1860 



1861 
1864 
1862 
1873 
1864 
1875 



1866 
1863 
1864 



1860 
1862 
1873 
1863 
1861 
1867 



1864 
1867 
1873 



1861 
1864 
1862 
1873 
1866 
1876 



Virginia City. 
\'irgiuia City. 
V'irgmia City. 
Virginia Ciiy. 
Virginia City. 
Virginia City. 
Virginia City. 
Virginia City. 
Virginia City. 
Virginia City. 
Virginia City. 
Virginia City. 
Virginia City. 
Virginia City . 

i;old Hdl 

Virginia City. 
Virginia City. 
Virginia City. 
Virginia City. 
Virginia City. 
Virginia City. 



PATRONS DIRECTORY. 



675 



STOREY COUNTY-Continued. 



Crosby, 1) 

Dale, Mrs. M 

DeiJesheiiuer, Philipp. 

Deal AV. E. F 

Derby, C 

Dcy, H.V 

Dicksou, \V, H 

Dunne, P. J 

Keklcy, J. W 

Kgan, J. F . 

Eugeis, F. H 

Enterprise Pub. Co . . 

Follett, M. V 

Forman, Chas 

Fox, L. T 

Eraser, Andrew 

Garhart, \Vm 

Graham, .J. H 

Grant, .lolin 

Hancock, \Vm. H. . . . 

Harris, E. B 

Harris, J. H 

Hickok, Wm. B 

Hill, Chris 

Hill, Wm. H 

HiUyer, C.J 

Humbert, P. A 

James, I. £ 

Kaueen, John S 

Kirkpatrick, M 

Ku.ipp, I'iiilo 

Lewis, Jas. E , 

Lindsay, P. H 

Loukey, Oliver 

Loomis, H. B 

Lowell, W. H 

Lyman, D. B 

Lynch, Michael 

Mahanny, J. A 

Mallou, J. B 

Manoguc, Rev. P. . . . 

Martin, E. A 

Marye, Geo. T 

McAllister, James. . . 

McCoue, Ale.\. J . . . . 

McDonald, J. E 

McKenzie, A. G . . . . 

Mitchell. K. B 

Mooiiey, .S. \ 

Muoney, Wm 

Moses, Thos 

Moulton, L F 

Newland, J. S 

Nichol, F. D 

Nye, E 

Otey, E. K 

Otcy, Mercer 

Packer, F. H 

Patton, Wm. H 

Peasley, Andrew. . . . 

Penoyer, H. H 

Pijjer, Henry 

Piper, John 

Ke<ina, Isaac L 

IJickctts, A. H 

liising, Kichard 

liolfe, Henry 

Kooney, T. H 

Schotetield, C 

Shannon, P. E 

Shaw, H. G 

Smith, E. II 

Smith, J. C 

Smith, W. H 

Stephens, 

Stone, M.N 

Stonehill, E. B 

Strouse, Mark 

■Sulliv.in, U. O 

Taylor, .). .Minor 

Taylor, K. H 



imiDENCX. 



Virginia City . . 
Viruinia City. . 
Virginia City . . 
Virginia City. . 
Virginia City. . 
Virginia City. . 
Virginia City. . 
Virginia City. . 
Virginia City. . 
Virginia City. . 
Virginia City. . 
Virginia City. . 
Virginia City . . 
V'irginia City. . 
Gold Hill..... 
Virginia City . . 
Virginia City . 
Virginia City . 
Virginia City . 
Virginia City . . 
Virginia City . . 
Virginia City. . 
Virginia City. . 
Virginia City. . 
Virginia City. . 
Virginia City . . 
Virginia City. . 
Virginia City. . 
Virginia City. . 
Virginia City . . 
Virginia City . 
Virginia City . 

Virginia City. . 
Virginia City. . 
Virginia City. . 

Virginia City. . 

Virginia City. . 

Virginia City. . 

Virginia City . 

Virginia City . 

Virginia City . 

Gold Hill 

Virginia City. 

Virginia City . 

Virginia City . 

Virginia City. 

Virgania City. 

Virginia City. 

Virginia City. 

Virginia City . 

Virginia City . 

Virginia City . 

V'irginia City . 

Virginia City . 

V'irginia City. 

Virginia City . 

Gold Hill 

Virginia City . 

Virginia City . 

Virginia Citv. 

Gold Hill...'.. 

Virginia City . 

Virginia City . 

Virginia City . 

Virginia City 

Virginia City . 

Virginia City . 

Virginia City 

Gold Hill 

Virginia City . 

Virginia City . 

Virginia City . 

Virginia City . 

Virginia City . 

Virginia City . 

Virginia City . 

Virginia City . 

Virginia City . 

Virginia City . 

Virginia City . 

Virginia City . 



Wood and coal 

Arlington House 

Mining implements... 

Lawyer 

Livery and ranching. . . 

Mining 

Lawyer 

County Assessor 

Manager of Cal. Bank . 
Supt. Andes Mine. . . . 
Physician and surgeon. 
Daily Eiiterprinf 



Came to Came to 
8Ute. County 



POOTOlTICB. 



No. 
Acres. 



New York 

Indiana 

( lerniany 

Maryland 

New York 

New York... .. 
New Brunswick. 
Pennsylvania. 

(ieorgia 

Ireland 

Gei-mnny 



Mining Superintendent. 



Fouudryman . 
Livery 



Taylor, Thos. G Gold Hill 



Physician 

Butcher 

Physician and surgeon 

Lawyer 

Insurance 

Butchering 

Insurance 

Attorney-atlaw 

Mining engineer 

.Supt. .Sierra Nevada Mine . 

(ias engineer 

Lawyer . . 

Soda works, li(|Uor and ice. 

Attorney at law 

Lawyer 

Lumber 

Local Ed. Gold Hill News. . . 
Sec. I'acilic Mill & Mining Co. 
Gen. Supt. Pacific .Mill Co. . 

Mining 

Tax Collector 

(Jroceries, wines and liquors . . 

Bishop 

Assayer 

Banker and broke- 

Machinist 

Foundry 

County Clerk 

Supt. Utah Mine 

Attorney at law 

Act. Hale& NorcrossS. M. Co. 

Livery and sale stable 

Justice of the I'eacc 

Cashier Nevada Bank 

Dentist 

Deputy County Hecorder 

Butcher and County Com 

Sec. Sierra Nev.-ula Mine 

Sec. Yellow Jacket Mine 

Physician ami surgeon 

.Mining & meclianical engineer. 

Hardware 

Supt. B. 4 B and G. 4 C. M. 

.Saloon 

Piper's Opera House 

Mining .Snpcrinlendent 

Notary Pulilic and Com 

District .Inilge 

Deputy County Clerk 

Supt. Union Shaft 

.Supt. Fultiin Foundry 

Notary Public 

Editor Kiilciyrv'i' 

Lumtier 

Bla<-k8niith 

Supt. Belcher Mine 

Lawyer 

Attorney-atlaw 

Attorney at-law 

Butcher and Virginia Ico Co. . 

Minister 

Accountant 

Lawyer 

Miner 



America 

New York 

Virginia 

Canada 

Pennsylvania . . 
Pennsylvania . . . 
Ontiirio, Canada. 

New York 

New York 

New Y'ork 

New York 

Germany 

Canada 

Ohio 

New York City. 

Ohio •. 

New York .... 
Kentucky .... 

Maine 

Wales 

Ireland 

Canada 

New York. . . . 

Maine 

Vermont 

Ireland 

.M.Tssachusetts 

[Ireland 

Ireland 

lOngland 

Virginia 

Ireland 

California 

Canada 

Scotland 

Maryland .... 
New York. . . . 
Ireland 



18IH 
186:i 
1800 
1SG3 
18ti:i 
18U0 
1873 
1874 
18Uy 
181)0 
1872 



1871 



Connecticut 

Boston, Mass . . . 

Ohio 

New Orleans, La 
Pennsylvania . . 

Virginia 

Tennessee 

Vermont 

New Jersey 

New Y'ork 

New Y'ork 

Germany 

(Jerinany 

New York , 

British Guiana. . 
Pennsylvania . . . 

Maine 

New Y'ork 

ICngUnd 

New Jersey. . . . 



Maine 

New York . 
Canada. . . 
Now Y'ork . 
Kentucky . 
Prussia . . . 
Gennany. . 
Ireland... 
New York. 
New York. 
New York. 



1862 

18G3 

I860 

1875 

1876 

1866 

1880 

1867 

1860 

1874 

1863 

1863 

1876 

1860 

1863 

1861 

1863 

1862 

1 86'.) 

1855 

1872 

1863 

1862 

1860 

1859 

1861 

1862 

1872 

1861) 

I8W 

1863 

1863 

1863 

1870 

1803 

1800 

1873 

1880 

1875 

1804 

1802 

1880 

1878 

1874 

1804 

1800 

1805 

1860 

1800 

1801 

1873 

1801 

1872 

1805 

1874 

1861 

1867 
1862 
1857 
1807 
1808 
185l» 
1803 
1877 
1874 
1803 
1862 



1874 

isoo 

1872 



1800 
1874 
1805 
1803 
1876 
1860 
1803 

i863 
1873 



1864 [Virginia City. . 
1803 'Virginia City . . 
1800 ;Virginia City . . 
1803 Virginia City. 
1803 Virginia City . . 
1800 Virginia City. . 

Virginia City. . 

Virginia City. . 

Virginia City. . 

Virginia City. 

Virginia City. . 

Virginia City. . 

1871 Virginia City . . 
Virginia City 

1802 Gold Hill 

Virginia City. . 

1863 Virginia City., 

1875 Virginia City . . 

1876 Virginia City . . 
1806 Virginia City . . 
1880 Virginia City.. 

Virginia City. . 
Virginia City. . 
Virginia City 
V irgiuia City . . 
Virginia City. . 
Virginia City. . 
Virginia City. . 
Virginia City. . 
Virginia City . 
Virginia City. 
Virginia City. 
Virginia City. 

1872 Virginia City. 
1874 Virginia City. 

1803 Virginia City. 
1802 Virginia City. 
1800 Virginia City. 
1872 Virginia City. 

1861 Virginia City. 
1802 Virginia City. 
1872 Virginia City. 
180y Virginia City. 

1804 Virginia City. 
1872 Virginia City. 

Virginia City. 
Virginia City. 
Virginia City. 
Virginia City. 
Virginia City. 
Virginia City. 
Virginia City. 
Virginia City. 
Virginia City. 
Virginia City. 
Virginia City. 

Gold Hill 

Virginia City. 
Viiginia City. 
Virginia City. 
Virginia City. 
Viiginia City. 
Virginia City. 
Virginia City, 
j Virginia City. 
I Virginia City. 
Virginia City. 
Virginia City. 
Virginia City. 
Virginia City. 
Virginia Cit^' . 
Virginia City. 
Virginia City. 
Virginia City. 
Virginia City. 
Virginia City. 
V'irginia City. 
Virginia City. 
V'irginia City. 
I Virginia City. 
Virginia City. 

1862 Gold Hill 



1803 
1870 
1863 
1800 

i8s6 

1877 
1864 
1862 
1880 
1878 
1874 
1804 
1800 
1805 
1800 
180O 
1861 



1872 
1873 
1874 



I80>J 
1862 
1857 

i808' 

18o"J 

1803 

1874 



:«°>o 



676 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



STOREY COUNTY-Continued. 



NAME. 



Came to Came to 
State. Ci'untv 



TOST-oracK. 



No. 
Acre?. 



Thompson, H. C Virginia City 



Tritle,' F. A Virginia City 

Tudsbury, J. B Virginia City 

Wallace, B. F Virginia City 

Whitaker, (). W Virginia City 

Whitman, B. C Virginia City 

Wilkin, .Stephen Virginia City . 

WilIi.inison, Chas. . . . Virginia City . 
Woodburn, William Virginia City . 
Ziegler, Charles I Virginia City . 



aerk . . 
Broker. 



Butcher jlmliaiia 



niinois : 1864 

Pennsylvania . . . 



City Clerk 

Rector and Bishop. 
Attorney at law. . . 
County Becorder . 



Michigan 

Massachusetts. . . 
Mt'issachusetts. . . 
Ohio 



Sheriff Scotland 

Attorney at law Ireland i 1863 

Butcher iGermany 




Virginia City. 
Virginia City. 
Virginia City. 
Virginia City. 
Virginia City . 
Virginia City. 
Virginia City. 
Virginia City. 
Virginia City. 
[Virginia City. 



WASHOE COUNTY. 



NAME. 



Came to. Came to 
State. Countv. 

I 



POST-OmCE. 



No. 
Acres. 



Truckee Meadows 

Reno 

Reno 

Reno 

Reno 

Truckee Meadows. 
Reno 



Alt, George 

Ball, I. H 

Bauta, A 

Barker, D. H 

Barnes, A. H 

Beck, H. H 

Bender, C. T 

Blasdell, Mrs. J. A. 
Boardman, W. M . . 

Bowman, .Tohn jReno 

Boyd, D. B iReno 

Brown, Mrs. E Brown's Ranch. . . 

Cain, William Reno 

Clark, A. J Reno 

Comstock, P. B Reno 

Crane, Ervin Steamboat Valley. 

Crockett, L. L Reno 

Dawson, A Reno 

Donahue, James | Washoe Valley . . . 

Donahlson, William. . I Wadsworth 

Elder, David, S i Wadsworth 

Everett, J. K iReno 

Everett, W. F Huffakers . . 

Fish, H. L Keno 

Fowler, Eilwin I Wadsworth 

Frey, Joseph Washoe Valley. . . 

Fulton, R. L 'Reno 

Ganimans, 1{. S 'Pleasant Valley . . 

Gladding, A. L Wadsworth. . 



Glendale | Fanner and stock raiser. 

Pleasant Valley. . . . iFarmer 



Hagerman, J. C 

Haller, Christ 

Hammond & Wilson 

Harcourt, J. H 

Harden, W. D iHarden Ranch 



Fanner 

Civil Engineer 

Golden Eatrlc Hotel 

Milling, Lake Mills 

Cashier First National Bank. . 

Farmer and stock raiser 

Attorney at law 

District Attorney 

County Treasurer 

Farmer 

Attorney at law 

Merchant and ranching 

Livery 

Ranching 

State Treasurer 

Physician & Supt. of Schools. . 

Farmer 

Proprietor Nevada House 

Farmer 

Merchandise 

County Assessor & bl'ksm'th'g. 
Bookkee]K.r & Notary Public. . 
Postmaster, Agent W. F. &Co. 

Fanner ami butcher 

Editor Reno Kienhin Oazetle.. 

. .iFarmer and stock raiser 

'Blacksmith and wagon maker 



Keno Wholesale and retail merchant. 

Reno Butchering 



lie no 
Howard's Ranch 

Hu (Takers 

Reno 

Keno 

Keno 



iPcnnsylvaniii . . . 

iVirginia 

New York 

New York 

Vermont 

Ohio 

America 

New York 

New York 

Tennessee 

Pennsylvania . . 

Indiana 

Germany 

Vermont 

Connecticut 

Vermont 

Maine 

New York 

Canada 

New Y'ork 

(Massachusetts. . . 

Illinois 

Illinois 

Massachusetts. . . 

Vermont 

France 

Ohio 

[Maine 

>few York 

Virginia 

Germany 



Hatch, Andrew J . 
Howard, Mrs. M. J 
Hnffaker.G. W.... 
.Jamison, .S. M. . . . 

Knox, W. L 

Lake, M. C 

Lamb, A. M 

Ijce, C. A Franktown 

Lee, L. W IKcno 

Lewcrs, Ross jWaahoc Valley 

Lindley, A Reno 

Lisle, \V. F. P iHuftakcrs 

Lodge, D. H I Wa!.hoe \"alley 

LongUy, A. A Truckee Meadows. . 

May Maurice j Franktown 

McFarlin, J. L Reno 

Mcl'herson, Wm Wadsworth 

McTaggart, Robert.. Truckee Meadows.. 
Moeller & Schoenman . -Steamboat Springs. . 

Morton, W. W Truckee Meadows. . 

Myers, .lohn V Reno 

Osburn, R. S Reno 

Owens, Elian I Franktown 

Parish, Mark 'Reno 

Paxtoii, Curtis & Co. .j Reno 

Pcckham, Geo. E. ...Traekee Meadows.. 

Perkins, Mrs. R. VV..j Washoe Valley 

I'ine, J. N iTnickee Meailows. . 

Pollock, James iTruckee Meadows. . Farmer 

Powell, D Truckee Meailows. . jCarpenter and ranching 

Powning, C. C Reno Ed. & P. Nevada State Journal. 



Keno Livery 

Franktown J. P., R. R. Agt., W. F. & Co. Illinois 

Farmer Ohio .■ • • ■ 

Surveyor General & Engineer.. Pennsylvania. . . 

Ranching Michigan 

Kauching Kentucky 

Postmaster Pennsylvania . . . 

Attorney at law Maine 

Lake Mills and real estate : N'ew York 

Huffakers Farmer Wisconsin 

Merchanilising and butchering. Michigan 

.Stock corral and ft>ed -table. . .New York 

Fanning and horticulture I reland 

.Merchandise Illinois 

Farmer Illinois 

Farmer an<l stock raiser Ohio 

Farmer and stock raiser Kentucky 

Deputy Sheriff. Canada 

Wagon, carriage fact., gen. job, Ohio 

Master car repairer Scotlniul 

Fanner and stock raiser .Massachusiitts. . . 



l«5t» 
186-1 
1873 
18p9 
1870 
1860 
1868 
1861 
1S65 
1860 
1861 
1862 
1871 
1862 
1861 
1860 
1860 
1873 
1872 
1862 
1861 
1872 
1860 
1862 
1862 
1834 
1874 
1860 
1862 
1868 
1863 



I'rop Steamboat .Springs Hotel 
Farmer and stock raiser .... 

Druggist 

Druggist and County Clerk . 

Farmer 

County Clerk 

Banking 

Fanner 

Farmer 

Farmer 



Indiana 

Uiuisiana 

Pennsylvania . 

Kentucky 

Vermunt 



Massachusettfi.. 

Indiana 

i Vermont 

{Canada 

New York 
1 Wisconsin 



1871 
1863 
1860 
1862 
185!) 
1868 
1864 
1861 
1863 
1863 
1800 
1860 
1880 
1863 
I860 
1861 
186J 
1860 
1868 
1879 



ISGl 
185<J 
1866 
1860 
1872 



185SI 
1864 
1873 
1870 
1870 
1860 
1868 
1861 
181)5 
1861 
1864 
1862 
1871 
1862 
1868 
1860 
1876 
1873 
1872 
1862 
1862 
1873 
1862 
1862 
1864 
1854 
1878 
ISliO 
1870 
1868 
1863 



1872 
1865 

i.s62 
18511 
1868 
1865 
IS6I 
bsiiS 
1S63 
1865 
KSiiO 
1,S80 
1863 
1860 
1861 
1 865 
1872 
1868 
1870 



1864 
185!) 
1868 
1870 
1862 
1868 



1862 
186!l 
1874 
1860 
1872 



1864 
1859 
1868 
1 870 
l8tU 
1868 



IReno 

Washoe City . . 

Rene 

j Reno 

Reno 

JReno 

' Reno 

j Keno 

I Reno 

I Keno 

Reno 

Reno 

jReno 

I Reno 

Reno 

Reno 

Reno 

Keno 

Franktown. . . . 
Wadsworth. . . . 
Wadsworth ... 

Reno 

Reno 

Keno 

Wadsworth . . . 
Franktown .... 

Reno 

.Steamb't Spr'gs. 
Wadsworth .... 

Reno 

Reno 

I Reno 

Franktown. . . . 
Steamb't .Spr'gs. 
Carson & Reno. 

Keno 

Keno 

Keno 

Reno 

Keno 

lieno 

Franktown. . . . 

Reno ' 

Franktown .... 

Reno 

Keno 1 

Franktown .... 

Keno 

Frank t4>wn . . . ., 

Reno I 

Wadsworth . . . | 

Reno j 

Steamboat Sp'gs 

Reno. . 

Reno 

Reno I 

Franktown . . . . | 

Reno 

iReno 

|Keno I 

Franktown .... 

Reno 

I Keno 

Keno 

Reno ' 



258 
160 
520 



240 



600 



220 



160 



700 



677 



100 



900 
600 



1,400 
320 



800 



120 
275 
570 



320 
5<)b 



120 



ISO 
580 



500 



PATRONS DIRECTORY. 



677 



WASHOE COUNTY-Continued. 



NAME. 



I 



iCamc to Came to 
StAte. JCounly. 



posT-orKies. 



No. 
Acres. 



Rankin, (!cn. A. . . . 

Happ, .lulin 

Remington, \V. T. . 
Reno Reform Club. 

Sauer, A 

Schaefer, G 

Schooling, Jerry . . . 

Scott, J. A 

Sellers, J. S 

Smith, (Jcorge 

Smith, (J. S 

Sullivan, J.-imc9. . . . 
Thomas, Caroline. . 

Thomes, W. M 

Towl, E. B 

Twaddel, Ale.\au(ler 
Twaddel, Klienezer. 

Varian, C. S 

Walker, W. A 

Webster, William. . 
Wlii.sler, Henry,. . . 

Williams, J. B 

Wilson, Jno 

Wilson, i;. W. J... 



Reno 

Steamboat Springs 

Reno 

Keno I 

Washoe Valley . 

Reno 

iReno 

I Ueno 

Truckce Meadows . . ' 
Pleasant Vallcv.. 
Pleasant Valky . . 
Truckee Meatlows 
Truckce Meadowf 

Reno 

Franktown 

Wasliou \'alley . . . 

Franktown 

Reno 

Reno 

Reno 

Glendale 

Reno 

Reno 

Truckee Meadows 



Attorncy-at-law 

Prop. .Steamboat .Springs Hotel. 
Horseshocrandblacksmithing. 

Temperance Organization 

Farmer 

Butchcrinj; 

Merchandising 

Mining 

Farmer 

Ranching and stock raising. . . 

Farmer 

Farmer 



I Iowa 

Germany . . 
New York. 



Farming 

Teamster 

Merchant 

Farmer and stock raiser. 

Farmer 

Lawyer 

Sheriff 

Attorney-at-law 

Farmer and stock raiser. 

County Recorder 

Livery 

Farming ami ice 



Germany 

Germany 

Missouri 

Xew York 

Pennsylvania . . . 

England 

England 

Ireland 

England 

Maine 

Canada West . . . 
Salt Lake City . . 

.Scotland 

Ohio 

Virginia 

Scotland 

Indiana 

New York City, 

Ohio 

Canada 



1878 
ISliS 

187!) 
18r>!l 
1S70 
1SG2 

KS7:? 

\SM 
1857 
18.^8 
18U3 
1870 
18()7 
1855 
1858 
ISIJO 
18{>7 
1871 
1803 
1802 
18GS 
18(>I 
1868 



1 878 
ls7.'. 
1S78 
1879 
1800 
1870 
18G2 
1S7:» 
18(>4 
1857 
1858 
1804 
1870 
18ti7 
18G0 
18t)0 
18i;0 
1 870 
1871 

i8o:< 
Ksoa 

1808 
1801 
180S 



I Reno ' 

Steamh'tSpr'gs.' 80 

Ken*» 

Heno ' 

Washoe City. . . 240 

Heno 

[Heno 

j Keno 

Reno 87 

Washoe City .. . 800 
1 Washoe City .. . 160 

Reno 240 

Reno 240 

Reno 

Franktown .... 5 

Franktown .... 320 
Franktown. . . . 500 

Keno 

Keno 

Keno 

Reno 

Reno ' 

Reno 

Reno 100 



WHITE PINE COUNTY. 



iCame tojCamc to 
State. County I 



l-OST-OI^CE. 



No. 
Acres. 



Barrick, A. F 

Bates, Mrs. 

Beene, Horace D. . 
Bibliens, (J. R. A. 

Blair (Jeo. G 

Blethen, J. H 

Booth, J.N 

Bourgeois, Louis.. 

Briggs, Kobt 

Burbank, Geo. B. . 

Bush, H 

Campbell, J. C. .. . 
Cannon, P. H. . . . 
Cleveland, A. C... 
Collins Daniel R.. 
Comiiis, H. A . . . . 
Condon, .John A. . 

Coulter, G 

Cowley, K. .1., .Ir. 

Curtis, John 

Dinsler, N 

Doscher, A . H . . . . 
Drake, Frank .... 

Drake, Oliver 

Drake, W. B 

Fjistwood, A B. . . 
Fillmore, W. H... 
Forrest, W. R.... 
Forrest 4 Davis. . . 

Frank, R 

Garahan, M. B. . . 

Grey, OH 

Grey, W.S 

Griswold, F. W.. 
Hamilton, (ieo. C. 

Harris, Evan 

Hauck, Louis A. . 
Haynes, W. .1 . . . . 

Herrick, H. S 

Hilp, V. F... ... 

llixsim, J. W. . . . 

Karbstein, Chas. . . 
Kennedy, Geo. . . . 

Kcoch, P 

Lander, Jos 

Lawkr, W.B.... 

Liddle, Jas 

Liddlc, Samuel. . . 

Lyon, H. K 

Marty. J.J 



Cherry Creek . . . 
Cherry Creek . . . 

Ward 

Ward 

Osceola 

Cherry Creek . . 
Cherry Creek. . . 
Cherry Creek . . . 

Ward 

Cherry Creek . . . 

Hamilton *. 

Ward 

Cherry Creek . . 
Spring Valley. . . 
Cherry Creek . . . 

Ward 

'War<I 

, Hamilton 

Cherry Creek 
Cherry Creek . . . 
Cherry Creek . . . 
Cherry Creek . . , 

El>erliardt 

Ebcrhardt 

Cherry Creek . . . 
Cherry Creek . . . 
Cherry Creek . . . 

Hamilton . 

Hamilton 

Cherry Creek . . . 

Ward 

Cherry Creek . . . 

Hamilton 

Cherry Creek . . . 

Wanl 

El>erliardt 

Ward 

Schellbourne. . . . 

Hamilton 

Ward 

Ward 

Hamilton 

Cherry Creek . . . 
< 'berry Creek . . . 

Ward 

Silver Canon. . . . 

Ward 

Hamilton 

Cherry Creek . . . 
Eberhardt 



Mining 

Lodging house 

Attoruey-at-law 

Shoemaker 

Miner 

Mining and book-keeping. 

Dentist and barber 

Butcher 

Mining 

County Surveyor 

Notary Public 

Book-keeping 

Mining 

Stock raising 

Postmaster 

Lumber 

Livery 

Mining 

Livery 

Mining 

Engineer Star Mine 



. jSupt. Ebcrhardt & Aurora M.Co 
'Mining 



.Harness shop 

.jMacliiuist 

.iBlacksmith & wagon-maker. . . 

.County Clerk 

.Pub. W/iit, Pine A'eicti 

.Merchant 

. |Mcrchant 

! Merchant 

•Tusticc of the Peace 

Clerk 

Saloon 

Eng. El»rhardt & Aurora M. Co 

Notary Public 

Supt, El Capitan 4 Woo<l8tock. 

Physician & Co. School Supt. . 

Merchant 

Mining 

Butcher 

Merchant 

Druggist 

Engineer 

Mining 

Stock raiser and butcher 

Supt. White Pine Waterworks. 

Supt. Hunter k Gray Eagle M. 

Book-keeper 



Ohio 

Ireland 

Alabama 

New York 

Pennsylvania . . . 

New Y'ork 

Kentucky 

Canada 

Missouri 

Kentucky 

New York 

Michigan 

Ireland 

Maine 

Vermont 

Maine 

Louisiana 

jOhio 

New York 

New Y'ork 

Germany 

Germany 

New Hampshire. 
New Hampshire. 

|New York 

I New N'ork 

Wisconsin 

Illinois 



Prussia 

Irela'-d 

New York . . . . 
New Y'ork . . . . 
New Y'ork . . . . 

England 

Wales 

Germany 

Virginia 

New York . . . . 

Ohio 

Kentucky . . . 

• iermany 

Ireland 

Cana<la 

Vermont 

New York . . . . 
New Y'ork. .. . 
New Y'ork. . . . 
Connecticut. . 
Khode Island. 



I80!l 
1801 
1870 
1800 
1868 
1872 
I80!l 
1870 
1808 
1872 
185'J 
1876 
1870 
1863 
1804 
1803 
1872 
180'l 
1804 
1807 
1874 
1800 
1803 
1809 
1803 
1873 
1870 
1873 



1875 
186>t 
1876 
186!) 
1868 
187!) 
ISO!) 
1873 
1872 
1872 
1808 
1870 
1876 
1808 
1808 
1800 
1875 
1809 
1809 
1869 
1874 
1809 
1868 
180!» 
1874 
1873 
1871 
1873 



1869 


1870 


1868 


1 8; 6 


1803 


1809 


1859 


180!) 


1809 


1871 


1808 


1808 


1808 


1868 


1861 


1869 


1856 


1869 


1800 


ISti!l 


1802 


1808 


180!t 


18(i!l 


1869 


180!l 


1809 


180!) 


1869 


1809 


I860 


1 879 


1871 


1871 


1808 


1.S08 


1868 


1868 


1860 


1869 


1875 


1875 



Cherry Creek. 

Cherry Creek. . 

Ward 

Ward 

Osceola 

Cherry Creek. 

Cherry Creek. . 

Cherry Creek. . 
|Ward 

Cherry Creek . 

Hamilton 

|Ward 

Cherry Creek. 

Osceola 

Cherry Creek. 

Ward 

Ward 

Hamilton 

iCherry Creek. . 

Cherry Creek. . 

Cherry Creek. 

Cherry Creek. 

Elx^rhanlt . . . 
[Ebcrhardt . . . . 
^Cherry Creek . 
[Cherry Creek . 
ICherry Creek . 

I Hamilton 

'Hamilton 

Cherry Creek. 

Ward 

Cherry Creek. 

Hamilton 

Cherry Creek. 

Ward 

Elierhardt 

Wanl 

Schellbourne. . 
Jlamilton 

Ward 

Wai-d 

Hamilton . . . . 

( berry (.'reek.. 

I 'berry Creek . 

War.1 

('berry Creek. 

'Ward 

I Hamilton 

,( 'herry Creek. . 
I Ebcrhardt. . . . 



3,100 
1,200* 



160 



600 



360 



84 



678 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



WHITE PINE COUNTY-Continued. 



NAME. 



RESIVBN'CK. 



Came to 
State. 



Came to 
County.- 



rosT-ornoc 



No. 
Acres. 






Mathewson, .Jas. T. . . 
McConkej', Geo. P. . . 

MoDerinid, K. A 

McOill, W. X 

Mezi/er, George 

Molitor, John 

Moon, I. C 

Nelson, John S 

O'Xeil, T. F 

I'arker, F. A 

I'arker, Geo. F 

Parker, G. H 

Perley, D. M 

Pliipps, E. K 

Pierce, L. D 

Reiley, James 

Jtuacli, Samuel 

I;<.l)erts, J. H 

Jtockhill, Tbos 

.Scaiilan, David 

Shearer, Peter 

Simpson, I{. VV 

Smith, Kdward S . . . . 

Smith, 1{. G 

Spencer, A. J 

Stedman, D. R 

Steele, John A 

Stockle, G. F 

Strickland, D 

Taylor, G. H 

Tinison, Wm 

Townsend, J. K 

Treece, A. B 

Trimble, (Jeo. A 

Tuttoril, J. II., M. D. 

Vanderlip, A. M 

M'earne, John 

Vyebb,T. E 

Weber, J 

Wliite, .lesse I 

Williamson, J. B. . . . 

Woodbury, W 

Woodin, S. S 

Wray, Charles 



Hamilton 

Hamilton 

C'lierry Creek . 

Ward 

Ward 

Hamilton 

Cherry Creek. 

Ward 

Ward 

Cherry Creek . 
Cherry Creek . 
Cave Valley. . . 

Ward 

Cherry Creek. 
Cherry Creek. 

Hamilton 

Ward 

Cherry Creek. 

Hamilton 

Kberhardt . . . . 
Eberhardt . . . . 

Ward 

Cherry Creek . 

Hamilton 

Cherry Creek . 
Cherry Creek. 

Hanulton 

Cherry Creek. 

Hamilton 

Cherry Creek . 

Hamilton 

Hamilton 

Hamilton 

Cherry Creek. 
Cherry Creek. 
(/'Iierry Creek . 
Cherry Creek. 

Ward 

Cherry Creek. 

Ward 

Cherry Creek. 

Hamilton 

Hamilton 

Hamilton 



Merchant 

Clerk and County Treasurer. 
Capitalist 



. Surveyor 

. Brewer 

. Restaurant 

. Mason 

. .Saloon 

. Livery 

. Boarding house 

. Restaurant 

. Ranching 

. Stock raising 

. Assayini; 

. Mail. Cherry Creek Watcr\v"k. 
.Merchant and Postmaster.... 

. iLivery 

. Supt. Exchange Mine 

.'Mining 

. Amalg. Eberhardt & Aurora M. 
. Fireman Eberhardt & Aurora M 

. IProp. .t Ed. yVurd Jii-Jlex 

.'Supt. Teacup & Geneva M. . . . 



Merchant . 
Mining. . . 



Shoemaker. . 



. County Recorder and Auditor 
, Prop. H. ct E., H. & W.T. R 

District Attorney 

Book-keeping 

Physician and surgeon 

Merchant 

Cirocery and feed stable 

Merchant 



Deputy Postmaster. 

Mining 

County Assessor. . . 



Jeweler. 



I New York 

[Maryland 

'Canada 

jOhio 1 

Germany 

Austria 

Indiaua 

Nova Scotia. . . . 

Wisconsin 

New York 

Illinois 

Delaware 

New Brunswick. 
.Massachusetts . .' 

New York 

Ireland 

Ohio 

Wisconsin 

Kentucky 

Massachusetts . .' 

Illinois 

Virginia 

England i 

New York 

Utah 

Connecticnt 

New York 

Germany 

Maine 

New York 

New York ! 

New Y'ork 

Ohio 

New York 

New Y'ork 

Canada I 

Kugland 

New Y'ork ' 

Germany 

New Y'ork 

Maine i 

Massachusetts . . 
Connecticut.-. . . . 
London, Enjiland 



1869 
1871 
1864 
1870 
1862 
1863 
1866 
1864 
1872 
1863 
1877 
I860 
1872 
1873 
1870 
1869 
1869 
1873 
1862 
1868 
1864 
1863 
1863 
1866 
1867 
1863 
1859 
1860 
1863 
1859 
1869 
1866 
1867 
1867 
1876 
1872 
I8G9 
1870 
1874 
1860 
1859 
1869 
1865 
1863 



1869 
1872 
1869 
1873 
1869 
1868 
1868 
1869 
1872 
1866 
1877 
1877 
1S72 
1873 
1870 
1869 
1869 
1873 
1868 
1809 
1868 
1868 
1869 
1868 
1867 
1869 
1865 
1872 
1869 
1868 
1869 
1868 
1868 
1870 
1876 
J 872 
1869 
1870 
1874 
1871 
1868 
1869 
1868 
1869 



„ -, I 
Hamilton ' 

Hamilton 

Cherry Creek . . ' 

Ward 

Ward 

Hamilton 

Cherry Creek 

Ward 

Ward 

ICherry Creek 

I Cherry Creek 

Ward 240 

.Ward 320 

Cherry Creek 

IC'herry Creek. . 120 

{Hamiltou 

jWard 

iChcrry Creek. 

[Hamilton 

j Eberhardt 

Eberhardt 

Ward i 

Cherry Creek . .• 

Hamilton 

Cherry Creek 

Cherry Creek . . i 41 

Hamilton j 

Cherry t'reek 

Hamilton .... 

Cherrj' Creek. 

Hamilton .... 

Hamilton .. . 

Hamilton | 

Cherry Creek . . ' 

Cherry Creek . . 

Cherry Creek 

Cherry Creek . . i 

Ward I 200 

Cherry Creek . 

Ward 

Cherry Creek. 

Hamilton 

Hamilton 

Hamilton 



MISCELLANEOUS. 



RRSIPRNCP.. 



'Came to 

I State. 



Came to 
County, i 



posT-orriCB 



No. 
Acres. 



l>ean, W. E San Francisco. 

Harmon, A. K. P Oakland 

Sntro, Adolph San Francisco. 



Mining New Y'ork 1860 J 1860 

Mining Maine 1849 ' 1849 

Retired Prussia | 1850 |l 1850 



San Francisco . . . 

Oakland i . 

."<an Francisco. ., . 



ADDITIONS AND ALTERATIONS. 



679 



ADDITIONS AND ALTERATIONS. 



UNITED STATES SKNATORS. 

William M. Stewart and James AV. Nye, elected 
1865. Nye re-elected 18(57. Stewart re-elocted 1 869. 
John P. Jones, elected 1873; William Sharon, elected 
1875. Jones re-elected 1879. James G. Fair, elected 
1881. 

DELEGATES AND KEPRESENTATIVES IN CONGRESS. 

John n. Cradlebaugh, elected delegate August 31, 
1861; (iordon N. Mott, elected delegate September 
2, 1863; Henry G. Worthington, elected November 8, 
1864; Delos IJ. Ashley, elected November 7, 1875, re- 
elected November 6, 186C. Thomas Fitch, elected 
November 3, 18(>S; Charles W. Jvendall, elected 
November 8, 1870, re-elected November 5, 1872; 
William Woodburn, elected November 3, 1874; 
Thomas Wren, elected November 7, 1876; Kollin M. 
Daggett, elected November 5, 1881; George W. Cas- 
sidy, elected November 2, 1880. 

GOVERNORS. 

James W. Nye, of New York, appointed by Presi- 
dent Lincoln, March 22, 1861; Ilenrj' G. Blasdel, 
elected November 8, 1864, re-elected November 6, 
1866; Luther R. Bradley, elected November 8, 1870, 
re-elected November 3, 1874; John II. Kinkead, 
elected November 5, 1878. 

LIEUTENANT GOVERNORS. 

John S. Crosman, elected November 8, 1864; James 
S. Slingerland, elected November 6, 1866; Frank 
Denver, elected November 8, 1870; Jewett W. 
Adams, elected November 3, 1874, and re-elected 
November 5, 1878. 

SECRETARVS OF STATE. 

. / Orion Clemens, appointed by the President March 
27, 1861; Chauncey N. Noteware, elected November 
8, 1864, re-elected November 6, lS(i6; James D. Minor, 
elected November 8, 1870, re-elected November 3, 
1874; Jasper Babcock, elected November 5, 1878. 

STATE CONTROLLERS. 

A. W. Nightingill, elected November 8, 1864; W. 
K. Parkinson, elected November (i, 1866. Parkinson 
died, and Lewis Doran was appointed, 1870. W. W. 
Hobart, elected November 8, 1870, re-elected Novem- 
ber 3, 1874; J. F. Ilallock, elected November 5, 1878. 

TREAStlUERS. 

John 11. Kinkead, appointed by Governor Nye, 
February 1, 1862; E. Rhoades, elected November 8, 
1864, re-elected November 6, 1866; Jerry Schooling, 
elected November 8, 1870, re-elected November 3, 
1874; Lyman L. Ci'ockett, elected November 5, 1878. 

JUSTICES OF THE .SUPREME COURT. 

George Turner, Chief Justice, Horatio N. Jones 
and Gordon N. Mott, appointed by the President 
March 27, 1861. Mott resigned September, 1863, 



and J. W. North was appointed in his place, October 
2, 1863; Jones resigned in 1864, and Powhatan B. 
Locke was appointed in his jilaco. James F. Lewis, 
H. O. Beatt}- and Cornelius M. Brosnan, were elected 
November 8, 1864; James F. Lewis re-elected Novem- 
ber 6, 1866; Brosnan died April 21, 1867, and J. 
Neely Johnson was appointed by the Governor; 
B. C. Whitman, elected November 3, 1858; John 
Garber, elected November 8, 1870. Garber resigned 
November, 1872, and Charles fl. Belknap appointed 
bj' Governor Bradley; Thomas P. Ilawley, elected 
November 5, 1872; William II. ISeatty and Warner 
Earll, elected November 3, 1874; O. R. Leonard, 
elected November 7, 1876; Thomas P. Ilawley, 
re-elected November 5, 1878; C. II. Belknap, elected 
November 2, 1880. James F. Lewis was Chief 
Justice from the organization of the Supreme Court 
until January 1, 1867; H. O. Beatty was Chief 
Justice from Januarj', 1857, until he resigned Novem- 
ber 9, 1868; James F. Lewis was again Chief Ju.stice 
until January 1, 1873; B. C. Whitman was Chief 
Justice from Jainiarj- 1, 1873, until January 1, 1875; 
Thomas P. Ilawley was Chief Justice from January 
1, 1875, until January 1, 1879; William II. Beatty 
was Chief Justice from Januarj- 1, 1879, until Jan- 
uary 1, 1881; O. R. Leonard is Chief Justice, since 
January 1, 1881. 

ATTONETS GENERAL. 

Benjamin J5. Bunker, appointed by the President, 
March 27, 1861. Bunker resigned and J. W. North 
was appointed in his place. North was made Asso- 
ciate Justice and Theodore D. Edwards was appoint- 
ed August 31, 1863. (Jeorgo A. Nourse was elected 
November 8, 1864; Robert M. Clarke, elected No- 
vember 6, 1866; Luther A. Bucknor, elected Novem- 
ber 8, 1870; John R. Kittrell, elected November 3, 
1874; Michael A. Murphy, elected Novembers, 1878. 

CLERKS OK THE SUPREME COURT. 

J. McC. Roardon, appointed 1862; Alfred Helm, 
appointed 1863, elected November 8, lS(i4, re-elected 
November 6, 1866, and November 8. 1870; Charles 
F. Bicknell, elected November 3, 1674, re-elected 

November 5. 1878. 

SURVEYORS GENERAL. 

Seneca II. Marlette, elected November 8, 1864; 
John Day, elected November 6, 1866, re-elected No- 
vember 8, 1870, and November 3, 1874; Andrew J. 
Hatch, elected November 5, 1878. 

SUPERINTENDENTS OF PUHLIC INSTRUCTION. 

W. G. Blakley, appointed by Governor Nye, Feb- 
ruary 24, 1862; A. F. White, appointed December 
24, 1863, elected November 8, 1864; A. N. Fisher, 
elected November 6, 1866, re-elected November 8, 
1870; S. P. Kollj', elected November 3, 1874; D. E. 
Sessions, olocted November 5, 1878. 



680 



HISTORY OF THE STATE OF NEVADA. 



STATE PKINTERS. 

John Church, 18G4; Joseph E. Eckley, 1866; H. E. 
Mighels, 1868; Charles L. Perkins, 1870; C. A. V 
Putman, 1872; S. J. IlilK 1874, 1876 and 1878; J.W. 
Madrill, 1880. 

Churchill County Officers omitted on pages 362 
and 363:— 

county com.missionkrs. 

William Hill and E. E. Wightman, elected Novem- 
ber 7, 1876; W. W. Williams and D. M. Wightman, 
elected November 5, 1878. 

SENATORS. 

W. C. Grimes, elected November 7, 1876; Charles 
Kaiser, elected November 5, 1878. 

ASSE.MBLYJIEN. 

L. Allen, elected November 7, 1876; Jackson Fergu- 
son, elected November 5, 1878. 

DISTRICT ATTORNEYS. 

A. W. Doolittle, elected November 7, 1876, and re- 
elected November 5, 1878. 

COUNTY TREASURERS. 

W. J. Brandon, elected November 7, 1876; William 
Murphy, elected November 5, 1878. 

COUNTY SHERIFFS. 

Jas. p. Brown, elected November 7, 1876; J. B. 
Ferguson, elected November 5, 1878. 

COUNTY CLERKS. 

J. M. Sanford, elected November 7, 1876; George 
A. Barnot, elected November 5, 1878. 

COUNTY ASSESSORS. 

E. Clark, elected November 7, 1876; J. B. Verplank, 
elected November 5, 1878. 

COUNTY RECORDERS. 

I. H. Kent, elected November 7, 1876; S. A. Doane, 
elected November 5, 1878. 

COUNTY SUPERINTENDENTS OF .SCHOOLS. 

J. B. I'^crguson, elected November 7, 1876; A. O. 
Ordwaj', elected November 5, 1878. 

COUNTY SURVEYORS. 

Win. Rhinehart, elected November 7, 1876; W. J. 
Eastman, elected November .'), 1878. 

PUBLIC ADMINISTRATORS. 

Sam. Turman, elected November 7, 1876; J. E. 
Jliggins, elected November .'), 1878. 

Washoe County Officers omitted on page 621: — 

SENATORS. 

James H. Sturlevant and Solomon Geller, elected 
Territorial Councilmen September 3, 1862; J. H. 
Sturtovant and T. G. Negus, elected September 2, 
1863; James S. Slingcrland and Charles Lambert, 
elected Senators November R, 1S(;4; C. H. Eastman 



and Solomon Geller, elected November 6, 1866; T. 
B. Shamp, elected Novembers, 1868. 

ASSEMBLYMEN. 

Theodore Winters, J. K. Eovejoy and R. W. Per- 
kins elected Territorial Representatives September 
3, 1862; Hiram Gove and D. E. Hunter, elected Sep- 
tember 2, 1863; II. H. Beck, J. A. Myrick and R. M. 
SLakleford, elected Assemblymen November 8, 1864; 
H. H. Beck, Felix O'Neil and T. B. Prince, elected 
November 7, 1865; Wallace Caldwell, G. N. Folsom 
and T. B. Prince, elected November 6, 1866. 

Attorneys to be added to list on pages 337 and 338: 

Allen, Cranston. Hawley, A. T. 

Allen, Lemuel. Ilealey. T. \V. 

Ammond, Geo. R. Higgins, J. E. 

Angel, Eugene. Hiles, Ogden. 

Ball, A. J. Hilyer, i:. W. 

Barker, J. B. Holland, Daniel. 

Bartnee, H. F. James, Alfred. 

Bean, Horace D. Jones, Frank. 

Belknap, Claj'ton. Jones, S. A. 

Boardman, \V. M. Keith, Geo. W. 

Bowler, P. .M., Jr. Keeny, Geo. D. 

Jiowman, John. Kingston. G. A. 

Buckner, Luther A. Ladd, Parish B. 

Chase, S. II. Leake, C. A. 

Churchill, Clark. Leonard, O. R. 

Clipperton, VVm. H. Locke, Powhatan B. 

Cotfin, Tronmor. Lucas, J. H. 

Colton, C. S. McMillan, J. H. 

Cossett, H. B. McRae, P. A. 

Cradlcbaugh, John 11. Mott, Gorden N. 

Crane, E. A. Notoware, C. N. 

Creswell, H. T. Owen, Frank. 

Curtis, John. Palmer, G. S. 

Davis, B. K. Patrick, A. F. 

Deal, W. H. P. Pratt, A. C. 

])cnson, Samuel C. Ralston, James H. 

Dillard,T. S. IJankin, (i. A. 

Dixon, E. C. Smith, Aianson. 

Dixon, W. W. Smith, Horace. 

Doolittle, A. \V. Stephens, Thomas H. 

Drake, Frank V. Stewart, Wellington. 

Farll, Warner. Thaekston, C. M. 

Kastman, W. J. Truman, Samuel. 

Ferris, Ijeonard W Turner, (ioorgo. 

F'reece, A. B. Varian, Chas. L. 

Gillespie, W. M. Virijin, J). W. 

Greeley, A. L. While, Martin. 

Wright, S. H. 

On page .')47 it is stated that Frank Denver was 
elected Lieutenant (Jovernor in 1S68. Ho was 
elected in 1870, and took charge of the State Prison 
in 1871. and was relieved bj' a Statute of the Legis- 
lature maken the Warden an appointed ollicer. 



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